Our objective in launching the “Armed Forces Thanksgiving” was to raise awareness and dialogue on the contributions our military personnel have made and continue to make on behalf of our country. 

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The AFT mission is to provide a community salute to our military, past, present and future, while providing an invaluable educational opportunity for high school students. We seek to provide a vehicle for our community, from teens to adults, to understand, honor, and express thanks for the service of each person who has served or is serving in the Armed Forces and to encourage those who will serve in the future. We hope ‘Our Salute’ will encourage the next generation to have a sincere appreciation for all the men and women who have served, on our behalf. With the support of local business leaders, this event has sold out each year and has raised just over $275,000! While our primary mission is to advocate for our military members, we have been able to make a significant donation to the West Michigan Veterans Coalition so that they can continue their mission of improving the lives of veterans, their families and anyone that served in the Armed Forces by connecting them to all available services and resources in West Michigan. 

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We are thrilled that Detroit has seen the impact our event has had in the West Michigan community and will be hosting it's inaugural event in 2021.  The template has been created - the hard part will be identifying corporate partners along with high schools to partner with.  Please help us spread the word so that by 2022 the in-person luncheon is a SELL OUT!

 

Due to the pandemic restrictions, we will be shifting from an in-person event to a virutal LIVESTREAM that we hope will be able to reach more students and military than ever before!

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Communication and related activities don't stop after the luncheon.  High school students are tasked with creating a compelling project and hosting their own military recognition events to coincide with Veteran’s Day the following November.  

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