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Chippewa County veterans committee notes drop in veterans, approves VVA cross‑accreditation
Summary
At its Oct. 28 meeting, the Chippewa County Department of Veteran Affairs Committee reviewed monthly office activity, reported a decline in the county’s veteran population and FY2024 VA distribution totals, approved a VVA cross‑accreditation MOU, and affirmed adherence to Act 235 for a burial application.
The Chippewa County Department of Veteran Affairs Committee met Oct. 28, 2025, in Sault Ste. Marie and approved routine business while reviewing monthly outreach and state funding figures.
Chairman Jim Shogren called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and the board approved the agenda on a voice vote after a motion by Robert Savoie and support from Brooks Partridge. No members of the public offered comment.
John Miller reported that the county veterans office, open from Sept. 29 to Oct. 28, recorded about 56 in‑office visits and roughly 290 phone calls during the 30‑day period. Miller said he conducted several home visits for veterans unable to come to the office and described an outreach on Drummond Island arranged by Together with Veterans organizer Jim Yates; several veterans attended and additional events in DeTour and Sault Ste. Marie are being considered.
Miller also updated the board on benefits and funding: one MVFT application is pending before the State Board; the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) transportation program is operating and Dave Spencer of the DAV is coordinating a flower drive Oct. 31–Nov. 2 at Pat's Foods and Walmart to raise money for a transportation vehicle. Miller read VA FY2024 distribution numbers for Chippewa County: total funds distributed $25,331,633; Compensation & Pension (C&P) $23,706,068; Dependents' Indemnity Compensation (DIC) $1,606,019.
The committee heard that the county’s veteran population declined from 2,774 in FY2023 to 2,681 in FY2024, a loss of 93 veterans; Miller said that places Chippewa County third in Upper Peninsula veteran population behind Marquette and Delta counties. The board was also told the UP Veterans Cemetery Committee and the MVAA have identified Marquette County as the preferred site for a UP veterans cemetery, and the committee submitted three or four potential land locations (one submission referenced Dickinson County).
Miller reported the MVAA changed allowable uses for the CVTF grant so funds are now limited to office equipment, training and wages; anyone seeking future CVTF funding must apply by March 2026.
On administrative items, the board approved the Sept. 30, 2025 minutes (moved by Brooks Partridge, supported by Robert Savoie). One burial application for October totaling $300 was presented; the committee discussed compliance with Act 235 of 1911 governing veterans' burial expenses and affirmed that the Veteran Service Officer will present only applications that meet statutory criteria. The board also reviewed and voted to accept a memorandum of understanding for cross accreditation with the Vietnam Veterans of America, finding its VSO requirements consistent with accreditation terms used by the VFW and American Legion.
The committee agreed to meet next on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. following a motion by Chairman Jim Shogren and support from Brooks Partridge.
