Veterans event committee reports funds raised and outreach from RUC 22 ruck march

David Wandoff, chair of the Veterans Event Committee, updated the City Commission on the RUC 22 ruck march, describing fundraising and community outreach intended to raise awareness about veteran suicide and to provide direct assistance.

Wandoff said the event raised about $1,800 for the VA's crisis line and roughly $4,500 directed to VVA 154 to feed 50–60 veteran families; he credited volunteers and service organizations — including the American Legion, VVA and VFW Post 1669 — and thanked city staff Judy Davids and Ryan Spangler for assistance. "I think everyone knows about the money and everyone knows about the food, but the biggest thing is this awareness campaign as well," he said.

In public comment, John Matin, president of the Michigan World War II Memorial, described the Nov. 11 dedication of Phase 2, estimated attendance of about 4,500–5,500 people and noted continued fundraising and a remaining statue component being finished at a foundry in Roseville for spring installation.