Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) in partnership with the University of Michigan-Dearborn announced the placement of the first MVAA veterans service officer (VSO) housed on a university campus supporting military veterans and their families, according to a press release. MVAA Director Brian L. Love made the announcement from the UM-Dearborn campus.

A VSO is a subject matter expert trained and accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to guide veterans and their families through the process of applying for VA benefits. These specially trained professionals also provide veterans and their families with additional information for available federal, state, and local resources.

“Michigan is home to more than 516,000 veterans and nearly 33% call southeast Michigan home,” said MVAA Director Brian L. Love. “The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is proud to have the first MVAA veteran service officer in the state located on a university campus in southeast Michigan and look forward to a successful partnership with UM-Dearborn.”

Air Force veteran and UM-Dearborn graduate, Steven Strzelecki, VSO for southeast Michigan, will meet veterans by appointment only and will be on campus Monday through Thursday. Veterans are encouraged to set up an appointment with Strzelecki by emailing StrzeleckiS@Michigan.gov or calling 1-800-MICH-VET.

For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/mvaa/news.

Holly Area Veteran Resource Center honors Holly Hometown Heroes

There are 46 yellow ribbons around the Oak Tree in front of Holly Elementary. Those ribbons represent Holly people in the service. Residents are welcome to submit the names of local people who are going into the service or coming home. Holly Area Veterans Resource Center will hold a ceremony at the tree for each serviceperson. For more information, call Mike Patterson at 248-535-5460. Veterans interested in Peer Groups starting in September, contact Joe at 810-348-9960 or Katrina at 810-623-8002.

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency staff available for veteran-focused events

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency staff are available to attend and/or speak at events for veterans or that involve veteran issues. Staff are available to attend and/or speak at events, 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.

In addition, organizations may add their veteran-focused event to the MVAA website by filling out the form at www.michigan.gov/mvaa/forms/event-invitation, with information about the event such as date, time, location and expected number of attendees. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/mvaa/about-us/request-event.

Oakland County Veterans ride free

Oakland County Veterans Services, in collaboration with the Oakland Transit division, began in June to provide free transportation to any location in Oakland County through Aug. 31. Participating transit providers include SMART, WOTA, NOTA, OPC, and People’s Express (PEX). To schedule a trip, call 248-419-7984, at least 72 hours in advance. A DD214 or equivalent Driver’s license with veteran’s designation is required for all Oakland County Veterans. For more information, visit Oakgov.com/veterans.

Upcoming events

• Clarkston American Legion Post 377 to host Bingo from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 4819 Mary Sue Ave. For more information, call 248-673-9301.• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Taco Tuesday Mexican Buffet from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 27; Chef’s Choice Buffet from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, and Fish dinners from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, 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, Aug. 31, at 8047 Ortonville Road. For more information, call 248-625-9912.

• White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery to host the 6th Annual Patriots Race at 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at 621 W. Long Lake Road in Troy. The event, which raises funds for the Michigan Wounded & Returning Warriors Project, includes a 10K/5K Run and a 1 Mile Walk. Participants can register online at https://thepatriotsrace.com to secure an early bird discount. For more information, visit www.whitechapelcemetery.com.

• Oakland County Veterans Services, Oakland County Parks and Forgotten Harvest will host a Veterans Food Distribution from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 12, at Lyon Oaks Golf Course. 52221 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Register to pick up free food and learn about what Oakland County Veterans Services has to offer, at www.eventbrite.com/e/veterans-food-distribution-event-september-event-tickets-884341718887?aff=oddtdtcreator. For more information, Tyrone Jordan at jordant@oakgov.com 248-285-8016.

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.