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Health & Fitness

Senator Pat Colbeck To Address Veterans At Northville Arts & Acts Festival

Michigan State Senator Patrick Colbeck (R – 7th District) will be the honored guest and keynote speaker at the historic Lloyd H. Green American Legion Post 147 on Saturday, June 21 at 2:00 p.m., concurrent with the City of Northville’s 2014 Arts & Acts Festival that weekend. The Lloyd H. Green American Legion Post 147 is located at 100 West Dunlap, on the corner of Dunlap and N. Center Street.

Sen. Colbeck will address issues and legislation affecting Michigan veterans and their families. He will also provide veterans with an overview of the various programs and support available to them through the State.

Sen. Colbeck is a very strong supporter of our state’s veterans and we’re delighted he’s so graciously volunteered his time,” said Dennis Strikulis, Commander, Lloyd H. Green American Legion Post 147. “Many times veterans and their families are overwhelmed trying to determine eligibility for various programs and in finding support that’s available. It’s really important to us that Sen. Colbeck is so supportive and willing to help break through the red tape many encounter.”

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Representatives from a number of state, veteran and related organizations with similar interests will join Sen. Colbeck and will be available at information tables to provide guidance, answer questions and lend other support. Organizations include: the Michigan Veteran’s Coalition of Veteran Service Officers, the Civil Air Patrol, Michigan Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran’s Administration, Fallen & Wounded Soldier Fund, and the Detroit Freedom Center.

Sen. Colbeck will also take the opportunity to address veteran concerns over other issues affecting them – such as Charity Gaming legislation -- on which veteran’s organizations and many others depend for their fund raising activities. Legislation under consideration in Lansing would undermine non-profit fundraising by severely restricting the ability of non-profits to participate in Charity Gaming. Veteran groups around the state have actively spoken out against the legislation and Sen. Colbeck has worked diligently behind the scenes to protect constituent interests.

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“Sen. Colbeck has long been on record as being against any efforts that would curtail the fundraising of veterans and other non-profit groups,” said Strikulis. “We’re grateful for his support and recognition of an issue that is so important to the finances of all non-profits, and especially the work we do in support of veterans here in the Northville community through the American Legion.”


Senator Colbeck is chair of the State Police and Military Affairs subcommittee. In addition, he has introduced legislation that would designate the week surrounding Veteran’s Day as “Celebrate Freedom Week.”

Northville Arts & Acts Festival provides a fun backdrop for this event.

Every year, the Lloyd H. Green American Legion Post 147 actively supports and participates in the annual Northville Arts & Acts Festival that kicks off Friday the 20th and continues through Sunday the 22nd. As in previous years the Post will set up tables, seating, a brats & hot dog stand, and a beer tent on its spacious front lawn for Festival attendees. Sen. Colbeck’s veteran’s presentation will be held in the same area and reserved seating will be in place for veterans. Both events are free and open to the public.

“We’re really excited to be able to host such an informative and helpful event at our Post during Arts & Acts. It’s a lot of fun and a great chance to bring people together for an update and to meet with such a supportive and responsive representative,” said Strikulis.

About Lloyd H. Green American Legion Post 147

For those of you who are not familiar with the Lloyd H. Green American Legion Post 147, which is centrally located in downtown Northville, the Lloyd H. Green Post 147 was founded on August 20, 1920. The post is named after a young communications courier who was the only Northville resident casualty of the Great War (WWI). The historic Post 147 building was originally a residence that was purchased in 1942, renovated and expanded. At that time, the lower level served as a lounge and kitchen facility, the first floor for was used for event gatherings and the second floor was used as a temporary barracks for returning and recovering veterans of WWII and Korea. For many years, the American Legion post has also served as a social center for the community and remains so today, dedicated to the fundamental principles of service, justice, freedom and democracy.

Post 147 members provide a variety of services to veterans and their families in addition to community service; support for other non-profit groups, civic groups and city/community events. The Post also has an active American Legion Rider’s group, one of the Original Six in the country.

On a personal note, I would add that as a fellow member of the Associated Vietnam Veterans of America (AVVA), I have had a chance to attend a number of veteran's events, and one face I see at almost all of them is Pat Colbeck. I am very happy to have him as a fellow AVVA member, and when asked to speak, he shows up as Senator Colbeck, but at so many other events, he just shows up as Pat, and that is an important distinction. Among the other veterans events he attends, he also freely volunteers his time for the Freedom Center. 

During his first year in office, Senator Colbeck helped launch the Freedom Center at Detroit Metro Airport. The center opened on Veterans Day in 2011. He serves on the board of the Michigan Armed Forces Hospitality Center which oversees the Freedom Center operations.

The Freedom Center is a place where traveling active duty military members and non active veterans can go to when traveling through the airport. They can show up, and get anything from a handshake & Thank You, to beverages & snacks, a hot shower & toiletries, a place to sleep, or a computer to pass the time or reach loved ones. They have just about everything a weary traveler can possibly need, but also provide a private place where a traveling veteran who may be suffering from PTSD go to, and be comfortable, and feel safe.

So for folks attending the Northville Arts & Acts event, this is a wonderful opportunity for anyone, veteran or not, to attend this informative event, and support our veterans all at the same time. There will be good food, good people, and a good time. I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon...

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