News Archives - Finish The Mission

Drive-by salute: First responders show support for isolated GR veterans

July 26, 2021/in News /by Finish The Mission

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Dozens of first responders participated in a drive-by tribute at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans on Wednesday to let isolated residents know that they are not forgotten.

“We decided to come down and let them be reminded about how much we honor them and respect them,’’ said event organizer Tom Antor.

About three dozen vehicles participated in the Wednesday morning drive-by, including police cars from throughout Kent and neighboring counties, several fire trucks and other emergency rigs.

7th Annual Freedom Cruise scheduled for Patriots Day 9/11/21

July 26, 2021/in News /by Finish The Mission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

7th Annual Freedom Cruise scheduled for Patriots Day 9/11/21

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, July 12, 2021 – Finish The Mission Veteran Relief Fund, a 100% volunteer local nonprofit organization, announces the return of their signature event Freedom Cruise. This year’s event is to be held on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 or Patriot Day at Sparta High School Football Stadium, in Sparta MI.

Entirely, FREE the 2021 Freedom Cruise patriot event continues its long-standing tradition of honoring and remembering our Western Michigan veterans. The 2021 Freedom Cruise includes a Ceremony for the Fallen, parade style Honor Ride featuring motorcycles, classic/sports cars, patriotic vehicles and first responders, a Veterans Support Fair and other fun community activities.
For more information visit: finishthemissiongr.org/freedom-cruise

About Finish The Mission Veteran Relief Fund
Finish The Mission Veteran Relief Fund is dedicated to West Michigan Veterans by developing strategic partnerships and resources to enhance their quality of life, remembering their sacrifice through ceremony, and acknowledging their service through events and community outreach. To learn how you can help “Finish The Mission,” please visit our website: finishthemissiongr.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Tom Antor, Founder/Board Member
Finish The Mission Veteran Relief Fund
616-690-3121
toma911@att.net

Linda Vos-Graham, Board Member
Finish The Mission Veteran Relief Fund
616-291-3950
vosgraham@comcast.net

Salute to Heroes

July 23, 2021/in News /by Finish The Mission

Listen to the full story on WOOD Radio.

Local Veteran Named as Finalist for West Michigan Woman “Brilliance Award”

June 17, 2021/in News /by Finish The Mission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Veteran Named as Finalist for West Michigan Woman “Brilliance Award”

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, April 15 – US Air Force veteran Brandi McBride has been named as a finalist for the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Award in the “Champion of Service” category. McBride, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, chairs the West Michigan Veterans Coalition and is a tireless advocate for veterans and their families. Her nomination stood out among over 280 Brilliance Award nominees.

McBride’s accomplishments attracted the attention of the board of directors of Finish the Mission Veteran Relief Fund, which works closely with the Coalition. “Nominating a veteran for the Brilliance Award may be a ‘first,’” said Tom Antor, Finish the Mission board chair. “We can’t think of anyone who is more deserving.”

Announcement of all awardees will be made at a ceremony planned for Thursday, June 10, at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids.

About West Michigan Veterans Coalition

The Coalition is a collaboration among local military-friendly organizations that provide support, information, and resources to veterans and their families, employers, and others throughout West Michigan. Our mission is to improve the lives of military-connected families in the areas of Education, Employment, Healthcare and Quality of Life by connecting them to all available services and resources throughout West Michigan. Learn how you can support the West Michigan Veterans Coalition at: www.westmichiganveterans.org.

About Finish The Mission Veteran Relief Fund

Finish the Mission is dedicated to West Michigan Veterans by developing strategic partnerships and resources to enhance their quality of life, remembering their sacrifice through ceremony, and acknowledging their service through events and community outreach. To learn how you can help “Finish The Mission,” please visit our website: www.finishthemission.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Paul Ryan
West Michigan Veterans Coalition
Vice Chair, Executive Board
616-340-6183
paul.j.ryan@iservonline.net

Linda Vos-Graham
Finish the Mission Veteran Relief Fund
Member, Board of Directors
616-291-3950
vosgraham@comcast.net

‘Finish The Mission’: Freedom Cruise for Motorcycles & Classic Cars Sunday!

June 17, 2021/in News /by Finish The Mission

Sep 16, 2019

The West Michigan Freedom Cruise is a 25 mile motorcycle and classic car Honor Ride for a local fallen soldier. It begins at Fifth Third Ballpark in Grand Rapids, MI runs through Sparta, MI and returns to the ballpark.

Right before the Freedom Cruise Honor Ride, participants, patriots, veterans, members of the military, community leaders, and the West Michigan community pay special tribute to all those that served and especially to those whose ultimate sacrifice was given for our freedom.

Go to https://freedomcruisegr.com/ for details and to register for the honor ride!

Read the full story on B-93

West Michigan Charity “Finish The Mission” Working To Help Veterans Returning From Action

June 17, 2021/in News /by Finish The Mission

By: Dave Spencer

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (June 28, 2014) – ‘Finish the mission’ is not only the name of a new non-profit in West Michigan, it’s also a noble cause set out by the people behind the Freedom Cruise.

The cruise brings together car lovers and motorcycle enthusiasts with the promise of helping those who have served their country.

In the words of Dan Antor, one of the organizers, they are giving people a chance to do the same.

“Here is an opportunity to serve right now and that’s that 20 dollar ticket,” said Antor.

Read the full story on Fox 17

Local Non-Profits Join Together to Help Veterans in Need at Christmas

June 17, 2021/in News /by Finish The Mission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Non-Profits Join Together to Help Veterans in Need at Christmas
GRAND RAPIDS, MI, December 9 – Four participants in the Kent County Veterans Treatment Court program were provided with much-needed financial assistance, just before the Christmas holiday.

The United Veterans Council of Kent County was notified by the Kent County Veterans Treatment Court that four of its participants urgently needed assistance with items including home repair, car payments, rent and utilities. Many of the needs were caused by financial stress resulting from job layoffs due to COVID-19.

The Council maintains strong relationships with many organizations in Kent County who are committed to assisting veterans and their families and identified three organizations who were positioned to help immediately: the West Michigan Veterans Coalition Military Family Assistance Fund, Finish The Mission Veteran Relief Fund, and Disability Advocates of Kent County. All three organizations responded without hesitation to fully address these needs.

“I am extremely honored that the United Veterans Council was able to help in coordinating this effort,” said Council Commander Eric Nelson. “The Council represents the 33,000 military veterans living in Kent County and offers a means for unified action in support of veterans’ interests. No better example of unified action can be found – assisting these veterans at a time when it was needed most!”

About Disability Advocates of Kent County
We work alongside persons with disabilities as they seek to lead self-directed lives and advocate for accessible and welcoming communities. We accomplish these goals through the provision of an array of services throughout Kent, Mecosta, Ionia, Montcalm, and Osceola counties to individuals with physical, cognitive, mental, and sensory disabilities, and their families. For information on how you can help Disability Advocates, please visit our website: https://www.dakc.us/.

About Finish The Mission Veteran Relief Fund
We are a 100%-volunteer, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to making West Michigan a veteran-friendly community by forging public/private community partnerships to help local veterans in need. To learn how you can help “Finish The Mission,” check out our website: https://freedomcruisegr.com/our-mission/.

About West Michigan Veterans Coalition
The Coalition is a collaboration among local military-friendly organizations that provide support, information, and resources to veterans and their families, employers, and others throughout West Michigan. Our mission is to improve the lives of military-connected families in the areas of Education, Employment, Healthcare and Quality of Life by connecting them to all available services and resources throughout West Michigan. Learn how you can support the West Michigan Veterans Coalition at: https://westmichiganveterans.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Eric Nelson (United Veterans Council)
616-826-8623
ericnelsonarc@gmail.com

Walk-in clinic aims to vaccinate more than 1K veterans in single day in West Michigan

June 17, 2021/in News /by Finish The Mission

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Regional Veterans Affairs officials are aiming to vaccinate at least 1,000 veterans during their largest walk-in clinic event yet this Saturday at the DeltaPlex Arena and Conference Center in Walker.

The vaccines being administered Saturday, March 13, are the single dose type, meaning veterans won’t have to schedule a second shot to be protected against COVID-19.

All veterans registered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible to receive the vaccine. Those not registered can do so on-site if they bring their DD-214 discharge papers and a statement of last year’s income.

Read the full article on MLive