August 12, 2026
Left to right: MVH nurse Susannah LaCombe, Army veteran Todd Codd, MVAA director Terry Sabo and Navy veteran Gerry Bathurst
LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) director Terry J. Sabo and deputy director Todd Butler spent four days in the western Upper Peninsula (UP) meeting directly with veterans and the organizations that serve them, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to bringing veteran services and resources into communities across Michigan.
The July 29 - Aug. 1 visit included meetings with veteran service providers, town halls with veterans and their families, a visit to the Oscar G. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, time with residents of the Michigan Veteran Homes (MVH) D.J. Jacobetti and a fishing event that connected veterans with community supporters.
“Veterans should not have to travel across the state or navigate a complicated system alone to find the benefits and services they have earned,” Sabo said. “Our job is to meet veterans where they are, listen to what they need and make sure they know we are here to serve them. The relationships we build during visits like this are critical to that mission.”
The tour began Wednesday, July 29, with Veteran Community Action Team (VCAT) Region 1 meeting in Iron Mountain, followed by visits to the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center and the Dickinson County VA Office. Sabo and Butler met with local partners to discuss the challenges facing veterans in the region and how state, federal and local organizations can work together to address them.
The agency leaders continued their community outreach Thursday, July 30, with a Meet the Directors Coffee Hour and Town Hall at VFW Post 3673 in Bessemer. Veterans and their families had the opportunity to ask questions, share their experiences and discuss issues affecting veterans in the UP.
“These conversations are invaluable because no one understands the needs of a community better than the veterans who live there,” Butler said. “We heard directly from veterans about what is working, where they are encountering challenges and where we can do more. Those conversations help shape how we deliver services throughout Michigan.”
On Friday, July 31, Sabo and Butler traveled to Marquette for another Meet the Directors Coffee Hour and Town Hall at the American Legion Post 44 in Marquette. They also attended the MVH D.J. Jacobetti Fish Fry to spend time with veterans, families and staff at the facility.
MVAA director Sabo participates in the South Shore Fishing Association Veteran's Fishing Day with fellow veterans
The tour concluded Saturday, Aug. 1, with the South Shore Fishing Association Veteran's Fishing Day event in Marquette. Veterans spent the day fishing alongside volunteer captains and community supporters, creating opportunities for camaraderie and connection outside of traditional veterans services.
Sabo said events such as the fishing trip are an important reminder that supporting veterans goes beyond connecting them with benefits and programs.
“Sometimes the most meaningful thing we can provide is an opportunity to connect — to get outside, spend time with other veterans and know that your community has your back,” Sabo said. “The generosity of organizations like the South Shore Fishing Association demonstrates what is possible when communities come together to support those who served.”
The western UP visit is part of the MVAA’s broader effort to strengthen relationships with veterans and veteran service organizations throughout the state. The MVAA works with county veteran service offices, veteran service organizations, health care providers and community partners to help Michigan veterans and their families access the federal, state and local benefits and resources available to them.
“Michigan has more than 486,000 veterans, and they live in every corner of our state,” Sabo said. “Whether they are in Detroit, Marquette, Iron Mountain or a small community in between, our veterans deserve to know that the MVAA stands with them.”
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency – The MVAA is the central coordinating agency, providing support, care, advocacy and service to veterans and their families. As a state agency, the MVAA works to identify and break down barriers veterans face in employment, education, health care and quality of life, to make Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call home. More information about the MVAA is available at Michigan.gov/MVAA or by reading our FY25 Annual Report.
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