Veterans Expo coming to Garden City, Livonia, Westland, Canton area: Written by Sue Buck Staff Writer One statistic which stuck in State Rep. David Knezek’s memory served as a catalyst for a first-time Veterans Expo next week. It was: “Michigan ranks dead last in the country – behind Guam, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C, – in veterans’ access to benefits.” The Dearborn Heights Democrat said he was appalled when he heard that. “I had to do something,” Knezek said. “While I continue to work on veterans issues in Lansing, I thought that a Veterans Expo would be a great way to bring together a variety of agencies and organizations to help our local veterans.” The free Expo, which is open to the public, will be held 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, at VFW 7575, 33011 Ford, west of Venoy in Garden City. Joining Knezek, a first-term representative and former Marine, in planning for the event, is Wayne County Commissioner Richard LeBlanc, their staffs and Garden City resident Cheryl Partin, an active volunteer who is the corresponding secretary of the Garden City Garden Club. Both Partin and her husband, Kerry, are active volunteers who have regular contact with seniors when they deliver Meals on Wheels in Garden City. Kerry, who is a veteran, also serves on the Garden City Commission on Aging and hosts Garden City Community Chat, a weekly podcast. “I was in the Navy aboard the USS Guadalcanal, during the Vietnam era,” Partin said. “ I went in right out of high school in 1968. I was stationed in Norfolk, Va. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I’m very proud to have served my country.” Partin explained why the Expo will be helpful. “There will be so many services available to the veterans and their families, but one that seems to be a very popular benefit is the veterans picture ID card that will be made on the spot at the event,” Partin said. “It eliminates having to carry around a copy of your DD-214 which is your discharge paper. This card will enable veterans to get discounts offered to them from several merchants.” Partin said that it is kind of sad that when veterans return from serving their country so many of them don’t even realize all the services available to them and their families. “Hopefully this expo will be helpful and informative to them,” he said. “Im really looking forward to it.” He credited the hard work of Knezek, LeBlanc, their staff and his wife. “I hope all veterans and their families come out and see what’s all available to them.” Partin said. “We need to take care of our veterans. After all they have taken care of us and they continue to.” Among the vendors and agencies participating are: • Troy Schielein, Division Director/Wayne County Veterans Services, providing Veteran Photo ID Cards and providing information on available veteran benefits. • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Vocation Rehabilitation and Employment Services. • John D. Dingell Veterans Administration Medical Center. • Wounded Veterans Program. • Wayne County Regional Library for the Blind and Handicapped. • Veterans Home Care of Michigan. • Veterans Administration Women’s Veteran Program Director. • Michigan State Police – Employment Opportunities. • Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency. • Elder Law Services. • The Senior Alliance. • Seniors Helping Seniors • AmeriCorps/United Way Michigan Veterans Outreach Program/Wayne County.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 17:02:30 +0000
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