In support of its state and federal missions, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs sponsors several youth programs. The Michigan Freedom Academy, for high school juniors, teaches the value and responsibility of freedom. The STARBASE program enriches science and math for at-risk youth through exciting hands-on activities. Young Heroes presents medals to youngsters who demonstrate courage in the face of life-threatening illness or injury. Complimenting other existing programs, the Drug Demand Reduction Program works to reduce the demand for drugs.

Within the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, there are four main components.

Michigan Army National Guard

The Michigan Army National Guard consists of a state headquarters and five major commands, which are divided into units located throughout the state. Within these units can be found soldiers of nearly every specialty, including Infantry, Armor, Field Artillery, Military Police, Signal, Quartermaster, Engineers, Transportation, Ordnance, Aviation, Personnel, Finance, and Medical.

The Michigan Army National Guard operates the Camp Grayling Maneuver Training Center, one of the largest National Guard training facilities in the country, and Fort Custer, near Battle Creek, which is home to the Regional Training Institute.

Michigan Air National Guard

Three Air National Guard Bases and a state headquarters make up the Michigan Air National Guard. The Battle Creek Air National Guard Base is home to the A-10 Thunderbolt II ("Warthog"). Both F-16 Fighting Falcons and C-130E Hercules aircraft are based at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which is also home to members from many branches of the service--Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Phelps Collins Air National Guard Base has no aircraft assigned, but is home to the Alpena Combat Readiness Center, a premier training facility used by National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and active duty Air Force personnel.

Veterans Affairs Directorate

The Veterans Affairs Directorate oversees state supported and state resourced veterans facilities and programs. These include two state veterans homes, the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, and state grants to veterans service organizations.

United States Property and Fiscal Office

The focal point for all federal funds and equipment allocated to the Army and Air National Guard for the State of Michigan is the United States Property and Fiscal Office.

To read more about the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs follow this link.