February 26, 2013
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Robert Williams, of Benton Harbor, and Barry Wood, of Hastings, to the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund board of trustees.
The seven-member board oversees trust fund expenditures and awards grants to eligible veterans and their families to relieve temporary, emergent financial crisis or hardship.
"Robert and Barry have displayed utmost commitment to Michigan veterans," said Snyder. "I appreciate their willingness to serve the Great Lakes State in these roles."
Williams is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1137 in Benton Harbor, which he joined in 1979. He has served as post adjutant/quarter-master for 15 years and has held various leadership positions on the local, state and federal levels. Williams served in the United States Army 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He will represent the Veterans of Foreign Wars and replaces James Pintar.
Wood is a member of the American Legion Lawrence J. Bauer Post 45 in Hastings, where he has held various leadership positions and served three terms as commander. He served six years in the United States Navy as a military intelligence analyst and 16 years in the United States Army as a military intelligence officer and chief warrant officer. Wood holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Hawaii Pacific University and a master's degree in public administration from Western Michigan University. He will represent the American Legion and replaces John Skinner.
Appointees will serve three-year terms that expire Feb. 25, 2016, and their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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