Free Hot Dog and Ghost Riders Concert!! (July 10th, 2026)-Amvets Post #123

Come on down for great music and enjoy a complimentary hot dog!

Hot dogs are complimentary while supplies last.

While you're here, take advantage of our special membership rate of just $30 per year. Membership includes free admission (a $5 value), two complimentary beverages, and, of course, a complimentary hot dog while supplies last.

Enjoy the music, the food, and all the benefits of becoming a member!

"AMVETS members enjoy savings and benefits from our many partners and participate in post activities for fun, community service, and to help fellow veterans across many aspects of life. AMVETS is a veterans service organization open to anyone who is currently serving, or who has honorably served, in the U.S. Armed Forces including the National Guard and Reserves. "Join Amvets"

 

Special thanks to UP Health Systems and Home Care Hospice for the Hot Dogs

What is GRACE (Granting Rollover Access and Contribution Extensions) for Military Survivors Act?

Changes to veterans' benefits and military-related legislation occur regularly, making it important for veterans, their families, and community organizations to stay informed. Government policies can significantly influence a veteran's post-military life, affecting benefits, healthcare, education, and financial planning. Keeping up with legislative developments helps individuals understand how new laws may impact them and allows organizations that support veterans to advocate effectively.

The legislation discussed below extends the period for certain survivor benefits after a veteran's death from one year to three years. This additional time gives eligible beneficiaries an opportunity to transfer or roll over funds into an appropriate account, helping preserve important financial benefits during a difficult time.

Supporting our veterans remains an important responsibility. The men and women who served our country did so honorably, and ensuring they receive the benefits and assistance they have earned reflects our commitment to their service and sacrifice.

GRACE (Granting Rollover Access and Contribution Extensions) for Military Survivors Act,

The bill extends the contribution period for military death benefits to Roth IRAs and Coverdell accounts from one to three years, applying to amounts received after enactment and retroactively to amounts received since October 7, 2001, if contributions are made within the new timeframe.It aims to support military survivors' savings options.

Supported by,

American Legion, American Veterans (AMVETS), Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Gold Star Spouses of America, Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN), National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS), United Services Automobile Association (USAA), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Veterans Survivor Coalition, Vietnam Veterans of America, and With Honor Action.

Other Literature:


New bill would extend military survivor benefit decision deadline


Federal legislation introduced to extend benefits to military survivors


Document Overview: H.R. 9489

Congress: 119th Congress, 2nd Session

Date Introduced: June 25, 2026

Sponsor: Mr. Thompson of California

Co-Sponsors: Mr. Steube, Mr. Vargas, Mr. Bergman, Mr. Ellzey, Ms. Norton, Mr. Buchanan, Ms. Sewell, Mr. Harrigan, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Mrs. Kiggans of Virginia, and Mr. Thanedar.

Referred To: Committee on Ways and Means

Official Title: A Bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the time period for the contribution of military death benefits to Roth IRAs and Coverdell education savings accounts.
Section-by-Section Breakdown

Section 1. Short Title

This Act may be cited as the "GRACE for Military Survivors Act".
Section 2. Extension of Time Period for Contribution of Military Death Benefits

(a) In General: Sections $408A(e)(2)(A)$ and $530(d)(9)(A)$ of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 are amended by striking "1-year period" and inserting "3-year period".
(b) Effective Dates

(1) In General: Except as provided in paragraph (2), these amendments apply to amounts received under section 1477 of title 10, United States Code, or section 1967 of title 38 of such Code, on or after the date of enactment.

(2) Retroactive Application (Amounts received between October 7, 2001, and Enactment): The amendments apply to contributions made with respect to amounts received on or after October 7, 2001, and before the date of enactment, if the contribution is made before the later of:

(A) 3 years after the date on which the amounts were received, or

(B) 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

If you need help drafting a summary, a press release, or an analysis of how these changes impact military families compared to current tax law, just let me know!

AMVETS Golf Outing Enjoys Perfect Weather and Friendly Competition 2026

 July 27, 2026

Bright sunshine, warm temperatures, and lush green fairways made for an ideal day as AMVETS hosted its annual golf outing and tournament on July 27.

Multiple teams gathered for the event, which began with a shotgun start at approximately 10:30 a.m. Each team started play on a different hole, allowing golfers to spread out across the course while enjoying a day of friendly competition.

The nine-hole course, with a par of 34, proved to be both scenic and challenging. Golfers navigated tree-lined fairways, water hazards, ponds, and other obstacles that tested both skill and strategy throughout the afternoon.

Play concluded around 2:45 p.m., when participants gathered near the clubhouse to share stories from the course and await the announcement of the final standings.

When the scores were tallied, Team Sunshine claimed first place with a score of 42. Finishing behind the champions were Team Cowboy in second place, followed by Team Kenny South Park, Team Studley Awesome, and Team Orange Crush.

The outing provided participants with an enjoyable day of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and friendly competition, all made even better by nearly perfect summer weather.

Team Sunshine 42

Team Cowboy 43

Team Kenny South Park 44

Team Studly Awesome 50

Team Orange Crush 56

June 25th, 2026 Amvets Members Meeting

 

No professional training required: Suicide prevention is everyone’s business

No professional training required: Suicide prevention is everyone’s business

By Alyssa Knoll

Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center

Community VA Engagement and Partnership Coordinator

When we see someone struggling with life stressors, we sometimes look away because we don’t know what to say or do. We feel like we do not have the skills or resources to help.

The good news is that professional mental health training is not needed to help. You have what you need in your toolbox. Be present with an open mind, be ready to listen, be prepared to ask tough questions and use resources.

It's important to recognize when things aren’t going right for someone. Risk factors are concerning and potentially increase someone’s risk of suicide. Factors we need to takeinto account include:

•  Rurality — isolation, lack of transportation and lack of access to health care
• Separation from service — period of high risk
• Significant changes in substance use
• Trauma experiences — life threatening, sexual, physical or verbal abuse
• Significant changes in mood —very stressed to relieved
• Lack of sleep
• Emotional distress
• Access to lethal means
• Job loss, relationship issues, financial problems or troubles at home
• Peri/menopause

Additionally, there are protective factors that can help reduce the likelihood of suicide among Veterans including:

•  Social support
• Access to mental health care
• Connection with self, trusted
• circle or community
• Problem-solving skills
• Mission or purpose
• Physical health
• Access/use of secure storage
• Safe home
• Employment
• Social and emotional wellbeing
• Healthy hobbies

If you are concerned that a Veteran or someone you know might be contemplating
suicide, it is essential to approach the person with care and compassion. Watch for changes in behaviors. For some, this may be in their mood. People who exhibit high levels of stress for a long time might suddenly act relieved even though the stressors all remain. They may have made a decision that will end the stress.

For substance users it could look like an increase in use or gambling. Watch for someone who gives away sentimental items when this is out of the ordinary. The person may make suicidal statements that draw your attention. People who are suicidal may talk about it before acting on their thoughts. The statements may not be direct. They might talk about going away and not coming back for a while.

Some examples of statements are:

“It won’t matter after tomorrow, nothing will.”

“It would be okay if I never woke up.”

“You won’t have to worry about me being a burden anymore.”

Some statements are more direct, and sound like, “If this pain doesn’t stop, I’m going to shoot myself.” No matter the context, it is good to practice asking people about these statements. “Maybe you are not serious, but I know pain can be hard to live with. When you say that, are you serious? Do you have a plan to kill yourself?”

This is where asking questions to understand and listen becomes essential. If someone  exhibits risk factors, behaviors or is making suicidal statements and you are concerned, ask them directly if they are thinking of suicide. If they say yes, you need to persuade them to go to an emergency room where they can be assessed for safety.

If they are not willing to go, call 988, Press 1, so they can talk with a Veteran specific counselor. You can sit with them and talk with the counselor together if they are reluctant to call for themselves.

At this point it is better to have a mad friend than a friend who has died by suicide. If someone has suicidal thoughts and is looking for mental health support, you can call 988, Press 1 day or night to talk with a counselor. The Veteran Crisis Line will alert the Veteran’s local VA Suicide Prevention Coordinators that a call has been made. The Suicide Prevention Coordinator will reach out to the Veteran to be sure they get the follow-up support and services they need.

Other mental health resources include:

• VA Mental Health during regular business hours from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Oscar G. Johnson VAMC Mental Health at 906-774-3300, ext. 32541
• Escanaba Vet Center, 301 North 30 th Street, Escanaba MI 49829, or call 906-233-0244
• 211 for community mental health resources

It is possible to have all the risk factors and experience high levels of stress and not be suicidal. Each person is different in how they manage life stress. If the person you are with says they are not suicidal, the following questions by Brad Bonar, stand-up comedian, magician and creator of the 1 Degree of Separation program, may help to talk to them to understand their struggles better.

Brad’s five questions are:

1. What does your depression or other mental health concerns feel like?
2. What do others do that make it worse?
3. What do others do that make it better?
4. What do you do that makes it worse?
5. What do you do that makes it better?

You can find his story at, 1 degree of Separation. 
Another great tool to explore is the VA Safety Plan app. The Safety Plan app is for everyone and helps to identify personal coping strategies and sources of support, giving suicidal thoughts time to decrease and become more manageable. Having conversations about places, things, pets, health care providers and support systems can help find additional support ideas. And the app is free.

By understanding the risk and protective factors for suicide among Veterans and knowing how to approach the conversation, you can play a crucial role in providing support and potentially saving a life. Remember, asking the difficult question directly and with empathy can open the door to vital discussions and interventions. Suicide prevention doesn’t require special training, just listening, caring, compassion and connecting them to resources for safety.

To receive a 1-hour free Question Persuade and Refer suicide prevention training

(individual or group), call U.P. Together With Veterans representative Pam Basal at 906-360-3890 or email pbasal-c@gapsi.com.

For emergent suicidal crisis, get to your nearest emergency room or,

• Call 988 press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line
• Call VA Mental Health from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at 906-774-3300, ext. 32541
• Call the Vet Center in Escanaba MI at 906-233-0244
• Call 211 for community mental health resources

Veteran's Employment Outcomes Study: Census Data

Veterans bring valuable skills and experiences that can make them exceptional employees. Reviewing Census Bureau data on veteran employment outcomes can help organizations make informed hiring decisions and recognize the benefits of recruiting those who have served. Veterans have demonstrated commitment, discipline, reliability, and the ability to work within structured systems and processes. They have shown up for their country, fulfilled demanding responsibilities, and often developed leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that transfer well to the civilian workforce.

Companies that prioritize veteran hiring not only gain access to a highly capable talent pool but also support those who have served the nation. By creating opportunities for veterans, employers help ease the transition to civilian careers while encouraging future generations to consider military service. These individuals play a vital role in protecting our freedoms and contributing to national security.

The Census Bureau's analysis examined nearly two decades of employment data and found that veterans from certain military occupations and branches often experience stronger earnings outcomes. Air Force veterans, for example, frequently earned higher wages, likely due to the technical and specialized training associated with many Air Force careers. Veterans with experience in intelligence, drone operations, and other highly technical fields also tended to achieve higher earnings because of their advanced technical expertise and critical-thinking skills.

As military operations become increasingly technology-driven, more service members will likely leave the military with valuable skills in areas such as cybersecurity, data analysis, artificial intelligence, advanced communications, and autonomous systems. These evolving skill sets may further strengthen veteran employment outcomes in the future.

Organizations looking to support veterans can partner with local veteran service organizations, attend veteran-focused job fairs, and actively recruit from military and veteran networks. Investing in veteran talent benefits not only the individuals being hired but also the long-term growth, resilience, and success of the organization. Veterans have already demonstrated their ability to serve a mission larger than themselves, and many continue to bring that same dedication and sense of purpose to the workplace.

Veterans’ Employment Outcomes After Military Service: Insights from New Census Data

• More than 2.8 million enlisted service members who were honorably discharged between 2002 and 2021 were included in the Census Bureau’s Veteran Employment Outcomes (VEO) dataset, providing a detailed look at veterans’ transition into civilian employment.

• Veterans with specialized military occupations, such as operational intelligence specialists and drone operators, generally earned higher wages and experienced stronger employment outcomes than veterans from infantry and combat-related occupations.

• Employment outcomes varied by military branch and occupation. Army and Marine Corps infantry veterans commonly entered administrative support, manufacturing, and retail sectors, while Air Force veterans were more likely to work in professional and technical services.

• Gender differences persisted after military service, with women veterans earning less than men during their first year in civilian employment across all branches of service. Earnings differences by race and ethnicity were generally smaller.

• Economic conditions at the time of separation mattered. Veterans leaving the military during the Great Recession experienced lower employment stability, while those separating during stronger labor markets generally achieved better employment outcomes. The COVID-19 recession had a more limited effect overall, although some Air Force veterans were disproportionately affected.

Foote, A., Hyatt, H., Janicki, H., & Wasser, D. (2025, January 14). What are veterans’ job prospects after they serve? U.S. Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2025/01/veterans-employment-outcomes.html

VA Funded Projects 2026: Supporting Veterans Through Research, Recovery, and Opportunity

Supporting our veterans is an important responsibility. They have served their nation, protected our freedoms, and often possess a deep understanding of the sacrifices required to preserve those freedoms. As a society, we should continue to invest in programs and research that help veterans maximize their opportunities, recover from injuries, and maintain a high quality of life.

The FY 2026 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs research portfolio highlights ongoing efforts to address many of the challenges veterans face. Funded projects focus on critical health issues such as chronic pain, mental health, rehabilitation, traumatic injuries, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other long-term health conditions. The goal is not only to advance scientific knowledge but also to translate research findings into practical improvements that enhance veterans' daily lives and health outcomes.

Supporting veteran research helps drive innovation in healthcare while honoring the service of those who have served our country. Equally important is supporting the employment of veterans, recognizing the leadership, discipline, resilience, and experience they bring to the workforce. By investing in research and creating opportunities for meaningful employment, we can help ensure that veterans receive the support and recognition they have earned.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs FY 2026 Funded Research Projects: Advancing Veteran Health and Well-Being

• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is funding hundreds of research projects in FY 2026 that address critical health challenges affecting veterans, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, traumatic brain injury (TBI), mental health conditions, chronic pain, rehabilitation, and aging-related health concerns.
• Several large-scale clinical trials focus on improving treatment outcomes and disease prevention, including studies on lung cancer screening, liver cancer detection, cardiovascular health, diabetic complications, kidney disease, and musculoskeletal disorders.
• Mental health and suicide prevention remain major priorities, with funded projects examining PTSD treatment, sleep disorders, peer-support interventions, cognitive rehabilitation, recovery-focused suicide prevention programs, and technology-enabled mental health care solutions.
• Rehabilitation and disability research receive substantial support through studies on prosthetics, spinal cord injuries, stroke recovery, mobility enhancement, chronic pain management, neuroplasticity, telehealth rehabilitation, and functional recovery interventions designed to improve quality of life for veterans.
• The VA continues to invest in innovation through specialized research centers and emerging technologies, including precision medicine, artificial intelligence, data analytics, biomedical engineering, advanced prosthetics, neuroscience, and personalized approaches to veteran healthcare.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Research and Development. (2026). FY 2026 VA-funded projects. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. https://www.research.va.gov/about/funded_research/projects-FY2026.cfm