Free SMART Virtual Firearm Training Amvets Members

Hi Amvets members,

You may be interested in the following SMART firearms training you can take for free. Use "AMVETS100" for access until the end of the year.

Amvets Post Golf Fundraiser June 20th, 2026

 

Amvets Golf Fundraiser

June 20th, 2026 at 10:00 AM $45 with cart and hotdogs. 

Woody's Run Golf Course

Open to anyone as proceeds go to support Amvets Post #123.

4004 18th Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829

Call or Text Mark the Commander to Set Up. 906-420-0581 or the Club 906-786-0705

General donations are welcome to the club as well. Tax deductible. 

Poll Shows Most People Trust Military Veterans and Their Leadership Capacity in Candidate Selection

The military continues to offer a pathway for personal and professional development that many institutions no longer consistently provide. It instills teamwork, unity, leadership, resilience, and self-confidence—qualities that are widely recognized and valued. While military service is not the only route to developing these traits, for many individuals it creates opportunities they might not have otherwise had, particularly among those who didn't have all the doors open.

Veterans have a meaningful influence on society, and public trust in them tends to be high. This trust is rooted in the perception that they are shaped by a strong set of values—duty, integrity, and service to others. Although these values are not universally practiced or emphasized across society, military culture reinforces them through both formal codes of conduct and lived experience, including a commitment to protecting and supporting others.

In this context, leadership is often defined less by status or financial success and more by a willingness to serve, take responsibility, and stand firm during difficult times. That emphasis on accountability and sacrifice is part of what distinguishes many veterans as leaders.

For organizations looking to hire, veterans can be a strong talent pool. Connecting with veterans’ organizations or networks can help identify candidates who bring discipline, adaptability, and mission-focused thinking—benefiting both the organization and the individuals transitioning into civilian roles. 

If you have an open position around Escanaba that you would like to select a veteran please send a message to the right or email escanabaamvets@gmail.com

You may want to look at this poll below, 

Military Experience Tops Candidate Credentials

• A majority of Americans (55%) say they are more likely to vote for a candidate with prior military experience, compared with only 7% who say it makes them less likely.
• Military service is viewed more favorably than other common credentials such as government or business experience, giving it the strongest net positive impact.
• Veterans are widely perceived as strong leaders, with about 83% of Americans agreeing they possess strong leadership qualities.
• Large majorities believe veterans put the country ahead of personal or partisan interests (78%), work well with diverse groups (77%), and understand global security challenges (75%).
• Americans express higher trust in veterans for roles such as disaster response, foreign policy advising, and community leadership.
• Overall, military experience signals integrity, leadership, and public service, giving veterans a measurable advantage in political candidacy and leadership roles.

Jones, J. M. (2025, October 2). Military experience tops candidate credentials. Gallup. https://news.gallup.com/poll/695648/military-experience-tops-candidate-credentials.aspx

Support the Wounded Warrior Project

(Illustrative Only)

Support your veterans.

Veterans put themselves at risk in service to others, and many return home with lasting injuries. The Wounded Warrior Project has supported over one million warriors, caregivers, and family members, helping ensure they are not forgotten. 

These men and women took on great risk to protect our freedoms, and the impact of their service often continues long after they return—sometimes for years or even decades. Injuries may be visible or unseen, but all deserve recognition and care. 

If you want to support veterans, consider contributing to this cause through a one-time donation or a monthly gift of any amount.

Wounded Warrior Project Main

Pictures Submitted by AMVETS Members March 2026

Greetings AMVETS Members,

We recently invited members to submit a favorite photo to be shared with the group, and the following images were sent in for posting. Each submission reflects something meaningful to the individual who shared it, whether it’s a personal moment, a place, or a memory they value.

This initiative was created to help strengthen our sense of community by giving members a simple way to connect and share a part of their lives with one another. It’s a small effort, but one that helps remind us of the people and stories that make this organization what it is.

Based on the positive response, we plan to host another photo share in the future and encourage even more members to participate. Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make this a meaningful experience.

Don't forget to join or refer a friend to our community. Veterans and family that includes children, spouse, grandparents, etc.

Shelli

Vickie

Vickie

Sandy

Beth

Sherry

Military Readiness for FY27: House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee

The House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee hearing centered on a critical decline in military readiness caused by aging equipment and maintenance backlogs. Chairman Scott and Ranking Member Garamendi voiced concerns regarding the cannibalization of aircraft and the dwindling availability of the Navy’s amphibious fleet and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The committee advocated for a strategic shift, moving away from prioritizing new procurement toward sustaining current assets throughout their service lives.

Military leaders provided updates on their respective branches:

• The Army noted it is meeting recruitment targets and replacing legacy platforms with modern systems like the XM30 and M1E3.

• The Navy exceeded its recruitment goals and is focusing on sailor retention by moving personnel from ships to shore-based housing.

• The Marine Corps highlighted its Barracks 2030 project and its third straight clean audit while advocating for more amphibious ships.

• The Air Force discussed training 1,500 pilots annually and its decision to pause KC-46 tanker acquisitions until technical issues are fixed.

A major point of contention was the lack of access to technical data, which prevents military personnel from repairing their own equipment. Ranking Member Garamendi criticized the reliance on private contractors for these repairs, framing it as a failure of the acquisition process. The subcommittee concluded by stating they will hold the Department of Defense accountable for making long-term maintenance a primary factor in all future equipment purchases.

More information on the state of readiness at Military Readiness for FY27

There Is Someone Who Needs It More Than Me

 By Alyssa Knoll

VA Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator

These are the words that often echo during outreach as I share resources available to Veterans in the community and through VA: “There is someone who needs it more than me.”

In truth, we need you. Increased engagement with VA benefits leads to more local resources for all Veterans. By helping yourself, you also help others — something Veterans understand deeply.

Several barriers prevent people from receiving needed mental health care. One major barrier — for both Veterans and non‑Veterans — is the belief that their issues aren’t severe enough to warrant help.

Other reasons Veterans may hesitate to seek mental health care include believing problems will improve on their own, doubting treatment effectiveness, or holding personal negative attitudes toward mental health. Stigma, particularly from military culture, can reinforce misconceptions about weakness or fears of being treated differently.

Those who do reach out often face practical challenges such as copayment costs, lack of health insurance, not knowing where to go, or transportation difficulties; especially in rural areas like ours.

Let’s work together to break down these barriers.

Service members and Veterans are at high risk for pain-related conditions. Studies have linked migraines, back pain and psychogenic pain to higher suicide risk. Maybe you’ve been struggling for a long time — telling yourself, “It will pass,” or enduring pain that never improves. Chronic pain doesn’t resolve on its own, and when it affects your functioning or mental health, it is serious enough to seek treatment.

When transportation is a barrier, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is one option for transportation to medical appointments. For other appointments, plan ahead with a buddy, rideshare and maybe add coffee or lunch to the outing. If you’ve had a positive experience seeking care, share it with a fellow Veteran to encourage them to do the same.

Town halls, coffee socials, resource events and Veteran service organizations offer opportunities to learn more about your symptoms and discover what might be causing them. These events also allow you to connect with others facing similar concerns or to meet subject matter experts who can help you better understand your situation.

Breaking down mental health stigma can feel daunting. The idea that seeking help is a sign of weakness comes from many parts of society. This is especially ingrained in military culture. As a therapist, every Veteran I’ve met who has faced their mental health concerns has been a champion. It takes strength to face your fears and work toward healing.

One way to reduce stigma is to share your story. If you or someone you know has benefited from a service, organization or treatment, consider sharing that experience with others who may be struggling.

Important Resources

• For mental health emergencies: Dial 988, then Press 1
• For medical emergencies: Dial 911
• For community resources in the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin: Dial 211

Early Alert is a free service for all service members and Veterans. Sign up to receive weekly resources tailored to your needs.

Veterans who use VA services help all Veterans by increasing funding for additional programs. Please use your VA benefits.

VA Contact Information

• Enrollment and Eligibility: 906‑774‑3300, ext. 32810
• Urgent Care: 906‑774‑3300, ext. 34780
• Mental Health: 906‑774‑3300, ext. 32541
• Primary Care: 906‑774‑3300 (press 2, then press 2)
• DAV Transportation: 906‑774‑3300, ext. 32780

PACT Act Information

The PACT Act expands eligibility for Veterans exposed to toxins. To see the list of presumptive conditions related to specific locations and exposures, visit: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/

To contact with your county Veteran Service Officer (VSO): Visit https://www.va.gov/iron-mountain-health-care/health-services/patient-advocates/, scroll to the bottom of the page, expand “Veteran Service Officers,” locate your county, and find your VSO’s phone number and email.