The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is now accepting grant applications to fund new staff positions in counties to assist military veterans with benefit claims. Under provisions of Public Act 252 of 2014, funds will be distributed with preference to counties that have not previously established a veteran services office or department. Grant amounts will run from $3,000 to $20,000. See the filing instructions for complete details. Click here to access a copy of the application cover sheet. For additional information on the grants program, contact the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency at 800-MICH-VET.

The Michigan Association of County Veterans Counselors (MACVC) will be the host organization for the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) conference in Grand Rapids. The conference will take place June 8th-June 13^th 2014at the Amway Grand Hotel and Conference Center. Approximately 400 county veterans’ benefits counselors from across the nation will attend the event. Accreditation training and testing from NACVSO will be available at this conference for those county veterans benefits counselors who are paid county employees who work at least 1000 hours per year.  An appropriation from the Michigan Legislature will cover most of the cost of attendance for county veteran’s benefits counselors in Michigan. If a county veterans benefits counselor would like information on attending the conference, please contact MACVC President, Garth Wootten as soon as possible. Mr. Wootten can be contacted by e-mail at wootteng@oakgov.com or by phone at (248) 858-0785

Veterans Day is a time to celebrate and honor the service of all U.S. military veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Today, we would like to take a moment to thank all of our members, elected and non-elected officials, friends and family who have served to protect our freedoms. Thank you, and happy Veterans Day, -Michigan Association of Counties