{"id":1780,"date":"2024-11-08T16:40:16","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T21:40:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/?p=1780"},"modified":"2024-11-08T16:40:18","modified_gmt":"2024-11-08T21:40:18","slug":"uplifting-michigan-veterans-in-the-capitol-and-our-communities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/2024\/11\/08\/uplifting-michigan-veterans-in-the-capitol-and-our-communities\/","title":{"rendered":"Uplifting Michigan Veterans in the Capitol and Our Communities\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

Michigan Senate Democrats express gratitude for everything Michigan veterans have done for our nation and continue to do for our communities<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Every year on November 11, Americans come together to express profound gratitude for those who honored our country through the highest form of service. From soldiers and sailors to pilots, Coast Guard members, and Marines, these are individuals who sacrifice their safety from here in our backyards to some of the most dangerous corners of the earth to defend the ideals of freedom and democracy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Their service to our nation does not end when they take off their uniforms and return home or to civilian life, however. As they become first responders, teachers, coaches, colleagues, role models, or volunteers, each and every one continues to embody the spirit of service and sacrifice in new ways.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2024\/11\/MSD-Serving-Veterans-scaled-1.jpg” alt=”Michigan Senate Democrats work in the Capitol and in their communities to honor veterans throughout the year.” title_text=”MSD-Serving-Veterans” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

Michigan Senate Democrats work in the Capitol and in their communities to honor veterans throughout the year.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite their vast contributions to our society, several pressing issues continue to disproportionately impact veterans, including lack of access to mental health resources, employment opportunities, and adequate housing. While we can never serve these patriots in the same way they have served us, we all have an obligation\u00a0to support and honor them. Understanding this, Michigan Senate Democrats have worked to pass legislation and secure investments in Lansing to uplift veterans, while also recognizing the heroism and sacrifice of veterans in their communities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Inspired by Others\u2019 Service to Country<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Michigan Senate Democrats\u2019 approach to public policy is heavily influenced by the many values veterans exemplify, including their dedication to democracy and a belief in universal freedom and sacrifice for community. The work of Sens. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe) and Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), in particular, has been directly shaped by those who answered the call to serve.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A proud Army brat, Sen. Klinefelt grew up on base watching her father, Ret. Major General William McLean, serve his country. In addition to her father, her husband, brother, sister, and several other family members also served in the military \u2014 all of them instilling in her a belief that there is nothing more patriotic than working to improve the lives of others. In the Michigan Senate, Sen. Klinefelt currently serves as Chair of the Veterans and Emergency Services Committee, where she works to advance legislation to ensure veterans can receive the care, resources, and opportunities they deserve. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2024\/11\/MSD-Veterans-scaled-1.jpg” alt=”Sen. Kevin Hertel\u2019s grandfather, Jack Hertel (Left), and Sen. Veronica Klinefelt\u2019s father, Ret. Major General William McLean (Right).” title_text=”MSD-Veterans” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

Sen. Kevin Hertel\u2019s grandfather, Jack Hertel (Left), and Sen. Veronica Klinefelt\u2019s father, Ret. Major General William McLean (Right).<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sen. Kevin Hertel comes from <\/span>a long line of family members who were influenced by his grandfather Jack Hertel\u2019s service during World War II. After being wounded in combat, Jack returned home, put away his medals, and traded in his \u201cpinks and greens\u201d to attend Wayne State University, earn his college degree, and serve the Detroit Public School system as a teacher. Though he chose to keep his memories of combat quietly close to his heart, his service and devotion to country was imprinted on his sons and his grandchildren \u2014 inspiring generations in Sen. Hertel\u2019s family to live a life dedicated in service to the public. Now, as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military, Veterans, <\/span>and State Police, Sen. Hertel draws on lessons learned from his grandfather to inform funding decisions designed to support Michigan veterans and their families.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Policies and Investments to Uplift Michigan Veterans<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2024\/11\/Santana-License-Plate-Cmte-scaled-1.jpg” alt=”Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) and Lolita Tucker, State Commander for Michigan\u2019s Disabled American Veterans, provide testimony to the Senate Veterans and Emergency Services Committee in favor of legislation to raise recognition of women veterans. ” title_text=”Santana-License-Plate-Cmte” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) and Lolita Tucker, State Commander for Michigan\u2019s Disabled American Veterans, provide testimony to the Senate Veterans and Emergency Services Committee in favor of legislation to raise recognition of women veterans.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Inspired by the stories of veterans across the state, Sens. Klinefelt and Hertel, together with the Senate Democratic and House Caucuses, have championed a slate of legislative wins and secured vital resources to uplift the veterans who call Michigan home. Among the list of veteran-related items signed into law\u00a0is legislation that:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n