house resolution no.117
Rep. Tate offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Our military’s men and women make great sacrifices to protect our country, our state, and the freedoms and privileges we hold dear; and
Whereas, As veterans and service members, they deserve to be supported, cared for, and afforded access to the benefits they’ve earned; and
Whereas, There are over 650,000 veterans and over 16,000 active duty and reserve service members in Michigan; and
Whereas, In Michigan, only 18% of veterans are currently receiving benefits, while veterans are disproportionately overrepresented in the population experiencing homelessness. The veteran suicide rate in the state is higher than that of the civilian population; and
Whereas, Buddy-to-Buddy volunteer veterans open their hearts and give their time to provide peer support and connection to vital resources for Michigan’s veterans and service members and thus play a vital role in supporting this community; and
Whereas, The Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program has helped over 5,500 veterans and service members in the state of Michigan since its inception; and
Whereas, The 10th anniversary of the Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program is an appropriate opportunity to thank the volunteers and staff who have embraced the responsibility of providing support to our veterans and service members in need; and
Whereas, The state of Michigan must do more to improve the lives veterans and service members in Michigan; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare June 2019 as Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program Month in the state of Michigan. We commemorate the 10th anniversary of this worthy endeavor and its service to the state of Michigan. We encourage citizens to volunteer their time, talents, and resources to support our veterans and service members and realize that the state of Michigan must do more to improve the lives of those who have given so much.