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Looking Forward to a Fun April
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Dear Volunteers,
As we get through what is hopefully the last stretch of winter weather, we look forward to April for its warmer temperatures and because it's going to be a great month for our program! On April 9, we'll be at the Big House 5K (see below for more details), and on April 29, we'll come together to celebrate your wonderful contributions at the annual Volunteer Recognition Event. We recently sent out the invitation and request for your RSVP to the Recognition Event. Please join us for these events if you are able.
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Last month I wrote about how we would be calling each of you to learn more about your experiences with the program. We have spoken to many of you so far and have received very helpful, thoughtful feedback that we will be incorporating. We always seek to get better, and hope that we continue providing a fulfilling volunteer experience for all of you.
Thank you for all you do!
Stephanie Zarb
Program Manager
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Volunteer Veteran of the Month
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Carl Underhill was our Volunteer of the Month for February! Ever since he was trained into the program in April of 2016, Carl has been an eager and enthusiastic volunteer, faithfully
attending both drill and weekly support calls. Carl is assigned to the Wyoming armory and has enjoyed getting to know the soldiers in that unit as well as receiving excellent support from the Guard leadership there.
Read more about Carl...
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Scott Bogoski served in the Michigan National Guard from 2004 until this past January. He has a Bachelor of Applied Science and has done coursework for a Master's of Divinity. He lives in Lowell.
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Shawn Dreffs served in the Army for 21 years. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Military Management and works for Consumers Energy. Shawn has served as a VFW Post Commander and as an American Legion Post Officer. He lives in Jackson.
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Gary Radomski served in the Army for three years. He has a Bachelor's degree from Wayne State University. Prior to his retirement, he worked for Ford Motor Co. Gary also volunteers at his church and in a local soup kitchen. He lives in South Lyon.
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Mike Thompson served four years active duty in the Navy and then for two years in the Navy Reserve. He was a truck driver for Airborne and DHL for 20 years and also served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for 20 years. He lives in St. Clair Shores.
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The top log submissions in February:
Joe McClellan - 25
Steve Alguire - 17
Ron Springer - 13
Robert Calhoun - 7
Jon Luker - 6
Most events attended and logged in February:
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Thank you for taking the time to submit your logs and using the website to communicate with us. These submissions are key in helping us continue to serve Michigan’s veterans.
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This Month's Training Anniversary
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The following volunteer is celebrating his training anniversary with the program this month:
One Year
John Allen
Thank you for your service!
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RSVP for the Annual Volunteer Recognition Event on April 29
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Join us for the annual Volunteer Recognition Event on Saturday, April 29 in Lansing! The event will be from 6–8 pm at the University Club on the Michigan State University campus. The optional feedback session prior to the event will be from 4–5:30 pm at the same location. RSVP here...
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Buddy-to-Buddy is one of six beneficiaries of the Big House 5K: Trail to the Victors. This race will take place on Sunday, April 9, 2017 on the UM Academic and Athletics campuses. Buddy-to-Buddy will receive a portion of the proceeds from each registration!
If you are interested in running or walking in this 5K, visit www.mgoblue.com/bighouse5k for more information or to register.
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If you would like to help us promote our participation in this event, you can download a picture to post on social media here.
If you would like to represent Buddy-to-Buddy by volunteering at the event, email us at [email protected] or call (734) 998-5825.
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The 2016 Year in Review is ready for you to view! We are excited to share this document that showcases the wonderful work you do as a Volunteer Veteran. If you attend the Volunteer Recognition Event, you will receive a printed copy of it there. View the 2016 Year in Review...
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Buddy-to-Buddy On MI Healthy Mind
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Richie Roberts, one of our volunteers, was featured on a recent episode of the t.v. program MI Healthy Mind.
Richie bravely shared his story of how he's overcome many challenges and is now thriving. Our Program Psychologist, Dr. Beau Nelson, and Program Manager, Stephanie Zarb, were also interviewed for this episode.
Watch the episode...
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Buddy-to-Buddy On Comcast Newsmakers
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Program Manager Stephanie Zarb was interviewed about Buddy-to-Buddy for a recent episode of the Comcast Newsmakers program. Watch the interview...
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Program Merchandise for Sale
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Men's and women's hoodies, vests, and long sleeve shirts are for sale, along with other program merchandise. If you're interested in looking these items over, visit Ivy Promotion’s website...
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Gary Radomski and Mark Reynolds at USA Hockey's Welcome Back Veterans event
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Mike Thorne (standing, center) at a VA event in Petoskey
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Stephanie Zarb at the filming of a Comcast Newsmakers program interview about Buddy-to-Buddy
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Where Will We Be This Month?
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Click here to view a calendar of events that Volunteer Veterans will be attending on behalf of Buddy-to-Buddy. This calendar gets updated on a regular basis and we encourage you to refer to it frequently.
If there are any events throughout the state that you think might be good for Buddy-to-Buddy to have a table at, please email us at [email protected] or call (734) 998-5825.
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Buddy-to-Buddy is part of Military Support Programs and Networks (M-SPAN),
a portfolio of military mental health programs within the University of Michigan Depression Center.
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