Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass, presents an American flag to Kathy McCoy, the widow of the sixth CMSAF, James McCoy, during an internment ceremony for James in Omaha Nebraska July 29. | Offutt Air Force Base/Flickr
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass, presents an American flag to Kathy McCoy, the widow of the sixth CMSAF, James McCoy, during an internment ceremony for James in Omaha Nebraska July 29. | Offutt Air Force Base/Flickr
Help is on the way for veteran’s suicide prevention programs as Michigan has decided to invest significantly in those programs.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI), said Sept. 21 the state is investing $1.2 million to enhance the welfare its 550,000 military veterans, according to a press release.
“Veteran suicide remains a persistent problem in Michigan and nationwide, and we must use every resource and tool we have to protect the lives of our former service members,” Whitmer said in the release. “Today’s investment will expand funding for suicide prevention efforts in Michigan and build on the ongoing efforts of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency to keep veterans and their families safe and healthy.”
The move was inspired by stories like that of West Branch native Michael Torrez. Torrez, a combat veteran, found himself addicted to alcohol and living on the streets after he was discharged from military service in 2012, according to the release. With the help of veterans housing and work therapy programs, he turned his life around and met his future wife.
“A lot of veterans of the Operation Iraqi Freedom era have a bad taste in their mouths about the agencies and programs that are supposed to help them,” said Michael’s wife, Angela Torrez, who is also a military veteran. “I try to advocate – yes, things have gone wrong in the past, but they’re improving, and here’s how you get help. It seems like a constant battle for veterans, and they may feel like they don’t have the energy to work through it all. But if they have that support system by their side, they can find hope just like Michael did.”
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, and Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) Director, Zaneta Adams, were on hand when Whitmer made the announcement, the release stated.
“Michigan veterans are the best of us, and we owe our best effort and investment to support them and their families,” said Gilchrist II. “This funding is a step forward in our efforts to end tragic suicides among Michigan’s veterans and build a Michigan where every veteran and their family can find opportunity, access healthcare, and thrive. Governor Whitmer and I are grateful for the partnership of the MVAA in funding this holistic approach to connecting veterans with resources and we are committed to continuing to stand tall for veterans in Michigan.”
The investment is the largest of its kind in Michigan since 2000 and could be the largest veteran suicide prevention contribution in the state’s history, according to the release.
Whitmer said she will continue bipartisan efforts to advocate for veterans, the release stated.
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