Pictured (l-r) are Higgins Lake veterans Ken Melvin, Don Correll and Rick Meeks.
LANSING – Veterans and their supporters gathered at the Michigan Capitol today as part of a nationwide protest against proposed federal policies affecting veterans’ services. Among them were several Roscommon County residents who made the trip to Lansing to stand in solidarity.
The Lansing march, which drew an estimated 1,000 participants (no counter protesters were in attendance) was organized in response to proposed cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other policies under the Trump administration that protesters say could negatively impact veterans.
Ken Melvin of Higgins Lake said he decided to attend after receiving a call from fellow Higgins Lake residents Don Correll and Rick Meeks.
“They reached out to me yesterday afternoon and invited me to ride with them,” Melvin said. “We just couldn’t stand around doing nothing. This is important, and what’s happening is wrong.
“I feel good about taking the time to be here and show our support for veterans.”
The Lansing protest was part of a coordinated effort, with similar demonstrations taking place in all 50 state capitals and Washington, D.C. The movement highlighted several key concerns:
• Federal job losses for veterans: The administration has proposed cutting up to 80,000 jobs within the VA. Veterans make up approximately 30 percent of the federal workforce.
• Reductions in Veterans’ Healthcare Services: The House of Representatives’ proposed budget plan reallocates billions to defense and deportation efforts while cutting $13 billion from other programs, raising concerns about potential reductions in veterans’ healthcare funding.
“I’m proud so many people took time out of their day to emphasize their commitment to the country,” said a female vet, who asked not be to identified. “When we took our oaths to protect this nation, it was a lifetime commitment. Our elected officials are doing nothing while unelected bureaucrats try to weaken the programs that support our warriors.
“It’s disrespectful—not only to living veterans but to those who served and sacrificed before us.”
