As I transition into my new role with Buddy-to-Buddy, I want to reiterate how each and every one of you have taught me something about being a manager, about being a veteran, and about being a peer. I hope to use these skills to assist veterans in my new endeavors and through my continued connection with Buddy-to-Buddy.
On a recent support call I outlined my new role as the Program Social Worker. I will provide consultation and advice to those of you who are challenged with complex cases that may or may not include mental health and/or substance abuse. Most of you have my contact information, but please also loop in Jamie Majer and Amy Kienast on all situations that are complex.
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I’m sure by now many of you know that I read a lot of military history, and if I could, I would retire to the edge of a Civil War battlefield and do little else but read and retrace the steps of those who marched on that hallowed ground. One of the most famous military historians, General S.L.A. Marshall, described character when he said, “A man has integrity if his interest in the good of the service is at all times greater than his personal pride, and when he holds himself to the same line of duty when unobserved as he would follow if his superiors were present.”
Because Buddy-to-Buddy is a volunteer-driven program, I have viewed all of you as my superiors in that your interests have always been my interests, and I sincerely hope I have neared your expectations of what a Program Manager should be.
I thank you for your support and I wish you all the best.
Warm Regards,
Adam Jando
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Volunteer Recognition Event on
April 13 in Clare—Don't Miss It!
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This year our Volunteer Recognition Event will be in Clare, a charming town in northern Michigan. The residents of this community are friendly, welcoming, and very excited that Buddy-to-Buddy volunteers will be spending time exploring their community. Many of the businesses in Clare will be offering veteran discounts, visitor samples, and gift basket prizes for the event. There is so much to do and see that you may want to stay an extra day or two (volunteers coming from long distances can request a hotel room for one night and you can book extra nights directly through the Doherty Hotel).
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Downtown Clare, MI at night
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If you are a history buff, you will be thrilled with all the local history, Purple Gang secrets, and hearing about the famous folks who have passed through this quaint town. For those who like to shop, there will be plenty to keep you occupied. Clare has unique gift shops, boutiques, antique stores, Amish furniture, General Jim’s military surplus, and the well-known Jay’s Sporting Goods. Also, bring your appetite, as there are lots of great eateries around, such as the world famous Cops and Donuts, Amish bakeries, and local breweries to check out. We will be sending out the official invitation with more details soon and hope you will all join us!
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Month in Review | December 2018
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Number of service members and veterans assisted:
43
Concerns identified:
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Top interaction log submitters:
Paul Jingozian - 36
Steve Alguire - 19
Richie Roberts - 13
Jon Luker - 11
Ken Kline - 7
Number of drill/outreach events attended:
32
Most drill/outreach events attended and logged:
Ron Springer - 3
Cliff Tholen - 3
Steve Alguire - 2
Ken Kline - 2
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Thank you for taking the time to submit your logs and using the website to communicate with us. These submissions are key in helping us continue to serve Michigan’s veterans.
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This Month's Training Anniversaries
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The following volunteers are celebrating their training anniversaries with the program this month:
Nine Years!
Eric Jackson
Eight Years
Brad Blanchard
Stoney Summey
Seven Years
Michael Mayse
Six Years
Ron Springer
Four Years
Mike Bachand
Two Years
Robert Calhoun
Thank you for your service!
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Do you know any veterans who would be great B2B volunteers? We need a few more volunteers in the following areas:
- Detroit
- Saginaw
- Midland
- Lansing
- Monroe
- Traverse City
- Port Huron
- Sandusky
- Bad Axe
If you run across someone who would be a great volunteer, please contact Amy at (734) 998-5829 or
amkienas@umich.edu
and let her know, or you can have them fill out an application
here
.
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Counties shown in blue have at least one volunteer residing in them; counties in green have no volunteers.
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Resource Highlight:
The Mission Continues
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Are you working with a veteran who would benefit from reconnecting to a group and having a mission?
The Mission Continues
may be a great option for them. This organization has locations in several major cities around the U.S., including Detroit. To learn more, visit its
website
.
To get connected on a local level, veterans are encouraged to join one or both of the
Detroit Service Platoons
.
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Has it been a while since you went through our New Volunteer Training? A lot has changed. Do you think you might benefit from going through training again? If so, contact us about attending an upcoming training. We continually update our training content and think that any and all volunteers who are interested in refreshing their skills will benefit from going through the new and updated training. We'll provide a free lunch.
Contact us to schedule a re-training.
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Need Any New Program Supplies? Let Us Know!
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Are you running low on program materials? Are you unsure about whether the materials you have are the most current versions? If so, please contact Jamie Majer at (734) 998-5825 or
jmajer@umich.edu
and the supplies you need will be ordered and sent to you as soon as possible.
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Interested in Representing Buddy-to-Buddy at an Event?
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Would you like to represent Buddy-to-Buddy at a veteran-focused event in your community? Do you know of an event that you think someone from Buddy-to-Buddy should attend? If so, contact Amy Kienast at
amkienas@umich.edu
or (734) 998-5829.
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Des Nelson doing outreach at the Belding VFW.
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Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program
2025 Traverwood Dr., Suite C | Ann Arbor | MI | 48105
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