VVA Chapter 154

Veterans / Care Partners -- thank you for your service! Our upcoming support group is June 18, and our guest speaker is Retired Brigadier General Doug "Odie" Slocum.

Retired Brigadier General Doug "Odie" Slocum concluded 35 years in the Air Force and Air National Guard in 2019, commissioned via East Carolina University ROTC in 1984.

Military Leadership: As Commanding General of the 127th Wing and Selfridge Air National Guard Base (2014-2019), Slocum led the organization to numerous top accolades, including the Meritorious Unit Award. A career fighter pilot with over 4,100 hours in F-4, F-16, and A-10 aircraft, he is in the top 1% of experienced fighter pilots. He also served as the Air National Guard Inspector General.

Safety Innovations: As Air National Guard Director/Chief of Safety, he oversaw the four safest years in the organization's history. His innovative program addressing human error in maintenance led to a 76% decrease in preventable mishaps for the U.S. Air Force, saving over $78 million. He championed nationwide programs for su***de prevention, fatigue management, and mid-air collision avoidance (SeeandAvoid.org). He was inducted into the Air Force Safety Hall of Fame in 2013.

Educator & Speaker: Slocum is a world-renowned speaker, delivering over 750 addresses to more than 150,000 attendees. He authored over 250 professional publications and wrote Violent Positivity (2024) based on his leadership style, which he brands as "violent positivity."

Community: He is known for expanding partnerships in Southeast Michigan and has received DTE’s Environmental Steward of the Year Award (2019) and Macomb County’s Economic Partner of the Year (2018), and was inducted into the Macomb County Hall of Fame (2017) and the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor (2026). He is a consultant, veteran advocate, and State President of the Michigan Air and Space Forces Association. General Slocum lives in Southeast Michigan with his wife and 19-year-old daughter.

We look forward to seeing you all in person at our upcoming Veterans with Parkinson's Support Group on Thursday, June 18 @ 2PM. Our support group meets on the third Thursday of every month.

When: Thursday, June 18, 2026 @ 2:00-4:00PM

Where: Macomb County Detachment #154/American Legion Post 351, 46146 Cass Avenue, Utica, MI 48317.

Contacts: Nate Jolliff (USMC) M:(248) 464-3258 [email protected] or Marc Trail (Navy) M:(586) 693-0434 [email protected]

We have a Zoom call option for those unable to attend in person. Please click on Zoom link below and register. Registration is a one-time task that you'll not have to repeat:

Join Zoom Meeting https://parkinsonsmi-org.zoom.us/j/82609366028?pwd=kGHx6P0oDIaEIalN7HUn79VeTit6sx.1

See you soon!

Nate Jolliff, USMC / Board Member / Veterans' Advocate
M: (248) 464-3258

Fraud Alert: Beware the “Veterans Savings Program” Postcard Scam. On June 10 the VA released an alert regarding a new scam targeting veterans. The latest tactic involves sending fraudulent postcards claiming you (or your spouse) are entitled to “extra VA benefits” or additional payments, including CHAMPVA, TRICARE, and dental coverage, regardless of a VA disability rating. Don’t fall for it. These scammers claim to be affiliated with VA. They might instill a sense of urgency, pressuring you to contact them as soon as possible, or within five days. Their goal is to get you to call the number provided. Once you do, they will often use flattery and praise regarding your military service to gain trust. The scammer will attempt to obtain personal identifying information like your Social Security Number, bank account details, or other sensitive information. Never give this information over the phone or on the internet. VA is monitoring the situation and urges you to remain vigilant against these fraudulent attempts to steal personal identifying information. Refuse to engage; do not call unverified numbers; and hang up immediately if you are contacted by unsolicited numbers.
https://news.va.gov/147334/veterans-savings-program-postcard-scam/