Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) has once again proven that dedication, compassion and excellence lead to real results for those who’ve served our country. According to the latest reports from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, Michigan is leading the way in helping veterans find and keep meaningful employment.

64.5% of VES customers remained employed a full year after exiting the program. That’s 4th in the nation — a powerful indicator of the long-term success our veterans experience thanks to the support of VES team and our Michigan Works! partners. 

3,015 unemployed eligible veterans entered employment after receiving support from VES. Michigan ranks just behind Texas, Florida, and New York — states with much larger populations. This achievement highlights the impactful work happening right here in our state.

These rankings are more than just statistics — they represent thousands of veterans whose lives have been positively transformed thanks to the work of Veterans' Career Advisors and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives. This success is a direct result of the passion, professionalism and persistence of our VES team.

Applying for disability benefits can be an onerous process. That's why Dustin sought help from a private company his friend recommended when applying for VA benefits.

But after a month went by and he hadn't heard anything, Dustin reached back out to the company to cancel. He then applied for benefits with help free of charge from an accredited representative of the VA.

But when the VA rated him 70 percent disabled, qualifying him for free health care and a monthly disability check, Dustin heard back from the company in the form of a bill for $4,500!

Dustin isn't alone. An investigation by NPR identified several other veterans who had the same experience. In recent years, scores of large and small outfits have sprung up promising to help vets apply for disability benefits. The firms operate in a legal gray area — barred by federal law from officially representing vets or charging them money to prepare their disability claim paperwork; they maintain they are merely helping vets from a distance to navigate the disability claim process.

Read the full story here. 

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.

Amrize Building Materials remains committed to advancing the U.S. cement industry and empowering those who have served our country. That commitment is visible at their Alpena facility, where more than 5% of employees identify as veterans.

As America’s top cement producer, operating 13 plants nationwide with an unparalleled distribution network, Amrize is proud to uphold the highest standards of reliability, efficiency and quality. Amrize's 'Made in America' promise reflects not only their dedication to superior products, but also their investment in American jobs — supporting veterans and civilians alike.

The Alpena Plant Manager, Jeff Scott, shared that “Amrize stands for Ambition Rising,” a sense of pride every employee carries into their work. He emphasized how deeply the organization values its veteran community and the sacrifices they have made. Veterans, he noted, consistently demonstrate the integrity, discipline, work ethic and leadership skills gained through military service — qualities that make them exceptional employees and natural fits for high-responsibility roles.

After being paroled, Randall walked into Michigan Works! determined to rebuild his life and secure meaningful employment. During his intake, Randall was identified as a veteran and promptly referred to Veterans’ Career Advisor Brandon Latusek for specialized, veteran-focused support.

Brandon worked with Randall to identify his barriers to employment and help him set a clear career path forward. Randall wanted to obtain his CDL-A and become a professional truck driver. One of his biggest challenges, however, was a lack of reliable transportation. To address this, Brandon partnered with TART Trails’ Recycle-A-Bicycle program, which provided Randall with a bike — giving him the ability to attend appointments, training and job opportunities.

To support Randall’s career goals, the Randall and Brandon worked with Michigan Works! Career Advisor Chelsey Bertagnoli to explore tuition assistance for enrollment at Road Warriors Truck Driving School. During this time, Randall was also connected with The Landing Zone, a local veteran-owned nonprofit that supports the veteran community. The organization offered Randall part-time work, allowing him to leverage his past experience in construction to help remodel their kitchen space.

When Randall needed tools to complete the job, Michigan Works! stepped in once again. Through the Barrier Removal Employment Success program, he was provided with the necessary equipment to continue his work and training simultaneously.

Thanks to the collaborative support system in place, Randall successfully balanced part-time employment while completing his CDL-A training. Upon graduation, he immediately began applying for jobs. His efforts paid off — he was offered two truck driving positions on the spot and chose to accept a full-time role with Builders First Source in Gaylord driving local routes.

Randall’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when workforce development programs, community partnerships and veteran-focused organizations come together. Through determination, support and opportunity, Randall has successfully transitioned into a new chapter — proving that with the right resources, even the most significant barriers can be overcome.

You didn’t serve to spend the rest of your life asking permission. You’ve got the skills. The grit. The leadership. Now it’s time to own what’s next—literally. Join Vetrepreneur on Friday, Dec. 19 at 12 p.m. EST for a Franchise Information Session on how veterans are owning franchises, building freedom and calling the shots—without going it alone.

Attendees will walk through how the Vetrepreneur Coaching Program helps veterans:

• Match with the right franchise based on how you lead and live 
• Avoid time-wasters, scams, and pressure-filled sales pitches
• Use our free coaching and veteran-friendly funding options
• Navigate a proven 10-step system built by Veterans, for Veterans 

Register for the Franchise Information Session 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.