Celebrating our Veterans
MDOC honors men and women of the Armed Forces during Veterans Appreciation Week
The Michigan Department of Corrections recognized veterans at correctional facilities, field offices and work sites across the state for their service and sacrifice during Veterans Appreciation Week.
There are nearly 2,000 veterans working for the MDOC statewide and they were honored with more than 200 special presentations and recognition activities throughout the week of Nov. 12–16.
Work sites across the department also donated more than $12,000 to organizations that support veterans.
MDOC Director Heidi Washington created Veterans Appreciation Week in 2017 to show appreciation for department employees who have served in the Armed Forces.
The department also has presented employees who are veterans with tokens of recognition for past military service.
In addition, the MDOC has recognized active duty employees when they are called to serve and is extending a helping hand to families of deployed employees.
In 2017, the department received the Pro Patria Award for its efforts to support employees serving in the National Guard and Reserves.
The award is presented annually by the Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program and is the highest honor an organization can receive from the program.
During this year’s Veterans Appreciation Week, work sites across the department honored employees with backgrounds in military service through a variety of special events.
Parnall Correctional Facility took time to honor its 60 veterans with several events, including a fundraising chili cookoff, a Veterans Helping Veterans Organization Ruck March, and a special lunch.
The chili cookoff raised more than $600 for the Veterans Helping Veterans Organization. Staff members participating in the ruck march provided the donation to the organization, along with several personal care items. Each of the staff members that marched carried 22 items in recognition of Mission 22, which raises awareness about mental health for veterans.
Staff also visited the VA hospital in Ann Arbor where they handed out military appreciation coins and donated 200 snack bags for homeless veterans. The facility’s Vocational Village donated wall décor bearing U.S. Armed Forces seals and a decorated chair.
In addition, the American Legion came to the facility to conduct a flag raising ceremony, and staff with military service were presented with a token of appreciation.
Veterans at Central Office were honored with a special lunch and a weeklong display recognizing those who have served. A 50/50 raffle was also held benefitting the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and raised more than $1,500.
Each of St. Louis Correctional Facility’s 65 veterans received a U.S. flag, lapel pin and information on resources available to veterans. The flags were donated by the Alma Elks National Veterans Services Commission. The facility also held a number of activities during the week including drawings for gift cards and recognized veterans with cake and cookies. Litigation Coordinator Mary Jo Houlden, Warden’s Secretary Christy Cotter, Record Office Supervisor Ann Hull and Office Assistant Ruth Hall coordinated the activities and donation.
Gus Harrison Correctional Facility honored its veterans with cake, cupcakes and engraved mugs, as well as a presentation on resources for veterans. Plaques were also made by Michigan State Industries and hung at the facility to recognize those who have served.
G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility staff held a cookout and fundraising raffle to support efforts to send care packages to members of the Armed Forces on active duty. The event raised nearly $2,000.
Veterans at MDOC field offices across the state, including those in Allegan, Genesee, Kent, Oakland and Wayne counties, were also recognized with special luncheons and events.
Click here to see more photos from Veterans Appreciation Week Events.
