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News | Nov. 16, 2020

Vets resource event held virtually

By Jeff Landenberger DLA Disposition Services

The Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center recently held a virtual veteran’s resource fair in observance of Veterans Day.

With most workers from the Battle Creek, Michigan, landmark working from home, this year’s Veterans Day program was conducted online Nov. 10.

DLA Disposition Services Director Michael Cannon gave welcoming remarks to start the program.

“It’s hard not to think about veterans when you work in this giant building,” Cannon said.

Cannon said during WWII and the Korean War the federal center was called Percy Jones Army Hospital, where injured servicemembers came for difficult surgeries and convalescence. He explained how, today, the building is named after three WW patients who all went on to serve in the U.S. Senate.

Melissa Engle looks into the camera as she talks
All the presentors including, Melissa Engle with Tribe Talk, spoke from remote loactions during the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center recently held a virtual veteran’s resource fair.
Melissa Engle looks into the camera as she talks
Tribes Talk
All the presentors including, Melissa Engle with Tribe Talk, spoke from remote loactions during the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center recently held a virtual veteran’s resource fair.
Photo By: Dana Thornbury
VIRIN: 201110-D-HV615-100
Cannon noted that only 7% of the U.S. population can claim the title of veteran.

“The fact about veterans I am most proud of is that 64% of DLA Disposition Services -this DOD agency that supports our warfighter around the world every day – are veterans.” Cannon said. “That means I am surrounded by greatness every day.”

To prepare for the event, the area Morale, Welfare and Recreation office reached out and partnered with 19 groups or organizations that presented on a wide range of topics and resources for veterans, including Project Healing Water, Honor Flights, Guardian Angels, medical service dogs and Heroes to Hives, to name a few.

The event featured retired Air Force Col. Frank Walker as keynote speaker. Walker shared a message about “service after service.” He retired as the DLA Enterprise Support site director in Battle Creek and served 40 years in the Michigan Air National Guard. Walker’s remarks are available for viewing at https://youtu.be/gtV4E2whg78