August 2 event for veterans set at WCC

Honoring and assisting Washtenaw County’s veteran population is part of the purpose of the Vet Fest at WCC, set for August 2. Mirror file photo.

submitted by Washtenaw Community College

Veterans, active-duty personnel, military-connected families, and the National Guard are invited to the 2025 Washtenaw County Vet Fest on Saturday, August 2, for a day of food, fun, and resources on the campus of Washtenaw Community College (WCC).

The fourth annual event is organized by WCC Wadhams Veterans Center in collaboration with multiple veterans’ organizations throughout the county.

Washtenaw County Vet Fest runs from 10am to 3pm, with activities set up near the main entrance to the WCC campus, 4800 E Huron River Dr. Admission and parking are free, but pre-registration is required. Register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/ (search “VET FEST 2025 WASHTENAW COUNTY“). Be prepared to show military ID if necessary.

“Vet Fest is all about focusing our energy on providing a fun event for local veterans, active-duty members, and their families, not only so they can relax, but to help them take advantage of the wonderful resources available to them,” said Carol Osborne, Manager of Military and Veteran Services at WCC.

More than 40 veteran service providers and agencies will be available at the event.

Financial or resource partners this year include the Michigan Army National Guard (Ypsilanti), which will lead engineering demonstrations; Erwin Prieskorn, American Legion (Post 46); Washtenaw County Department of Veteran Affairs; Veterans of Foreign Wars (Graf-O’Hara, Post 423); Ann Arbor Veterans Administration; Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 310); and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

The Michigan Secretary of State Mobile Unit will be onsite for veteran status renewals. Other services available at Washtenaw County Vet Fest will include assistance with DD-214 access and VA healthcare screenings. Knowledgeable Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) will be onsite to help file claims.

Family-friendly activities at Washtenaw County Vet Fest include:

• CH-47 helicopter landing
• Face painting, obstacle course, dunk tank, balloon artist, and a jump house
• Sweet Peach ice cream
• Hamburgers and hot dogs
• Dump truck, firetruck, police car, ambulance
• K-9 unit
• Big-screen TV raffle
• Blood drive

WCC serves approximately 500 veteran students and families. Located in the Student Center on campus, the Wadhams Veterans Center provides military-friendly programs to serve all former and current active-duty military personnel, spouses and dependents of veterans, and students in the National Guard or Reserves.

The college is recognized by the Michigan Veterans’ Affairs Agency as a gold-level veteran-friendly school, the highest honor awarded, for its strong commitment to veterans and military-affiliated students. The college is also named as a National Military Friendly® School.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.