Our men and women in uniform honorably serve our state and nation every day. It is our duty to provide veterans, service members, and their families? the opportunities and support they need to thrive. From programs to assist with healthcare, housing, and good- paying jobs, to improving? facilities that service members rely on, my administration is taking action to recognize the sacrifices of the veterans and service members in our state.??
Today and every day, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) 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) to reach the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center.??
Earlier this month, I September 16, 2022, as POW/MIA Recognition Day to remember and honor the returned U.S. Prisoners of War (POWs) and all Americans still captured, unaccounted for, or missing in action (MIA). The families, friends, and communities of these men and women all live with uncertainty regarding their fate, and we must be unrelenting in our pursuit to bring them home. I encouraged all Michiganders to remember and honor the incredible sacrifices made by these service members on behalf of their state and nation.?
Veteran suicide remains a persistent problem in Michigan and nationwide, and we must use every resource and tool we have to protect the lives of our former service members. That?s why I was proud to announce a $1.2 million investment that will expand funding for suicide prevention efforts in Michigan and build on the ongoing efforts of the MVAA to keep veterans and their families safe and healthy. This significant investment in veteran suicide prevention programs will improve the health and well-being of Michigan?s more than 550,000 veterans and their families. This represents likely the largest investment in veteran suicide prevention outreach in Michigan history, according to available data. The brave men and women who fought for our country deserve our strong support in both our words and actions. I will work with anyone to ensure that they have high-quality mental and physical health care and economic and educational opportunities. ?
If you?re 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.?
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II joined the Community Bankers of Michigan (CBM), Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), and MVAA to highlight Michigan students from military families who are receiving scholarships to pursue higher education. CBM members have raised more than $100,000 in funding, or $5,000 scholarships for 20 Michigan students, through Folds of Honor, a national nonprofit that provides scholarships to spouses and children of America's fallen and disabled service members. ?
 I am proud to celebrate these scholarship awards alongside , CBM, and MVAA. Scholarships afford people the opportunity to go to college, and I know the difference these resources make for these students whose family members have given so much to our nation. I am committed to giving Michigan students the tools they need to thrive, and to supporting Michigan veterans and their families.?
I proclaimed September 25th as Gold Star Mother?s and Family?s Day to recognize the families who have lost a loved one in uniform. Michiganders will always remember our heroes, and we will work together to support our Gold Star mothers and families.?
Our state and our nation are indebted to our men and women in uniform and their families, and we are safer and stronger because of their selfless service and sacrifices.?
 Gretchen Whitmer
Governor of Michigan
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