Veterans and their families are invited to stop by Washtenaw Community College on Saturday, August 3 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for Vet Fest. The free event will have hourly raffle drawings, live music, martial arts and military dog training demonstrations.

Michigan Army National Guard members will also be showing off military attractions. Participants can talk to Veterans Affairs personnel, learn about obtaining or recording DD-214 military service forms and receive pre-screening for Pact Act healthcare benefits.

Register for the free event here.

Learn valuable skills to help the veteran community during the free VA S.A.V.E. training on Thursday, July 25 (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) at the Bay Veterans Foundation in Bay City. This interactive training will teach you how to identify a veteran who may be at risk of suicide and take the necessary steps to get them the help they need.

VA S. A. V. E. can help you become aware of: Signs of suicidal behavior and giving you the skills to: Ask questions, Validate the person’s experience, Encourage treatment and Expedite getting help.

Sign up now!

Join Veterans Rising for a day of fun in the sun for a float down a beautiful river! The Women Veteran Summer Tubing event is the perfect way to relax, unwind, and connect with other women. Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen, and get ready to float down the river with us. Whether you're a tubing pro or a first-timer, this event is for you! 

Register for the free event here.

Located in Traverse City, Flees Enterprise Automotive prides itself on ensuring its employees are trained on the latest automotive technology. With nearly 40 years of experience and over a decade in business, Joe Flees' longevity is a testament to his excellence in the automotive field and unwavering dedication to customer service. He continues to uphold high standards, fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment for all employees.

Joe Flees always places a strong emphasis on hiring veterans due to their exceptional ability to work under pressure, maintain professionalism, and be prompt. Flees Enterprise Automotive is deeply committed to hiring veterans, recognizing the unique skills and dedication they bring to the workforce.

Joe Flees plans to work closely with Veterans' Employment Services to fill future employment needs, inspired by the success and positive experience of his most recent veteran hire. This partnership aims to provide more veterans with rewarding job opportunities and to enhance the team at Flees Enterprise Automotive with their valuable experience and work ethic. 

When veteran Brett Schwenke found himself at a crossroads in his professional journey, he stopped by his local Michigan Works! Service Center for support. Despite his extensive experience and qualifications, he was struggling to secure a role that matched his expertise and career aspirations. 

Brett’s primary challenge was navigating the competitive job market and finding a position that not only aligned with his professional skills but also offered growth potential. He needed assistance in refining his job search strategies, enhancing his resume, and preparing for interviews to make a strong impression on potential employers.

That's where Veterans' Career Advisor Jermaine Ellington stepped in with a comprehensive approach to assist Brett in his job search and provide him with the tools and support necessary to achieve his career goals. The two worked together to develop a compelling resume and cover letter that highlights Brett’s strengths, experiences and accomplishments. Jermaine also worked with Brett on his job search, helped him with networking strategies and conducted mock interviews.

With Jermaine’s guidance and support, Brett’s job search gained significant momentum and he secured multiple interviews with reputable firms.

“Working with Brett was a rewarding experience. His determination and openness to guidance made all the difference,” said Jermaine. “I’m proud to have played a part in his success and look forward to seeing his continued achievements.”

Ultimately, Brett received and accepted the Michigan Regional Manager position at ASC Group. This role perfectly matched his skill set and offered the challenge and growth potential he was seeking. 

“Thanks to Jermaine’s counsel and Veterans’ Employment Services, I was able to find a position that truly aligns with my career goals,” said Brett. “I’m excited to start this new chapter and grateful for the support I received along the way.”

Save the date for the Together With Veterans event on Tuesday, October 8 (1-5 p.m.) at the Munising American Legion. The free event will feature a variety of community vendors to help you learn about the benefits and resources available to veterans.

This event is for anyone who has ever served, anywhere, at any time, their families, and their caregivers! Click here for more information.

Welcome to the Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) Newsletter. Our mission is to assist you and your family secure meaningful careers in Michigan.

The concept of veterans helping veterans is a trademark of the VES team and one of the keys to its success. Veterans face many challenges when transitioning out of the military – finding meaningful employment should not be one of them.

• Veterans in need of employment assistance should contact the nearest Michigan Works! One-Stop Service Center by calling 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visiting MichiganWorks.org.
• More information about Veterans’ Employment Services is available at Michigan.gov/VES.
• Register today and start your job search at Pure Michigan Talent Connect at MiTalent.org.