Oakland County SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) and local transit providers continue to offer “This Ride’s on Us” program for veterans.

Launched in June 2024, the “This Ride’s on Us” program offers free public transportation for veterans and their caregivers, for medical appointments, errands and visits to senior centers.

The program was initially set to end Sept. 30, 2024, but was extended through September 2025, thanks to an additional $530,000 grant from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

The goal of the program is to improve accessibility and quality of life for the county’s 53,000 veterans, more than half of whom are over 65, many with disabilities.

“This has already helped so many Oakland County veterans, and I’m thrilled that we can continue this vital service,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said in a news release.

“Our goal is to eliminate any barriers to transportation for our veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to us all.”

Local transit providers, including North Oakland Transportation Authority (NOTA), Western Oakland Transportation Authority (WOTA), People’s Express, and OPC Social & Activity Center, in partnership with SMART, will continue to provide the free rides.

Veterans and their caregivers can schedule rides by calling 248-419-7984 at least 72 hours in advance, and providing proof of service, such as DD214 discharge papers or a veteran ID.

For more information on the program, visit oakgov.com/veterans.

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency staff available to attend veterans events

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) staff members are available to attend and/or speak at events for veterans or events that involve veteran issues. To request MVAA staff to speak at an event, participate on a panel or present a session, staff a booth or table, provide brochures and information on health care, education, employment and other topics concerning veterans, or to have a veteran-focused event added to the MVAA website, fill out the event invitation form at: www.michigan.gov/mvaa/forms/event-invitation. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/mvaa/about-us/request-event.

Upcoming events

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Euchre from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27 and from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30 and Fish dinners from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Chef’s Choice Buffet from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 63 to host Shuffleboard from 6:45 to 10 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30, and Euchre from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at 8047 Ortonville Road. For more information, call 248-625-9912.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 377 to host Bingo from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28 and a Fish Fry from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at 4819 Mary Sue Ave. For more information, call 248-673-9301.

• Milford American Legion Post 216 to host Burger Nite from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at 510 W. Commerce Road, Milford. For more information, call 248-684-9919.

• Holly American Legion Dance Jam is from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at Holly VFW Post 5587, at 201 Airport Road, Holly. Live guest band Dumb and Dumber with Mike Nau. Dancing, refreshments, donations accepted to go to Tornado fund. Open to the public. For more information, call 810-348-9960.

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.