Author: AMVET-HM

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Commander’s Thanksgiving Day Message

Office of the Commander
Department of Michigan
Natale (Nat) V. Pulizzi

COMMANDER’S THANKSGIVING DAY MESSAGE

Fellow AMVETS, Ladies Auxiliary, Sons of AMVETS, AMVET Riders, Veterans, Families, and Friends,

As we gather with loved ones and reflect on the blessings of this season, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each member of our AMVETS family.

Your dedication, service, and unwavering commitment to our Veterans, our communities, and to one another truly embody the spirit of Thanksgiving.

This holiday reminds us of the values we stand for — service, sacrifice, and fellowship. I am deeply thankful for the work you do every day, both seen and unseen, to honor those who have served and to strengthen our mission.

May this Thanksgiving bring you peace, warmth, and time shared with those who matter most. Thank you for everything you do, and may God continue to bless our AMVETS family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Yours in Service,
Nat Pulizzi
Commander, AMVETS

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Call for Applications – Department Financial Officer

Call for Applications
Department Financial Officer

All AMVETS Post Commanders,

The Department of Michigan AMVETS is seeking qualified candidates to serve as our next Department Financial Officer. This is a critical leadership position responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of our financial operations.

Our current Financial Officer is Pro Temp and has agreed to stay on until we find a replacement.

We are particularly interested in members who possess experience in the following areas:

  • Tax administration and compliance
  • Tax return preparation for nonprofit or similar organizations
  • Accounting, bookkeeping, and financial reporting
  • Business administration or related professional experience

The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, dependable, and committed to upholding the financial standards of our organization in accordance with AMVETS bylaws and all applicable regulations.

If you are interested in being considered, or if you wish to nominate a qualified member, please submit a brief letter of interest and summary of relevant experience to me no later than 30 January 2026. mi.amvetscmdr2025@gmail.com

Thank you for your continued dedication to AMVETS and for helping us strengthen the Department through strong and experienced leadership.

Yours in service,
Nat Pulizzi
Department Commander, AMVETS

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Veterans Day – November 11th

Commander’s Message
Veterans Day
11 November 2025

Fellow AMVETS, Ladies Auxiliary, Sons of AMVETS, AMVET Riders, Veterans, Families, and Friends,

On this coming Veterans Day, we will pause to honor the brave men and women who have worn the uniform of our nation. Their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty have preserved the freedoms we enjoy every day. From the battlefields of the past to the missions of today, our Veterans have stood as guardians of liberty and defenders of peace.

Let us also recognize the families who stand behind our heroes, their strength and support are an inseparable part of our nation’s story.

As AMVETS, we remain steadfast in our mission to serve Veterans and our communities. Let this day renew our commitment to one another, to never forget those who served, and to ensure every Veteran is treated with dignity, respect, and gratitude.

May we honor their service not only with our words, but through our actions—today and every day.

Yours in Service,
Nat Pulizzi
Commander, AMVETS

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Thank You, For Your Unwavering Support

Commander’s Message

Dear AMVETS, Ladies Auxiliary, Sons of AMVETS, AMVET Riders, Veterans All and First Responders.

On behalf of AMVETS, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. Frank Torre, PuroClean PuroVet Program for his generous financial contribution in support of a new roof for our Lodge at Higgins Lake. His commitment to helping Veterans and improving our facilities ensures that this special place remains a welcoming retreat for those who have served our nation.

We also wish to express sincere appreciation to Mr. Jacob Paisley, Craftsman Exteriors for providing a significant discount on the roofing project. Your dedication to supporting Veterans through your craftsmanship and generosity truly embodies the spirit of community and service that AMVETS stands for.

Together, your contributions make a lasting difference, preserving our Lodge for future generations of Veterans and their families to enjoy.

Thank you, for your Unwavering Support and Patriotism.

Nat Pulizzi
Commander, AMVETS Department of Michigan 2025-2026

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Take Action Alert

Urgent alert from:
Michael W. Roof, CVA
Director, Grand Traverse County Veterans’ Affairs

Urgent Concerns Over CVSF Grant Reductions and Elimination of Veteran Outreach Funding

As President of the Michigan Association of County Veteran Counselors (MACVC), I am writing to express our deep concern regarding the recent changes to the County Veteran Service Fund (CVSF) Grant, particularly the elimination of allowable expenditures related to veteran outreach.

For years, outreach programs have served as a vital connection between veterans and the essential services they have earned—ranging from healthcare and housing assistance to mental health support and benefits navigation. The recent decision by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) to restrict allowable expenses under the CVSF Grant to only salaries, onboarding, office rental, and IT/equipment undermines the very purpose of this funding.

This change, introduced quietly through boilerplate language in the FY26 budget, drastically reduces counties’ ability to reach veterans. In Grand Traverse County alone, the change represents a $62,000 cut. In Leelanau County, the impact is nearly $54,000. These cuts are even more severe in larger counties that rely on these funds for veteran-focused outreach, benefit fairs, advertising, and direct financial assistance.

To add further strain, earlier this year the MVAA “clawed back” nearly $3.8 million from counties under the pretense of a grant “recalculation.” This unexpected move forced counties to cancel critical contracts for outreach and support services, jeopardizing the stability of programs that veterans depend on.

We strongly urge immediate attention to the following:
Continue reading “Take Action Alert”

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2025 Fall Conference / October 17th-19th

Commander’s Message

As summer draws to a close, I want to thank each of you for the work you continue to do in service to Veterans, their families, and our communities.

The fall season brings with it not only reflection on our shared mission but also important opportunities to strengthen our organization and ensure compliance with our Bylaws.

In accordance with the newly adopted rules, every Post is required to send a minimum of two representatives to our Fall Conference, October 17–19, at the DoubleTree in Grand Rapids.

Your active participation is essential for maintaining the strength and integrity of AMVETS, as well as ensuring that all voices are heard in the decision-making process.

I look forward to seeing each of you there as we continue our commitment to Veterans and uphold the standards of our organization. Together, we can carry our mission forward with unity and purpose.

Yours in service,
Nat Pulizzi
Department Commander, AMVETS

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PuroVet – A Pathway To Success

Letter from the Commander
AMVETS Department of Michigan

Dear Veteran,

As Commander of AMVETS, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand the strength, determination, and leadership that our Veteran community brings to every challenge. Those same qualities that made you successful in service can now help you succeed in business.

That’s why I am proud to support the PuroVet Program, an initiative created by PuroClean and championed by Vice Chairman Frank Torre to help Veterans like you become successful business owners.

PuroVet offers:

 
The property restoration industry is a $210 billion market, and PuroVet is opening the door for Veterans to claim their share. This program isn’t just about building businesses—it’s about building legacies and empowering Veterans to thrive in civilian life.

If you are ready for your next mission, I encourage you to explore the PuroVet Program and see how it can help you achieve financial independence, community impact, and long-term success.

Together, we can continue to serve—this time by building futures.

With pride and respect,
Natale “Nat” Pulizzi

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Commander’s Labor Day Message – 2025

Office of the Commander
Department of Michigan
Natale (Nat) V. Pulizzi

25 August 2025

COMMANDER’S LABOR DAY MESSAGE

Fellow AMVETS, Ladies Auxiliary, Sons of AMVETS, AMVET Riders, Veterans, Families, and Friends,

This Labor Day, we pause to honor the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices of the American worker. From the factories and fields to the offices and shops, it is the strength of our workforce that continues to build and sustain this great nation.

Just as our uniform service was rooted in duty and perseverance, so too is the spirit of Labor Day—celebrating the dignity of work and the contributions of all who labor to keep America strong.

As Veterans, we understand the value of commitment, teamwork, and service. Let us take this day not only to enjoy well-earned rest with family and friends but also to reflect on the freedoms and opportunities we are blessed with.

May we stand united in our mission of service to Veterans, our communities, and our country, knowing that the same values that carried us through our military service guide us still today.

On behalf of AMVETS, I wish you a safe, meaningful, and restful Labor Day.

Yours in Service,
Nat Pulizzi
Commander, AMVETS