SENATE DISTRICT 36TOLL FREE 855.347.8036

E-MAIL senjstamas@senate.michigan.gov

VISIT www.SenatorJimStamas.com

Dear Veterans,

On Memorial Day, our nation honors our fallen heroes. Because of their selfless service and sacrifice, we live in a nation that is a shining beacon of hope across the world.

We know that this great nation will always rise to whatever is necessary to help preserve liberty. Doing so is simply a part of our heritage, our culture and our collective American consciousness.

I am immensely proud to have served our country in the U.S. Army and Michigan National Guard, and I would like to give a heartfelt “thank you” to all veterans who have served admirably. I greatly appreciate everything our veterans have done for us.

How deep our gratitude ought to be toward the brave citizens who have served our country in conflicts. By now it should be painfully clear that freedom isn’t free. It comes at a high price. Thank God so many millions of Americans have been willing to pay that price.

Let there be no doubt about the valor of veterans who rest in our nation’s cemeteries at home and abroad, and to the veterans who are still making contributions to our society.

Thank you for your time and if I can ever be of service, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

S TAT E S E N AT O R

JIM STAMAS 2018 MEMORIAL DAY

A Grateful Nation Remembers

STATE SENATOR JIM STAMAS • Toll-Free: 855.347.8036

MICHIGAN HONORS U.S. ARMED FORCES

Under Michigan law, the flag of each branch of service is flown over the state Capitol on the service founding date.

The commemoration dates are:

US Army – June 14US Coast Guard – Aug. 4US Air Force – Sept. 18

US Navy – Oct. 13US Marine Corps – Nov. 10

DONATIONS TO VETERANS HOMES

Many people are interested in finding a way to give back to our veterans. The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette accept donations to help their members. Contributions are used to provide veterans with special activities, entertainment and outings. The funds also

help purchase dentures, eyeglasses, hearing aids and other necessities for veterans who cannot afford them.

Visit www.michiganveterans.com/p/Donate-to-Homes for more information.

STAMAS REMINDS VETERANS OF SPECIAL DESIGNATIONMichigan offers a special designation for honorably discharged veterans on driver’s licenses and state IDs. The designation allows veterans to take advantage of discounts and services available to them from many businesses.

There is no additional charge when applying for an original or renewal Michigan license or state ID card. If added at another time, the standard correction fee applies. Please visit www.michigan.gov/sos and click on Driver’s License & State ID to find more information, including details on required documentation.

The Legislature has worked to revise state laws over recent years to help Michigan veterans transfer their skills and training to the civilian world. The changes allow military experience in certain fields to count toward qualifications for occupational licenses. Licensing fees are also waived for certain occupations and levels of experience. More information on professional and trade licensing is available at www.michiganveterans.com; click on the Employment option.

In addition, the Michigan Works! program offers services to veterans. Visit www.michiganworks.org or call 800-285-WORKS to find the closest service center near you.

RESOURCES TO HELP VETERANS USE THEIR TRAINING TO FIND JOBS

E-Mail: senjstamas@senate.michigan.gov • VISIT: www.SenatorJimStamas.com

MICHIGAN SENATE REMEMBERS

VETERANS BENEFITS AND SERVICES PUBLICATIONThis booklet for Michigan military veterans and their families provides information about benefits and services available through federal, state and local agencies.

Please contact my office for a print copy or visit my website to access the online version.

STAMAS SUPPORTS BILLS TO ADD WORLD WAR II LEGACY MEMORIAL TAX CHECKOFF Michigan played a pivotal role during World War II. Along with the 620,000 residents who served in the armed forces, America’s “Arsenal of Democracy” served as the industrial center of the war effort.

I recently backed legislation to support an effort to honor the Michigan residents who served in military roles or on the home front during the Second World War. Senate Bills 816 and 817 would add an income tax checkoff for taxpayers to voluntarily contribute to the Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial Fund. Set to be built in southeast Michigan, the memorial will pay tribute to Michigan’s heroes and educate future generations about their stories and sacrifices.

The bills have been sent to the House for consideration.

Each year a special Senate Memorial Day service pays tribute to our fallen servicemen and women. This solemn tradition

ensures the legacy of their sacrifice and service is never taken for granted or forgotten. The occasion also recognizes the

families of the fallen.

The May 24, 2018 ceremony marks the 24th anniversary of this event.

VIETNAM MEMORIAL HONORS MICHIGAN’S 2,651 FALLEN

The Michigan Vietnam Veterans Monument honors state residents who served and died in the Vietnam War. The monument lists the names of the fallen by county in alphabetical order on 15 lighted plaques made of brushed steel. It is located in Michigan Veterans Memorial Park, adjacent to the Michigan Hall of Justice on Allegan St. in Lansing.

Sales of a specialty license plate featuring silver dog tags and the reminder, “Lest We Forget,” provide support for the memorial monument.

VETERAN-FRIENDLY SCHOOLS ASSIST STUDENT VETS Student veterans and dependents have a one-stop resource to help them choose from the more than 65 colleges, universities and training facilities committed to support their academic and transitional needs.

The Veteran-Friendly School program, created by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, recognizes schools offering services such as programs to award credit based on prior military training and experience, active student veterans clubs, support staff and more.

Schools are awarded bronze-, silver- or gold-level status according to the number of services offered to student veterans.

Visit the website at www.MichiganVeterans.com and click on Education at the top for more information.