Chippewa County veterans committee says MVAA grant reassessment forces cuts; approves grave markers and small distributions

The Chippewa County Department of Veteran Affairs Committee met Feb. 25, 2025, in Sault Ste. Marie and was told the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) had reassessed county grant awards, reducing the county’s allocation by roughly $20,000. Committee members said the cut will require trimming planned uses of the grant, including eliminating advertising and reducing planned contributions to the County Veterans Trust Fund and emergent relief programs.

Secretary Brooks Partridge opened the meeting at 4:00 p.m. and noted a quorum was present despite Chairman Jim Shogren’s absence. Robert Savoie moved approval of the meeting agenda, and Brooks Partridge supported the motion; it carried on a voice vote.

Why it matters: the committee relies on MVAA grant dollars to fund a mix of outreach, part‑time staffing and emergent relief. Committee members said they will prioritize essential services and the office has already removed promotional spending from its planned budget to absorb the reduction.

Office staff reported activity and capacity in recent weeks: the office was open 37 days during the Dec. 23, 2024–Jan. 28, 2025 reporting period, logged about 65 visits and received roughly 250 phone calls. The MVAA’s finalized grant permitted the office to obtain a new laptop and two cell phones to improve service delivery; staff are also pursuing cross‑accreditation with the VFW and VVA and continuing efforts to obtain PIV cards. John Miller reported that he has received his PIV card; Melissa Donaghe is still processing hers.

Committee members also heard about a case in which the committee office assisted a veteran seeking emergent relief from the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF). The veteran was initially granted relief, but the MVTF board reassessed and revoked the award; the committee office aided an appeal, which was subsequently denied. Committee members said the office is working with that veteran to pursue alternative income and supports.

On routine business, the committee approved several motions by voice vote: it approved the Dec. 23, 2024 and Jan. 28, 2025 meeting minutes; authorized distribution of funds to purchase 23 grave markers for Oaklawn Cemetery totaling $1,035.00; and approved two MVAA grant distribution schedules. The first MVAA distribution approved totaled $1,973.82 (allocated to a part‑time compliance officer/project director); the second distribution approved totaled $1,951.01 (line items: advertising $0; transportation $50; food assistance $150; emergent relief $0; part‑time compliance officer/project director $1,751.01). The committee also noted a $150 food assistance disbursement recorded under new business.

Board member Robert Savoie said he will attend the MVAA roundtable on Feb. 27, 2025 to seek further information about the reassessments and reductions. Staff also reported recent outreach: a shared information table at the I‑500 race with the MVAA and American Legion, participation in Helping Hands events preparing items for a women’s veterans honor flight in May, and continued use of a DAV transportation vehicle for medical appointments in Iron Mountain. The Iron Mountain VA medical center’s 75th‑anniversary open house on March 5, 2025 was also announced.

The committee scheduled its next meeting for March 25, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. and adjourned at 4:45 p.m.