There are still a few weeks left to squeeze in one more adventure—and you don’t have to spend much (or anything) to make it memorable.

Whether you’ve got one free afternoon or one free weekend, here are some of the best ways veterans and military families can finish summer strong:

• Use your free national parks pass
• Visit a military memorial you’ve yet to see
• Visit a veteran-owned brewery or coffee shop
• Recreate an old military photo
• Call someone you served with

View a full list here.

President Donald Trump announced a new program Thursday to train and hire U.S. military veterans as commercial truck drivers.

The Freedom Haulers Initiative will automatically qualify Americans who have driven heavy trucks in the military for special permits that allow them to drive big rigs.

Read more about the initative here.

Camp Liberty is looking for Volunteers for their next Conservation Day—Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Conservation Days are always a fun-filled day of work, good food, laughs and fellowship. Donuts, Coffee, water, pop and lunch will be provided.

This Conservation Day will focus on getting the grounds ready for our fall hunts and includes such items as trail maintenance, tree clean-up, splitting firewood, and planting food plots. Camp Liberty is also always looking for hosts to help with serving the food and clean-up, as well. Join them for a fun-filled working day at Camp Liberty!

Sign up to volunteer here.

Veterans and their families are invited to attend a Veteran Resource Fair on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sunrise Community Resource Center, located at 583 E. Cedar St., Standish, MI 48658.

This event is designed to connect veterans and their families with the benefits, services and resources they have earned through their service. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from the VA, veteran service officers, community organizations and local agencies — all in one convenient location.

The Secretary of State mobile office will also be on-site to assist with services such as license plate renewals, driver’s license renewals and other available transactions.

Whether you are seeking information, assistance or simply want to learn more about available resources, this event provides a valuable opportunity to connect directly with organizations ready to serve veterans and their families.

Save your spot here.

Angel Puga, Bay County VCA

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

My experience in the Marine Corps and now in the Army National Guard gives me a strong foundation for understanding what veterans are going through. I’ve lived the transition from active duty to civilian life, so I know firsthand the challenges, uncertainties and opportunities that come with it.

This helps me connect with veterans quickly, find common ground and communicate in a way that feels familiar and comfortable to them. It also gives me a clear understanding of how military skills translate into the civilian workforce, which allows me to guide veterans more effectively as they work on their Small Business Enterprises, job searches or career goals.

What should veterans expect when they meet with a VCA?

A welcoming, judgment-free conversation focused on their goals; a clear explanation of available programs; a guide to available resources and benefits they are entitled to; and a VCA who understands the military mindset and is committed to advocating for them.

What resource do you recommend to veterans seeking employment?

One of the strongest resources I recommend is the gives veterans access to job postings, résumé tools, skills translators and employer networks dedicated to hiring veterans. I also encourage using state Workforce Development programs, which offer personalized career counseling, training opportunities and connections to local employers. Combined, these resources give veterans a solid starting point for building a career plan that matches their experience and goals.

Nestled among the scenic woodlands of Northeast Michigan in National City, Pegasus Springs is a place where veterans can find peace, healing and renewed purpose. Founded by Barb Clare and her husband, Dennis Clare, Pegasus Springs combines a lifelong commitment to service with a passion for equine-assisted therapy.

Both Barb and Dennis dedicated much of their careers to the aviation industry, meeting after Dennis retired from the U.S. Air Force. Inspired by her deep appreciation for those who have served our country, Barb envisioned a place where veterans could experience healing through meaningful connections with horses.

"Pegasus Springs provides a place for veterans to find peace," Barb explains. "Horses have the unique ability to teach, guide, and encourage a calm, peaceful presence."

Pegasus Springs is a provider within the Veterans Administration Community Care Network, serving veterans who are referred via local VA clinics. The center specializes exclusively in behavioral health services for veterans, currently supporting more than 40 veterans each year, with the option of equine-assisted psychotherapy.

The organization's dedicated team currently includes three clinicians, two horse trainers, and committed volunteers who work together to create a welcoming and supportive environment for every veteran they serve. As Pegasus Springs continues to grow, the organization is seeking a Barn Manager and is offering a unique live-in employment opportunity. Hoping to fill the position with a veteran, Barb reached out to the Veterans' Employment Services team for assistance.

During a recent visit, a Local Veterans' Employment Representative shared information on several workforce and employer support programs. Pegasus Springs is now exploring participation in the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) Veteran-Friendly Employer program as another way to strengthen its commitment to Michigan's Veteran community.

Beyond its veteran programs, Pegasus Springs offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can reconnect with nature. Set on 42 picturesque acres, the property features wooded walking trails, horses grazing in open pastures, and a tranquil river winding through the grounds where visitors can relax or cast a fishing line. Whether participating in a therapy session or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of the surroundings, Pegasus Springs provides a place where healing, hope and community come together.

When Rec Boat Holdings announced they will be halting boat production ad the end of August, many State of Michigan departments turned up to ensure the 232 employees had the resources they needed to navigate this challenge. 

Michigan Works! and its workforce partners quickly organized an event to help employees navigate the transition. State agencies, including the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency, were on site to provide guidance on unemployment benefits and other available resources. Michigan Works! also connected employees with its full range of career services, including job search assistance, training opportunities and career counseling.

To make the transition as convenient as possible, Business Services Representative Rob Best coordinated an on-site job fair at the Rec Boat facility, allowing employees to meet with recruiters while working their scheduled shifts.

The response from the business community was remarkable. Recognizing the experience and strong work ethic of the Rec Boat workforce, 50 employers attended the job fair to recruit qualified candidates. State partners, including Michigan Rehabilitation Services and Veterans' Employment Services, were also on hand to offer additional support and resources.

While the Rec Boat Holdings closure marks the possible end of a long chapter in Cadillac's manufacturing history, the collaborative effort by Michigan Works!, state agencies and employers demonstrates a strong commitment to helping affected workers transition into new careers as quickly as possible.

Oakland Community Health Network, in partnership with the City of Madison Heights, invites veterans and community members to attend the Veterans & Community Resource Event on Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Madison Heights City Hall. This event provides an opportunity to connect with local organizations, learn about available services and supports, and access valuable community resources.  Attendees will receive:

• Free lunch
• Gift cards
• Information and resources from community organizations

Registration is required. Save your spot here.

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.