Lt. Governor Gilchrist Joined Michigan National Guard Pass in Review Ceremony at Camp Grayling

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II joined the Michigan National Guard (MING) at Camp Grayling for the 2025 Memorial Pass in Review Ceremony.  
 
“Our service members and veterans represent the best of Michigan, stepping up every day to keep our families and communities safe,” said Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist. “I am honored to uphold the proud traditions of the Guard, remembering our fallen heroes and carrying forward the legacy they established. We are committed to supporting our service members, veterans and their families with the resources they need to thrive. Let’s keep working hard to break down barriers to employment, reduce the cost of higher education and deliver meaningful solutions that improve their lives.”  
 
The Memorial Pass in Review Ceremony is a time-honored tradition of the MING during which accomplishments of the previous calendar year are acknowledged, outstanding performers are recognized and deceased and fallen members of the MING are honored. Lt. Gov. Gilchrist reviewed the formation of troops along with U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).  
 
“We are deeply proud to honor our Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen who have served and continue to serve with unwavering dedication, both here at home and overseas,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the DMVA. “Their sacrifices are profound, and behind every Guard member stands a family whose support, patience and strength make that service possible. We recognize that the resilience and commitment of these families are vital to our success, and we are truly grateful for everything they do.” 
 
Investing in Michigan’s Military Families 

Governor Whitmer has made significant investments to grow economic opportunity, access to healthcare, and more for Michigan’s veterans, service members, and their families:

• Signed legislation lowering costs for families of disabled veterans by eliminating red tape and ensuring spouses can maintain property tax exemptions.  
• Expanded the National Guard tuition assistance program to cover spouses and dependents, lowering the cost of higher education for military families.   
• Removed barriers for veterans to get commercial driver’s licenses and signed a bill to help service members, veterans, and their dependents enter a licensed profession.   
• Launched the statewide outreach and advertising campaign “I Served. I Am a Veteran,” to engage veterans, collect their stories, and connect them to benefits.   
• Secured a new fighter mission at Selfridge, cementing Michigan’s leadership in national security and the defense industry.  
• Stood up the National All-Domain Warfighting Center at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center and the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center providing training in land, air, maritime and cyber environments.