Veteran Assistance Resources Manual - The American Legion, Department of Michigan

Includes:

Department Veterans Service Division Office
Veteran Service officer Schedule as of November 2024
National Emergency Fund Form
Temporary Financial Assistance Form (National)
Department Temporary Financial Assistance Form
Locations of VA facilities around Michigan
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund

VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION RESOURCES

As a district commander, you may encounter situations during your commandership where a veteran will approach you in reference to financial assistance. You should always refer them to the appropriate agencies within the veteran's community such as Red Cross, Veterans Trust Fund, Soldier/Sailor Relief Commission, etc. If, however, these options have been exhausted, department headquarters provides the following options based on eligibility and available resources.

The American Legion Department of Michigan Veteran Services Regional Office

Our staff is dedicated to providing the very best veterans’ advocacy to Michigan Veterans and their families. They can assist with Claims Preparation, Presentation and appeal counsel in Veterans’ benefits services. Assist you and your dependents in getting the benefits that you have earned from your service to your country.

Mr. Gary Easterling, Director
Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building

Room 1210 477 Michigan Avenue

Detroit, MI 48226
Office Phone (313) 964-6640

Fax (313) 964-5697
e-mail - al.vbadet@va.gov
Monday thru Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Call the Detroit office for Field Service Officer Schedule 833-648-3826

Find a County Veteran Service Office for Michigan veteran trust fund questions at http://www.michiganveterans.com/Home/Benefit-Counselors
American Legion National "Temporary Financial Assistance" Program: Application must be for wartime veterans who have minor children in the home. Application can be obtained from department headquarters by contacting Kim Siedelberg at 517.371.4720, ext. 13 or Department VAR Director Gary Easterling 313.964.6640.
Department Welfare Fund: To assist with emergency needs such as food, rent, or utilities. Wartime veterans who were honorably discharged, or widow of said veteran, can apply for a maximum amount of $225 per calendar year. Applications can be obtained by contacting Department VAR Director Gary Easterling 313.964.6640 or Department Reconnect Committee Chairman Gary Tanner 313.550.4289.
National Emergency Fund: A national American Legion program the handles financial assistance for individuals or posts if the assistance need is due to "declared" national disasters such as floods, tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes or related adverse weather events. Individual grants are up to $1500 and post grants are up to $5,000. Contact Department Adjutant Ron Runyan 517.371.4720.
Heroes to Hometowns: A program designed to assist severely injured veterans from the War on Terrorism. Veterans must be returning to his/her local community upon discharge from a military hospital due to combat wounds. Contact Eddie Brown 734.246.5462.
Military Family Relief Fund: A Department of Military and Veterans Affairs program located in Lansing designated for activated soldiers of the Michigan National Guard and Reserve components. Contact Military Family Relief Fund toll-free 1.866.271.4404.
As stated earlier, all applicants should seek assistance with their community agencies prior to applying to the above.