Here to Serve You
Dear Volunteers,

Last week I read an article titled, " Why Marines in High Leadership Positions Eat Last? And, Carry Their Own Bags?. " As I read it, I reflected on many of the qualities of the NCO’s, Officers, and supervisors that I have encountered, but also on my own leadership qualities and how they can complement my new role as Program Manager. The qualities that make up the leadership style described in that article, often called "servant leadership" or "selfless leadership," are ones I've admired in others.
I hope that as I grow into this position that I will be able to emulate the example of those leaders who have inspired me because of their selflessness. I feel that I am not leading you, but instead we are learning from each other, and because of this, always getting better. We cannot make real and meaningful impact in peoples' lives through this program without team work and mutual support. This belief is key to me, and I am humbled and grateful to have the benefit of constantly learning new things from you, which in turn helps us all do a better job in service to others.

Our team here at the B2B office is here to support you in your role as a volunteer. We strive to do everything we can to help you manage all of the responsibilities you take on as a volunteer. We know that you have full and busy lives and that sometimes you are less available to offer your valuable time as a volunteer, while at other points you may have more time to dedicate. We are here to serve you.

If you are ever feeling like you are not being given adequate support or information to do the work we've asked you to do, or are perhaps going through periods where you have less time or attention to devote to volunteering, please let us know and also know that we understand. Never hesitate to contact any of us here at the B2B office so that we can work together to make sure you have everything you need to do what you do.

Respectfully,

Adam Jando
Program Manager
Tribute to a Great Man, Paul Clement
The Buddy-to-Buddy Program staff and volunteers grieve the loss of Paul Clement, a long-serving and exceptional volunteer, who passed away on May 19. Everyone who knew him knew what a good, kind man he was. We pay tribute to his life and outstanding service as a volunteer with Buddy-to-Buddy. Words cannot capture just quite how special Paul was, but here is our attempt to do so:  Tribute to a Great Man, Paul Clement
Paul, we thank you for your service to your country and your tireless efforts to serve and honor service members and fellow veterans. You will not be forgotten. Read more...
New Volunteers
We are thrilled to welcome these new volunteers to our team this month!
Amanda Bridwell
Navy Veteran, Addison
Gino DeTone
Marine Corps Veteran, Ann Arbor
Matt Greiner
Army Veteran, Belleville
Des Nelson
Navy Veteran, Grand Rapids
Judy Pike
Navy Veteran, Zeeland
Sarah Schafer
Navy Veteran, Saline
Month in Review | May 2018
Number of service members and veterans assisted: 51

Concerns identified:
Top interaction log submitters:
Steve Alguire - 20
Richie Roberts - 13
Jon Luker - 9
Mark Lindke - 7
Ron Springer - 5

Number of drill/outreach events: 32

Most drill/outreach events attended and logged:
Bruce Binns - 4
Cliff Tholen - 4
Jon Luker - 4
Ron Springer - 4
Mark Lindke - 4
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.
This Month's Training Anniversaries
The following volunteers are celebrating their training anniversaries with the program this month: 

Seven Years!
Mark Lindke

Five Years
Bruce Binns

Two Years
Brandon LaLonde

One Year
Jonathan Drake

Thank you for your service!
Helpful Tool Spotlight: Online Assistance Referral Form
Did you know that we have a secure online form that you can use to submit a referral about an individual needing assistance from Buddy-to-Buddy? Anyone can access that form from our external website by visiting www.buddytobuddy.org , clicking on the "Get Assistance" tab, and then clicking the green "Get Assistance" button.
Once the form is submitted, either by you or a veteran needing assistance, the B2B office will follow up with the individual in need of assistance within 24 hours, except on weekends or holidays when the call will be made by the end of the next business day. Please note that if someone other than the individual themselves contacts the program, we are only able to follow up with them if we have their consent to be contacted.
Resource Highlight: Michigan Family Assistance Centers
Are you familiar with the Michigan National Guard Family Programs Family Assistance Centers (FACs)? The mission of each FAC is to provide a range of referral-based services to geographically-dispersed service members, veterans, and their families, regardless of branch of service. Services include, but are not limited to:
  • ID cards and Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) enrollment
  • TRICARE and military medical benefits education
  • Emergency financial services
  • Legal information and referral
  • Crisis intervention and referral
  • Community information and referral

FACs are located throughout the state, including at the Ishpeming Armory, Sault Ste. Marie Armory, Camp Grayling, Grand Valley Armory, Grand Ledge/Lansing Armory, Bay City Armory, Fort Custer, Jackson Armory, and the Taylor Armory. You can learn more about FACs here and look up their locations on a map here .
Program Merchandise for Sale
With the warm summer weather upon us, don't forget that you can purchase a lightweight, performance material T-shirt to wear to drills and events! You can contact the merchandise vendor, Ivy Promotion, at 937-829-2287 or Dave@IvyPromotions.com to place your order for the lightweight T-shirt as well as other B2B merchandise. A percentage of sales goes directly to supporting B2B.
Schedule a Re-Training
Has it been a while since you went through our New Volunteer Training? 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 brushing up their skills will benefit from going through the new and updated training. Contact us to schedule a re-training...
Need Any New Program Supplies? Let Us Know!
If you are running low on program supplies, such as business cards, brochures, or other documents, please contact Jamie Majer at (734) 998-5825 or jmajer@umich.edu and the supplies will be ordered and sent to you as soon as possible.
Interested in Representing Buddy-to-Buddy at an Event?
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 Adam Jando at ajando@med.umich.edu or (734) 998-5826.
Buddy-to-Buddy Pics
Photos from the annual Volunteer Recognition Event at the Yankee Air Museum in Belleville on April 7. View more photos from the event here .
Adam Jando at the Compass Point 1st Annual Veteran and First Responder Link-Up in Port Sanilac
Buddy-to-Buddy got to be a part of the Selfridge Valor Cup golf event at Selfridge Air National Guard
Buddy-to-Buddy is part of Military Support Programs and Networks (M-SPAN), a portfolio of military mental health programs within the University of Michigan Depression Center.
Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program
2025 Traverwood Dr., Suite C | Ann Arbor | MI | 48105