Ohio and Michigan State Days, hundreds of our supporters had the opportunity to do just that.
Over the weekend of August 8–9, supporters from Ohio and Michigan filled our campus for two incredible days of fellowship, gratitude and a shared commitment to military and veteran families. This year marked our largest State Days attendance yet, with many guests experiencing the National Home for the very first time.
Visitors toured our campus, learned firsthand about the programs and resources available to families, and spent time with the very people their generosity helps support. From exploring the places our families call home to sharing meals, conversations and plenty of laughter, the weekend was a reminder that the National Home is more than a place—it is a community made possible by people who believe in our mission.
A Thank You Straight From the Heart
One of the most meaningful moments of the weekend came during Ohio State Day when the military family currently living in the Ohio House stood before the crowd.
They had the opportunity to look directly at the Ohio supporters whose generosity helps make their time at the National Home possible and simply say, thank you.
Their family came to the National Home looking for an opportunity to build a stronger future. Here, they found the stability, resources and support to begin doing exactly that.
As they shared with supporters, “That opportunity completely changed our lives.”
Their story is a powerful example of what happens when people come together to support military and veteran families, not just for a moment, but as they work toward lasting independence and a brighter future.
Serious Support—and Some Not-So-Serious Competition
Of course, State Days aren’t complete without a little fun.
Families and visitors enjoyed activities together throughout the weekend, including what may have been one of the most competitive sporting events ever held on our campus: the .1K race.
Our kids lined up ready to race, led in their warmup by VFW National Home Chief Operating Officer Dave Lewis, CSM (Ret.), U.S. Army. What the race lacked in distance, it more than made up for in determination, laughter and bragging rights.
It was a fun moment, but it also represented something important about State Days. Our supporters weren’t simply visiting buildings or hearing about our mission, they were spending time with our families and experiencing the community they help make possible.
The generosity shown throughout the weekend was extraordinary.
Together, our Ohio and Michigan supporters presented donations to support the VFW National Home and the military and veteran families we serve. This year’s total was overwhelmingly generous, and surpassed all past Ohio & Michigan State Day totals.
Every donation represents a VFW Post, Auxiliary, District, individual or community that believes in giving families an opportunity to move forward. That support helps provide the homes, programs, education, guidance and community that allow families to focus on building stronger futures.
We are incredibly grateful.
But beyond the incredible financial support, one of our favorite parts of State Days is simply having the opportunity to say, “Welcome Home.”
We love welcoming the people who believe in our mission onto our campus. We love watching first-time visitors discover everything the National Home has to offer. And most importantly, we love giving our supporters the chance to see firsthand the people, families and futures their generosity impacts.
To everyone who traveled to Eaton Rapids, supported State Days, presented a donation, volunteered, participated or continues to champion the VFW National Home from afar: thank you.
This mission is possible because of you, and we hope every person who visited left knowing just how much their support matters.
Want to see some of the memories from this incredible weekend?
Check out all the photos from Ohio & Michigan State Days here.
Ohio: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD2Xwi
Michigan: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD2TUY
