The 2025 Michigan Military and Veterans Gala will take place on Saturday, Nov. 8 in downtown Detroit. Each year several awards area presented to military personnel, veterans and individuals making a difference in the lives of Michigan's service member and veteran communities.

This year's award categories are: 

• Veteran Friendly Volunteer of the Year
• Community Outreach and Regional Engagement Award
• DMVA Employee of the Year
• US Department of Veterans Affairs Michigan Employee of the Year
• Veteran Service Provider of the Year

Nominations are due Friday, Sept. 26. Learn more and vote here. 

Kalitta Air's commitment to workforce development is evident in its robust apprenticeship program. Each year, the company brings in approximately 70 apprentices. These individuals receive hands-on training and mentorship from a dedicated team of 13 instructors and trainers — many of whom are former service members themselves, bringing a deep well of experience and discipline to the classroom and the hangar floor.

Kalitta Air takes special pride in supporting veterans, both in training and across its workforce. Currently, about 24 active apprentices have identified as veterans, contributing their unique perspectives to the team. Overall, the company employs approximately 472 veterans — a testament to Kalitta’s strong ties to the military community.

That support goes beyond employment. Kalitta Air recently received approval from the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer educational benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill to eligible veteran apprentices enrolled in the Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program. This allows veterans to access their GI Bill benefits — including a monthly housing allowance equivalent to the E-5 with dependents rate — while gaining valuable civilian training and certifications in the aviation industry.

“What makes Kalitta Air special is the culture — they truly take care of their people,” says Angel Melendez, Apprenticeship Program Manager. “As a veteran, it means a lot to work for a company that values your experience, supports your growth, and treats you like family. That’s why I’ve stayed — and why I’m proud to be part of this team.”

With programs designed to build skills, offer opportunity and honor service, Kalitta Air continues to serve those who have served us all — building not only world-class aircraft maintenance teams, but a community rooted in respect, purpose and pride.

Join Veteran Friendly Employers, labor trade partners, educators, United States Department of Labor (USDOL) – Office of Apprenticeship (OA) Program Sponsors, and workforce development professionals to learn and hear strategies about how to better serve veterans through the Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) training model.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE: L.V. Eberhard Center - 301 Fulton St. W, Suite 210, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Learn more about the free event here. 

There’s an old saying, “Good things come to those who wait.” But as many of us know, waiting is just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface lies persistence, effort and often a fair amount of frustration. That was certainly true for Samantha, a determined Post-9/11 era disabled U.S. Navy veteran, who served honorably as a Corpsman.

In summer 2024, Samantha achieved a major academic milestone: earning her Doctor of Education in Public Health Policy. Like many graduates, she expected this accomplishment to open many doors. But despite her advanced degree, job opportunities proved elusive. After months of solo searching without success, Samantha turned to Michigan Works! Southeast Washtenaw Service Center.

There, she identified as a veteran and was soon connected with a Veterans’ Career Advisor (VCA), who developed an Individual Employment Plan tailored to Samantha’s goals and employment barriers.

With the VCA's guidance, Samantha received case-managed career services that included resume refinement, interview coaching and targeted job search strategies. She was also referred to the Local Veterans’ Employment Representative, who advocated on her behalf with regional employers.

Samantha embraced the support and worked tirelessly on her job search. She landed several interviews and consistently received positive feedback; often being told she interviewed exceptionally well. Still, the final offer kept slipping through her fingers, often due to other candidates with slightly more experience.

Eventually, Samantha made the strategic decision to begin prerequisite courses toward a nursing degree, believing that additional clinical credentials would further enhance her competitiveness in the public health field. That proactive mindset, coupled with her unwavering determination, finally paid off.

In April 2025, Samantha began a new chapter in her professional journey. She accepted a position with the Eisenhower Center in Ann Arbor as a Clinical Case Manager with a competitive salary and full benefits. The new position marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another. And serves as a powerful reminder that success often follows those who don’t just wait for it, but work for it.

Join fellow veterans and community members for the Ruck to Remember, a 2.2 miles ruck/walk to bring awareness to suicide among the veteran community on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 810 N. Main St., Adrian.

Participants will make their way through downtown Adrian towards Comstock Park, and then return to the American Legion Helicopter parking lot to conclude the event with a banner signing ceremony. 

There is no cost to the the event and food and drinks are included to all registered participants. Families and dogs are welcome (strollers are permitted and dogs are required to be leashed). 

UP Together with Veterans invites anyone who has served our nation, anywhere, at any time to bring their families and caregivers to the veterans’ fish fry benefits and resource event on Friday, Sept. 26, at the Brimley VFW on U.S. Hwy. 28. 

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.