Lansing- The Michigan branch of the Volunteers of America hosted an event to help serve those who had once, in turn, offered their own services to the country.
"The sun has never shone brighter in Lansing all year long," state Rep. Michael Murphy, D-Lansing, said.
Termed as a "Stand Down," the event was part of a national day that was intended to mimic that which Vietnam Veterans started in 1988 in San Diego.
In San Diego, the veterans began a community intervention program recognizing the problems of homeless veterans who lead struggling lives.
Veterans comprise about 25 to 50 percent of the nation's homeless people today.
About a half dozen booths were pitched across the park lawn.
Sponsors ranging from drug-rehabilitation groups and voter registration booths, to counselors offering advice. Numerous supporters, volunteers, politicians and veterans all took part in the event.
"It is a pleasure to serve our veterans," said Alex Brodrick, president of the Volunteers of America Michigan.
Several politicians and area leaders spoke at the event, including American Legion State Commander Darwin Kreiger and Lansing Deputy Mayor David Weiner.
Murphy, Greg Roberts, director of Community and Faith-Based Initiatives, and Peter Dougherty, director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, showed up.
Wearing an American flag tie, Weiner thanked the crowd for attending and participating in the event and gave credit to "our most distinguished guests - our veterans."
Roberts also addressed the problem facing America's veterans.
"We live in the richest country in the world," Roberts said on behalf of Gov. Jennifer Granholm and himself.
"There should not be one homeless veteran. This is a battle cry. We must shout through our actions."
Kreiger also mentioned that one of the main solutions to solving the problem of homeless veterans is first distinguishing them between other homeless people.
He added the Volunteers of America are concerned mostly with veterans who, after serving their country, couldn't find a better life.
Meanwhile, veterans on hand Tuesday appreciated the attention and support of the volunteers and politicians.
Kevin Liggins, a veteran from Detroit, served as an International State Side Guard during 2002-03 at Baskler Bridge, located near the border of Canada.
A homeless veteran himself, Liggins commented that events such as this one are "a wonderful thing to do."
And while Liggins said he was sad about the level of homeless veterans, he still was proud to have served his country.
Representatives from the Community Mental Health Center, who offer substance abuse recovery services, were also present skimming through the crowd.
Dave Beatty, executive director of the organization and MSU graduate, said that his outreach program helps about 150 of America's veterans per year, all of whom have a case of substance abuse.
"We see (veterans) like M&M's," Beatty said.
"They have hard outer shells at first because they are resentful at all that has happened to them.
"But underneath, after convincing them you really do care, they are very sweet people."
