To our Michigan veterans,

In honor of Veterans’ Day, we at Veterans’ Employment Services extend our deepest gratitude to you for your courage, sacrifice and unwavering service to our nation.

Your dedication has helped safeguard the freedoms we all enjoy, and we are honored to support you in your journey beyond the uniform.

Thank you for your service. Today and every day, we salute you.

At Comfort Keepers, care goes far beyond tasks and routines — it’s about connection, dignity and purpose. Nowhere is this more evident than in the way Comfort Keepers supports our nation's veterans, both as employees and as clients.

Veterans make up approximately 5% of the Comfort Keepers team. These team members bring with them not only a deep sense of service, but also the kind of leadership, discipline and empathy that transforms caregiving into a calling.

“We recognize that our veteran caregivers bring valuable skills from their time in service,” Adrienne Hope, Comfort Care HR Manager, shares, “empowering them to connect with and support their clients with respect and dignity.”

Comfort Keepers’ commitment doesn’t stop at employment. Through a holistic benefits program, veteran employees are supported as whole individuals. In addition to traditional benefits, employees receive access to a free Employee Assistance Program, which provides counseling not only to them but to members of their households as well. The unique demands many caregivers face — especially those also caring for loved ones at home — are recognized through a work/life balance program that acts like a personal assistant, helping employees manage day-to-day challenges.

Veteran team members also benefit from resources offered through the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, easily accessible through the Comfort Keepers mobile app. These include the Mentorship Buddy to Buddy Program, MIVet Check-In, and the Veterans Crisis Line — lifelines that ensure no one walks alone.

The same culture of honor and support extends to Comfort Keepers’ veteran clients. Customized plans of care are developed to ensure veterans receive support that not only meets their needs, but also respects their preferences and honors their service.

“We support our veteran clients so they can get care where they feel best — in their own homes,” Adrienne explains. “Building trust and showing respect are fundamental cornerstones of what we do.”

Calvin Butts, Upper Peninsula VCA

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

As a First Sergeant, I mentored hundreds of soldiers face to face throughout their military careers guiding a soldier and/or the soldier’s family through issues. When soldiers were in need the First Sergeant was responsible (along with the Company Commander) for linking them with different programs that could aid them through their issue. I see that position being very similar to what a VCA does with less overall individual responsibility of the soldier. We link veterans with critical Michigan and Federal assistance programs that have a wide range of resources to assist. 

What should veterans expect when they meet with a VCA?

Veterans should expect to meet a caring individual that is willing to listen to their barriers to employment, take them seriously, and provide recommendations or programs to overcome those barriers.  

What resource do you recommend to veterans seeking employment?

Veterans that are seeking employment should seek out the Veterans' Career Advisor in their area and be upfront and honest with the challenges they are facing. We have all been in the shoes of a veteran seeking employment. We are here to help.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology from Michigan Technological University in 2021 using his GI Bill benefits, Army veteran Lennie worked as a Design Engineer for three years. When he was unexpectedly laid off, the 44-year-old veteran struggled to find new employment. Despite applying for over 100 jobs, he received no offers and knew he needed help.

Then Lennie sought help at Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! in Hancock. Talent Specialist Debbie Bean immediately recognized Lennie’s veteran status and referred him to Veterans' Career Advisor Will Ennis.

Will reviewed Lennie's job search and found some ways to help. They worked together to update his resume, making his engineering skills and military experience stand out more clearly. They also highlighted his leadership and problem-solving abilities, positioned his willingness to relocate as an advantage and wrote a strong cover letter.

With better application materials and a more focused strategy, Lennie's job search turned around. Trident Maritime Systems recognized his engineering expertise and the strong work ethic that came from his military service and offered him a position as a Project Engineer earning a competitive wage and good benefits. The role allows him to use his mechanical engineering knowledge while taking on greater responsibilities — a perfect fit for his technical skills and leadership experience.

Lennie's success shows how specialized veteran employment services can transform a difficult job search. Through Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! and Veterans' Employment services, he went from 100 rejections to landing a competitive position that values his skills and experience.

This Veterans Day, No Worker Left Behind is bringing together veterans, military families, employers, support organizations, and community leaders in a dynamic virtual space built for networking, learning and growth.

Whether you're transitioning to civilian life, looking to hire skilled veterans, offering services to the community, or simply here to pay tribute — there's a place for you at this free event on Nov. 14 from 3-5 p.m. EST.

Register for the Veterans Expo here.

In partnership with Toyota North America, Hiring Our Heroes is proud to offer one lucky member of the military community the chance to drive away in a brand-new Toyota of their choice through the Committed to America’s Heroes Sweepstakes.

Picture yourself behind the wheel of a new Toyota of your choice — just like our 2025 winner, Greg Riggs, a U.S. Army veteran who chose the Toyota 4Runner. Which Toyota vehicle would you choose?

Don’t miss your chance to win a brand-new Toyota — enter the sweepstakes by Dec. 1 here.

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.