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Free Transportation Within Washtenaw County For Veterans
Washtenaw County Veterans Affairs is sponsoring free rides for veterans to any destination within Washtenaw County for essential services. Accommodations can be made for the handicapped, and those with service animals, walkers, and canes. Services such as doctor's appointments, auto repair shops if your vehicle is in for repairs, visits to the VA and its outbuildings, etc. Call (734) 973-4540 to book a ride, preferably two days in advance. One of their personnel will answer the call and book a ride for you.
Veterans Radio America Fundraiser
On September 22, 2024, Veterans Radio (www.veteransradio.org) will be hosting its fundraising event, Radio on the River, raising funds to help broaden its listener audience and fund its operations. Hosted on private riverfront property along the beautiful Huron River, the afternoon will include veteran storytelling from all eras and branches of service, food and beverages, and a silent auction. They hope this unique storytelling event exemplifies their weekly programming and mission of preserving veteran history.
They are seeking businesses and individuals who would like to support their cause by donating items to be placed in the silent auction. They look for a wide variety of donations such as gift cards, hotel stays, experiences, or unique handmade or antique items. They will acknowledge donations on the event website and during the event.
Veterans Radio America is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, based in the Ann Arbor area, dedicated to all the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces of the United States of America. Their mission since 2003 has been to educate veterans and illuminate the extraordinary actions of those who have preserved American freedom. The radio program includes our listener's stories and experiences, not only while in the service, but afterward as well, and they also highlight veteran benefits and programs that are valuable to their listeners.
The event is open to the public. If you are interested in attending click HERE to register.
Honoring Veterans from Past Eras
On Friday, September 20, Post 46 honored our heroes from World War II and Korea who reside at StoryPoint Senior Living in Saline, Michigan. Each veteran was presented with a Certificate of Honor, a laminated copy of the Veterans Creed, a laminated copy of their Branch of Service Creed, a pin with a crossed American flag and their branch of service flag, and a Post 46 challenge coin. The WWII vets were pinned with the Ruptured Duck pin and the Korean Vets with a Korean Service pin. Eleven veteran residents and nine American Legion Post 46 members were in attendance. The resident veterans were pinned by Post 46 members of the same branch of service as the resident. Residents from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps received awards that day. Afterward, many of the veterans stayed and told their stories of their service. StoryPoint Staff provided coffee, snacks, and an American Flag.
The veteran’s millage passed in 2016, funds the entire Washtenaw County Department of Veterans Affairs. That millage expired in December of 2023. The millage would renew the 0.10 mills for eight years, from 2024- 2031. The department assists veterans and their families in obtaining disability compensation and pensions, federal and local burial benefits, food aid, and more.
Here is the verbiage: "Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the County of Washtenaw, Michigan, be increased by 0.100 mill ($0.10 per thousand dollars of taxable value) of the taxable value for a period of eight (8) years, 2024 to 2031, inclusive, as a renewal of that portion of the 0.100 mill authorization previously authorized by the electors in 2016 as reduced by the operation of the Headlee amendment, which was 0.0960 mill in 2023, plus new additional millage representing a restoration of the amount equal to the amount reduced by operation of the Headlee amendment, which was 0.004 mill in 2023, to provide funds to Washtenaw County for the purpose of funding the Washtenaw County Department of Veterans Affairs’ provision of financial relief and services for Washtenaw County veterans, including the payment of eligible indigent veteran claims, and to fund the administration of the department? If approved and levied in full, this millage will raise an estimated $2,197,389 when first levied in 2024."
StoryPoint 9/11 Ceremony
StoryPoint Senior Living Center invited Post 46 to help with the 9/11 Ceremony at their facility. Vice Cmdr Draper was there to help lower one set of flags, remove another set of flags, and fold the American flag. LTC Peters and two of his cadets performed the ceremony by presenting, raising, and then lowering the American flag. After which, the National Anthem was played as all stood to salute the flag. Everyone was invited inside where StoryPoint had a waffle breakfast for everyone to enjoy.
A Successful Vet Fest
August 3 saw another great turnout for Washtenaw Community College's Vet Fest. This was their third year hosting the event. The event was completely free to all who attended. Over sixty resource providers were present, setting up under a common tent, and some bringing their own tents. Most of them said that they saw heavy foot traffic and were able to assist many veterans. Just before lunch, Congresswoman Dingell presented a proclamation to Washtenaw County Veterans Affairs Director David Saims. The proclamation proclaimed September of this year as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month within Washtenaw County. Volunteers spent hours cooking and serving the hot dogs, burgers, chips, pop, and cookies. At the back of the College was a pit where all the military equipment was displayed. A Humvee, Jeep, grenade launcher, weapons, a Huey helicopter, and more were on display. There were activities for kids too. Face painting, dunk tank, and bouncy house were some of those activities. There was an abundant supply of raffle items, which were presented to the winners of the raffles that were held each hour. The Michigan Army National Guard Unit from the Ypsilanti Armory brought over a lot of their unit to volunteer help for the event. Everyone seemed to have a great time despite the hot and humid weather. To see more pictures click HERE.
July 4 Parade
Picture Courtesy of MLive.com
On July 4 Post 46 participated in the Ann Arbor Jaycee's July 4 parade. This was our third year participating in the parade and it was an excellent day to be involved. The weather was warm and sunny and there were many, many spectators. We had a dozen members participate along with three of Commander Scott Nichols's granddaughters. We passed out over 700 small American flags, running out about halfway through the parade. Cub Scout Pack 131, chartered by Post 46, marched with us.
First All-Female Honor Flight
Post 46 member Melanie Nau had the honor, along with others, to escort the first all-female Honor Flight to Washington DC. Her story is below.
Mid-Michigan Honor Flight is one of 3 volunteer, non-profit organizations in Michigan to fly Veterans to DC to visit the memorials built to honor service men and women. The Mid-Michigan, Upper Peninsula, and Talons Out Honor Flights collaborated to organize mission #19, the first all-women veteran’s honor flight from Michigan.
The 2-day trip began on June 11th departing from Bishop International Airport in Flint and arriving at Baltimore-Washington International Airport where the veterans boarded buses which were escorted by motorcycle riders into DC. The first stop was the breathtaking WWII memorial with a beautiful view of the Washington Mall. They proceeded on to the Vietnam, Korean, and Air Force memorials before heading to the hotel for a reception/dinner.
Day two began with a trip to the Woman’s Military Memorial (WIMSA), where each veteran received a certificate containing information about their military service. Next, they visited the Marine Corps Memorial where they paused for a group photo before heading to the Arlington National Cemetery. Witnessing the sentinels guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the changing of the guard was truly something to behold. The final stop before heading back to the airport was the Navy Memorial.
When we arrived at the airport in Flint the corridors were lined with hundreds of people holding flags and signs, music, cheering, and thanking us. The 10-minute walk through the people welcoming us home was a very emotional experience. They had a seating area set up for the veterans and once we were all assembled and a few speeches were made and anthems sung, they did one last mail call where volunteers and scouts presented each of us with a bear and quilt from Project Hero Hugs, and an envelope filled with messages from students, veterans service organizations, Daughters of the American Revolution, and more.
More info on the MI Honor Flights and Project Hero Hugs is below.
HOME | midmichganhonorfligh (midmichiganhonorflight.org)
Talons Out Honor Flight, Inc. - Home
Upper Peninsula Honor Flight:: Home
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Project-Hero-Hugs/100063776148949/
Fisher House Ann Arbor Cleanup Day
Fisher House Ann Arbor designated May 31st as a cleanup day at the House. Vice Commander Draper of Post 46, under the supervision of Fisher House Manager April LaRock, led a volunteer team of eighteen to clean the outside furniture and grounds. Many, many weeds pulled, edging performed, wiping down of furniture and handrails, and sweeping of carpets were the order of the day. Sixteen summer interns and two staff from Rehmann performed most of the work diligently. The interns were all Juniors and Seniors in Accounting from various Michigan colleges and the University of Toledo. They worked hard for three hours and the property was much improved by the end of their efforts.
Four Years of Service to Veterans
On Saturday, June 1 Fisher House Ann Arbor celebrated its fourth anniversary of its opening. The inside was decorated with festive balloons and decor. Great food was prepared by volunteers on the inside, and brats and burgers were grilled by volunteers and staff outside. Yard games were set up on the back deck for entertainment. Many of Fisher House Michigan Directors and members were in attendance as well as Fisher Houe Ann Arbor staff and volunteers. The food was great as well as the camaraderie.
Elmer White Remembered
Longtime member Elmer White was remembered in a ceremony held on May 26 at the Washtenaw County Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Ypsilanti. Elmer passed away at the age of 84 from health issues he had been dealing with for quite a while. Family members notified VVA 310 that they would be stopping in Ann Arbor on their way to Travis City where Elmer would be laid to rest. Elmer had just been moved from the VA in Ann Arbor to Iowa to be near his family a week or so before his passing. VVA 310 hosted the remembrance with John and Jane Kinzinger organizing and emceeing the program. Family and friends gave testimonies on Elmer's life and his effect on theirs. Vice Cmdr. Draper read the Legion's Post Everlasting Resolution, presented a Post 46 challenge coin, and, on behalf of Fisher House Michigan, presented their challenge coin. See more pictures by clicking HERE.
Camp Liberty Success Story
One of the members, Mick Worzniak, of Post 46 recently decided to try the hunting offered by Camp Liberty. A few spots were open during their Spring Turkey Hunt to hunt turkeys at their facility. Mr. Worzniak was one of four names drawn in the lottery to hunt.
Camp Liberty holds several events during the year, most of which are geared towards veterans and active-duty military. Check out their website by clicking the link above.
Fisher House Gift Cards
Post 46 has a long-standing commitment to supporting Fisher House Ann Arbor and Fisher House Michigan. In April Post 46 donated ten Kroger gift cards to Fisher House Michigan. At the time, Fisher House Michigan had a matching campaign in progress, so our gift amount was doubled. Shown presenting the cards are Post 46 Vice Cmdr Draper (L), Fisher House Ann Arbor Assistant Manager Pete Owens (C), and Post 46 Chaplain Bull (R).
American Legion District 2 Memorial Service
American Legion District 2 held its annual Memorial Service to pay remembrance to all the members who passed away over the past year. The service was held at Post 324 in Jackson, Michigan. The master of ceremonies was Department Chaplain Norman Soli. Norm has organized this event for the last several years. In attendance were representatives of most of the thirty-one posts within District 2. Department Commander Brian Mohlman made an appearance to say a few words on behalf of the Department. Active duty members of the six branches of service each came to the podium and recited their respective service creeds and then lit a candle for all the active duty personnel who had died in the past year. Department 2 Commander Mike Greene came forward and lit a special candle on their behalf. Each of the posts represented then had their Legion, SAL, and Auxiliary come forward to light a candle, and present a rose and poppy. Our commander, Scott Nichols, lit a candle in honor of all our members who were lost over the last year. Lunch was served afterward.
Membership Award
At the 2nd District's March meeting, Post 46 received an award for meeting 100% of its membership goals. Shown in the picture at the left is District 2's Commander Mike Greene (l), First Vice Commander of the Department of Michigan Daniel Cooper (c), and accepting the award from Post 46 is Vice Commander Dave Draper. This is the second year in a row that Post 46 has achieved this award.
A Section of I-94 Renamed
A section of I-94 was recently named Washtenaw County Vietnam Veteran Memorial Highway. LTC Charles S. Kettles Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 310 in Ann Arbor worked for over a year to get this accomplished. Credit was given to State of Michigan Representative Jimmy Wilson for sponsoring the bill in Congress and some direction was provided by Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo. An informal dedication ceremony will take place at the Washtenaw County Vietnam Veterans Memorial on March 29.
Vietnam Vets Get Pinned
Earlier this month four Navy and one Army Vietnam Veterans were pinned with the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Pin. This took place at the Story Point Senior Living facility during a coffee hour sponsored by American Legion Post 46 of Ann Arbor. All expressed their sincere gratitude for the recognition.
Cub Scout Pinewood Derby
On Sunday, February 4 Post 46 hosted Cub Scout Pack 131's annual Pinewood Derby. The kids enjoyed a few minutes of playtime as they played on the military equipment and playground equipment. Then they got down to business making last-minute adjustments to their car entries. The Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light Dens each raced within their respective group against each other. The winners of each Den then competed against each other to see who was the best of all. The Pack has a pretty sophisticated system for tracking the cars. They had lasers at the beginning and end of the track. This allows the computer to track which racing lane won which position. The computer can also compute the speed of each car, over 200 miles an hour being the fastest! Everyone attending had a really great time watching the event.
Bingo At The Ann Arbor VA
Post 46 hosts bingo night once a month at the LTC Charles S Kettles VA Medical Center. Patients gather in the CLC (Community Living Center) to play several rounds of the game. Our post awards winners with crisp $2 bills: 3 for first prize, 2 for second prize, and 1 for third prize. The last game played is a cover-all. Whatever money is left from the previous rounds is given to the winner of the cover-all. Sometimes that could be as high as $50. Shown left is Adjutant Glen Johnston calling the numbers and to the right is member Melanie Nau presenting winnings to a patient.
POST 46 CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF SERVICE
On August 30 the Ann Arbor American Legion Post 46 celebrated 100 years of service to veterans and the local community. The event took place at the Washtenaw Community College's Morris Lawrence Building. The evening started with member Horace Frazier playing guitar and Hors D'Oeuvres being served at 1700 hrs. All twenty-five tables were sponsored by various organizations and individuals. At 1800 hrs opening remarks were made by our Judge Advocate Beverly List. Commander Scott Nichols made introductions followed by the Posting of Colors by the Navy Sea Cadets, and opening prayer by our Chaplain Bob Bull. Vice Commander Dave Draper then read the Missing Man Table Ceremony which was followed by Taps being played via a video on the overhead screen. Our meals were then served. The culinary staff at the college prepared great meals with choices of steak, salmon, chicken, and vegetarian. The food was plated well and was delicious.
Rebecca Spencer was our guest speaker who delivered an emotional speech. Afterward, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, State of Michigan Representative Jason Morgan, and American Legion Department Chaplain Norman Soli presented certificates of acknowledgment of our 100-year anniversary. Then a table Legion trivia game was played, awards were presented by Cmdr Nichols, and two 50/50 drawings were made. Multiple positive comments were made after the ceremony ended as guests packed up to leave. This was certainly a very memorable event.
Click HERE to see more pictures. Click HERE to see a related article on page 18 in the October MI Legionnaire.
As worn, tattered American flags need to be replaced, or as American Legion posts need flags to place on veterans' graves for Memorial Day, Emblem Sales advises to order early and please be patient with the time of delivery. Emblem Sales is shipping flag orders as soon, and quickly, as production is received.
The purchase of gravesite flags, as well as other outdoor American, military, POW/MIA, and state flags, flagpoles, and accessories can be made through American Legion Emblem Sales at americanlegionflags.com.
When you purchase your flag(s) and designate Post 46 at checkout, our post earns rewards that allow us to offset part of the cost of future purchases that we make.
Ann Arbor VA Medical Center Food Distribution
Partnering with Food Gatherers, the VAMC started a food distribution bi-monthly event where veterans in need of food can drive up to the front of the VAMC and pick up boxes of food items. You will have to show some sort of proof that you are a veteran. The food will be available every month on the first and third Thursdays from 10 am to 12 pm. At their first event, they passed out around 40 boxes of food. More recently they loaded up 52 vehicles.
Guitars For Vets
The Ann Arbor Guitars for Vets is a national organization that helps veterans with PTSD cope through music. Students meet once a week for ten weeks to learn the art of playing a guitar. At the end of the ten weeks, the students receive a free acoustic guitar. The organization normally meets at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center but because of COVID, they are currently meeting at the Ann Arbor VFW Post 423. Click on the logo at the left to see more pictures.
Space Force veterans and the active-duty military now welcome in the American Legion
Whe
n the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act was signed by the president in 2019 and became Public Law 116-92, the Space Force was added to Section 101(a)(4) of Title 10, which now reads: "(4) The term 'armed forces' means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard. "Since Section 21703 stipulates only "Armed Forces" and U.S. Code now includes the Space Force in its definition, no actions are required by The American Legion to accept Space Force servicemembers into the organization.
(From The American Legion Magazine)
Check out a unique look at Veterans Memorial Park in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Here is presented a "birdseye" view of the flag and flagpole that was installed last year. The project was financed by American Legion Post 46, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 423, and the City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Department.
FOOD INSECURITIES?
Need food in these trying times. No one should go hungry. Click HERE to see a list of food pantries in Washtenaw County. This list is provided by Food Gatherers in Ann Arbor.
Landmark Presidential Signing of the POW-MIA Flag Act
Law now requires the POW/MIA flag to be displayed whenever the American flag is displayed on prominent federal properties, including the White House, U.S. Capitol, World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, every national cemetery, the buildings containing the official offices of the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs, Office of the Director of the Selective Service System, each major military installation, each Department of Veterans Affairs medical center, and each U.S. Postal Service post office.
Read more here POW/MIA Flag Act
Congress Approves LEGION Act
7/23: The U.S. House passed the bipartisan LEGION Act on Tuesday, extending the recognized wartime era back to Dec. 7, 1941.
The LEGION Act — Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service Act — fills in the gaps of war eras and redefines The American Legion’s membership eligibility dates, beginning with the bombing of Pearl Harbor and continuing until it is determined the United States is no longer in a state of war.
President Trump is expected to sign Senate bill S.504 into law later this week. When it becomes law, the legislation opens the door for hundreds of thousands of veterans to access American Legion programs and benefits for which they previously had not been eligible.
