VFWMI

09/04/2026

9-03-2026 press release detailing a recent appointment by Governor Whitmer:

Michigan Veterans’ Trust Fund Board of Trustees:
Barbie O’Grady, of Hastings, is a post service officer at Disabled American Veterans Chapter 139. O’Grady served in the United States Army from 2002 to 2006, and the Michigan National Guard from 2006 to 2011 achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant and is also a member of the American Legion, Amvets, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. O’Grady holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and a Bachelor of Science in geography from Michigan State University, a Bachelor of Science in geology from Western Michigan University, a Master of Science in criminal justice from Southern New Hampshire University, and a Master of Science in geographic information systems from Pennsylvania State University. Barbie O’Grady is appointed to represent independent veterans for a term commencing September 3, 2026, and expiring February 25, 2027. O’Grady succeeds Kimberly Napoleon, who has resigned.

The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund was created in 1946 from $50 million in postwar reserve funds. In 1996, the Veterans Trust Fund was provided additional protection by being added to the State Constitution with voter approval of Proposal C. The Veterans Trust Fund was established to provide grants for the emergency needs of veterans. The Veterans Trust Fund, utilizing approximately $2 million in interest earnings from the trust, administers the Emergency Grant Program. Emergency Grants are available to honorably discharged war time service veterans and their dependents during times of unforeseen and short-term financial emergencies or hardships. Veterans Trust Fund grant policies and adjudication, county committee appointments and expenditure from trust earnings are governed by this board.

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

09/04/2026

That soldier has a crew, a mission, and a reason to be exactly where he is.

Twelve months from now none of that exists.

Researchers have a name for the first year after a Veteran leaves the military. They call it the deadly gap.

In a study of 3.8 million service members, su***de risk nearly tripled during that first year. The rate is more than double that of active duty service members and nearly double that of the general Veteran population.

Here is the part almost nobody knows.

The risk does not peak the week someone gets out. It climbs through the first six months and peaks somewhere between six and twelve months after discharge.

That is the point where the welcome home is long over. Where the calls have slowed. Where everyone decided you were doing fine because you said you were doing fine. Where the structure is gone, the mission is gone, the people who knew you without explanation are scattered across the country, and you are supposed to have it figured out by now.

If you know someone who got out this year, check on them in month eight. And month ten. Long after everyone else stopped asking.

They will tell you they are fine.

Ask anyway.

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then Press 1, or text 838255. Available 24 hours a day.

Know someone in their first year out? Reach out to them today.

#988

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

I am reminded of the simple slogan of Past Commander-in-Chief Jim Goldsmith, "Reach Out". Reach Our, have impact, make a simple gesture of support with judgement. Reach Out and make a difference.

09/04/2026

All True!

08/31/2026

Michigan State Police’s 18 community service troopers focus on schools, events and everyday interactions, aiming to build relationships before a crisis brings police and residents together.
Click the link in the comments 👇️

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

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