ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Hundreds of veterans and their families gathered at Washtenaw Community College for Vet Fest, a one-stop event designed to connect veterans with services and resources they may not know are available.
Now in its fifth year, the event brings together key organizations and support providers all in one place.
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“Everything is geared towards telling the veteran or family what they need to know,” said Robert Bull, peer support specialist with Walking with Warriors.
That includes financial support, crisis services and benefits information — resources that many veterans are unaware of.
Bull stays ready with a well-worn reference guide.
“I’ve got a bible over there, a great big white book. That’s my resource book,” he said.
When asked whether he carries five years’ worth of information with him everywhere, Bull didn’t hesitate.
“Wherever I go,” he said.
Bridging gap between veterans, services
For those connected to the military community, events like Vet Fest fill a critical need.
“I think it’s a very wonderful and honorable thing that they’re doing for those that have served,” said Maldwyn Johnson, an Army spouse.
Beyond connecting veterans to organizations, the event also gives attendees a chance to share stories and support one another.
A milestone landing
The day carried special significance for at least one attendee. Chief Warrant Officer 5 Mark Tyler, a maintenance officer for Aviation Support Facility No. 2, arrived at WCC aboard a Chinook helicopter — one of his final flights before retiring after 41 years of service.
“I’ve been able to do something that I’ve absolutely loved for a lifetime,” Tyler said.
His family was waiting at the bottom when he landed, including his father — a Korean War veteran.
“My dad is a little bit older than me, a Korean War veteran, so that means a lot to me to have him here to observe this,” Tyler said.
The moment captured the spirit of the entire event — service, family and the bond shared among those who have worn a uniform.
“You get to meet a lot of veterans that served, that honor. It’s incredible. It’s an incredible thing,” said Warren Johnson, an Army National Guard veteran.
Resources for veterans
Veterans or family members looking for more information can contact the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, which can help answer questions and connect individuals to available resources.