First National Veterans Outreach Committee members — from left, Committee Chair Matt Donovan, Mollie Welcenbach, Joe Linn and Steve Bartolac — with the wood American flag that was donated by Bob Lapointe. The committee raised $1,100 auctioning off the flag. Committee members not shown are Wes Stripling and Mick Gayan.

IRON MOUNTAIN — With the start of a new year, the First National Bank & Trust Veterans Outreach Committee is pleased to highlight several of its initiatives in 2024 to support local veterans as it continues to grow and strengthen outreach efforts in the community.

— In March, the committee sponsored an Honor Flight chaperone for a local veteran, giving them the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., and honor their service alongside other veterans.

— In July, the committee made a donation to support the reunion of the 107th Engineering Battalion. This donation helped bring veterans together who served in this U.P.-based battalion of the Michigan Army National Guard.

— This summer, employees participated in a letter-writing campaign for Honor Flight veterans. More than 70 letters and thank-you cards were sent to veterans as they prepared for their trip, showing appreciation for their service.

— During the Thanksgiving season, the committee made a donation to the newly opened Veterans Drop-In Center to provide a holiday meal for local veterans. As a result, 40 veterans were able to enjoy the holiday together.

— Thanks to a generous donation from Bob Lapointe, the committee hosted an auction for a handmade wooden American flag that raised $1,100, which will be donated to veterans’ support organizations in Menominee and Dickinson counties.

In addition, the committee also continued its Community Spotlight radio ads, focusing on local veterans’ organizations, and just recently added a new message featuring committee member and veteran Mollie Welcenbach speaking about services for female veterans.

These messages, along with all of their support efforts, are to help reach local veterans to make them aware of benefits and services available to them, as well as help these organizations continue to fund their assistance efforts.

Looking ahead, the Veterans Outreach Committee plans to build on this momentum and continue supporting local veterans in 2025 and beyond.