The U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Veterans Business Development, Hiring Our Heroes, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation invite you to the National Veterans Small Business Week Kickoff Event in Washington, D.C.

NVSBW is an annual week set aside to honor veteran small business owners’ service beyond their military careers. It kicks off Nov. 3 with a ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., “Veteran-Owned, Made in America: Manufacturing the Future.” 

The event will feature a showcase of veteran businesses—proof that the ideas and innovations of military-connected entrepreneurs are not just concepts, but tangible contributions to the economy and a roundtable on “Veterans, Values and the American Economy.”

Learn more about National Veterans Small Business Week here. 

The 20th Annual Detroit Veterans' Day Parade will take place in downtown Detroit on on Sunday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Register by Nov. 1 to participate in the parade at DetroitVeteransDayParade.com/Parade-Registration. 

David Whynot, West Michigan VCA

How has your military experience helped you in your position as a Veterans' Career Advisor (VCA)?

Having served 33 years in the Air Force Personnel career field, both Active Duty and Michigan Air National Guard, has help me understand the “people” side of situations and the processes needed to get veterans on track to finding employment. Also, having been a Recruiter for 10 years of my career helps being approachable and an active listener to what veterans’ needs are depending on their situation. Recruiting experience has also help with outreach opportunities.

What should veterans expect when they meet with a VCA?

When first approached they should expect to be respected and thanked for their military service. I will take the time to listen to their situation and then ensure I address their basic needs. I will then work at getting them “job ready” ensuing barriers to employment are addressed and match their level of urgency in any given situation. However, I hold them accountable to act on resources I provide to the barriers we discover together. 

What resource do you recommend to veterans seeking employment?

After addressing the basic needs of veterans, an effective resume is the number one tool to help them find employment. West Michigan Works! facilities have excellent classes on how to build and target resumes to a particular career field or job. I tell the veterans’ I help that we want their resume to be stand out and make them a “must interview” candidate.

Art was first referred to VES in 2021 after leaving his position with Michigan’s Department of Corrections. He had faced significant challenges, including a felony charge resulting from driving under the influence. Art was connected with Veterans’ Career Advisor Bill Mourufas, who quickly connected with Art and conducted a thorough assessment to identify the barriers standing in his way and to create a tailored action plan aimed at achieving his career goals.

Throughout their work together, Art found employment in retail management, which marked a crucial step in his journey. But that was just the beginning. Art also gained access to Chippewa County’s Mental Health Program in part because of his veteran status. This opportunity allowed him to have his felony removed from his record upon successful graduation from the program.

In 2023, Art set his sights on a new goal: becoming a Peer Recovery Coach, where he could use his personal experiences to help others facing similar challenges. Art took the initiative to enroll in online training, and with assistance from U.P. Michigan Works!, he received a laptop and training materials to support his studies. He also worked with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) for help funding his certification fees and even assistance with purchasing professional attire for interviews.

After completing the training, Art earned certification as a Recovery Coach from Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery. With his new certification in hand, Art and Bill, worked on fine-tuning his resume, preparing for job searches and conducting mock interviews.

Thanks to Art’s hard work, determination and the support of VES, MRS and U.P. Michigan Works!, Art secured a position as a Peer Recovery Coach with the Bay Mills Indian Community Health Center. Since starting his new role, Art has continued to grow professionally, advancing to lead sessions and work directly with clients at the Health Center.

Art’s story is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the resilience of our veterans. With the support of partners like VES, MRS, and U.P. Michigan Works!, Art has made incredible strides in both his personal and professional life. His success continues to inspire others, proving that with the right resources and determination, veterans can overcome any obstacle and achieve their goals.

Join VA Stand Down and Calhoun County Homeless Coalition on Friday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Full Blast (35 W. Hamblin St., Battle Creek, MI). 

A continental breakfast will be served at 9 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn about the various veteran and community resources available, plus receive free health screenings and a food bag. 

Veterans must bring a government-issued ID for the VA Stand Down and are encouraged to bring DD214, VA or military ID. 

For questions, please call the SHARE Center at 269-964-8133.

Join Allegan County Veteran Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs on Thursday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Allegan County Veterans Stand Down. 

This free event will offer Veteran resource fair, breakfast, lunch, military surplus items and support services will be available for veterans in need.

Veterans are encouraged to bring DD214, VA or military ID. If you need assistance obtaining your DD214 or have questions, contact Allegan County Veteran Services at 269-673-0501. 

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.