 January 2026
Veterans' Employment Services Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE:
The Michigan Incarcerated Veteran In-Reach Program (MIVIP), funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Pathway Home 3 grant, has closed its 42-month chapter with remarkable achievements in veteran reentry and employment. Operated by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Veterans’ Employment Services, MIVIP ran from July 2022 through December 2025, building on earlier initiatives dating back to 2017.
MIVIP was designed to help incarcerated veterans transition successfully into civilian life by providing individualized employment readiness support—résumé development, interview preparation, job search assistance—and connecting participants to veteran-specific benefits. Through strong partnerships with the Michigan Department of Corrections, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, and Michigan Works! agencies, the program ensured continuity of care from incarceration to reintegration.
Here are the key successes of our activities:
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255 veterans served, surpassing the original goal of 250.
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5% recidivism rate, far below state and national averages.
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38% successful outcome rate, including employment, training or benefits connections.
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21% employment rate post-release, demonstrating tangible workforce integration.
- Robust interagency collaboration that strengthened service delivery and resource access.
Beyond the numbers, MIVIP restored hope and confidence among participants, equipping them to leverage military experience for stable civilian employment. Veterans reported feeling better prepared for interviews, job searches and community reintegration.
The program highlighted critical success factors and areas for growth:
- Sustained leadership and stable staffing are essential for consistent service delivery.
- Early engagement before release improves post-release responsiveness.
- Incentive-based strategies can boost participation.
- Cross-trained teams help maintain continuity during staff turnover.
MIVIP’s success underscores the power of collaboration and targeted support for justice-involved veterans. Continued investment in staffing, engagement strategies, and interagency partnerships will be key to expanding impact and sustaining progress across Michigan.
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Veterans bring leadership, discipline and technical expertise to the civilian workforce — and employers who recognize that value help strengthen both their companies and their communities. This week, Veteran’s Employment Services proudly presented Trident Maritime Systems – Kingsford with a Certificate of Appreciation for their continued dedication to hiring and supporting veterans across the Upper Peninsula.
Two of Trident’s recent hires, Lennie Westenberg and Shawn Bogear Jr., connected with Veteran’s Employment Services during their job search. Lennie worked closely with Veterans Career Advisor Will Ennis, while Shawn received individualized support from Veterans Career Advisor Josh Cadotte. Their successful placements highlight the strong, ongoing partnership between Trident and the VES team.
To celebrate this recognition, Tonya Heikkinen, Michigan Works! Business Service Manager, joined the presentation. Veteran’s Employment Services invited her to attend in recognition of the close collaboration between VES and Michigan Works!, who work side‑by‑side to support veterans in finding meaningful employment and to connect employers with skilled military talent.
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During the award presentation, Trident employees Karl Carter, Maxwell Furstenau, and Lennie W — both veterans — joined the group photo to help commemorate the moment. Although Shawn was unable to attend, his success remains an important part of the story and a testament to Trident’s commitment to hiring those who have served.
Trident’s dedication to veterans is deeply rooted in its leadership. Terry Douglas, President of Trident Maritime Systems, is a veteran himself, and his firsthand understanding of military service helps shape the company’s culture of respect, opportunity, and support for those transitioning into civilian careers.
The Kingsford facility continues to demonstrate what it means to be a veteran‑friendly employer. Their hiring team actively seeks out military talent, supports employees transitioning from service, and fosters a workplace environment where veterans can thrive. They also show exceptional support for employees who continue to serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
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This Certificate of Appreciation honors not just a moment, but an ongoing commitment. Veteran’s Employment Services and Michigan Works! are proud to recognize Trident Maritime Systems for their leadership in supporting veterans and strengthening the local workforce.
(Pictured from left to right) Trident President Terry Douglas, Michigan Works Business Service Manager Tonya Heikkinen, Veteran Karl Carter, Veteran Maxwell Furstenau, Veteran Lennie Westenberg, Trident HR Director Sereena Johnson, Veterans Career Advisor Josh Cadotte, and Veterans Career Advisor Calvin Butts.
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Jamie Griswold, Veterans Career Advisor, West Central Michigan
How has your military experience helped you in your position as a Veterans' Career Advisor (VCA)?
My military experience has helped with knowing what most that have served have already gone through and that is adjusting to civilian life and the some of the difficulties that comes with that. I also feel that since I have an idea of what they might be going through it makes me work harder to provide the best for them.
What should veterans expect when they meet with a VCA?
I can’t speak for other VCAs, but from me they should expect that I will treat them like family and do whatever I can in my power to ensure they have the best outcome. They may not be from the same branch of service, but they are family.
What resource do you recommend to veterans seeking employment? There are so many so if I had to pick one, I would start with, Pure Michigan Talent Connect, it seems to start you off in a good place of getting to know how the online job search feels and then they can break out to some of the others. Having been in the job seeking market at this time last year, job searching and applying is a full-time job and you cannot just rely on one resource to find the right position for your needs.
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HUD-VASH is a housing benefit many Veterans have never heard about. Watch the HUD-VASH video and see how the program could help you or a fellow Veteran.
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An up-to-date list of upcoming job and career events is available on MiTalent.org's Career Events Calendar.
Job Fair at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren
February 10, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Event Details: register for the event
Event Address: 499 W Main St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Connect with local employers hiring across industries. Explore career options through on-site tools, including VR experiences.
Michigan Rehabilitation Services Career Exploration Panel
February 19, 1-2 p.m.
Event Details: register for the virtual event
Gain career exploration insight from five subject matter experts as they outline career exploration tips. You must be a current or former MRS customer to attend.
Military Community Job Fair
March 6, 12-2 p.m.
Event Details: view the event flyer
Event Address: VFW Post 2780, 3400 Veterans Drive, Traverse City, MI
Meet with local employers who value veterans and the strengths they bring to today’s workforce. For questions, email muoiop@michigan.gov.
Job Fairs Count as Work Search Activity in Michigan
Registering for and attending Virtual Job Fair events supported by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity count as official work search activities required by the Unemployment Insurance Agency. Check out upcoming virtual and in-person job fairs by visiting MiTalent.org’s Career Events website.
Event Success Tips
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Be Prepared: Charge your phone and practice your elevator pitch.
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Keep an Open Mind: You never know which company has the perfect job for you.
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Work the Room: Stop by every booth and share your QR code with every organization.
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Rule of 3: Get at least three company follow-ups.
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Apply as You Network: Apply to open positions while you network with recruiters.
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Smile: Be confident. You've got this!
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.
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MORE VETERANS' RESOURCES
If you are a veteran looking for information concerning education, health care, benefits or quality of life programs, please visit the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for more information, or call the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center at 800-MICH-VET.
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