Dear Friend,

Michigan?s veterans and their families are the best of us, and we can never do enough to live up to the sacrifices they have made. ?That is why I proclaimed November as Veterans and Military Families Month to honor veterans, military families, and caregivers across Michigan.

To the family members, thank you for supporting your moms or dads, aunts or uncles, brothers or sisters, sons or daughters while on deployment. To the military and veteran caregivers who are relatives, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, thank you for your dedication to our wounded, ill, or injured veterans while balancing all your other commitments to your families, jobs, and communities. Your support is essential, and it is our responsibility to ensure you do not have to do it alone.

This month and every month, let?s honor the Air and Army National Guard members in Michigan for their service and celebrate their successes. Their service to our nation keeps us safe and secures our freedoms.

This past week, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist announced our administration?s plan to give every single veteran and active-duty member free lifetime access to our beautiful state parks. Our state is blessed with so many incredible natural resources and we know how beneficial nature can be for physical and mental well-being. I am proud to say that we will be just the third state in the nation to offer this benefit to our veterans and service members.

Today and every day, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is here to meet the needs of Michigan veterans. If you are a veteran, make sure you know the benefits and resources available to you by calling 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838) or visiting www.michigan.gov/MVAA. If you are a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online confidentially at www.veteranscrisisline.net.

We owe those who serve, their families, and their caregivers our gratitude, and I pledge to work hard to ensure they thrive. From investments in suicide prevention, to opening two new Michigan Veteran Homes, to granting free access to state parks, I am committed to their success just as they are committed to our country.

Sincerely,

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor