1. 1
Annual Report 2015
MICHIGAN VETERANS AFFAIRS AGENCY
2015 Striving to make Michigan the most
veteran-friendly state in the nation.
ANNUAL REPORT

3. 1
Annual Report 2015
Who Are Michigan Veterans? 5
Why increasing the GDX matters to Michigan veterans 6
Supporting Veterans Where They Live 7
VCATS provide “no wrong door” for veterans 7
County and coalition partnerships lead to veterans getting benefits faster 8
MVAA county grants expand local services to veterans 8
Aiding At-Risk Veterans 9
800-MICH-VET answers the calls 24/7 9
MVTF and MiVHAP: Responding to emergency needs 10
Helping incarcerated veterans get a fresh start 11
Americorps VRNs assisting veterans in urban areas 11
Ensuring Transitioning Veterans Succeed 12
VA benefits provide education assistance 12
Improving student veteran graduation rates 12
Recognizing Michigan’s best schools for veterans 13
Veteran Education Initiative improves veterans educational experience 14
Employing Veterans Strengthens Michigan’s Economy 15
Recognizing the value of veteran talent in the workforce 15
Recruiting, hiring, retaining veteran talent in Michigan 15
Be a leader: Become an MVAA Veteran-Friendly Employer 16
Veterans can fast track military service to degrees, certificates 17
Military service experience can expedite civilian licensing 17
Improving Quality of Life for All Ages in All Stages 18
New veteran health challenges require long-term options 18
A long history of providing long-term care 18
Educating law enforcement abouts veterans and PTS 19
Protecting veterans’ rights to use service animals 19
Removing barriers to mental health care 20
Connecting veterans to mental health information, providers 20
Ensuring all Michigan veterans are taken care of 21
Providing services and resources in one location 21
Partnering with SOS to support, promote Michigan veterans 22
Working with DNR to help veterans celebrate July Fourth 22
Helping 100 percent disabled veterans 22
Helping justice-involved veterans 23
Ending veteran homelessness 23
Moving Forward In The Quest To Be The Most Veteran-Friendly 24
TABLE OF CONTENTS

4. 2
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
VALUES
• Inclusion – Seek collaborative solutions and results
• Integrity – Always do the right thing
• Transparency – Don’t mislead or conceal
• Innovation – Create and seek opportunities to demonstrate continuous improvement
• Respect – Treat everyone as you would like to be treated
• Service – Provide an excellent customer service experience
LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
• Be a problem solver
• Take ownership and pride in what you do
• Remember the service and sacrifice of those who served
MISSION
To serve as the central coordinating point, connecting those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and their
families, to services and benefits throughout Michigan.
VISION
For Michigan to be the most veteran-friendly state by:
• providing the advice and assistance veterans need as they transition through the chapters of their lives
• creating a “no wrong door” customer service culture
• advocating for and on behalf of veterans and their families

5. 3
Annual Report 2015
I am pleased to present the 2015 Annual Report, which chronicles the agency’s
efforts to make Michigan the most veteran-friendly state.
Since MVAA was created in 2013, it has been our mission to connect those
who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and their families to the services and
benefits they earned during their time in uniform. MVAA works to identify and
break down barriers veterans face in employment, education, health care and
quality of life, making Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call
home.
We strive to do this by providing the advice and assistance veterans need as they
transition through every chapter of their lives, by creating a “no wrong door”
approach to outstanding customer service and by advocating for and on behalf of veterans and their families.
By working hand-in-hand with the federal VA, other state departments and county and community partners,
MVAA is making it easier for Michigan’s veterans and their families to find the benefits and services that best fit
their needs. We have done so by introducing:
• Veterans Community Action Teams, which bring local service providers together to create a
comprehensive, collaborative network of resources for veterans.
• MVAA’s web portal, MichiganVeterans.com, where veterans and their families can find information and
resources online.
• The Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center, a first-of-its-kind, 24/7 hotline where – by calling
800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838) – veterans can access federal benefits, state services and local resources.
• The Michigan Veteran Health System, a strategic approach to providing long-term care for current veterans
while transitioning to meet future needs and services at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and the D.J.
Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.
Although we have made great strides, there is still much to be done on behalf of the men and women who
served this nation and now call the Great Lake State home.
Whether they hung up their uniform five months ago or 50 years ago, MVAA wants to make Michigan the
most veteran-friendly state for each and every one of our state’s 660,000 former service members. This annual
report is designed to provide a detailed picture of MVAA’s efforts to accomplish that goal.
Jeff S. Barnes
Director
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

6. 4
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

7. 5
Annual Report 2015
Korean Conflict
64,513
From the Civil War to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars,
Michigan veterans have served in every major American
conflict.
According to 2013 VA
population data, Michigan is
home to more than 660,000
veterans — the 11th largest
state veteran population
in the U.S. On average,
Michigan’s veteran population
is significantly older than the
state’s overall population. In fact, 72 percent of the state’s
veterans are 55 or older, compared to only 37 percent of all
state citizens.
Michigan also has the 14th largest women veteran
population in the nation, with nearly 50,000 women
veterans calling the state home.
The state’s women veterans tend
to be younger than their male
counterparts. While most of
Michigan’s male veterans are over
60, the majority of Michigan’s
women veterans are under 60.
More than 500,000 Michigan
veterans served during the
WWII, Korean, Vietnam and
the Gulf War eras.
More than 150,000 Michigan
veterans served during the Gulf War era, which the VA
breaks into two distinct categories — Pre-9/11 and Post-
9/11. More than 57 percent of Gulf War veterans served
prior to Sept. 11.
Compared to earlier service eras, a much larger proportion
of women veterans served during the Gulf War era (46.6
percent). While a majority of Michigan’s male veterans
served during the Vietnam War era (37.4 percent), most
of the state’s women veterans are recently transitioned
members of the Armed Forces.
72%Michigan veterans
aged 55 and older
11thLargest veteran
population – 660,773
Who are Michigan Veterans?
14thLargest women
veteran population.
242,562
WWII
41,278
Gulf War era
153,324
Michigan veterans served during
the Vietnam War era
6.7%of the state’s population
are veterans
Veteran population (#) by county

8. 6
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
The federal government provides a variety of benefits to
eligible veterans and uniformed service members as well as
their spouses, children and parents. These benefits include
disability compensation, pension, education and training
benefits, health care, home loans, life insurance and more.
Each year, the federal government publishes its Geographic
Distribution of VA Expenditures report, which provides
the estimated dollar expenditures in every state. The
GDX report helps Michigan policymakers assess whether
Michigan’s efforts are helping to connect eligible veterans
to their benefits and is divided into three main categories:
Compensation and Pension, Medical Care and Education
and Employment.
When the 2011 GDX figures were released, Michigan
ranked 53rd. On average, Michigan veterans received
Why increasing the GDX matters to Michigan veterans
$3,950 from the federal VA, prompting the creation of
MVAA to better connect veterans with their benefits. Since
then, GDX has increased by 3 percent in 2012 ($4,070)
and 25 percent in 2013 ($5,090). As of 2014, Michigan is
ranked 48th, and state veterans are receiving $1,750 more
from the VA.
This is money and services that directly benefit Michigan
veterans and their families. Many veterans are unaware of or
unable to access the benefits they have earned through their
service. Michigan veterans would have missed out on more
than $1 billion between 2012 and 2014 if the state had
continued to rank last in per capita GDX. Instead, MVAA
and its partners have encouraged veterans to access benefits
and resources, so they no longer have to forego treatment or
ration medications.
$2.16
$3.01
$0.35
2014 GDX broken down
Compensation and pension
Education and employment
Medical care
(in thousands of dollars)

9. 7
Annual Report 2015
92%formed alliances
with other VCAT
participants that
strengthen their
service capabilities.
80%served more
veterans.
85-90%
served
veterans
more
completely.
Providers reported the following
results from VCAT participation:
Supporting Veterans Where They Live
Throughout
Michigan,
there are
a number of resources
available to veterans
in need — but too
often, veterans simply
aren’t aware of those
services and providers
aren’t aware of each other.
In order to connect
service providers
at every level and
make it easier
for veterans to find assistance, MVAA has introduced
Veterans Community Action Teams in each of Michigan’s
10 Prosperity Regions. These VCATs address education,
employment, health care and quality of life issues veterans
and their families face.
VCAT membership is comprised of federal, state, local
and faith-based organizations that support veterans in the
communities where they live and work. VCATs focus on
identifying solutions for gaps in veteran services, reducing
duplication of efforts and simplifying connections with
local resources. This community-based system of care
for veterans and their families allow networks of service
providers to employ best practices, share information and
VCATS provide “no wrong door” for veterans
tools and connect more quickly with veterans in order to
serve them more completely.
The concept was developed in 2007 by Altarum Institute
after researchers observed the lack of familiarity that
families and community service providers had about
services and benefits available to military families. This led
to two pilot programs in San Antonio and San Diego which
have successfully operated for the past four years.
Michigan is the first state in the country to implement a
regional, community-based,
locally managed network of
veteran services statewide.
In just 26 months, nearly
1,000 individuals representing
hundreds of public and private
sector, federal, state, county
and local organizations have
joined the 10 VCATs.
To assist the VCATs with
coordination, MVAA
partnered with the Michigan
Association of Counties to hire
10 regional coordinators – one
in each region – to serve as an
extension of MVAA in the field
and support veterans programs
as they link to one another.
These 10 coordinators
have made more than 1,150 contacts in their efforts to
improve connectivity and coordination of services within
communities. They have also participated in more than
250 outreach events attended by nearly 8,500 veterans and
family members.
VCATs rally all community providers to one cause – to
implement the no wrong door philosophy in serving
veterans. The program is efficient and sustainable at low
cost because it organizes and mobilizes the communities’
providers to do more effectively together than what they
already do separately.
VCAT in Action
An abused female
veteran needed a place
to stay as well as store
her belongings. Within
24 hours of being
posted on Podio, an
online collaboration tool
used by the VCATs, one
VCAT partner picked
up her belongings and
put them into storage,
while a Salvation Army
provider picked her up
and provided her a place
to stay in their shelter.

10. 8
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
Veteran benefits counselors are the boots on the ground,
providing one-on-one assistance to veterans and their
families in all 83 of the state’s counties. They assist veterans
– free of charge – gathering information necessary to
support a claim, filing and tracking the claim through the
VA system and filing appeals for denied claims.
MVAA partners with the Michigan Veterans Coalition –
comprised of the American Legion, Disabled American
Veterans, Marine Corps League, Military Order of the
Purple Heart, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans
of Foreign Wars and Vietnam Veterans of America – and
the Michigan Association of County Veterans Counselors
to improve veteran access to assistance in their own
communities. These strategic partnerships have increased
the number of fully developed claims and the amount of
benefit dollars veterans receive.
Fully developed claims are processed more quickly
and, during FY 2015, came with an added bonus of one
additional year of benefits added to the veteran’s first check.
This meant veterans received help going forward as well
County, coalition partnerships getting veterans benefits faster
as retroactive assistance for the time their claim was being
considered. Five years ago, veterans had to wait up to two
years for their claim to be processed. Currently, the average
days pending for a disability claim is 90 days and 70 days for
a pension claim.
Prior to MVAA’s launch in 2013, only 7 percent of
submitted claims were fully developed. Michigan’s
percentage of fully developed claims submitted to the VA
was 57.1 percent in FY 2015 – up from 46.9 percent in FY
2014.
At county veterans service offices, veterans and their
families can file for federal benefits, learn about state and
local resources and much more. MVAA’s County Incentive
Grant and continuing education programs have helped
counties expand and improve services to veterans.
In FY 2015, MVAA awarded $240,000 in grants to 18
counties, resulting in the establishment of four county
departments of veterans affairs in Marquette, Montcalm,
Osceola and Crawford counties. This reduced the number
of counties without a local veteran service office to eight.
Prior to the start of MVAA’s county grant program in 2013,
only 55 of Michigan’s 83 counties were providing direct
MVAA county grants expand local service to veterans
services to veterans. That has increased to 75 counties
through the program.
The grants also increased the number of available accredited
county veteran counselors from 106 to 124. MVAA also
provided accreditation training for 15 county veteran
counselors and continuing education training to previously
accredited benefits counselors. This allowed county
counselors to provide an additional 20,974 hours of service
to veterans.
Grant funding has also allowed for technological upgrades.
Access to VetraSpec, an online veteran claims management
system, has allowed county governments to be more
effective and efficient in the claims process. Benefit claims
can now be conducted electronically, reducing processing
and wait times. Currently, 61 of Michigan’s 83 counties and
MVAA’s benefits counselors are utilizing VetraSpec to file
claims.
341,754
CLAIMS
HOURS OF
SERVICE
40,000
$6.6MILLION
to Michigan veterans and dependents
submitted
to the VA
received by Michigan
veterans and their families
MVAA
awarded
IN GRANTS
$240,00to 18 counties
NEW COUNTY
4 veteran affairs offices

11. 9
Annual Report 2015
A call from the veteran liaison at a local
hospital emergency room came in to
the MVRSC’s 24-hour toll-free hotline
after 9:30 p.m. on a weekend. A young
Marine, two years out of the service and
struggling to keep a job, had decided that
he had failed everything and everyone and was
openly talking about suicide. He was referred for
in-patient mental health treatment. The Marine was
ready to accept help but would not sign the consent
forms until he knew the challenges his family faced
– unpaid rent and utilities and a need for diapers,
food and childcare while his wife worked – would be
met. The MVRSC answered the call and, using the
resources available through a strategic partnership
with Michigan 2-1-1, made arrangements within 90
minutes to identify providers to resolve the family’s
needs and arranged transportation to appointments
the next day. Over the course of three days, MVRSC
and community partners including the regional
VCAT and the county veteran service office provided
relief for the veteran’s family and gave the veteran
the peace of mind he needed to accept treatment.
As he returned to health, he connected with the
accredited service officer who had personally
assisted his wife and children and enrolled in VA
benefits. Follow-up calls from the MVRSC ensure
that he continues to stay connected with programs
and services.
Aiding At-Risk Veterans
Veterans with questions or in crisis don’t look at the
clock – they look for solutions and find them through
the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center. The
MVRSC is the first statewide program in the nation to
offer 24/7/365 assistance to veterans and family members
by partnering with the Michigan-2-1-1 network, regional
veterans community action teams and accredited veteran
service officers. It is a one-stop program connecting
veterans to federal benefits, state programs and local
services through a toll-free phone number, 800-MICH-
VET (800-642-4838), that is answered by live call center
agents who are veterans or related to a veteran.
In its first year of operation, the MVRSC connected with
more than 65,100 veterans and family members – almost
10 percent of the state’s veteran population – who called,
emailed, walked into the office, enrolled in state veteran
programs or were referred by a legislative or congressional
office. MVAA’s partner, Michigan-2-1-1, assisted more
than 1,200 veterans who called after hours.
The MVRSC is a veteran care center that sticks with
a veteran as long as it takes to resolve all the issues the
veteran presents and works seamlessly with its partners to
provide services and resources.
800-MICH-VET answers the calls 24/7
SERVICE
MODEL
+ + + =
Michigan
Veteran
Resource
Service
Center
Michigan
2-1-1
VCAT
Members
Accredited
Veteran
Service
Officers
24/7/365
Support for
Michigan
Veterans
and Their
Families
MVRSC assists veteran needing
financial and medical stability

12. 10
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
A Gulf War Army veteran requested assistance with
reclaiming a home he lost through a fraudulent
land contract. After years of on-time payments,
the veteran learned the land contract he had
signed was invalid through a tax notice. The county
auctioned off the foreclosed property for back
taxes. The veteran bid on the property, but lost the
home to an investment company.
The veteran contacted the company about buying
back his home through a new land contract, which
was set at $40,000. The veteran requested down
payment assistance from MiVHAP, and when staff
contacted the company and told them they were
calling on behalf of a veteran, the owner dropped
the sale price to $20,000. MiVHAP paid $10,000
for the down payment and the veteran paid the
remaining balance and was able to reclaim his
home.
MiVHAP program keeps
veteran in his home From utility bills to home repairs to medical costs, the
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund offers combat-era veterans
and their families a way to overcome unexpected expenses
and get back on their feet financially. Since 1946, the
MVTF has been available to veterans who have served 180
days of active duty in a wartime era. Emergency grants are
awarded when an unforeseen situation creates a temporary
financial hardship. Applicants must be able to show they
will be able to meet future expenses after the grant is
approved.
The MVTF awarded nearly $1.7 million in grants in FY
2015, alleviating short-term financial emergencies for 1,489
veterans and their families.
MVAA also administers the Michigan Veterans
Homeowners Assistance Program, which provides financial
assistance to military service members and honorably
discharged veterans affected by the housing crisis.
MiVHAP was created in May 2013 when the Michigan
attorney general set aside $5 million in funds specifically for
service members and veterans.
Since the program began,
MiVHAP has helped
773 veterans stay in their
homes, make needed
repairs or restore a home
ownership opportunity
lost to foreclosure. In 2015,
more than $1.2 million was
distributed to 207 families.
This was the final year for
MiVHAP as funds have now
been depleted.
MVTF and MiVHAP:
Responding to
emergency needs

13. 11
Annual Report 2015
Working cooperatively with the Michigan Association
of United Ways, MVAA administers the AmeriCorps
Veteran Resource Navigator Program. This program
places VRNs with county and non-profit service agencies
where veterans and their families might seek assistance in
southeast Michigan, Grand Rapids and Muskegon. These
agencies include Red Cross, MIAT College of Technology,
Emmanuel House, Grand Valley State University, Grand
Rapids Women’s Resource Center, The Greening of Detroit,
Goodwill Industries, Southwest Housing Solutions and
Volunteers of America.
VRN members conduct daily outreach to veterans and
assist in making referrals to the appropriate organizations
and/or accredited veteran service officers in their
communities. In many cases, the VRNs are veterans
themselves.
In just its second year, Michigan’s 20 VRNs provided advice
and assistance to more than 7,200 veterans and eligible
family members.
Americorps VRNs assisting
veterans in urban areas
There are an estimated 4,000 veterans incarcerated in
Michigan correctional facilities. In cooperation with the
Michigan Department of Corrections, the Saginaw VA
Medical Center and the VA Regional Office in Detroit,
MVAA met with 118 incarcerated veterans to help them
connect with the benefits they are eligible to receive and
successfully reintegrate back into the community after their
release.
Twenty-nine veterans were awarded disability
compensation, four dependent families were assisted
through their sponsor’s benefits and 89 were provided
financial assistance to remedy adverse situations with the
VA and the VA Debt Management Center.
Helping incarcerated
veterans get a fresh start
Jeffrey, a 15-year Army veteran living at Emmanuel
House in Detroit, needed help obtaining
identification documents that had been stolen from
his house. He was homeless for six months because
he couldn’t cash his VA benefit checks without ID.
He also couldn’t receive medical treatment or pay
for his medicine to treat his PTS. He was referred
by the VA to Emmanuel House, where he met
AmeriCorps volunteer Chris.
Chris worked with Jeffrey for six months to
retrieve his identity documents. It was a long and
complicated process that involved obtaining a birth
certificate from Mississippi. From there, Jeffrey
was able to retrieve his Social Security card, which
enabled him to get a state ID, his DD-214, VA
medical card and cash his VA checks.
Thank to Chris’s help, Jeffrey is now medically and
financially stable and shuttling veterans to the VA for
appointments for Emmanuel House.
Emmanuel House VRN gets
veteran his identity back

14. 12
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
Ensuring Transitioning Veterans Succeed
VA education benefits include up to 48 months of financial
assistance for educational pursuits and can be put toward
tuition, fees, books and supplies and a monthly housing
allowance. In some cases, these benefits can also be
transferred to an eligible spouse or child.
Michigan’s student veteran population is growing, and the
state has a steady growth in utilization of GI Bill benefits.
In fact, more than 10,500 students are currently using
Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits in Michigan to obtain technical
certifications, associate and bachelor degrees, advanced
degrees and more.
VA benefits provide
education assistance
Michigan veterans are more likely to attend college than
their non-veteran counterparts — but less likely to graduate
due to difficulties accessing their GI Bill benefits when the
school year begins or frustration with duplicative courses
that overlap with their military training.
In order to ease the transition from the military to college
life, MVAA has developed two programs to foster continued
growth of the student veteran population and facilitate
utilization of the GI Bill: the Veteran-Friendly Schools
program and the Michigan Veteran Education Initiative.
Improving student veteran
graduation rates
MICHIGAN
FY 2013/14: Annual Average GI Bill Utilization Average Max
Total 12,865 16,309
Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act 8,909 11,487
Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty 1,065 1,845
Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve 669 892
Dependents Educational Assistance Program 1,036 1,374
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment 109 141
Reserve Educational Assistance Program 66 100
Annual average calculated using enrollment figures September through
August
The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act
of 2014 required all public colleges and universities to
offer in-state tuition and fees to all eligible individuals
by July 1, 2015. Under the Michigan Constitution, state
public institutions of higher learning are autonomously
governed and needed to adopt revised Choice Act
policies independently to be in compliance.
MVAA worked with the Michigan State Approving
Agency, VA Choice Act compliance staff and schools to
ensure all 43 public colleges and universities were in
full compliance with the Choice Act before the deadline
and that student veterans did not have their GI Bill
benefits interrupted.
Complying with the federal
Choice Act

15. 13
Annual Report 2015
The Michigan Veteran-Friendly Schools program
recognizes academic institutions of higher learning
committed to supporting the needs of student veterans and
dependents. The program awards gold-, silver- and bronze-
level status to institutions that offer veteran-centric services
and programs. Any institution of higher learning and/
or training facility in Michigan eligible to receive veteran
education benefits can apply for the program regardless of
size, location or program delivery.
In the program’s first year, 57 schools earned either bronze-,
silver- or gold-level status. A full listing of Veteran-Friendly
Schools can be found at MichiganVeterans.com.
Recognizing Michigan’s best schools for veterans
GOLD
28
SILVER
20
BRONZE
9
2015 Michigan
Veteran-Friendly Schools

16. 14
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
Veteran Education Initiative
improves veterans
educational experience
A partnership between MVAA, the Michigan College
Access Network and colleges and universities places veteran
resource representatives on college campuses throughout
the state to help student veterans succeed as they pursue an
education.
Through the Michigan Veteran Education Initiative, VRRs
provide outreach and assistance during the transition from
military to college life. VRRs are
assigned to 15 campuses across the
state to connect veterans to local,
state, federal and campus resources
and benefits, utilizing MVAA’s no
wrong door – philosophy. These
individuals are trained to provide
support and answer questions from
veterans, faculty and staff about
admissions, financial aid and other
many other topics.
VRRs also assisted disabled veterans and former service
members suffering from post-traumatic stress by connecting
them with existing programs for students with disabilities
at their colleges and universities. These programs improved
grades and student retention by accommodating their needs
such as additional test taking time for exams.
1. Northern Michigan University
2. North Central Michigan College
3. Mid-Michigan Community College
4. Kirtland Community College
5. Ferris State University
6. Grand Valley State University
7. Grand Rapids Community College
8. Spring Arbor University
9. Michigan State University
10. Lansing Community College
11. Baker College-Flint
12. Oakland Community College
13. Eastern Michigan University
14. Jackson College
15. MIAT College of Technology
Participating VEI Schools:
Back pay of benefits and
graduation now possible
A veteran was on her last month of
Montgomery GI Bill benefits, but still had three
months of school to complete before graduating in
May. The VRR helped the veteran drop her MGIB
benefits and apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, providing
her with 12 more months of benefits. The veteran
also received a check for more than $6,000 to make
up the difference between Montgomery and Post-
9/11 housing allowances.
89%of student veterans the
VRRs connected with
were full-time students
and 67% were in their
first year of enrollment.
STUDENT VETERANS
734
with federal benefits
and assisted
1,370STUDENT
VETERANS
VRRs connected withIn 2015
1
2
3
4
5
6 7
8 9
11
12
14 1513
10

17. 15
Annual Report 2015
Employing Veterans Strengthens Michigan’s Economy
Hiring veterans is tricky for many businesses. Some
employers gloss over the soft skills that military service
instills, looking instead for specific degrees and skillsets
which are often buried in military lingo that civilians
don’t understand. This failure to translate military skills
to civilian needs is the No. 1 barrier veterans face when
seeking civilian employment.
MVAA recognized education was needed for employers,
and in partnership with General Motors, Disney and
USAA, hosted the Disney Veteran Institute in June
2015. More than 350 employers heard from veterans on
their transition experiences to civilian employment; best
practices from Veteran-Friendly Employers; and Disney on
its Veterans Institute. While most attendees were human
resource professionals, some employers brought marketing
and leadership to the event to provide a complete picture
to staff on what it means to hire veterans.
To support ongoing employer education, MVAA
developed a guide: Veteran Employment in Michigan,
Where to Begin. In addition to providing all attendees with
a copy of the guide, it was posted to the MVAA website and
nearly 1,000 additional copies distributed.
Recruiting, hiring, retaining veteran talent in Michigan
Hiring veterans is smart business. The training, discipline
and responsibility that veterans receive from their military
service are assets to businesses large and small. Armed with
a sense of duty, purpose and commitment to ‘the mission,’
many employers find that the soft skills veterans bring to
the workplace strengthen their teams. Veterans are also
adaptive, easy to train, detail-oriented, precision-focused,
resilient to challenges and unforseen problems. Add to that
tax credits, on-the-job training, apprenticeship programs
and other incentive programs available to employers who
hire veterans, and employers have both the talent and the
tools to engineer business success.
Hiring a veteran who is just transitioning from service adds
additional programs that assist in laying the groundwork for
success in the civilian sector. All combat veterans are eligible
for five years of VA health care upon their return and may
not be required to enroll in additional medical coverage per
the Affordable Care Act. Veterans may also receive up to 36
months of GI Bill benefits, which can be used to obtain a
college degree as well as vocational/technical and on-the-
job training and licensing and testing programs.
With almost 75,000 Post-9/11 veterans calling Michigan
home and another 50,000 anticipated to make it their
home over the next five years, ensuring there are valuable
employment opportunities is an MVAA priority. The
agency has focused on identifying ways to facilitate the
transition from military to civilian life, worked with the
state legislature to reduce barriers to employment and
implemented licensing and credentialing reforms that
account for similar work experience gained while in uniform.
The Institute culminated with a call to action for employers
to become certified Veteran-Friendly Employers and
to participate in hiring fairs in partnership with the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes.
These fairs conducted at MVAA partnership-connected
events resulted in more than 300 veterans receiving job
offers.
In 2011, the Post-9/11 veteran unemployment rate in
Michigan was around 34 percent; one of the worst in the
nation. In 2014, unemployment for this group of veterans
had dropped to just under 7 percent.
Recognizing the value of veteran talent in the workforce

18. 16
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
Be a leader: Become an MVAA Veteran-Friendly Employer
More than 30 employers showed their leadership by
joining MVAA’s Veteran-Friendly Employer program. This
program recognizes organizations for their commitment
to recruiting, training and retaining top veteran talent,
and provides companies with a road map to improve
veteran hiring efforts. In 2015, MVAA recognized three
gold-level employers: General Motors, Quicken Loans
and Whirlpool. In addition, six employers achieved the
silver-level status and 28 employers were certified at the
bronze level. Together, MVAA’s veteran-friendly employers
have committed to hiring approximately 1,000 veterans. A
complete list of veteran-friendly employers can be found at
MichiganVeterans.com.
To grow veteran hiring initiatives and support efforts
to streamline state veteran hiring processes, MVAA
established two councils in 2014: the Private Sector
Veteran Employment Council and the Interagency Veteran
Employment Council.
The PSVEC includes Chambers of Commerce and silver-
and gold-level veteran-friendly employers. It functions as
the strategic advisory group focused on best practices and
policies to increase veteran employment in Michigan. This
group identifies barriers to hiring veterans encountered by
employers and suggests methods to remove those barriers.
Additionally, the group hosts a best practices forum,
inviting certified veteran-friendly employers to attend,
network and learn about best practices in recruitment,
hiring, and retention.
Barriers and challenges in processes identified by the
PSVEC are the focus of the IVEC. This council brings
together more than 15 state agencies that collaborate
and share resources and best practices to support veteran
employment; coordinate outreach to the employer
community; work to avoid duplication of efforts such as
repetitive career fairs; and strategize to increase utilization
of tools for veterans seeking employment.
Gov. Rick Snyder and MVAA Director Jeff Barnes congratulate gold-level Veteran-Friendly
Employers General Motors, Quicken Loans and Whirlpool Corporation on their commitment to
hiring and supporting veteran talent in their workforces. Pictured are (l. to r.) Ben Kunst and John
Miller, Whirlpool Corporation; Keith Nattrass and Mark McKeen, General Motors; Gov. Rick
Snyder; Justin Mendoza, Quicken Loans; Director Jeff Barnes and Kristina Leonardi, MVAA; and
Rebecca McDonald, Quicken Loans.
BRONZE
28
2015 Michigan
Veteran-Friendly Employers
SILVER
6GOLD
3

19. 17
Annual Report 2015
Veterans can fast track military service to degrees, certificates
More than 20 Michigan colleges and universities have taken
additional steps to create fast-track, or academic degree
and/or certification, programs for veterans that take their
military experience into account. These programs credit
student veterans for their experience in high-demand fields
Military service experiences can expediate civilian licensing
Michigan is also accelerating the path to employment
through laws and policies enacted to put veterans on a fast
track to credentialing and licensure. Requirements vary
depending upon the license. Spouses of active servicemen
such as computers, construction and building trades, health
care, manufacturing, public safety and utilities, allowing
them to more quickly obtain their degree or certification,
thereby decreasing the amount of time in the classroom
between military service and employment.
and women stationed in Michigan are also eligible to obtain
a temporary six-month health or occupational license or
registration. The temporary license may be renewed for one
additional six-month term.
licenses
businesscorporation
accounting
appraisalmanagementcompany
architect
barber
boilers
buildingofficials,inspectors,planreviewers,fireprotectionsysteminspectors,fireprotectionsystemreviewers
collectionagency
commercialdriverlicense
cosmetology
dentalassistant
electriciansfirefighters
forester
hearingaiddealer
landscapearchitect mechanicalcontractor
mortuaryscience
personnelagency
plumbers
professionalengineer
professionalsurveyor
realestateappraiser
realestatebroker,salesperson
residentialbuilder
limitedliabilitycompany
nonprofitcorporation
privatesecurityguard,privatesecurityguardbusiness,privatesecurityguardpolice,securityalarmsystemcontractor
veteran
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0

20. 18
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
New veteran health challenges require long-term options
Improving Quality of Life for All Ages in All Stages
A long history of providing long-term care
For the past 130 years, Michigan has been committed to
quality long-term care for veterans and their spouses. It
has offered a state-run veterans home since 1886, when the
Michigan Soldiers’ Home was founded in response to the
needs of Civil War veterans.
Today, Michigan veterans homes provide a place for
veterans to live out their lives and engage in numerous daily
activities under the care of compassionate and highly skilled
health care providers. They have provided care for nearly
35,000 veterans throughout their history.
Located in Grand Rapids and Marquette, the Grand
Rapids Home for Veterans and the D.J. Jacobetti Home for
Veterans offer modern living facilities, around-the-clock
nursing, nutritional meals and a wide range of activities.
The two homes also provide domiciliary care and after-care
programs for those recovering from substance abuse as well
as in-house pharmacies, rehabilitation therapy, pastoral care
and specialty clinics.
As veteran care across the country continues to evolve to
match the needs of those who served, MVAA took the first
step to modernize long-term care for Michigan veterans and
created the Michigan Veteran Health System in 2015. This
is a strategic approach to provide for current veterans while
transitioning for future needs and services.
The integrated health system will oversee the state’s two
veterans homes under one CEO, ensuring one coordinated
set of policies and procedures govern the day-to-day
operations at both the Grand Rapids and Jacobetti homes.
Creating an integrated health system ensures:
• One vision for member care and one set of policies and
procedures governing operations.
• Centralized systems for finances, procurement and
marketing.
• Systemic oversight and stronger reporting mechanisms
to the state and the VA.
In February 2015, the Grand Rapids Home was recognized
for its excellence in hospice and palliative care and
presented the 2014 Award for Excellence from Great Lakes
Caring. The award recognized the home’s commitment
to the quality care of its members and its “No Member
Dies Alone” program – a one-of-a-kind program in which
volunteers provide companionship and assistance to
members who are entering the final stages of their lives.
Currently, 600 veterans reside in both homes. The
population in the Jacobetti Home is comprised primarily
of World War II and Korean Conflict veterans, while the
majority of the Grand Rapids Home’s members are from
the Vietnam Era.
Both homes underwent several capital improvements in
2015 to improve the quality of life for members.

21. 19
Annual Report 2015
Post-traumatic
stress significantly
increases the risk
of depression,
suicide and drug-
and alcohol-related
disorders and
deaths, which can
also lead to more
run-ins with law
enforcement for
veterans struggling
with PTS. To assist
law enforcement
officers with
these encounters,
MVAA partnered with the Michigan State Police, Michigan
Department of Corrections, Department of Natural
Resources, county and local law enforcement and the
Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice to
produce a series of training videos titled Invisible Wounds:
Preparing First
Responders for
Veterans With
PTS.
These videos serve
as a guide for
law enforcement
on how to
have positive
interactions with
veterans who
are struggling
with PTS. The
videos also feature
veterans who are
now in law enforcement talking about their experiences as
well as veterans who have struggled with PTS and sought
treatment. Released in June 2015, the videos are posted to
MVAA’s website where they have been viewed more than
1,800 times.
Protecting veterans’ rights to use service animals
Making the transition from Iraq or Afghanistan back to
home is never easy. Post-9/11 veterans have increasingly
seen the use of service dogs help mitigate, or in some cases
prevent, post-traumatic stress episodes.
Legislation to protect Michigan veterans who use service
dogs to better manage the effects of post-traumatic stress
and traumatic brain injury was signed into law on
Oct. 20, 2015. The legislation provides federal protections
under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as
ensuring veterans with service animals won’t be refused
entry to businesses, schools, hospitals and other public
accommodations in the state.
Among updating outdated definitions and language, the
legislation also adds veterans with service animals as a
protected population exempt from paying licensing fees
when registering their service animals and allows veterans
to register their service animals with the state of Michigan.
Educating law enforcement about veterans and PTS

22. 20
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
Removing barriers to mental health care
There is currently an unmet need for comprehensive
mental health services in urban and rural areas for veterans
impacted by the stresses of deployments and injuries. In
2015, MVAA implemented a pilot program that exemplifies
the no wrong door philosophy and provides a bridge to
mental health access for veterans by collaborating with
Community Mental Health officials, U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs personnel and the Michigan Veterans Trust
Fund.
Eligible veterans not covered by Healthy Michigan can
access the MVTF in order to obtain immediate care
through local CMH facilities as they transition to the VA for
their permanent care. MVAA partnered with eight CMH
facilities and two VA Medical Centers (Battle Creek and
Ann Arbor) for this program.
In addition to developing this bridge for care, three CMHs
have partnered with the Battle Creek VA in order to
enhance telehealth access throughout southwest Michigan.
Telehealth improves access to care for people who live in
remote areas or who, due to illness or mobility problems,
can’t leave home. The practice also enhances psychological
services by allowing psychologists to support clients
between visits.
During the Post-9/11 wars, more than 45,000 Michigan
residents served abroad, returning home with injuries both
seen and unseen. In an effort to broaden the no wrong door
philosophy, MVAA worked with Screening for Mental
Health to provide a mental health online screening tool.
This program provides veterans with 24/7 access to
anonymous online screenings for depression, bipolar, post-
traumatic stress, anxiety, alcohol abuse and eating disorders.
Additionally, the tool provides veterans with information
on how to
access available
resources and
encourages
them to seek
care by assisting
them in locating
these services.
In conjunction with the online tool, MVAA
also created a business card for veteran
service officers to distribute and create
awareness about the tool’s availability.
The card provides a brief description of
the program and a link to the website to
participate in the anonymous screening.
Connecting veterans to mental health information, providers

23. 21
Annual Report 2015
Providing services
and resources in one location
MVAA hosted two Veteran Expos in 2015, exposing more
than 1,000 veterans and family members to state, local
and federal veteran services and job opportunities in their
communities. Expos serve as one-stop shops where veterans
can learn about employment and education opportunities,
take advantage of health care screenings, meet with
accredited benefits counselors and learn about recreation
programs and other available resources.
The first event took place in Lansing, Sept. 11- 12, with
more than 600 people participating. More than 80 DD-214s
were issued and 34 job offers were made onsite. A second
event was scheduled Nov. 6-7 in Flint. After a storm and
resulting power outage forced the cancellation of Nov. 6
activities, MVAA served 403 veterans and their families,
issuing more than 140 DD-214s and connecting 38 veterans
with on-the-spot job offers on Nov. 7.
Anticipating that some veterans might have taken
the day off of work and would still come to the Expo
looking for assistance with their benefits on Nov. 6,
Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center staff set
up shop in the breezeway of the event venue for
the entire advertised time. MVRSC staff met with
more than 100 veterans, processed 50 DD-214s and
made more than 30 appointments with benefits
counselors.
The next day, with the Expo open, in addition
to answering benefit questions and providing
information, the MVRSC processed 90 DD-14
requests in three hours – the equivalent to
processing one request every two minutes!
MVRSC staff go the extra mile
at Flint Expo
Ensuring all Michigan veterans are taken care of
When issues that affect Michigan’s veterans
fall outside the categories of employment,
education or health care, MVAA is there to
ensure their general well-being. Sometimes,
veterans face financial hardships that require
immediate attention. Other times, they are
exploring state perks that both demonstrate
their pride as a veteran and make it easier
to access the benefits they’ve earned. In
both emergent and ongoing cases, MVAA is
dedicated to responding to veterans’ needs.

24. 22
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
Partnering with SOS to support, promote Michigan veterans
At the November Veteran Expo, Secretary of State Ruth
Johnson and MVAA Director Jeff Barnes unveiled a
“Support Michigan Veterans” license plate. Proceeds from
the plate will provide outreach and services to veterans,
such as education on the mental effects of war, PTS and
other service-related disabilities. At least 25 percent of
the money will go to tuition support for members of the
Michigan National Guard or the Children of Veterans
Tuition Grant program.
Another ongoing partnership with SOS is the veteran
driver’s license designation. Veterans may have the word
“veteran” printed prominently on their Michigan driver’s
license or state identification card, which provides an easy
and optional way to prove their veteran status to receive
discounts from businesses. To date, more than 52,000
Michigan veterans have signed up for the designation.
Working with DNR to help veterans celebrate July Fourth
MVAA partnered with the Department of Natural
Resources for Fireworks-Free Fourth of July celebrations
at 12 state parks across the state during Independence Day
weekend, July 3-5. Located away from urban areas hosting
large firework displays, these parks provided alternative
camping locations for veterans and others who preferred a
quieter holiday celebration.
The concept was the result of a conversation with a veteran,
who mentioned how fireworks and other loud noises could
bring up distressing memories from military experiences.
About 12 percent of veterans suffer from PTS due to their
service.
MVAA and the DNR are teaming up for more Fireworks-
Free Fourth of July celebrations in 2016.
Helping 100 percent disabled veterans
Veterans who qualify for a 100 percent disability rating from
the VA are entitled to additional benefits not afforded to
other veterans.
At the federal level this includes priority when enrolling
for VA health care, grants to purchase or adapt homes to
accommodate their disability, vocational rehabilitation
and employment programs, disability compensation and
increased pensions.
In Michigan, 100 percent disabled veterans can receive
income tax credits, reduced vehicle registration fees, free
hunting and fishing licenses and tuition assistance for their
children.
In 2013, PA 161 of 2013 created a property tax exemption
for 100 percent permanently and totally disabled veterans
and their surviving spouses.

25. 23
Annual Report 2015
Helping justice-involved veterans
Michigan is leading the nation
in the establishment of Veteran
Treatment Courts, with 23
VTCs across the state to serve
justice-involved veterans.
VTCs are hybrid courts that
incorporate elements of drug
and mental health specialty
courts for the purpose of
helping justice-involved
veterans resolve underlying
issues that may have
contributed to their arrest. The model provides veterans
with treatment and support services as an alternative to
incarceration for some non-violent offenses.
The program provides one-on-one mentorship from a
fellow veteran while increasing access to mental health
and substance abuse treatment as well as local services and
supports.
It also reduces the cost of housing offenders in jail and
reduces the likelihood of recidivism.
Michigan’s VTCs have shown the following outcomes
Oct. 1, 2013 – Sept. 30, 2015:
• There were 666 active participants among 20 VTCs.
• 222 veterans successfully completed a program.
To help other courts interested in starting a VTC, MVAA,
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School and
the State Court Administrative Office published Veterans
Treatment Courts in Michigan: A Manual for Judges.
The manual provides best practices for the establishment,
development and maintenance of a VTC. It was provided to
all Michigan district and circuit courts and is also available
on the SCAO website.
Ending veteran homelessness
In 2015, the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center
averaged 15 calls a month requesting housing assistance
for homeless or soon to be homeless veterans. In 2014,
Michigan identified 5,627 homeless veterans, a 13 percent
increase from 2013.
In an effort to address this growing issue, MVAA assembled
a broad audience of stakeholders invested in addressing and
ending veteran homelessness in May 2015. The meeting
identified current obstacles to connecting veterans and their
families with permanent housing and the group developed a
set of action items for completion by May 2016 that would
improve the identification, referral and support of homeless
veterans across Michigan.
Action items include:
• Educating landlords about veteran tenants, resources
available and why they should rent to veterans.
• Sharing contact information across agencies to ensure
all levels of government know who they can contact for
assistance with homeless veterans.
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
YEAR
VETERANS
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Michigan Veteran
HOMELESSNESS
• Creating a catalog of shelters across the state to identify
location and type.
• Sharing vacancies from HUD programs to the VA
Homeless Directors and SSVF grantees quarterly.

26. 24
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency was
created in 2013 to connect those who have
served in the U.S. Armed Forces and their
families to the benefits they’ve earned.
During 2015, the agency has strived to do
just that by breaking down the barriers
they face in four main areas – education,
employment, health care and quality of life.
Last year, MVAA teamed up with the
Michigan College Access Network to
create the Veteran Education Initiative.
The partnership places veteran resource
representatives on 15 college campuses
throughout the state, helping student
veterans succeed as they pursue a higher
education.
MVAA will also work with colleges and
universities to identify in-demand skills and
experience companies will be seeking in years to come.
Since the creation of the Veteran-Friendly Employer
program, more than 30 organizations have committed
to recruiting, hiring and training veteran talent. MVAA
supports these efforts by sharing best practices after a
veteran is hired – such as mentorship and rotation programs
to help veterans identify where they would best fit in a
company – and going forward, the agency will also help
these organizations develop better recruiting strategies and
human resources trainings.
In support of the Mental Health Commission Report, a
mental health screening tool was created to encourage
veterans to start a conversation about their own mental
health and how they can seek help. Business cards with
screening information were provided to benefits counselors
and Veteran Treatment Court personnel to distribute to
veterans and their families. The card lists the screening tool
website in addition to the veterans’ crisis line number.
Gov. Rick Snyder created the Interagency Council on
Homelessness last year and tasked it with developing a
three-year plan. By summer 2016, the council – which
includes representatives from MVAA, the Michigan State
Housing Development Authority and the Department of
Health and Human Services – will deliver that plan to the
governor, and efforts will begin to end veteran and general
homelessness.
MVAA will work alongside MSHDA and DHHS to secure
federal and state funding and identify other federal, state,
local and non-profit partners to help reach this goal.
Many veterans who call 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838)
request housing and homelessness assistance, and MVAA
often relies on MSHDA and community partners identified
through the VCAT to assist these callers. Once veterans
have secured stable housing, VCATs can also step in to
connect them with a local network of service providers,
employers, educators and health care providers.
Ending veteran homelessness is a task that will require
cooperation on every level – but through our VCATs
and their networks of local service organizations, MVAA
will work to house those experiencing or on the brink of
homelessness in 2016.
Moving Forward In The Quest To Be The Most Veteran-Friendly
Employers and state agency representatives kick off the Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair at
Comerica Park.

28. 26
Annual Report 2015
P.O. Box 30104
Lansing, MI 48909
800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838)
MichiganVeterans.com
Facebook.com/MIVeterans
Twitter.com/MIVeteran