Community Outreach and Regional Engagement
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November 14, 2025
DETROIT, Mich. On Saturday, Nov. 8, the 2025 Michigan Military and Veterans Gala drew more than 350 military service members, veterans and their families to honor both those who have served our state and nation and those who advocate on their behalf. Held in downtown Detroit, this year's ceremony honored the following:
2025 Commanders Group Michigan Veteran of the Year: Kimberly Napoleon
Brian Love, director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency; Kimberly Napoleon and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
About award: Presented to the Michigan veteran who has contributed the most to benefit veterans and their families, including their service as a member of a veteran organization and their work in their community.
About awardee: Ms. Napoleon is a proud U.S. Army veteran who served from 1987 to 1996, supporting major operations including Just Cause, Desert Shield and Desert Storm as a purchasing agent. A trailblazer in veteran leadership, she made history in 2024 as the first female Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Michigan, leading the department to All-American recognition during its 125th anniversary year. She currently serves as Michigan’s National Legislative Committee Member and Vice Chairwoman of the VFW National Legislative Service Committee, advocating for veterans’ priorities on Capitol Hill. Ms. Napoleon is also a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and several Black veteran organizations. Deeply committed to service, she has held multiple leadership and mentoring roles in veteran and community programs, including suicide prevention and veterans’ justice initiatives. Just a few months ago, she was appointed by Gov. Whitmer to the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Board of Trustees.
2025 Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) Employee of the Year: Shawn George
About award: Presented to the DMVA employee who has demonstrated excellence in the performance of their job duties in serving the veterans who served our country with honor.
About awardee: Shawn George works at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base and consistently exceeds expectations as the lead maintenance mechanic for the 110th Civil Engineer Squadron. His exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in ensuring the operational readiness of the base, directly impacting the Wing's ability to execute its vital MQ-9 and U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces in Africa missions. As the lead for a 12-person maintenance team, Mr. George is responsible for the upkeep and functionality of property and equipment in 38 buildings across 315 acres. This includes preventative maintenance, repairs and responding to emergent issues. Mr. George was unable to attend the 2025 Michigan Military and Veterans Gala. The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs accepted the award on his behalf.
2025 Michigan Army National Guard Recruiter of the Year: Sergeant First Class Brad Plaska
Lt. Col. Richie Sands; Sergeant First Class Bradley Plaska; Chuck Cogger, board president of the Association of the U.S. Army, Arsenal of Democracy Chapter and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
About award: Presented to the recruiter who has achieved the most enlisted accessions in the state for the production year.
About awardee: Sergeant First Class Bradley Plaska finished fiscal year 2025 with 31 enlistments, ranking him 18th in the nation out of more than 2,000 recruiters.
2025 Outstanding Michigan Air National Guard Recruiter of the Year: Technical Sergeant Ashley Emswiler
Brig. Gen. Daniel Kramer, assistant adjutant general and commander of the Michigan Air National Guard; Chief Master Sergeant Jenny R. Balabuch, Michigan Air National Guard State Command Chief Master Sergeant; Technical Sergeant Ashley Emswiler; Captain Matt Eibl; Senior Master Sergeant Jeffery Koss and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
About award: Presented to the recruiter who has achieved the most accessions in the state for the production year.
About awardee: Technical Sergeant Emswiler distinguished herself with exceptional meritorious service while assigned as a production recruiter and retainer, at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Over the past year, her exemplary ability, diligence and devotion to duty were instrumental factors in the accession of 45 members into the Michigan Air National Guard, which was 220% percent of her assigned annual goal. Technical Sergeant Emswiler’s efforts enabled the 127th Wing to achieve manning goals and mission accomplishment.
2025 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Employee of the Year: Raylea Carr
Brian L. Love, director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency; Raylea Carr, Lansing VA Clinic and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
About award: Presented to the VA employee who has demonstrated excellence in the performance of their job duties in serving veterans.
About awardee: Raylea Carr is a healthcare provider at the Lansing VA Clinic and has provided above and beyond care to all veterans she comes in contact with. Ms. Carr is selfless and provides integral healthcare needs. She makes patients feel comfortable at their appointments, asks questions and stays up to date with their care.
2025 Veteran-Friendly Volunteer of the Year: Volunteers at Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township
Brian L. Love, director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency; Hilary Kuretich, volunteer and donations coordinator; Samantha Brooks, director of activities; Shannon Burgess, activity therapy aid and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
About award: Presented to a non-veteran Michigan volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding service and impact to the veteran or military community and/or a veteran organization through giving their time, passion and serving those who served our nation.
About awardees: Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township (MVHCT) has more than 200 volunteers who work regular weekly or monthly schedules to ensure veteran members receive consistent support and engagement. These volunteers have donated more than 7,200 hours of their time to improve the quality of life for MVHCT members. Volunteers assist with outings and activities, visit members one-on-one in their rooms through the Care Share Buddy program, and provide support through No Member Dies Alone when a member is nearing end of life. The Chesterfield volunteers also host three large group activities Monday through Friday and two weekend programs each week. These volunteers are vital for transporting members to and from programs, as well as offering support and companionship during events and outings. Accepting the award on behalf of the volunteers at the MVHCT are Hilary Kuretich, volunteer and donations coordinator; Samantha Brooks, director of activities and Shannon Burgess, activity therapy aid.
2025 Community Outreach and Regional Engagement (CORE) Award: Frank Lombard
About award: Presented to the individual with the CORE initiative who has demonstrated excellence in engaging, reaching and serving veterans in their region through proactive efforts in outreach and connecting veterans to the resources and benefits earned in service
About awardee: Frank Lombard works with the Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress to help the veteran population in the 15 counties he serves. He has worked with 211 to determine the needs of Upper Peninsula veterans, specifically with dental care. In only a few days, Mr. Lombard completed a grant application and received a grant for $125,000 to conduct surveys and forums to develop a report on the state of oral health for UP veterans. Additionally, he has organized four veteran oral health forums with great success. Mr. Lombard was unable to attend the 2025 Michigan Military and Veterans Gala and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency accepted the award on his behalf.
2025 Veteran Service Provider of the Year: Maureen Adams
Brian L. Love, director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency; Maureen Adams, veteran service officer in Berrien County and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
About award: Presented to the veteran service provider who has demonstrated noteworthy impact on our veteran population in connecting to benefits, employment, education, healthcare, quality of life and/or innovative programming.
About awardee: Ms. Maureen Adams is a veteran service officer in Berrien County. She has expanded services offered to veterans and their families including annual Stand Down events for more than 200 veterans. The Dine and Discover events she implemented provide important veteran information along with a meal. The Vietnam War-era Veterans celebration attracted a large crowd of veterans and community members. A booth at the Berrien County Fair reached out to veterans who would not normally go to the office.
2025 National Guard Volunteer Award: Gary Tanner
Gary Tanner and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
About award: Presented to individual that exemplifies the true meaning of the purple concept within the National Guard Family Readiness Program.
About awardee: Gary Tanner is a U.S. Army veteran who's outstanding efforts with the Wounded and Returning Warrior Program of the American Legion Department of Michigan have been exceptional and shown support for both Army and Air National Guard members, veterans and their families throughout Michigan. He epitomizes the spirit of collaboration and unity among the American Legion and Michigan National Guard.
