Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
Over 300 veterans residing in Keweenaw County have a local option for help. Derek Parkinen has been tapped to head a new Veterans Service Office, located in Allouez at the town center on Bumbletown Road. It is the first time that Keweenaw veterans will have their own branch for resolving compensation and benefits issues, utilizing the GI Bill for a college education, and getting access to healthcare. Previously, it was handled through the Houghton County location.
Parkinen says there is a donut, with many Vietnam veterans and older stretching to even World War II, plus younger men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, with few representing the mostly peaceful years in between. He says younger veterans in particular should not hesitate to take advantage of what they have earned.
Parkinen commends the VA for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization is shifting to vaccinations now. Parkinen says he got his first shot earlier this month.
You can reach the Keweenaw County Veterans Service Office at (906) 934-2354 or by email: vso@keweenawcountymi.gov.
