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Veterans Connected, 134 W. Main Street, Ste 300, Brighton, MI (2026)

09/01/2026

IMPACT IN ACTION
Two Months of Breathing Room

This veteran has been without a steady income since exhausting his unemployment benefits in May.

He is currently going through the process of applying for disability, picking up side jobs where he can, and trying to make it until November when he turns 62.

But the bills aren't waiting.

His August mortgage payment of $810 was past due, with September coming right behind it.

Bryan spent a long time talking with him about his situation and what his options are moving forward. His job prospects in the industry he's worked in aren't good right now, and he was encouraged to look outside of what he knows—even if that means taking a job doing something completely different for now. Anything that can help keep some income coming into the home.

Then we addressed what we could do today.

Veterans Connected approved and is paying his August and September mortgage payments.

Not a permanent solution. Not a promise that everything will suddenly be easy.

But two months without wondering whether the mortgage will be paid. Two months to keep looking for work and continue working through the disability process.

When we contacted the credit union to verify the account and arrange payment, the woman helping us said she was impressed that people would still do something like this for someone they didn't know.

We told her a little about Veterans Connected.

Because this is what your support allows us to do. Our donors, supporters, volunteers, and everyone who continues to believe in this mission are the reason we can answer a call like this and say, we can help.

Later, we received a simple text from the veteran:

“My wife and I appreciate this!”

Two mortgage payments won't fix everything this veteran and his wife are facing. But for August and September, they know their home is covered while they work through what comes next.

That's the impact your support made this week.

Together We Heal.

08/29/2026

JOIN THE MISSION
This week we've seen two very different sides of the same mission.

One veteran had a split-second decision to make on the expressway — swerve to avoid a collision and blow a tire in the process. What started with a blown tire turned into a tow. The tow turned into an impound fee he didn't see coming. By the time he reached out to us, he'd already tried everything else.

We were able to say yes.

Then there's the Ruck to Live — eight miles, hundreds of people, families honoring someone they've lost, kids learning to look out for each other, and businesses, churches and neighbors showing up to say:

You matter. You're not alone.

At first glance, those don't look like the same thing.

A tow bill and a community walk.

But they are.

They're both connection. They're both someone deciding to show up for someone else.

Sometimes connection looks like covering an impound fee so a veteran can get back to his life.

Sometimes it looks like walking eight miles beside someone carrying something a lot heavier than a rucksack.

Sometimes it's $22 a month.

Sometimes it's volunteering your time.

Sometimes it's just sharing a post so it reaches the one person who needed to see it that day.

Here's the truth about how this actually works:

Veterans Connected isn't one person, one board, or one big donor. It's a lot of ordinary people who keep deciding, over and over,

“I want to be part of this.”

If you've been watching what we do and wondering how you fit in, you don't need a big moment to start.

Give what feels meaningful to you, monthly or otherwise. Volunteer. Walk with us in September. Share our page. Tell a friend about us.

Just pick something.

Because somewhere out there is a veteran who doesn't know yet that he's about to need us.

Someone struggling who hasn't told a soul.

And when that call comes, we want to already be ready to say yes — because someone before them decided to join this mission first.

That's what your support really does.

Join the mission.

Together We Heal.

Ruck to Live Registration:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/VUhF_9HrB3qz-Da-Psv0Hg

Give 22: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/sS0IGdTO9C1aIn6hTkXzZQ?t=1774372343

08/27/2026

WHAT CAN 8 MILES CHANGE?

We talk a lot about the impact we hope Ruck to Live will have on su***de prevention and PTSD awareness.

But what about the impact it can have on us?

Because when hundreds of people walk together with a purpose, something happens.

For a veteran, it may be eight miles surrounded by people reminding them that they still have a community.

For someone who is struggling, it may be the first time they realize there are people willing to listen.

For a family who has lost someone to su***de, it can be a chance to say their loved one's name, honor how they lived, and have an entire community walk beside them.

For a child, it can be an early lesson that we look out for one another.

For a teenager, it can make conversations about mental health a little less uncomfortable — and asking for help a little more normal.

For a parent, it may open a conversation with their child that they've never known how to start.

For a business, participating isn't just sponsorship or community involvement. It's an opportunity to tell employees, customers and neighbors: the mental health of the people in our community matters to us.

For our schools, churches, teams and organizations, it's a chance to bring people together around something that affects every one of us.

And for our community?

It says something pretty powerful:

We see you. We remember those we've lost. And if you're struggling, we want you here.

Throughout the 8-Mile Ruck, we will pause at each mile to honor the life of a veteran or civilian lost to su***de. Between those miles, we'll walk, talk, listen and make connections.

There is also a Patriotic 1-Mile Walk, because you don't have to ruck eight miles to be part of this.

Maybe you walk for someone you've lost.

Maybe you walk beside someone who needs you.

Maybe you bring your children because you want them to grow up understanding that compassion matters.

Maybe you bring your employees, coworkers, church, team or friends.

Or maybe you don't have a reason yet.

Come anyway.

Because you may arrive thinking you're there to support someone else and leave realizing the day had an impact on you too.

6th Annual Ruck to Live
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Brighton Veterans Memorial
8-Mile Ruck & Patriotic 1-Mile Walk

Register and walk with us:
Ruck to Live Registration: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/VUhF_9HrB3qz-Da-Psv0Hg

Connection Is Prevention.

And sometimes connection starts by simply deciding to show up.

Together We Heal.

***dePrevention

08/25/2026

BRIGHTON VETERANS — THIS NIGHT IS FOR YOU

We love seeing our local schools make a point to recognize the men and women who have served our country.

Brighton High School is hosting Veterans Appreciation Night on Thursday, September 3, before the Brighton vs. Wayne Memorial football game.

Veterans are invited to arrive at 6:15 PM to be recognized prior to kickoff at 7:00 PM.

And bring someone with you — admission is FREE for the veteran and one guest.

This is what community looks like.

To Brighton High School and the students and staff helping make this happen: thank you for remembering, recognizing and honoring our veterans.

Veterans — we'd love to see you there!

Thursday, September 3
Brighton High School Stadium
Veteran recognition: 6:15 PM
Kickoff: 7:00 PM
Free admission for veteran + one guest

Please share this with a veteran who should be there.

Together We Heal.

08/25/2026

TUESDAY IMPACT STORY: A SPLIT SECOND

Sometimes a hardship doesn't build over months.

Sometimes it happens in a split second.

A local veteran, who also spends his time volunteering at the VA, was driving on the expressway when he suddenly had a decision to make:

Avoid a collision — or crash.

There wasn't much time to think.

He avoided the collision, but in doing so blew out a tire.

Thankfully, he was able to get the vehicle safely off the freeway and leave it parked.

Unfortunately, that wasn't the end of it.

When he returned for his vehicle, he discovered it had been towed and impounded.

One split-second decision to avoid an accident had now turned into a blown tire, towing charges and impound fees.

And sometimes that's all it takes.

An unexpected expense hits at exactly the wrong time, there isn't enough money to absorb it, and suddenly a manageable problem becomes something much bigger.

When he had exhausted his other options, he came to Veterans Connected.

He needed a last resort.

We said yes.

Veterans Connected paid the towing and impound fees so he could get his vehicle back and begin moving forward.

Afterward, he sent us this:

“Words can't express how grateful I am for the kindness you've shown me. Thank you and God bless you.”

This veteran spends his own time giving back through the VA.

When he needed someone to show up for him, our community was able to return some of that kindness.

That's what your support makes possible.

Not every hardship is something we can see coming. Not every veteran who needs help has made bad choices or failed to prepare.

Sometimes life simply happens.

And when it does, having somewhere to turn can make all the difference.

Connection Is Prevention.

Together We Heal.

08/23/2026

SUNDAY REFLECTION

Sometimes doing the right thing can feel like you're losing.

We watch people lie, manipulate, mistreat others, take advantage, or simply disregard how their actions affect another human being — and somehow they still seem to succeed.

They get the promotion. They make the money. They get their way.

Meanwhile, the person trying to be honest, fair and decent can be left wondering:

God, do You see this?

The Bible tells us He does.

"Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong... Trust in the Lord and do good."
— Psalm 37:1, 3

That can be easier to read than it is to live.

Because when we're treated poorly, our instinct may be to fight back the same way. Become harder. Stop trusting. Return disrespect with disrespect.

But then someone else's behavior has changed who we are.

And maybe that's the greater loss.

God calls us to honesty and integrity not because doing the right thing guarantees we'll always come out ahead.

He calls us to it because it's who He asks us to be.

"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely."
— Proverbs 10:9

And that integrity extends to how we treat those around us.

People we love.

People we disagree with.

People who can do something for us.

People who can't.

Even the animals entrusted to our care.

"The righteous care for the needs of their animals."
— Proverbs 12:10

How we treat another living being when there is absolutely nothing to gain from it probably says quite a bit about who we really are.

So what do we do when it seems like people without those values are getting ahead?

We don't become them.

We don't allow bitterness to take away our compassion.

We don't confuse kindness with weakness. We can have boundaries. We can stand up for ourselves and others. We can walk away from people who continually mistreat us. And we can absolutely speak up when something is wrong.

But we can do all of those things without surrendering our own character.

Jesus gave us a remarkably simple standard:

"Do to others what you would have them do to you."
— Matthew 7:12

Not: treat people well when they deserve it.

Not: have integrity when someone is watching.

Not: be good as long as goodness is rewarded.

Just do what is right.

Maybe our job isn't to understand why someone else appears to be getting away with something.

Maybe our job is to make sure their choices don't determine ours.

Keep your integrity.

Protect your heart without hardening it.

Speak the truth.

Set boundaries when they're needed.

Treat people — and every creature entrusted to us — with compassion.

And when doing the right thing feels like it's getting you nowhere, remember:

God sees what other people don't.

Our goodness isn't wasted simply because someone else doesn't value it.

Trust God with what we cannot control.

And take responsibility for what we can:

Who we choose to be.

Together We Heal.

08/22/2026

SOME WALKS ARE ABOUT WHERE YOU'RE GOING.
THIS ONE IS ABOUT WHO WE'RE WALKING FOR.

On September 19, our community will come together for the 6th Annual Ruck to Live.

And we need your help spreading the word.

Ruck to Live began in the veteran community, but su***de doesn't discriminate. We've lost veterans. We've lost neighbors. We've lost friends.

And we've lost young people right here in our own communities.

That's why this year we're especially asking students, families, teachers, coaches, counselors and our local schools to walk with us.

At each mile of the 8-Mile Ruck, we will stop to honor the life of a veteran or civilian lost to su***de.

If your family, school or community has lost someone, we would be honored to carry their memory with us.

This isn't about dwelling on how someone died.

It's about remembering how they lived.

It's about saying their name.

It's about families and friends knowing they don't have to carry that loss alone.

And it's about starting conversations about PTSD, mental health and su***de prevention that might help someone who is struggling today.

Don't want to ruck eight miles?

Join us for the Patriotic 1-Mile Walk.

Bring your children. Bring your classmates. Bring your team. Bring your coworkers. Bring someone who may simply need to be around other people who care.

Saturday, September 19, 2026
Brighton Veterans Memorial

Please share this post — especially with your local schools, teachers, coaches, counselors, and youth organizations.

Because our children need to know something very clearly:

Asking for help is okay. Talking about it is okay. And they do not have to face the hard things alone.

Together We Heal.

***dePrevention

Sponsorship Link - https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/ZaqooTBZU1FACNQIXIyheg

Join Us on The Ruck Link - https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/VUhF_9HrB3qz-Da-Psv0Hg

08/20/2026

IMPACT STORY: WHEN COMMUNITY SHOWS UP

Sometimes it starts with a group of young people learning that they can use what they love to make a difference for someone else.

On September 25, the Kensington Valley Ravens 10U Tier II Girls Hockey Team is hosting Comedy with a Cause at Baker's of Milford, in partnership with Veterans Connected and the Michigan Warriors Hockey Program.

And we think that's pretty incredible.

These young athletes aren't just learning hockey.

They're learning leadership. Community. Service. And that even at their age, they have the ability to make an impact beyond themselves.

The evening will include dinner, comedy featuring Bill Bushart with special guest Hannah Osborne, auctions, raffles, and plenty of fun.

But behind all of it is a purpose.

Proceeds will support youth leadership development through girls hockey while helping raise awareness and support for veteran and mental health initiatives during Su***de Prevention Month.

Different organizations. Different generations. Different reasons for getting involved.

One community choosing to show up for each other.

And now we have an opportunity to show up for them.

📅 Friday, September 25, 2026
📍 Baker's of Milford
🚪 Doors open at 6:00 PM
🍴 Buffet dinner upon arrival
🎤 Comedy begins at 7:15 PM
🎟️ Silent auction & 50/50 raffle throughout the evening
🔞 21+ event

Purchase tickets or reserve a table:
Comedy with a Cause Tickets

Interested in sponsoring the event?
Become a Sponsor

Let's fill the room, have some fun, support these young women, and make an impact together.

Because connection isn't just something we talk about. It's something we build.

Together We Heal.

P.S. September and October are going to be busy!

🥾 Ruck to Live — September 19
Walk with us as we honor lives lost, start conversations about PTSD and su***de prevention, and remind those still struggling that they don't walk alone.

🎃 Great Pumpkin Car Show — October 3
Another day of fun, community and connection in support of the Veterans Connected mission.

Three opportunities to show up. Three very different events. One mission of connection.

***dePreventionMonth

08/18/2026

THE GREAT PUMPKIN IS GETTING BIG.
Registration is officially OPEN for the 19th Annual Great Pumpkin Classic Car Show — presented together by The Salvation Army and Veterans Connected.

And this year's show is shaping up to be something pretty special.

📅 Saturday, October 3, 2026

Ken Lingenfelter and the Lingenfelter Corvette Collection will be joining us.

Ryno Dyno is coming.

We're also working to finalize details with Adam Ferrara of Top Gear, with even more announcements to come.

And, of course, we're bringing the cars.

Street rods. Classics. American muscle. Trucks. SUVs. Sports cars. Motorcycles. Modified and special-interest vehicles.

17 classes, participant voting, specialty awards — and plenty of reasons to bring out the vehicle you're proud of.

But here's where this year's show gets REALLY exciting.

The Salvation Army has received a generous $250,000 donor match for the Great Pumpkin Car Show.

That means every vehicle registration, every sponsorship dollar, and every donation to the show will be DOUBLED — dollar for dollar — up to $250,000.

Register for the show? Your registration has twice the impact.

Sponsor the event? Your sponsorship has twice the impact.

Want to simply make a donation? That gets doubled too.

So we're looking for cars, sponsors, volunteers, and a whole lot of people ready to make the 19th Annual Great Pumpkin something special.

Know a business that might want to sponsor? Tag them below or share this post with them.

Got a vehicle that belongs in the show?

REGISTER TODAY:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/B_qXgF4o3Bf0HUsMEMTrhg

And please SHARE this one far and wide.

Two organizations. One great community event. And an opportunity to turn $250,000 into $500,000 for the mission.

Let's make it count.

Together We Heal.

*Please note the car in the picture will not be there. :)

08/16/2026

SUNDAY REFLECTION

Sometimes the message we need comes from a place we weren't expecting.

I was having a personal conversation with Bryan recently about work, life, and building something of your own. He told me that when he was building his business, he would start his day by making at least 150 calls.

My first thought was... 150 calls?! That's a lot.

But then I started thinking about what all those mornings eventually helped him build.

Freedom.

Not freedom from working. Freedom that came because he was willing to do the work. The freedom to make his own choices. Control his time. Serve where he feels called. And build a life that isn't completely controlled by someone else's decisions.

And maybe freedom isn't really about having more time for ourselves. Maybe it's having the ability to use our time where we believe it matters. To do work with purpose. To serve others. To use the gifts God gave us instead of simply moving through another day because it's what we're supposed to do.

There's nothing wrong with work that simply pays the bills. Sometimes that's exactly what a season of life requires. But maybe we're also supposed to pay attention when something inside us keeps saying, there's more you're supposed to be doing.

Then something else occurred to me.

I heard something I needed to hear because of a connection. Had Veterans Connected not brought our paths together, that conversation may never have happened.

That's what community does. It puts the right words in front of us at the right moment, through people we never would have met otherwise — a conversation, a piece of advice, someone else's example, someone believing in us or challenging us or simply showing us what's possible.

And I can't help but wonder if sometimes we pray for things to change and then fail to recognize the answer when it shows up. Because what if the answer doesn't always look like a miracle? What if sometimes it looks like waking up earlier. Making a plan. Making the calls. Preparing instead of reacting. Doing the work today that gives us better choices tomorrow. And then getting up and doing it again. Consistently. Not perfectly.

Scripture tells us:
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." — Proverbs 16:3

Faith doesn't mean sitting back and expecting God to build the life we're praying for. Maybe sometimes He gives us the idea. The opportunity. The connection. The person who inspires us. The extra hour in the morning. Or even circumstances uncomfortable enough to finally make us move.

We can't control everything that happens in our lives. But we can take responsibility for what we can control — our preparation, our choices, our effort, our consistency, our faith, and how we use the time we've been given.

So this is what I've been asking myself, and maybe it's worth asking yourself this Sunday too: What if the thing you've been praying for is going to require something from you? And what if God has already put a person, an opportunity, or a connection in your path to help you see it?

Pay attention. Make the plan. Trust God — and then do your part.

Together We Heal.

Veterans Connected

09/01/2026

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08/27/2026

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