VA Outreach Event Standish MI August 2026: Complete Guide
The 3rd Sunrise Veterans Benefits Fair is taking place in Standish, Michigan, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Sunrise Community Resource Center (583 E Cedar St., Standish, MI 48658). This free event connects veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, Reservists, and their families with VA representatives, Veteran Service Officers, and community resources. Attendees can learn about PACT Act benefits, healthcare, employment, housing, and education resources .
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 3rd Sunrise Veterans Benefits Fair |
| Date | Thursday, August 27, 2026 |
| Time | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Eastern Time |
| Location | Sunrise Community Resource Center, 583 E Cedar St., Standish, MI 48658 |
| Eligibility | Veterans, active duty, National Guard, Reservists, military families, caregivers |
| Cost | Free |
| Official Agency | VA Saginaw Healthcare System, Arenac County Veterans Affairs |
| Services Offered | PACT Act information, healthcare enrollment, employment resources, housing resources, education benefits, DD-214 retrieval, community non-profits |
Event Overview: What Is the Veterans Benefits Fair?
Connecting Veterans to Earned Benefits
What It Is: The 3rd Sunrise Veterans Benefits Fair is a VA-sponsored outreach event that brings together VA representatives, Veteran Service Officers, and community non-profits under one roof. The goal is to educate veterans about the full range of federal, state, and local benefits available to them .
Who Qualifies: All veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, Reservists, and their families are welcome. There is no cost to attend .
Why It Matters: Veterans often miss out on benefits because they don’t know what’s available or how to apply. This event removes those barriers by providing direct access to the people who can help. Local veteran service officers can assist with benefit claims, healthcare enrollment, and retrieving lost military records .
What Veterans Should Do Next: Mark your calendar for August 27, 2026. Bring your DD-214 if you have it. Prepare a list of questions about any VA benefits or services you’re interested in.
Services Available at the Standish Benefits Fair
VA Program Information and Support
Based on previous Standish veterans events and VA outreach standards, attendees can expect representatives from multiple programs offering assistance with :
PACT Act Benefits – Learn about expanded eligibility for veterans exposed to burn pits and toxic substances
Healthcare Enrollment – Get help signing up for VA healthcare services
VA Disability Claims – Connect with Veteran Service Officers who can assist with filing or appealing claims
Education Resources – Information about GI Bill benefits and other education programs
Employment Resources – Job search assistance and veteran hiring programs
Housing Resources – Homeless prevention, VA home loans, and housing assistance
Community Non-Profits – Local organizations that support veterans and families
DD-214 Retrieval – On-site assistance obtaining military records
Veteran Service Officer Assistance
Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) are accredited representatives who help veterans file claims for VA disability compensation, healthcare, and other benefits. Their services are free.
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityWhat Veterans Should Do Next:Â If you have a pending VA claim or need help with benefits, this event is an ideal time to meet one-on-one with a VSO. Bring any documentation related to your service-connected conditions.
The VA Saginaw Healthcare System: Standish’s Regional Provider
Serving 40,000 Veterans Across 35 Counties
The Standish area is served by the VA Saginaw Healthcare System, which includes the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw and 11 community-based outpatient clinics throughout central and northern Michigan .
Key Facts About VA Saginaw :
Over 1,500 employees
Serves more than 40,000 veterans across 35 counties
Named for Aleda Ester Lutz, a Michigan native and the first American woman to die in combat during World War II
Accreditations from The Joint Commission, College of American Pathologists, and CARF
What Veterans Should Know: The VA Saginaw Healthcare System provides care at 12 locations, including clinics in Bad Axe, Cadillac, Indian River, Clare, Traverse City, Gaylord, Grayling, Alpena, and Oscoda .
Saginaw VA Clinic Services
For veterans in the Standish area who cannot attend the outreach event, the Saginaw VA Clinic offers a range of services :
Homeless Veteran Care – Immediate food and shelter needs, transitional and permanent housing, job training, addiction and depression treatment
Returning Service Member Care – Readjustment support, counseling, mental health services, family benefits counseling
Social Work – Help with finances, housing, legal services, transportation
Telehealth – Remote visits with providers in mental health, primary care, dermatology, and more
Veteran Readiness and Employment – Job and career counseling, training support
DAV Van Transportation – Free rides to and from medical appointments
How to Prepare for the Standish Veterans Fair
Before the Event
Gather Your Documents
DD-214 (proof of military service)
Photo ID
VA disability rating letter (if applicable)
Write Down Your Questions
What benefits are you interested in?
Do you have a pending claim or appeal?
Are you enrolled in VA healthcare?
Review the Event Format
The fair typically features booths from various agencies and organizations
Plan to spend 1-2 hours to visit all the tables of interest
Bring Family or Caregivers
Family members often have questions about their own support options
Caregivers may be eligible for benefits through the VA’s Caregiver Support Program
At the Event
Arrive Early – The event runs from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Visit VSOs First – If you have benefit questions, see VSOs early before lines get long
Take Notes – Write down program names, contact information, and next steps
Ask About Resources – Even if you don’t need help today, learn what’s available for future
After the Event
Follow Up – Contact representatives you met if you need additional information
Apply for Benefits – Use the information you gathered to start applications
Share Information – Tell other veterans in your community about the resources available
Ongoing Resources for Standish-Area Veterans
Arenac County Veterans Affairs
Arenac County, which includes Standish, has a Veterans Affairs office that can help with:
VA disability claims
Pension applications
Healthcare enrollment
Contact: Ron Alley, Arenac County Veterans Affairs – 989-846-9080 or va@arenaccountymi.govÂ
VFW Programs in Michigan
The Michigan VFW actively supports homeless veterans and organizes Stand Down events (resource fairs specifically for homeless veterans) across the state. Veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk can connect with housing resources through the VA Saginaw Homeless Veteran Program .
VA Saginaw Transportation Options
DAV vans provide free transportation to and from VA medical appointments. Individual van schedules vary—contact the Saginaw VA Clinic to arrange pickup in Arenac County .
Beneficiary Travel
Veterans may be eligible for mileage reimbursement or special mode transport to VA medical appointments. Contact the Saginaw VA for details .
Common Questions
1. What is the VA outreach event in Standish, MI?
The 3rd Sunrise Veterans Benefits Fair is a VA outreach event on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Sunrise Community Resource Center. It connects veterans and their families with benefits and services they’ve earned through their military service .
2. Where is the Standish VA outreach event located?
The event is at the Sunrise Community Resource Center, 583 E Cedar Street, Standish, MI 48658Â .
3. Is the Standish veterans fair free to attend?
Yes. The event is free for all veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, Reservists, and their families .
4. What services are offered at the Standish Veterans Benefits Fair?
Services include PACT Act information, VA healthcare enrollment assistance, employment resources, housing resources, education benefits, DD-214 retrieval, and connections to community non-profits .
5. Who should attend the Standish veterans fair?
All veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, Reservists, military families, and caregivers are welcome .
6. What should I bring to the Standish veterans fair?
Bring your DD-214 if you have it, a photo ID, and any questions about VA benefits or services you’re interested in. If you have a pending claim, bring related documentation.
7. What is the PACT Act?
The PACT Act is a law that expanded VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Representatives at the event can explain how the PACT Act may apply to you .
8. Is there support for homeless veterans at this event?
Yes. The VA has programs to help homeless veterans with housing, food, job training, and addiction treatment. The VA Saginaw Homeless Veteran Program is available for Standish-area veterans .
9. Can I get help with my DD-214 at the event?
Yes. On-site assistance with DD-214 retrieval is available at the event .
10. What is the VA Saginaw Healthcare System?
The VA Saginaw Healthcare System serves over 40,000 veterans across 35 Michigan counties. It includes the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center and 11 community clinics .
11. Are there other veteran events in Standish?
Arenac County holds regular events, including Veterans Pizza Night, Touch a Truck events, and coffee socials. Contact the Arenac County Veterans Affairs office for current information .
12. What if I can’t attend the Standish VA outreach event?
Contact the Arenac County Veterans Affairs office at 989-846-9080 or va@arenaccountymi.gov for assistance. You can also visit the VA Saginaw Healthcare System’s website for services .
Key Takeaways
The 3rd Sunrise Veterans Benefits Fair is Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Sunrise Community Resource Center in Standish .
The event is free for veterans, active duty, National Guard, Reservists, and their families .
Attendees can connect with VA representatives, Veteran Service Officers, and community organizations .
Services include PACT Act information, healthcare enrollment, employment, housing, education, and DD-214 retrieval .
Bring your DD-214 and photo ID for the most productive experience.
The VA Saginaw Healthcare System serves 40,000+ veterans across 35 Michigan counties .
Arenac County Veterans Affairs provides ongoing support at 989-846-9080Â .
VFW-sponsored Stand Down events and homeless veteran programs are available across Michigan .
Telehealth services allow veterans to access care remotely without traveling to Saginaw .
Free DAV van transportation is available to and from VA medical appointments .
Official Resources
VA Saginaw Healthcare System – www.va.gov/saginaw-health-care
Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center – 1500 Weiss Street, Saginaw, MI 48602
Arenac County Veterans Affairs – 989-846-9080 or va@arenaccountymi.gov
Sunrise Community Resource Center – 583 E Cedar St., Standish, MI 48658
VA.gov – Official VA benefits and healthcare information – www.va.gov
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency – www.michigan.gov/mvaa
USA.gov – Official U.S. government information – www.usa.gov
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
- Not Official: We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or any other government agency.
- No Legal/Financial Advice: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. VA benefits rules change frequently – always consult with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
- Official Sources: For official, binding information and to apply for benefits, always visit official .gov websites: VA.gov, Benefits.VA.gov, or SSA.gov.
- No Data Collection: This site does not collect, store, or process any personal information. It does not have login forms, contact forms, or any system to capture user data. We never ask for your Social Security Number, bank details, or any personal information.
- 🚨 Scam Alert: The VA and other government agencies never charge fees for benefit applications. If anyone asks for money to "process" your VA claim, it is a scam. Report it to the VA Office of Inspector General at VA.gov/OIG.
- Advertising: This site uses third-party advertising (Adsterra) to cover operational costs. We do not endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised.
📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
