Michigan's first Veterans Affairs Agency is aiming to improve coordinated customer services for veterans to access state and federal benefits in Michigan.
Data show that Michigan’s nearly 700,000 veterans are not connecting with important services that state and federal agencies offer involving employment, health and education.
To correct the situation, Governor Rick Snyder last month approved $3 million to launch Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. Current State's Mark Bashore speaks with its first director, U.S. Army veteran Jeff Barnes.
Today on Current State: Newly elected 68th District Representative Andy Schor, Neighbors in Action features literacy non-profit Lansing RIF, a new report about arts in Michigan's economy, state leaders outline new initiatives for Michigan veterans, and remembering the old Stroh's Brewery.
Michigan Army National Guard Captain Amanda Falor is working on a master's degree in management. She says civilian employers sometimes find it difficult to understand her experiences in the military.
Credit Kevin Lavery / WKAR
CPT Amanda Falor is a logistics specialist with the 246th Transportation Battalion of the Michigan Army National Guard.
Credit Kevin Lavery / WKAR
Maj. General Gregory Vadnais commands the Michigan Army and Air National Guard. He believes the military has a responsibility to educate its own members and civilian employers about the abilities veterans bring to the workforce.
The military is a unique sub-culture of American life: it speaks in acronyms, it has its own justice system, and it places great responsibility on its members. Yet despite their high level of training, thousands of veterans who leave the military struggle to find a job. A new initiative in mid-Michigan is designed to bring warriors to the workplace.
