Detroit Veteran Tribute 2017
Volunteers of America Michigan is proud to recognize U.S. Senator Gary Peters for his service both as a sailor and civilian at the first ever Detroit Veteran Tribute.
United States Senator Gary Peters has spent his adult life serving his family, community and country. Volunteers of America Michigan will recognize that service with its first Detroit Veteran Tribute.
"As the state's largest private provider of services to homeless veterans, we see first-hand the spirit of self-sacrifice exemplified by those who served their country," said Patrick Patterson, executive vice president of Volunteers of America Michigan. "We want to recognize and applaud that spirit, which Senator Peters has exhibited throughout his career."
WHAT: Detroit Veteran Tribute
WHEN: 11:30 a.m. Monday, June 12. Lunch and social time will be followed by brief ceremony at noon. There will be an opportunity after the ceremony to tour the Volunteers of America homeless veteran housing and service center.
WHERE: In the Veteran Memorial Garden at Volunteers of America Michigan's Detroit Housing Program, 253 E. Milwaukee St., Detroit.
WHO:
· U.S. Senator Gary Peters
· Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Robert W. Smith III
· Volunteers of America staff
WHY: At the age of 34, Senator Peters volunteered for the U.S. Navy Reserve, where he earned a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist designation and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After the September 11th terrorist attacks on our country, he volunteered again for drilling status. In the Senate, he currently serves on the Senate Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees. Senator Peters' devotion to veterans is evident in his fight to pass legislation that will honor veterans by ensuring that they receive proper treatment. Most recently, he succeeded in passing the Fairness for Veterans Amendment to help veterans that were erroneously given a less than honorable discharge due to negative behavior stemming from mental traumas such as PTSD or TBI.
This extension of service – from military to civilian life – is the epitome of what Volunteers of America Michigan seeks to recognize at its Detroit Veteran Tribute.