Post 141 News
Please enjoy looking over some of our highlights.
2021 Highlights and News
3rd annual bike night
More info coming soon.
flag day
More info coming soon.
memorial day
Roger Deaton was this year's 2021 Howell Memorial Day parade coordinator. He did a fantastic job bringing together several different groups so we could once again memorialize our fallen.
Crosses Aim To Raise Awareness About Veteran Suicide
Wonderful article from WHMI.
https://www.whmi.com/news/article/veteran-suicide-american-legion-howell-crosses?fbclid=IwAR2-5it1NbXbndWvqA_hX41cQwkatLCUWN1PBg3QPXxSTub7I42R_YWMZ2I
Several years ago, three Michigan combat veterans discovered they had something in common: A battle buddy or veteran family member committed suicide. They did a bit of research and soon became aware of the VA study that estimated that on average 22 veterans commit suicide every day. While that number is somewhat known in the veteran community, civilians seemed unaware that veterans were ending their own lives.
The survivors developed a nonprofit aimed at reducing veteran suicide by employing several different strategies. One of their ideas was the Veterans Suicide Awareness Demonstration.
Their idea was to put up 22 crosses a day, every day for one month. Their hope was that the visual impact of seeing the field of crosses growing relentlessly for a long period of time would impact the people who drive by the field of crosses every day.
CIVILIANS have the power to direct Congressional efforts toward issues of importance to them. Less than 7% of voters are veterans, so the only way the VA will ever get a budget that will allow them to serve more than 25% of the veterans who need help is if citizens inform Congress that taking good care of veterans is important to the United States, not just to veterans.
For 30 straight days in rain or shine, The Legion Riders of Post 141 show up every morning at 1000 and place 22 crosses in remembrance to another Veteran life lost to suicide.
https://www.whmi.com/news/article/veteran-suicide-american-legion-howell-crosses?fbclid=IwAR2-5it1NbXbndWvqA_hX41cQwkatLCUWN1PBg3QPXxSTub7I42R_YWMZ2I
Several years ago, three Michigan combat veterans discovered they had something in common: A battle buddy or veteran family member committed suicide. They did a bit of research and soon became aware of the VA study that estimated that on average 22 veterans commit suicide every day. While that number is somewhat known in the veteran community, civilians seemed unaware that veterans were ending their own lives.
The survivors developed a nonprofit aimed at reducing veteran suicide by employing several different strategies. One of their ideas was the Veterans Suicide Awareness Demonstration.
Their idea was to put up 22 crosses a day, every day for one month. Their hope was that the visual impact of seeing the field of crosses growing relentlessly for a long period of time would impact the people who drive by the field of crosses every day.
CIVILIANS have the power to direct Congressional efforts toward issues of importance to them. Less than 7% of voters are veterans, so the only way the VA will ever get a budget that will allow them to serve more than 25% of the veterans who need help is if citizens inform Congress that taking good care of veterans is important to the United States, not just to veterans.
For 30 straight days in rain or shine, The Legion Riders of Post 141 show up every morning at 1000 and place 22 crosses in remembrance to another Veteran life lost to suicide.
Bike Blessing
Our First Annual Blessing of the Bikes was a huge success! We have a great team that worked hard and we're incredibly thankful to all of the bikers who traveled to our event. We hope you enjoyed the SWAG which included an assortment of Bibles, bike stickers, doo rags and koozies. We also want to thank you for your donation. We hope the prayer reached you and pray for safety on your travels.
*The video of the blessing is in the comments.
*The video of the blessing is in the comments.
2018 LIVINGSTON COUNTY VETERAN & AUXILIARY MEMBER OF THE YEAR
2017 Howell Air Force JROTC drill team earns first place
On Saturday, Feb. 4, cadets in the Howell High School Air Force JROTC program claimed first place overall at the first Howell JROTC Drill Meet. Additionally, Howell’s drill teams placed in every event and earned first place in four categories; First-year Unarmed, First-year Armed, Advanced Armed and Unarmed Exhibition.
The Howell Drill Meet was planned and ran completed by JROTC cadets under the direction of Cadet James Colon with support by parents and community organizations. Seven drill teams from four states participated in the event. The night before the meet, the Howell cadets under the direction of Cadet William Newell hosted a social gathering for the out of state teams to build camaraderie before the drill meet.
The Howell Drill team practices each morning before school begins. Earlier this year the team took first place overall at the Anchor Bay Drill Meet and second place overall at the Michigan State University Drill Meet.
The JROTC is supported by the Sons of the American Legion Post 141, Howell.
The Howell Drill Meet was planned and ran completed by JROTC cadets under the direction of Cadet James Colon with support by parents and community organizations. Seven drill teams from four states participated in the event. The night before the meet, the Howell cadets under the direction of Cadet William Newell hosted a social gathering for the out of state teams to build camaraderie before the drill meet.
The Howell Drill team practices each morning before school begins. Earlier this year the team took first place overall at the Anchor Bay Drill Meet and second place overall at the Michigan State University Drill Meet.
The JROTC is supported by the Sons of the American Legion Post 141, Howell.
2016 Sons of the Legion Donate to the Ann Arbor Hospital
June 19, 2016 - The Ann Arbor Veterans Hospital was presented a check for $1,000 from the Sons of the American Legion Devereaux Post 141 this month in support of the welfare and comfort program at the hospital.
This donation, like others received, is used to pay for items outside the hospital budget. Personal hygiene products, refreshments, recreational activities, small craft projects, games, and even a deck of cards mean everything to those spending lengthy stays in the rehabilitation center.
Also a part of the comfort and welfare program is support for homeless veterans and those returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom.
For more information about the Sons of the American Legion visit: www.americanlegionpost141.org/sons-of-the-legion.html
This donation, like others received, is used to pay for items outside the hospital budget. Personal hygiene products, refreshments, recreational activities, small craft projects, games, and even a deck of cards mean everything to those spending lengthy stays in the rehabilitation center.
Also a part of the comfort and welfare program is support for homeless veterans and those returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom.
For more information about the Sons of the American Legion visit: www.americanlegionpost141.org/sons-of-the-legion.html
2016 LIVINGSTON COUNTY VETERAN & AUXILIARY MEMBER OF THE YEAR
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Veteran of the Year, Al Groff
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Auxiliary Member of the Year, Peg Ogden
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Congratulations American Legion Riders!
This was a busy week for the ALR 141. Last night, Friday, was the Festival of Lights Parade. ALR 141's float of the snowman-on-a-motorcycle got a name---Private Frosty---and acquired a back story, which was read by the parade announcers during the parade. Private Frosty's own history parallels United States military history from World War One through the current war in Afghanistan.Private Frosty was well received by the public and won the Most Unique float award! Private Frosty will appear again in Fowlerville's Christmas In The Ville Parade on December 6 at 6PM before he melts away again.
Veteran glad to help fellow vets in Livingston County
For any Livingston County veteran with a problem, Jon Waggoner is the man to see."We're here to help with whatever their needs, from pensions to gas cards," said Waggoner, who is beginning his first full year as the county's director of veterans services.
Appointed in October to replace the retired Carl Pardon, Waggoner is considered a natural fit for the job. "He's a veteran himself, he has great people skills, and he really cares about the area's veterans," said Steve Williams, vice chairman of the county Board of Commissioners.
A Brighton-area native and lifelong county resident, Waggoner spent six years in the U.S. Army before retiring from active duty in 2010.
His service included a one-year tour of duty in Iraq, as well as additional tours in South Korea and Alaska. Married and a new parent, Waggoner and his family now live in Howell.
Waggoner is not just his department's director, he's also one of the more than 12,500 county military vets it serves. Each veteran has his or her own specific needs, Waggoner said.
Some area Vietnam-era veterans are still dealing with the effects of Agent Orange, he said. Other veterans may need help in securing pension money for which they qualify.
Many issues are resolved over the phone, but others need face-to-face sit-downs with the office's three-member staff.
"We see somewhere between 20-30 people a week in person," Waggoner said. While his office works extensively with the Department of Veterans Affairs, it is a separate entity.
Through his office, Waggoner has lobbied for better treatment at VA hospitals in light of the national scandal of delays in treatment at some hospitals that erupted last year.
Despite that, Waggoner notes that service at the VA hospital in Ann Arbor remains high. "Ann Arbor was not on the list," Waggoner said.
But if a veteran has a problem, there or anywhere, he's the man to see. Contact Livingston Daily reporter Wayne Peal at 517-548-7081 or wpeal@livingstondaily.com. Follow him on Twitter @wpeal.
The Livingston County Veterans Services office is at the county's East Complex, 2300 E. Grand River Avenue. The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, though is closed noon to 1:15 p.m. for lunch.
Its phone number is (517) 546-6338.
Veterans can also send questions via email toveterans@livgov.com.
Appointed in October to replace the retired Carl Pardon, Waggoner is considered a natural fit for the job. "He's a veteran himself, he has great people skills, and he really cares about the area's veterans," said Steve Williams, vice chairman of the county Board of Commissioners.
A Brighton-area native and lifelong county resident, Waggoner spent six years in the U.S. Army before retiring from active duty in 2010.
His service included a one-year tour of duty in Iraq, as well as additional tours in South Korea and Alaska. Married and a new parent, Waggoner and his family now live in Howell.
Waggoner is not just his department's director, he's also one of the more than 12,500 county military vets it serves. Each veteran has his or her own specific needs, Waggoner said.
Some area Vietnam-era veterans are still dealing with the effects of Agent Orange, he said. Other veterans may need help in securing pension money for which they qualify.
Many issues are resolved over the phone, but others need face-to-face sit-downs with the office's three-member staff.
"We see somewhere between 20-30 people a week in person," Waggoner said. While his office works extensively with the Department of Veterans Affairs, it is a separate entity.
Through his office, Waggoner has lobbied for better treatment at VA hospitals in light of the national scandal of delays in treatment at some hospitals that erupted last year.
Despite that, Waggoner notes that service at the VA hospital in Ann Arbor remains high. "Ann Arbor was not on the list," Waggoner said.
But if a veteran has a problem, there or anywhere, he's the man to see. Contact Livingston Daily reporter Wayne Peal at 517-548-7081 or wpeal@livingstondaily.com. Follow him on Twitter @wpeal.
The Livingston County Veterans Services office is at the county's East Complex, 2300 E. Grand River Avenue. The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, though is closed noon to 1:15 p.m. for lunch.
Its phone number is (517) 546-6338.
Veterans can also send questions via email toveterans@livgov.com.
2019 Veterans Day observed in Howell
Staff Sgt. Rod Laity, vice commander of the American Legion Devereaux Post 141, salutes during the playing of the National Anthem Monday, Nov. 11, 2019 at Howell's Veterans Day ceremony.
GILLIS BENEDICT/LIVINGSTON DAILY
GILLIS BENEDICT/LIVINGSTON DAILY
2019 Veteran Suicide Awareness Cross project
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What do the crosses at our Post 141 American Legion mean?
Several years ago, three Michigan combat veterans discovered they had something in common: A battle buddy or veteran family member committed suicide. They did a bit of research and soon became aware of the VA study that estimated that on average 22 veterans commit suicide every day. While that number is somewhat known in the veteran community, civilians seemed unaware that veterans were ending their own lives. The survivors developed a nonprofit aimed at reducing veteran suicide by employing several different strategies. One of their ideas was the Veterans Suicide Awareness Demonstration. Their idea was to put up 22 crosses a day, every day for one month. Their hope was that the visual impact of seeing the field of crosses growing relentlessly for a long period of time would impact the people who drive by the field of crosses every day. CIVILIANS have the power to direct Congressional efforts toward issues of importance to them. Less than 7% of voters are veterans, so the only way the VA will ever get a budget that will allow them to serve more than 25% of the veterans who need help is if citizens inform Congress that taking good care of veterans is important to the United States, not just to veterans. For 30 straight days in rain, snow or shine, the Legion Riders show up every morning at 1000 and place 22 crosses in remembrance to another Veteran life lost to suicide. |
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Christmas dINNERS
2015 lIVINGSTON COUNTY VETERAN & aUXILIARY MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Hansel Keene and Livingston County Auxiliary Member of the Year, Joan Beaudoin
Past recipients and honored guests attended a celebration dinner on April 25, 2015 held in their honor at the American Legion Devereaux Post 141.
Past recipients and honored guests attended a celebration dinner on April 25, 2015 held in their honor at the American Legion Devereaux Post 141.
2014 LIVINGSTON COUNTY VETERAN & AUXILIARY MEMBER OF THE YEAR
John Colone and Livingston County Auxiliary Member of the Year, Shirley Danforth
John Colone, a Pinckney resident and a member of American Legion Post 419 in Hamburg Township, was honored as the Livingston County Veteran of the Year for 2014, and Brighton resident Shirley Danforth, an auxiliary member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4357 in Brighton Township, was named the Livingston County Veteran Auxiliary Member of the Year for 2014. Both were honored at the annual Livingston County Veterans Council dinner at VFW Post 6464 in Fowlerville.
Colone entered the Army on June 15, 1966. While serving in the Army, he was a member attached to the 101st Airborne, 3rd Battalion, 506th Airborne Infantry, in Vietnam in 1967-1968.
In an interview with Livingston Daily, Colone talked about being shot five times in Vietnam and getting placed in a body bag because his fellow soldiers thought he was dead. After his body bag fell off the pile of bodies for the second time, one of soldiers opened the bag and called over a doctor, who was skeptical that the toe-tagged soldier had come back to life. The doctor did a simple test, holding his glasses to Colone's nose. If he were alive, the doctor noted, moisture would appear on the lenses. Sure enough, there was moisture. Colone spent two years in the hospital recovering.
After Vietnam, Colone lived in northern Michigan and Colorado before returning to Pinckney. He owned the Chrysler dealership and later opened Screams Ice Cream and Diner in Hell, Screams Souvenir Store and a wedding chapel in Hell.
During his time serving the country, Colone earned a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, 1 O/S Bar, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device Combat Infantry Badge. His other merits include the basic Airborne ATP 21-114 leadership-preparation course, the Parachutist Badge, Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar (M-14) and with Mortar Bar (81 mm), Marksman Badge with Pistol Bar (45 caliber), Expert Badge with Rifle Bar (M-16), one year of college (industrial management) and an honorable discharge at the rank of sergeant (T) class E-5 on Sept. 9, 1969.
Colone has been a member of the post for 10 years, and has served on the executive committee and donated generously to the post in support of its fundraisers.
He is also a member of VFW Post 1224 since 1988 and has done fundraising for the101st Airborne Association.
In 1999, Colone founded the Currahee Flower Fund for the Task Force 3D Battalion 506th Airborne Infantry Association. Currahee is a Cherokee word meaning "stand alone." Each Memorial Day, flowers are placed on the graves of those in the 3-506 who were killed in the Vietnam War between 1967-1971. Along with the flowers is a card with a name and phone number in the hope that a family member of a killed-in-action soldier will make contact with someone from the association. The goal of the project is to have every Vietnam War solider killed in action have flowers at their grave on Memorial Day.
Colone is a sponsor of Gold Star Families and has been an important part of fundraising efforts with Military Families United of Michigan. He is also on theCommittee for the National Monument for Military Families to help locate and purchase property and oversee the development of this site. Colone has also served as a committee member, representing the Vietnam War era for the Livingston County Veterans Affairs office in Howell since 2002.
Colone worked with documentary filmmaker Keith Famie to bring the movie "Our Vietnam Generation" to theaters in 2011. Colone's story had a prominent role in the film.
Danforth has been an active charter member of the Post 4357 auxiliary since 1972, during which time she has held many offices.
Danforth served as president for three years and secretary for six years. She is currently serving as auxiliary chaplain, an office she has held for more than 10 years. At the district level, she held the offices of color bearer for two years, conductress for two years and guard for one year.
Danforth has held program chairwomanships in her auxiliary for more than 40 years. As auxiliary hospital chairwoman, she has volunteered at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center for more than 25 years, where she has hosted bingo parties and tree-trimming events and boosted patient morale. As the buddy-poppy chairwoman for 39 years, it has been her responsibility to educate the public on what the poppy stands for, organize poppy-distribution events, and create buddy-poppy displays for district and state competitions.
Danforth's eligibility for the auxiliary was through her husband, a World War II Army veteran. They have eight children, 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Their oldest son is an Army veteran. Two of her brothers and a nephew have also served in the military.
Other accomplishments include being a Rosie the Riveter to build Howitzers and working as an Avon sales representative for 50 years.
Colone entered the Army on June 15, 1966. While serving in the Army, he was a member attached to the 101st Airborne, 3rd Battalion, 506th Airborne Infantry, in Vietnam in 1967-1968.
In an interview with Livingston Daily, Colone talked about being shot five times in Vietnam and getting placed in a body bag because his fellow soldiers thought he was dead. After his body bag fell off the pile of bodies for the second time, one of soldiers opened the bag and called over a doctor, who was skeptical that the toe-tagged soldier had come back to life. The doctor did a simple test, holding his glasses to Colone's nose. If he were alive, the doctor noted, moisture would appear on the lenses. Sure enough, there was moisture. Colone spent two years in the hospital recovering.
After Vietnam, Colone lived in northern Michigan and Colorado before returning to Pinckney. He owned the Chrysler dealership and later opened Screams Ice Cream and Diner in Hell, Screams Souvenir Store and a wedding chapel in Hell.
During his time serving the country, Colone earned a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, 1 O/S Bar, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device Combat Infantry Badge. His other merits include the basic Airborne ATP 21-114 leadership-preparation course, the Parachutist Badge, Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar (M-14) and with Mortar Bar (81 mm), Marksman Badge with Pistol Bar (45 caliber), Expert Badge with Rifle Bar (M-16), one year of college (industrial management) and an honorable discharge at the rank of sergeant (T) class E-5 on Sept. 9, 1969.
Colone has been a member of the post for 10 years, and has served on the executive committee and donated generously to the post in support of its fundraisers.
He is also a member of VFW Post 1224 since 1988 and has done fundraising for the101st Airborne Association.
In 1999, Colone founded the Currahee Flower Fund for the Task Force 3D Battalion 506th Airborne Infantry Association. Currahee is a Cherokee word meaning "stand alone." Each Memorial Day, flowers are placed on the graves of those in the 3-506 who were killed in the Vietnam War between 1967-1971. Along with the flowers is a card with a name and phone number in the hope that a family member of a killed-in-action soldier will make contact with someone from the association. The goal of the project is to have every Vietnam War solider killed in action have flowers at their grave on Memorial Day.
Colone is a sponsor of Gold Star Families and has been an important part of fundraising efforts with Military Families United of Michigan. He is also on theCommittee for the National Monument for Military Families to help locate and purchase property and oversee the development of this site. Colone has also served as a committee member, representing the Vietnam War era for the Livingston County Veterans Affairs office in Howell since 2002.
Colone worked with documentary filmmaker Keith Famie to bring the movie "Our Vietnam Generation" to theaters in 2011. Colone's story had a prominent role in the film.
Danforth has been an active charter member of the Post 4357 auxiliary since 1972, during which time she has held many offices.
Danforth served as president for three years and secretary for six years. She is currently serving as auxiliary chaplain, an office she has held for more than 10 years. At the district level, she held the offices of color bearer for two years, conductress for two years and guard for one year.
Danforth has held program chairwomanships in her auxiliary for more than 40 years. As auxiliary hospital chairwoman, she has volunteered at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center for more than 25 years, where she has hosted bingo parties and tree-trimming events and boosted patient morale. As the buddy-poppy chairwoman for 39 years, it has been her responsibility to educate the public on what the poppy stands for, organize poppy-distribution events, and create buddy-poppy displays for district and state competitions.
Danforth's eligibility for the auxiliary was through her husband, a World War II Army veteran. They have eight children, 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Their oldest son is an Army veteran. Two of her brothers and a nephew have also served in the military.
Other accomplishments include being a Rosie the Riveter to build Howitzers and working as an Avon sales representative for 50 years.
2014 Veterans Day events
Howell High School Veterans Day Assembly
11-11-11 Court House Ceremony
Veterans Luncheon at the Post
2013 32nd Annual American Legion Christmas Dinner
2013 Livingston County Veteran & Auxiliary Member of the Year
Bookkeeper, officer manager recognized Beck, 63, has worked at American Legion Devereaux Post 141 in Howell Township for 36 years. She began as a waitress and bartender, serving at regular fish-fry events, working her way up to club manager. Beck now
works part time as the club’s bookkeeper and office manager. “I don’t like this patting-on-the-back type of thing, but I deal with it,” she said.
Though she’s volunteered to help with the post’s Christmas dinners for nearly 20 years, it wasn’t until December that she was tasked with organizing it herself, with a little
help from Joyce Fisher and husband Robert Beck. “We must have gone through 400 dinners between deliveries and feeding people inside,” she said.
The final Monday of May each year, the Becks cleanup and decorate the gravesites of more than 200 veterans in the Howell area. “I probably know pretty much all of them,” she said. “I say ‘Hello.’ ”
Beck has helped to organize a number of fundraisers over the years, from selling poppies to adopting families for the Christmas season. “It’s what I love to do,” she said. “It just makes you feel good that you did something good. “I do believe what you put out there
eventually comes back to you. That’s my opinion –– the way I kind of look at life.”
Written by Amanda Whitesell Daily Press & ArgusHe’s fairly new, while she regularly decorates the grave sites of deceased vets, most of whom she knew.
Despite the differing lengths of their involvement in veteran-related programs in the community, Philip Sedlock and Melissa Beck, were named 2013 Livingston County Veteran of the Year and Auxiliary Member of the Year, respectively. The two were honored at a recent dinner at American Legion Post 419 in Hamburg Township.
“They’ve done a tremendous amount of work for the veterans through community service,” said Carol Johnson, finance officer for the Livingston County Veterans Council. “They’re both shy about claiming what they do.”
2013 Livingston County Veteran of the Year Philip Sedlock
From storekeeper to program launcher Sedlock, a Navy veteran, served for four years in Vietnam, working as a storekeeper aboard the USS Mars, was a part of naval support activity at the Da Nang port and worked on the “load-off” crew of the USS Everglades, which was being decommissioned. While aboard the USS Mars, he
suffered a permanent back injury and now has steel rods extending through much of his spine. Sedlock, who suffers from heart disease as a result of a pesticide used in Vietnam, joined the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 125 three years ago. He previously had been a member of the American Legion post in Milford, closest to his Highland Township home, but wasn’t happy with it. Sedlock then joined a DAV unit in the Plymouth area, but he wasn’t active due to its distance from his home. Since joining the Howell unit, he’s become the post’s acting adjutant, taking minutes for each meeting. In addition, he has started its Vet Chat program, which connects volunteers with veterans in various assisted-living facilities. “We just want to give them an out and something to look forward to,” he said.
works part time as the club’s bookkeeper and office manager. “I don’t like this patting-on-the-back type of thing, but I deal with it,” she said.
Though she’s volunteered to help with the post’s Christmas dinners for nearly 20 years, it wasn’t until December that she was tasked with organizing it herself, with a little
help from Joyce Fisher and husband Robert Beck. “We must have gone through 400 dinners between deliveries and feeding people inside,” she said.
The final Monday of May each year, the Becks cleanup and decorate the gravesites of more than 200 veterans in the Howell area. “I probably know pretty much all of them,” she said. “I say ‘Hello.’ ”
Beck has helped to organize a number of fundraisers over the years, from selling poppies to adopting families for the Christmas season. “It’s what I love to do,” she said. “It just makes you feel good that you did something good. “I do believe what you put out there
eventually comes back to you. That’s my opinion –– the way I kind of look at life.”
Written by Amanda Whitesell Daily Press & ArgusHe’s fairly new, while she regularly decorates the grave sites of deceased vets, most of whom she knew.
Despite the differing lengths of their involvement in veteran-related programs in the community, Philip Sedlock and Melissa Beck, were named 2013 Livingston County Veteran of the Year and Auxiliary Member of the Year, respectively. The two were honored at a recent dinner at American Legion Post 419 in Hamburg Township.
“They’ve done a tremendous amount of work for the veterans through community service,” said Carol Johnson, finance officer for the Livingston County Veterans Council. “They’re both shy about claiming what they do.”
2013 Livingston County Veteran of the Year Philip Sedlock
From storekeeper to program launcher Sedlock, a Navy veteran, served for four years in Vietnam, working as a storekeeper aboard the USS Mars, was a part of naval support activity at the Da Nang port and worked on the “load-off” crew of the USS Everglades, which was being decommissioned. While aboard the USS Mars, he
suffered a permanent back injury and now has steel rods extending through much of his spine. Sedlock, who suffers from heart disease as a result of a pesticide used in Vietnam, joined the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 125 three years ago. He previously had been a member of the American Legion post in Milford, closest to his Highland Township home, but wasn’t happy with it. Sedlock then joined a DAV unit in the Plymouth area, but he wasn’t active due to its distance from his home. Since joining the Howell unit, he’s become the post’s acting adjutant, taking minutes for each meeting. In addition, he has started its Vet Chat program, which connects volunteers with veterans in various assisted-living facilities. “We just want to give them an out and something to look forward to,” he said.
2013 Rededication Ceremony
2013 Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
2013 flag Day 2013 Flag Retirement CeREMONY
2014 County veterans' court unveiled: 2nd chance for heroes
Lisa Roose-Church, Livingston Daily8:57 a.m. EST November 20, 2014A veteran's mindset is that two kinds of people exist in the world: Enemy combatants and comrades in arms, and if they don't know whom to trust, they trust no one, a local veteran said.
Veterans are trained to be a "self-sustaining, force of one", and then when they come home after combat, the military doesn't tell them "we lied, you need help," said Bryan Bradford, a disabled veteran of the U.S. Army military police, serving in the Pacific Rim.
"That's what we're here for," said Bradford, who is one of the 10 veterans volunteering to mentor men and women who come through Livingston County's new Veterans' Treatment Court. "It's a second chance.
"It's an opportunity for them to have a mentor who is a veteran to help show them the ropes. These kids come home and they are top-field dragsters and they're adrenaline junkies, and they just don't know how to turn it off," he added. "They need and deserve a little special treatment because they've done things most people can't fathom
District Judge Carol Sue Reader, who will preside over the court, unveiled the new effort at a meet-and-greet presentation Wednesday at the Livingston County Judicial Center on Highlander Way in Howell.
The court is based on a team concept involving Reader, a probation officer, a defense advocate and representatives from the prosecutor's office and treatment providers, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and regional veterans' centers. It also received support from Brighton-area attorney Neal Nielsen.
Reader told the audience that Veterans' Treatment Court is a nonadversarial, post-sentencing program that works toward returning military veterans to a productive and law-abiding status in society.
"In Michigan, 83 percent of the people who have gone through veterans' court don't reoffend; it works," Reader said.
The Livingston County team is comprised of probation officer Francine Sumner, veterans' justice officer Brad Watkins, Prosecutor William Vailliencourt, public defender Kevin Nagle, veterans' benefits liaison Joshua Parish and Deputy Sgt. Kevin Mack. County court employee Dawn Learst is the veterans' court coordinator.
Parish said his office will be a "one-stop shop" that will screen veterans and sign them up for the hospital while coordinating with the veterans' court team to provide needed services to the veteran.
It will take 18 months for each veteran to complete the four-phase program. There are requirements at each phase of the program, including reporting to probation officers and mentors, preliminary breath tests, community service or counseling. Participants also will be ordered to enroll or maintain counseling at the Veterans Administration, Vet Center or any qualified treatment agency.
Air Force veteran Daniel Carlton is the first of four participants in the Livingston County Veterans' Treatment Court.
Carlton was addicted to pills and then moved on to heroin, which led to legal troubles. He ended up on probation for driving without a license and found himself in treatment through the VA, which led to the Livingston County veterans' court.
Carlton said he's since learned how to manage the triggers that led to self-destructive behavior. He's also learned how to lean on his support circle, including friends and family.
"I'm six months and three days clean; everything's been going good and I finally got a job opportunity," Carlton said. "Things are starting to come together ... No one will do it for you. I'm lucky the VA was there for me when I needed it.
"There is hope; you've got to want it," he added.
Starting the program has been a passion for Reader, who has been married to a Vietnam veteran for more than 30 years.
Her husband is a Marine sniper who woke up one morning to find his buddy's throat had been slit. He was wounded three times, including once in the head, and when he came home, he and his fellow Vietnam veterans did not get a warm welcome.
Reader's husband found employment with the Michigan State Police. One of his first assignments was to police area campuses where students were protesting the war effort. Reader marveled at her husband's strength in handling the situation.
"Those who serve us to preserve our freedom, they have a price they pay," the judge said. "There's no normal. We want to prevent that. We can't do anything about what happened in the past, but we can start today to make it better in the future."
Veterans, like Bradford, praised the court's creation of the Veterans' Treatment Court.
Bradford said 22 veterans a day commit suicide and their No. 1 question is: Why was I spared? He said the general public doesn't seem to know that "post-traumatic stress disorder is contagious," affecting the whole family. As an example, he shared the story of a couple he is helping. The wife commented that she was going to tell her husband that if he doesn't straighten up, she would divorce him.
"I told her, 'You might as well put the gun in his mouth now because you just gave him permission to give up,' " Bradford explained. "We're taught to be self-reliant and don't need help ... and when we get out, we're not processed right and not told we need to have someone else checking in. The system is broken; we can't get to the VA because it takes too long to get the paperwork done.
"The (Veterans' Treatment) Court gives these heroes a second chance," Bradford added.
Vietnam veteran Ron Brooks, an honor guard member with the Marine Corps League, said Vietnam veterans who came home "were on the short end of the stick" and it is nice to see the community and its leaders step up to help all veterans.
"I think anything that reaches out and aids veterans is a plus, and I think our county is a little better than other counties," he said.
Hansel Keene, former senior vice commandant of the Marine Corps League, is one of the mentors for the Veterans' Treatment Court and he said the program is a valuable asset to the community.
"I feel exceptionally ecstatic," he said. "We're really pleased Judge Reader is grabbing the ball and running with it. We're pleased to be part of something like this. It's groundbreaking."
Contact Daily Press & Argus reporter Lisa Roose-Church at 517-552-2846 or at lrchurch@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @LisaRooseChurch.
Carl Pardon salutes at the unveiling of the county’s new Veterans’ Treatment Court on Wednesday at the Livingston County Judicial Center in Howell.(Photo: Lisa Roose-Church/Daily Press & Argus
