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The Advocate is a monthly VFW Department of Michigan publication. If you would like to feature your veteran focused events in your community, please contact department at pr@vfwmi.vet | |
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Edit: A correction has been made to this issue. The official name of the VFW Riders Group has been corrected, the program is not, and has never been a motorcycle club. | |
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Comrades,
I am so energized by everything you are doing throughout Michigan to serve our veteran and family community. It was also a pleasure seeing so many of you at our Mid-Winter Conference in January and supporting our Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen winners. This year’s Voice of Democracy winner, Eddy Holcomb, out of District 9 and VFW Post 4090, will be representing Michigan on the National Level. We also extend our congratulations to Patriots Pen winner “Mr. Derek” Plichta from District 11 and Post 3030! Both of these students did a great job representing their schools, their Posts and their Districts.
While we celebrate these amazing achievements, I also must pause a moment. Over the past few months, we have lost some members who were deeply ingrained in the lifeblood of our organization. With a heavy heart and sincere gratitude for their selfless service to others, I like many of you, mourn the passing of Jim Muys, Department Chaplain, Frank Mills, 2022-23 Buddy Poppy Director, David Patrick, VFW and MCL Assistant Department Service Officer, Patrick Patterson, who served as Department convention director for many years, and Tim Artibee, 23-24 District 11 Commander and Department Riders Group Director. The passing of these members grieves me, like many of you. They all made real impacts on our communities, and changed lives for the better, including mine. As I move forward as your commander in 2024, I take their examples with me as inspiration and reinforcement that our VFW mission is crucial for safeguarding our history, preserving the lives of our veterans, and ensuring the future of our military and veteran community has the full support of the VFW. I am grateful to all of you. Thank you for what you do for each other, and veterans all over Michigan. You make a difference and inspire positive change for those who need it most. I hope to see as many of you as possible at our State Convention May 29-June 2.
Ray Lopez, State Commander, VFW Department of Michigan | |
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VFW Michigan delegation honors Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington D.C. | |
The Michigan VFW delegation presented a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington D.C., in solemn remembrance of their sacrifice on March 2. Representing VFW Michigan was Department Commander Ray Lopez, Sr Vice Kimberly Napoleon, Jr Vice Reinold Yahnka, and Past Department Commander and National Council of Administration member Kevin Conklin. The group is in Washington D.C. for the National VFW Legislative Conference March 3-7. | | | |
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The wreath laying is a ceremony conducted by the Guards of the Unknown, who's constant watch protects the memorial as a place of honor and remembrance. The officers of the VFW Department of Michigan were honored to participate in this remarkable tradition. | |
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Post 1136 Century Celebration Highlights | |
VFW Post 1136 in Wyandotte celebrated 100 years of service, Feb. 26. The event featured historical milestones of the Post, and was attended by City of Wyandotte public servants, Michigan legislative guests, Wyandotte community members and VFW family. | | | |
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Camp Trotter announces event list and staff application openings | |
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For more information on any of the following topics, click the images below, or go to our online calendar to stay up to date on all Department events. | |
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**Many of these sponsors are are looking to hire veterans! To find out more, please contact them directly. | |
WE WANT TO FEATURE YOU! If you have an event or function you'd like to highlight on behalf of your Post or District, send photos and a write-up with details to pr@vfwmi.vet. Your submission may be selected to be featured in the next Department Newsletter! | |
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