The free event — which runs noon to 3 p.m. at Cleary University, 3750 Cleary Drive in Howell — will feature live entertainment, food trucks, family activities, children’s attractions, veteran service organizations, community resources, local businesses, prize giveaways, and opportunities for veterans to reconnect with one another while learning about services available throughout the region.
Admission to the event is free for veterans, active-duty military members, and their immediate families. Military identification or proof of veteran status is required.
“Vet Fest is about much more than one afternoon of celebration. It’s about reminding veterans that they are valued, helping them discover resources they may not know exist, and creating connections that continue long after the event ends,” said Joshua Parish, an Iraq War veteran, and co-founder and CEO of VETLIFE.
Each year, volunteers, veteran service organizations, healthcare providers, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community partners come together to make Vet Fest possible, demonstrating what can happen when an entire community rallies around those who served.
“One conversation can change the direction of someone’s life,” said Cortnie Parish, co-ounder and chief marketing officer of VETLIFE. “Whether a veteran discovers a benefit they’ve earned, reconnects with another veteran, or simply leaves knowing they’re not alone, that’s why we do this work.”
VETLIFE, a Michigan nonprofit, works to make the journey of navigating benefits, finding trusted resources, rebuilding purpose, and finding their place in civilian life easier, using technology, trusted partnerships, community engagement, and year-round outreach.
Rather than focusing on a single program or annual event, VETLIFE has developed a year-round network of support designed to connect veterans with benefits information, trusted resources, wellness tools, and opportunities to engage with their local communities. Its free Battle Buddy platform helps veterans access trusted information, resources, and guidance whenever they need it, while the organization’s in-person initiatives foster meaningful connections among veterans, families, and community partners.
To learn more about VETLIFE, or for more information, CLICK HERE.
