Lansing, Michigan -- A groundbreaking ceremony for the South East Michigan Veterans Home was held on October 29 at the former site of the Sebille Manor Housing Facility in Chesterfield Township.
Adjutant General and Director of Military and Veterans Affairs for Michigan Major General Gregory J. Vadnais, Governor Rick Snyder, Chesterfield Township Supervisor Daniel Acciavatti, Macomb County Executive Mark Allen Hackel, Representative Paul Mitchell, Senator Gary Peters, Senator Debbie Stabenow and the Director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency James “Jim” Robert Redford spoke on the importance of this project and enabling more in the future before standing together break ground for the facility.
“Veterans are incredible,” said Snyder. This facility, located an underrepresented region of the state, will have a tremendous effect on the lives of the veterans in southeast Michigan, he said.
The facility marks the beginning of filling a longstanding need for more veterans homes in the state; according to Redford, this will be the first to be built in 130 years.
“This is a special day for Michigan,” Redford said.
The long-term care facility is due to be completed in 2021.
According to Senator Stabenow, Macomb County was a logical place to begin, with nearly 40% of Michigan’s 500,000 veterans being age 65 or older and living within an hour of the projected facility. In addition, the site is in the middle of the Defense Corridor with Selfridge Air Force Base nearby.
Stabenow continued, quoting her father, a U.S. Navy World War II veteran: “A veteran shouldn’t stand at the back of any line. Healthcare, education, jobs, housing, and that’s something that we need to commit ourselves to every single day.” This project is one step in that direction, she said.
“We need more people to respond,” said Rob Troost, President of the Members' Council at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and U.S. Army veteran. Delegates and citizens alike need to address the need for more facilities such as this across the state, he said.
Veterans deserve respect for the sacrifices they’ve made for their country, said Maj. General Vadnais. “This is a tangible way to make a difference in their lives.”