Nightside Report March 28, 2021: GMC auction raises millions for veterans, Detroit musician opens Coney Island, Wolverines advance to Elite 8
GMC raises $2.5 million for mortgage-free homes for injured veteransThe auction of the first GMC HUMMER EV has brought in more than $2 million for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The nonprofit builds mortgage-free, accessible smart homes for the most catastrophically-injured veterans and provides mortgage-free homes for Gold Star families and the families of first responders killed in the line of duty. WATCH Local 4 News at 11Metro Detroit weather: Windy conditions arrive Palm Sunday and remain chillyThe wind picks up speed and comes out of the west Sunday afternoon. It will feel like winter instead of early spring with wind-chills in the 30s, even upper 20s, the rest of the day. Westerly winds will blow 15 to 30 mph with higher gusts between 30 and 40 mph.
GMC raises $2.5 million for mortgage-free homes for injured veterans
The first production GMC HUMMER EV supertruck was sold at the 2021 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction for $2.5 million. DETROIT โ The Saturday auction of the first GMC HUMMER EV has brought in more than $2 million for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The auction fees and commissions have been waived for the $2.5 million auction sale, so the entire amount can go toward the nonprofit. It builds mortgage-free, accessible smart homes for the most catastrophically-injured veterans and provides mortgage-free homes for Gold Star families and the families of first responders killed in the line of duty. The HUMMER EV Edition 1 is the specially appointed and fully equipped launch model of GMCโs first full-electric vehicle.
Veteran resource center in Ann Arbor hopes to reach as many vets as possible
ANN ARBOR โ The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 423 in south Ann Arbor recently began operating as a veteran resource center in order to connect with vets in Washtenaw County. AdVeterans sit and talk at VFW Post 423 in south Ann Arbor on March 20, 2021. A veteran takes a pamphlet from a booth during the veteran resource center's open house on March 20, 2021. AdHe said the resource center provides a safe space to share stories and receive guidance and support. Vietnam veteran St. Larry Antoine attends an open house at VFW Post 423 in Ann Arbor.
Warren neighbors help WWII veteran get COVID vaccine
WARREN, Mich. โ When we get older, weโd all be extremely luck to have neighbors like Bob and Debbie Geib. โNo computer,โ Bob Geib said. โJust a land line.โYou would think a 94-year-old World War II veteran would be at the top of the vaccine list, but heโs not. โIt was my duty,โ Peischl recalled. Meijer stores said they are now partnering with the federal government and many more vaccine doses are on the way.
First 10 days after COVID patients leave hospital carry high risk, study says
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - DECEMBER 19: Doctor walks through the COVID-19 area in front of a wheelchair at the hospital of the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases Ismael Cosรญo Villegas on December 19, 2020 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Alfredo Martinez/Getty Images)ANN ARBOR โ A growing number of studies have shown that in the first months after being discharged from the hospital, COVID-19 patients faced a high risk of returning for treatment, ongoing health problems and death. The overall risk of readmission or death for COVID patients was lower than that for patients with the other two conditions after 60 days. โFor many patients, COVID-19 seems to set off cascades of problems that are every bit as serious as those we see in other diseases. Half of the patients in the study were Black and 95% of the patients were male -- both high risk groups.
VA Ann Arbor one of first VA sites to receive doses of COVID-19 vaccine
(AP Photo/Morry Gash, Pool)ANN ARBOR โ VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System announced on Monday morning that it was selected as one of 37 VA sites nationwide to receive initial COVID-19 vaccine doses. According to a news release, the VA Ann Arbor Medical Center was selected for its ability to inoculate a large population and store the vials at extremely cold temperatures. In compliance with Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, the Ann Arbor VAMC will start vaccinating veterans in long-term VA health care facilities and health care personnel. Like healthcare systems around the country, VA Ann Arbor will begin a limited-supply phase followed by a mass implementation phase once a large vaccine supply is available. โAs more vaccine becomes available, eligible Veterans will be contacted directly to discuss specifics and set appointments to receive the vaccine.โ
Veteran pays tribute to fellow comrade
DETROIT โ Tuskegee Airman, Lt. Col. Harry Stewart, lost a comrade during the pandemic. Stewart made sure the first Veterans Day without his fellow airman wouldnโt be impeded by the coronavirus. First Lt. Vincent Dean and Stewart were 18 years old when they enlisted in 1943 during World War II. While he could not be with anyone on Veterans Day, Stewart spoke with Deanโs family in the United States and overseas. From a drive-by display in Taylor to a Detroit Veterans Day parade that was live streamed.
Detroit contractor helps rehab veteranโs house for free
DETROIT โ As America pauses to honor those who served our country on Veterans Day, a Detroit contractor is helping to rehab one veteranโs house free of charge. Renita Wilson, of SEIU Home Health Care Providers, was overcome with emotion when she checked on William Norman -- an 81-year-old Army veteran. Disability Network Wayne County, the Wayne County Community Action Agency and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib came together to help Wilson. โWhen I got here, I was shocked,โ said Orlando Robinson, of Flipping Detroit. โThe damage was devastating.โRobinson owns Flipping Detroit, a contracting company.
Some vets meeting new challenges amid pandemic -- hereโs how you can help on Veterans Day
This year has proved to be challenging times for everyone, but on this Veteranโs Day it is particularly challenging for veterans in our community who are homeless. One place they turn to for help is the Call Sam Kitchen for Veterans, but amid the pandemic, the center is finding even bigger challenges. Call Sam Kitchen for Veterans serves three hot meals per day to homeless vets, said attorney Mark Bernstein, who provides warm meals and shelters. The kitchen is open 365 days per year and Is seeing an increased need because of the pandemic. In order to maintain social distancing within the center, the kitchen has fewer volunteers and is now entirely carry-out or delivery.
Statement from President-elect Biden on Veterans Day
The women and men who have fought and sacrificed for our country are heroes, and the rest of us owe them an unpayable debt. Fulfilling our promises to our veterans and military families, caregivers, and survivors is critical to our national security, because it is how we will ensure that future generations continue to volunteer to serve. We learned what it really means to be part of a military family the year that Beau deployed to Iraq with his National Guard unit. And yet, Jill and I were constantly in awe when visiting with wounded service members at Christmas or hosting veterans in our home for dinners, at the pride our military members and veterans feel in their service, and at their matchless sense of duty. I will never treat you or your families with anything less than the honor you deserve.
Man traveling the U.S. mowing veterans' lawns stops in Canton, gets a surprise from Ford
Iโm honored to be here today to mow for another veteran.โThat brought Smith to Canton Tuesday to Jim and Gale Owens' house. โWe both served during Vietnam,โ Gale Owens said. Ford Motor Company heard about Smithโs project and about his loyalty to his Ford Edge. โItโs a nice way to thank him for what heโs doing,โ Gale Owens said. โHeโs taking his personal time to do this.โOnce Smith finished his work and went to thank the Owens for their service, Ford thanked Smith in a big way.
Families who lost loved ones in the military honored with new Clinton Township monument
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. โ Crews broke ground Thursday on a memorial to honor Gold Star Families who have lost loved ones in the military. The 7-foot-tall black granite monument will stand at the Clinton Township Hall on Romeo Plank Road. You can watch Tim Pamplinโs full story in the video player above. More information on the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument can be found on the Hershel Wood Williams Medal of Honor Foundation website.
Ceremony in Grosse Pointe Farms honors Michiganders who died in 9/11
GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Mich. โ A small group gathered Friday morning in Grosse Pointe Farms to pay respect to Michiganders lost in 9/11. It happened at The War Memorial, a home donated by the Alger family back in the 1940โฒs. David Alger was a Mutual Fund Manager who died 19 years ago in his office at the World Trace Center. The War Memorial is a moving setting for the observance, with the veteranโs garden, a large American flag flown at half-staff and Lake St. Clair lapping at the sea wall. โAnd as a patriotic, cultural community leader, The War Memorial is committed to those moments in time where we can bring people together and to really think about our past as we think about our future," War Memorial President Charles Burke said.
$36M mixed-income development breaks ground in Detroits Midtown
DETROIT A $36 million mixed-income and mixed-use development has broken ground in Detroits Midtown. At Develop Detroit, we believe in high quality housing for all, said Sonya Mays, president and CEO of Develop Detroit. Sugar Hill District development renderings. Freelon whose works include the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington and Atlantas National Center for Civil and Human Rights passed away in 2019. HRD is committed to ensuring that Detroits renaissance includes a place for everybody, and we are proud to partner with Develop Detroit and POAH on this important project.
Waterford veteran receives new roof free of charge
That includes a local roofing company and a supplier who reached out to a Waterford veteran in a special way. It happened here and the worries started -- and you are looking at worries being swept away in a most charitable fashion. A crew of workers from Roof One descended on Mercures house bright and early Thursday in the hot July sun. It all started a few months ago, when Mercures saw Roof Ones owner, Steve McCusker, working in the neighborhood and asked him for an estimate. McCusker knew about Owens Cornings Roof Deployment Project -- a national program that aims to put new roofs over military familys heads for free -- and reached out.
Michigan counties in line for $1.3 million in emergency aid for veterans
LANSING, Mich. From Muskegon to Midland to Marquette, Michigan counties are securing and distributing COVID-19 emergency funding to veterans through the states new County Veteran Service Fund Emergency Relief (CVSF-ER) program. To date, 12 counties have been approved for a total of nearly $1.1 million in CVSF-ER funding, while eight other counties are close to securing another $253,819 in the emergency relief assistance for a working total of $1.3 million. In addition, at least 16 counties so far are either participating or plan to participate in a CVSF-ER grocery voucher program for veterans through the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) and Meijer. As the central coordinating agency for Michigans 550,000-plus veterans and their families, the MVAA facilitates the CVSF-ER program. The CVSF-ER program is another premier benefit that makes Michigan an ideal place for serving veterans and their families.Related headlines:
Ann Arbor Fisher House opens to support veterans families
ANN ARBOR, Mich. A new home in Ann Arbor hopes to keep loved ones of veterans close when theyre in the hospital. Its the 87th home that the Fisher House Foundation has funded. The Fisher House in Ann Arbor opened on Tuesday and is 13,000 square feet. Plans for another Fisher House in Michigan are already in the works. A Fisher House is a home away from home where military and Veterans families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment, according to the Fisher House website.
VA Ann Arbor Fisher House first of its kind in Michigan
ANN ARBOR The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System announced the opening of the first Fisher House built in the state of Michigan on Monday. The VA Ann Arbor Fisher House is one of 87 Fisher Houses in the world, including in the U.S., Germany and the United Kingdom. The Fisher House is a short walk away from the VA Ann Arbor Medical Center and will enable family members to be near their loved one during a hospitalization. Inside the VA Ann Arbor Fisher House. Nonprofit organization Fisher House Michigan raised more than $7 million of its $20 million goal to fund construction of any Fisher House built in Michigan.
Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency partners with Meijer to provide emergency relief to veterans for groceries
DETROIT The Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency (MVAA) has partnered with Meijer to provide emergency relief vouchers to veterans for groceries and personal care items. A base amount of $25,000 is available to counties through the County Veteran Service Fund (CVSF) Emergency Relief grant. Some came home wounded in defense of our country, while others returned with scars that cant be seen. Many veterans face unique challenges that are only compounded by the COVID-19 crisis, and Im happy to see the MVAA recognizing those needs and providing additional support.The vouchers are valid through Sept. 30, 2020. Veterans inquiring about receiving vouchers should contact their local county office or call 1-800-MICH-VET.
Here is how you can show your support on this unique Memorial Day
And Monday marks Memorial Day, the federal holiday in the U.S. for honoring and mourning the military personnel whoโve died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Itโs a great way to show your followers that this day means more to you than just a barbecue or the day off work. Another neat way to honor the ultimate sacrifice is to create an online memorial for a loved one with the Veterans Legacy Memorial Website. If you really want to show your support, hang up an American flag outside your home or perhaps honor the day with a sign or sidewalk chalk in your front yard. Thatโs likely the easiest way to honor the day while still socially distancing and following CDC guidelines.
Farmington Hills to host virtual Memorial Day parade amid pandemic
Published: May 21, 2020, 11:54 amFARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. The city of Farmington Hills announced a virtual Memorial Day parade in lieu of a traditional parade due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. RELATED: Coronavirus in Michigan: Heres where we stand as of Thursday morningThe virtual parade will consist of photos from previous parades and messages of gratitude for veterans and frontline workers amid the pandemic. Individuals can watch the parade video online here during the upcoming holiday weekend. The city encourages residents to send messages to veterans on the website here. MORE: Coronavirus News
Plymouth adjusts Memorial Day celebrations to honor veterans amid pandemic
PLYMOUTH, Mich. Memorial Day celebrations will carry on in Plymouth with some changes due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Event organizers announced Tuesday that the annual Memorial Day Parade and following ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park will not take place. Instead there will be a short, private wreath-laying ceremony at the park where veterans can watch from outside their vehicles on Monday. A procession of veterans will then drive through the city starting at 10 a.m. Residents are encouraged to watch the procession from outside their homes in support of the veterans.
Tee up! Veterans can golf for free May 26 at Huron Hills Golf Course
ANN ARBOR, Mich. On May 26, active and retired veterans will be able to play golf for free at Huron Hills Golf Course. Those who sign up will be able to play 9 or 18 holes. Tee times must be reserved in advance by calling (734)794-6246 and can be found online here. Tee times are staggered in 10-minute intervals and golfers must abide by social distancing rules and procedures. In November the City of Ann Arbor offers veterans the opportunity to play golf for free for Veterans Day.
Free health screenings for seniors Nov. 19 in Southfield
Henry Ford Health System, Allure Medical and Health Alliance Plan are offering free health screenings for seniors Nov. 19 at the Southfield Pavillion convention center in Southfield. More than 60 organizations will be in attendance at the fair, with specializations including Veterans benefits, Medicare, assisted living, Alzheimers and more. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon and is free to all seniors and caregivers. The organizations will be awarding prizes and complimentary bagels and coffee will be available. Free health screenings -- Nov. 19, 9 a.m. to noon, 26000 Evergreen Rd., Southfield, 48076
Veterans can adopt a pet for free
The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. This article is sponsored by Mike Morse Law Firm. The MHS for Military is a program through the Michigan Humane Society that allows active duty and veterans of the US Armed Forces are able to adopt a pet and the adoption fees are waived. The Mike Morse Law firm will pay the standard adoption fees for whoever adopts our Pet of the Week. The Mike Morse Law Firm also wants to help you if you need legal assistance.