Miss Michigan USA recorded a special message for Women Veterans Recognition Day, according to a press release from The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

In honor of Women Veterans Recognition Day on June 12, Miss Michigan USA Alma Cooper recorded a special video message to share with Michigan’s 44,000 living women veterans.

Cooper is an active-duty Army officer and graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. She is a graduate of Okemos High School and is currently working towards a master’s degree in data science at Stanford University.

Women Veterans Recognition Day was made a state holiday to honor and recognize the contributions that women who served in the military have made since the Revolutionary War. June 12 is the anniversary of the Women Armed Forces Integration Act signed in 1948.

To view the video, visit www.michigan.gov/mvaa/news/2024/06/12/miss-michigan-usa-records-special-message-for-women-veterans-recognition-day">www.michigan.gov/mvaa/news/2024/06/12/miss-michigan-usa-records-special-message-for-women-veterans-recognition-day. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/mvaa.

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency staff available to speak at events

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) staff are available to attend events for veterans or that involve veterans’ issues. Staff are available to speak, participate on a panel or present a session, staff a booth or table, and provide brochures and information on health care, education, employment and numerous other topics concerning veterans. MVAA will also add veteran-focused events to the MVAA website. The event invitation form is at: www.michigan.gov/mvaa/about-us/request-event.

Upcoming events

• Independence Township to host Independence Fest at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 29, at Clintonwood Park, 6000 Clarkston Road, Independence Twp. The event includes the 14th Annual Veterans Celebration. Veterans ceremony at 11:30 a.m., complimentary lunch for veterans of all ages and spouses, noon to 1:30 p.m., additional guests are $5 per person. Live entertainment, car show and military museum. Registration required for lunch, military vehicle and classic car display at 248-625-8231.

• The Veterans Tribute of Oakland Township to host a free, outdoor, patriotic summer concert from noon until dusk Saturday, June 29 to celebrate Independence Day, at 5236 Adams Road, Oakland Township. The event will feature four live bands playing throughout the afternoon, and food vendors including an ice cream truck. Bring your own lawn chairs (and refreshments if desired). Admission is free and open to all. Parking is available at the Oakland Church and the Country Creek Commons Shopping Center, adjacent to the Veterans Tribute. For more information, visit vtotmi.org.

• Holly American Legion Post 149 to host Line Dancing Class at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 24, at 408 S. Saginaw. For more information, call Tina Thurlow at 810-348-1359.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 377 to host Bingo from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, at 4819 Mary Sue Ave. For more information, call 248-673-9301.

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Euchre from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, June 24 and from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday June 27, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Taco Tuesday Mexican Buffet from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 25; Broasted Chicken Buffet from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 26; and Fish dinners from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, June 28, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 63 to host Euchre from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at 8047 Ortonville Road. For more information, call 248-625-9912.

• LakePoint Community Church to host annual free veterans BBQ and family picnic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 7, at 1550 W. Drahner Road, Oxford. The Veteran’s Ministry would like to honor all veterans and their families. Music, food, and resources. For more information and to register, email Caryn Collier-Finch cmfinchy@yahoo.com.

The Oakland Press is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events.