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February 17, 2023
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed Feb. 17, 2023, Hidden Heroes Day in Michigan, recognizing the essential role of family members, friends and other caregivers who care for wounded and ill service members and veterans.
In conjunction with National Caregiver Day, recognized on the same day, Hidden Heroes Day encourages communities throughout the state to become "Hidden Hero Communities" by creating supportive environments and opportunities for military and veteran caregivers.
“Veteran caregivers play a crucial role in supporting those that have served us,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Every day, they work tirelessly to meet the physical and emotional needs of their loved ones, sometimes at a personal cost to themselves. I encourage communities across the state to do all they can to provide welcoming and supportive environments for these caregivers. Today, we recognize and honor the work of these Hidden Heroes.”
There are more than 5.5 million veteran caregivers across the U.S. Many of them are spouses, parents, children and friends who don’t consider themselves caregivers, but they play an essential role to ensure veterans are able to live better quality lives. They act as nurses, pharmacists and schedulers – often spending more than 40 hours a week filling in these indispensable roles for their loved ones.
“The caregivers who support our service members and veterans are essential,” said Adam Hollier, director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. “We are so grateful that they are willing to serve daily without thank you’s or fanfare. Today, we are saying thank you for your service and sacrifice.”
Anne Zerbe, executive director of Michigan Veteran Homes, noted that the caregivers at the state’s veteran homes – many of them volunteers – provide around-the-clock care for Michigan veterans.
“Our dedicated team of nurses, caregivers, therapists and volunteers provide compassionate care to our state’s veterans at our homes in Grand Rapids, Marquette and Chesterfield Township,” said Anne Zerbe, executive director of Michigan Veteran Homes. “Their commitment, professionalism and resilience has never wavered, ensuring the safety of our members and providing companionship when they need it most. These Hidden Heroes deserve our gratitude and support.”
For more information on resources and caregiver stories, visit Hidden Heroes - Join and Support Military Caregivers.
View the proclamation: February 19, 2023: Hidden Heroes Day.
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LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer called actively deployed members of the Michigan Army National Guard (MIARNG) and Michigan Air National Guard (MIANG) to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving.
LANSING, Mich. — On November 25, the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center (Alpena CRTC) will showcase its newly repaired primary runway which supports military and commercial aircraft operations with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
LANSING, Mich. — The U.S. Army National Guard (ARNG) has started the installation of stormwater treatment chambers at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center to remove per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from stormwater before it reaches Lake Margrethe.
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has announced two leadership changes across the Michigan National Guard. These changes reflect our commitment to excellence and the continued advancement of our organization under the guidance of exceptional leaders.
On October 26, approximately 120 Soldiers assigned to the Michigan Army National Guard’s 1463rd Transportation Company, based out of Battle Creek, will gather with their families and invited guests at Lakeview Middle School in Battle Creek as they prepare to depart for their deployment to the Southwest Border to support the federal law enforcement mission.
The Michigan National Guard (MING) will offer students a look at rewarding career paths in engineering, cyber, medical, chemical response, military police and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations during MiCareerQuest Southwest on October 22-23, 2024 at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake St., Kalamazoo.
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer thanked the Michigan National Guard on the ground in Florida helping communities impacted by Hurricane Milton. CH-47 Chinook helicopters and several support crew from Bravo Company, 3-238th General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB), Michigan Army National Guard (MIARNG), arrived in Florida on Tuesday ahead of the hurricane making landfall. As part of the ongoing emergency response mission to support areas impacted by severe flooding, the MIARNG will assist federal and local authorities.
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan National Guard (MING) Ishpeming Armory will host a Parc Exposé for the Lake Superior Performance Rally (LSPR) on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 8-8:45 a.m. Competitor cars will be on display and spectators will be able to see the cars and interact with competitors.
LANSING, Mich. — Approximately 40 Soldiers assigned to the Michigan Army National Guard’s 1436th Engineer Company, 507th Engineer Battalion, based out of Montague, who were mobilized to South Carolina on October 4, arrived in Burnsville, North Carolina on October 7 to help impacted communities in the wake of Hurricane Helene. As part of the ongoing emergency response mission to support areas impacted by severe flooding, the Michigan Army National Guard Soldiers will assist federal and local authorities with debris removal and road clearing.
LANSING, Mich. — Michigan will hold its fourth annual Military & Veterans Gala Nov. 2 from 6 – 11 p.m. at the L.V. Eberhard Center located at 301 Fulton St. W, Suite 210 in Grand Rapids. The formal event is a celebration of Michigan’s National Guard members, veterans and advocates.
