Grand Rapids Veteran Expo offers transition help, career services

From Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

LANSING, Mich. – Veterans from across West Michigan can find out what their military service has earned them and what a grateful community has to offer them at the 2014 Grand Rapids Veteran Expo, Sept. 5-6 at the DeltaPlex Arena.

AARP Michigan will participate in the event.

“Whether you hung up your uniform five months ago, five years ago or fifty years ago, there’s something here for you,” said Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Director Jeff Barnes. “We want this to be a one-stop shop for veterans and their families, with services and information for every chapter of their lives.”

Coming on the heels of a successful Veteran Expo in Marquette, this free event promises something for everyone, including presentations and workshops on starting a small business, getting college credit for your military service, veteran healthcare and more. In addition, benefit counselors will be on-site to answer questions about eligibility and assist with filing claims. Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Sign up for the new veteran designation on their Michigan driver’s license or ID
• Take part in health screenings
• Get a copy of their DD-214

Veterans with entrepreneurial ambitions can learn about opportunities available to them from former VA Undersecretary John Garcia at 11 a.m. on Friday. And those looking for career opportunities won’t want to miss the Hiring Our Heroes job fair Saturday, with employers on-site ready to hire veterans.

The Expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Registration is available online at MichiganVeterans.com/expo or at the event. The DeltaPlex is located at 2500 Turner Ave NW in Grand Rapids.

MVAA serves as the central coordinating point, connecting those who have served in the United States Armed Services and their families, to services and benefits throughout the state of Michigan. The agency values inclusion, integrity, transparency, innovation and respect and aspires to provide the customer service experience that veterans deserve.