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November 12, 2025
Bi-Weekly Executive Newsletter
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The past week, capped by Veterans Day yesterday, has been filled with moments that remind us of the vital role our veterans have played in defending our freedoms.
From an event in Southfield where we paid tribute to veterans, including 91-year-old U.S. Marine James Elias Jackson, to the Ruck March in Royal Oak where participants walked 2.2 miles through the city to bring awareness to the devastating issue of veteran suicide, I encountered the heroes who have shielded us from the dangers of the world. And this week, our own veterans Employee Resource Group – OakVet Voices – held a chili cookoff to honor Veterans Day and collect goods for active troops.
Our veterans’ commitment to service is both honorable and representative of the very best of America. It was my honor to thank them and acknowledge their service and sacrifice.
It was also a chance to reflect on our role in providing the support Oakland County veterans need and have earned.
Some of the ways we do that:
- Our Veterans’ Services Department is committed to helping veterans and their families access the benefits they have earned. Just last month, Lauren Chamberlin, one of the department’s benefits counselors, helped close an inactive and nearly 20-year-old claim that awarded nearly $300,000 in back benefits to a widow whose husband died in 2007 after exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Thailand during the Vietnam War. I’m not surprised by the department’s diligence. It’s what they do every day in big and small ways to help veterans.
- We are raising money through our “Be a Hero, Support a Hero” campaign so we can continue to provide meals and free public transportation to veterans and their caregivers. Since we started the service, more than 7,500 vets have been taken where they needed to go – for free - including Frank Withers, a retired Army Sergeant who uses the program to get rides to the Waterford Senior Center where he connects with friends.
- And the monthly Veterans Resource Fairs across the county will resume on Friday, beginning with a fair at the Costick Activities Center in Farmington Hills, giving thousands of veterans access to food and health assistance and things as simple as a haircut.
These are just some of the ways we give back to veterans who have sacrificed so much to protect us. On Veterans Day and every day, I and all of Oakland County thank you for your service and for defending the values we hold so dear: justice, equality and freedom.
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With gratitude,
David Coulter
Oakland County Executive
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Food Access Programs
Emergency food assistance is available in Oakland County. Please visit oakgov.com/foodhelp to find food pantries, soups kitchens and more.
Oakland County Launches 2025 Local Gems Sweepstakes to Celebrate and Support Small Businesses
On Oct. 31, Oakland County kicked off the 2025 Local Gems Sweepstakes, a month-long campaign encouraging residents to shop local and support small businesses throughout the county. The launch event was held at Designed Mindfully in downtown Pontiac.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Oakland County’s economy giving our communities character and making our downtowns thrive,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “The Local Gems Sweepstakes is a fun way to highlight and support them, especially as we head into the holiday shopping season.”
Running from Nov. 1-30, the Local Gems Sweepstakes invites shoppers to visit small businesses across Oakland County and post a selfie taken inside or outside the business for a chance to win $1,000, $500, or $250, courtesy of Genisys Credit Union. Each selfie taken at a different small business counts as a separate entry, increasing participants’ chances to win via random drawings.
Oakland County Blog
Zelle Scam Alert: How a Fake Call Could Drain Your Bank Account
Zelle makes sending money quick and easy. That’s exactly why scammers are using it to trick people into emptying their own accounts. With just one phone call, fraudsters can convince you to hand over thousands, all while thinking you’re protecting yourself.
Here’s how the scam works, why it’s so effective, and what you can do to stay safe.
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