Commissioner asks for public’s help to revitalize issue

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From Jim Nash (D-Farmington Hills)

Oakland County Commissioner

I am writing to ask the public for their help with an important issue.

Last winter, I hosted a “Road to Reintegration” event, bringing together veterans, Michigan National Guard, Veterans’ Affairs (VA), state and county veterans agencies and county human service agencies. We discussed issues veterans and families of those still deployed face, the services available to them, and how we can better connect needs to providers. Many of us decided to organize a county-wide committee to develop a collaborative approach to matching veterans’ needs to available resources.

Last summer, the Oakland County Human Services Collaborative Council created the Fort Michigan Ad Hoc Committee, and I was named chairman. Since then, I have worked with a dedicated group of veteran advocates devoted to developing the best system of care possible. We already have 36 members and would welcome others interested in serving veterans.

Our work is progressing well, including: Developing collaborative relationships between veteran agencies, organizations and human service providers; broadening outreach to vets and dependents with education and employment benefits; working to end veteran homelessness; helping create Veteran Courts across the county; helping veterans as they enter and leave the criminal justice system; and improving mental health services for vets. We are also working on an Internet portal to connect vets and families with the services they need, and a public service announcement to get the message out.

In August, we held a town hall meeting in Pontiac to discuss veteran mental health issues. We identified the major mental health issues facing some veterans and families of deployed military — stress, (post-traumatic stress disorder), brain injuries, and addictions.

In November, we held a Veterans Fair, which brought veterans and military families together with 36 local organizations, including the VA, Pontiac Vet Center, Oakland Veterans Division, (Veterans of Foreign Wars) VFW, American Legion, Oakland University, Oakland County Human Services Agencies, and community groups. The fair attracted hundreds of vets, and we are planning to make it an annual event.

Almost four months ago, I introduced a resolution at the (Oakland County Board of Commissioners), creating the Veterans’ Services Advisory Council for Oakland County. This council’s voting membership would be appointed by each county commissioner, and includes as non-voting members two commissioners, a County Executive appointee, and the county Veterans Services Division manager. There would be no cost to the county.

The council would study veteran issues in Oakland County, develop collaborative relationships across the county, organize town halls and other public meetings, advise the county commission, and advocate for veteran needs. The Veterans’ Council would be advisory and in support of our excellent Veterans Services Division, which does a great job serving our vets.

Speaking to vets and veteran groups like the American Legion and VFW across the county, I see significant support for a veterans council. The troops returning from Iraq, and soon Afghanistan, need and deserve our support, and this council can help us better organize to serve them, and all vets.

This is where I need public support. Unfortunately, the Board of Commissioners’ Republican Caucus took a position opposing my resolution and the General Government Committee chair, (Commissioner) Christine Long (R-Commerce, Milford, Wolverine Lake), has refused to allow my resolution to come before the committee. The Republicans have every right not to support my resolution, but I believe the veterans of Oakland County at least deserve a hearing on this issue.

What I ask is, if you believe a county-wide veterans panel is at least worth considering, please call the County Commission Office at 248-858-0100 and let them know there is community support.

The most important thing we can do is make sure every veteran knows what is available and how to get help. If you have any questions, need more information, or want help connecting to veteran services, please send me an e-mail or call: jimnash2004@msn.com or 248-471-3759.