Region 8 was well represented at the 2007 International Veterans Conference held at the beautiful Walter and May Reuther Family Education Center in Onaway Michigan, August 26th – 31st.
The training as always was terrific with classes on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Legislation, Veterans Benefits, and Veterans Committee’s. We had wonderful instructors who came in for this conference from California to Connecticut.

The week began with the opening ceremony on Sunday night. The National Veterans Advisory Council, lead by Region 8’s own Mark Peterson, presented the colors. After brief introductions, President Ron Gettelfinger gave a very rousing speech to kick the week off. Cal Rapson, Vice President of UAW and over the Veterans Department was unable to attend due to contract negotiations with the big three.

On Monday morning we all gathered in the lecture hall for a series of presentations from several different groups. The first to present was Everett A Chasen of the VA Health Administration, next was Rick Weidman of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Dr. John Shaut gave a very informative speech on PTSD and the treatments that are available, then Todd Marriot and Tracy Mulvaney gave us an update on the VFW National Home for Children.

After lunch we had the pleasure and honor to listen to the Tuskegee Airman tell their stories. Col. Alexander Jefferson, one of the original told of his ordeal being shot down over Germany on his eighteenth mission and taken POW. The life of these men was not only educational but very moving and was one of the many highlights of this week.

On Tuesday through Thursday we were in the classroom for all the training then the closing ceremony on Thursday afternoon. We had more guest speakers to include Alan Reuther, Legislative Director UAW Washington DC office. Joe Morgan, Vice President of the newly formed Veterans of Modern Warfare told us of how this new Veterans organization was taking off nationwide and how we could help. The final speaker was Jeff Searcy of the Wounded Warrior Project. Region 8 Veterans adopted the WWP at our Regional Conference in 2006 and has been trying to raise funds for them. At the International Conference, Region 8 Veterans Committee’s came through with a total donation of $7200.00. The UAW/GM Department made a $10,000 dollar donation and with various fund raiser’s held throughout the week a total of over $18,000 was given to the WWP. The week ended with retreat of the colors and all attending standing in Unity singing Solidarity Forever.

The Veterans Conference is something every member of Veterans Committee’s in the Region should try to attend. The training put on by the NVAC and the professionals they bring in is second to none. My thanks and appreciation goes to all the members of the NVAC and all the Region 8 Veterans that came this year. The camaraderie and friendships made will last a lifetime.

Kevin D Barnett
Chairman, Veterans Committee
UAW Local 3520
Vice Chairman, Region 8 Council