Lansing, Mich.-Michigan citizens required to file a Michigan Income Tax return may choose to donate a portion of their return to the Military Family Relief Fund by entering the contribution amount on the "Military Family Relief Fund" line of the MI-1040. The MFRF provides grants to qualifying families of military members of the Michigan National Guard and Reserve forces stationed in Michigan who are experiencing financial hardships as a result of an active duty deployment or a line of duty related injury or illness.

"The citizens of Michigan have been extraordinarily supportive of Michigan Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines and their families," said Maj. Gen. Thomas Cutler, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard. "The Michigan Income Tax 'check-off' option is a simple and highly tangible way for all of us to continue to show gratitude to these dedicated Citizen-Soldiers."

The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs encourages Michigan's military families to use the fund. "Our Soldiers serve with whole-hearted dedication and pride," said Cutler. "When our country called, they responded. Now it's our turn to respond and I sincerely hope that Michigan military families in need will accept this small token of our gratitude."

Three basic items are required to qualify for assistance:

• A copy of deployment orders issued by headquarters, or a military contact for verification in line of duty injury or illness cases
• Copies of bills/invoices/estimates/notices for expenses
• A completed DMVA application form 10-1 (Rev. 04/08)

The DMVA application form is available at the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website, www.michigan.gov/dmva by clicking on "Inside DMVA" and then, "Support our Troops," or by calling 1-866-271-4404.

Since the start of the program in 2004 nearly 400 Michigan military families have received a total of $702,000 in aid. In 2008, 100 families received $180,000 from the fund, the greatest amount in a single year since the program began.

In addition to the Michigan Income Tax return, donations may also be mailed to: Military Family Relief Fund, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, P.O. Box 30261, Lansing, MI 48909-7761.

Today, approximately 1,000 Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are deployed across the globe; however, as Michigan troops serve the nation, more than 90 percent of the Michigan Guard remains available and ready to respond to a state emergency including a terrorist event.

-End-