About
History
- Served as the coordinating and fund raising partner for the renewal of Battery Park.
- Raised funds to establish the Michigan Gold Star Families Memorial Monument.
- Initiated the Bay Veterans Area Information and Support Group at the Dow Family Y.
- Organized and implemented Holiday Tree/Wreath Lighting Ceremony in Battery Park.
- Serves as a Saginaw Spirit “Veteran of the Game” sponsor for all home games.
- Sponsor of Children’s Library International scholarships to support educational needs of children in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
- Coordinated the Great Lakes Bay Character Development Program under auspices of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation for teachers and other youth leaders.
- Maintains Battery Park and the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument project.
- Initiated and coordinates the Bay Area Women Veterans Outreach Program.
Mission
Helping Veterans Help Themselves.
To achieve this mission, the Bay Veterans Foundation solicits and obtains grants for the provision of financial support and in-kind assistance to qualified members of the United States armed forces and to United States military veterans and military service organizations. The Foundation also contributes funds to support patriotic programs which directly or indirectly benefit or honor active duty United States military personnel and veterans.
Bay Veterans Foundation supports…
- Saginaw Veterans Administration
- Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center
- Recreational Therapy Electronic Bingo Machine
- Recreational Therapy Golf Simulator
- Palliative Care Unit Comfort Stations for Family Overnight Stays
- Medical Center Patient Needs Fund
- Volunteer Recognition Display Case
- Bay County Veterans Council
- Honor Guard Uniforms
- Electronic Trumpet for Funeral Services
- Transportation Service (Driver’s Jackets)
- Veteran of the Year Dinner Sponsor
- USS Edson Educational Fund
- Flag Pole and Installation at Brian’s House
- Children’s Library International Scholarship Program for youth in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam
- Coordinator for Great Lakes Bay Character Development Program under auspices of the Congressional Medial of Honor Program for teachers and youth leaders
- Saginaw Spirits “Veteran of the Game” Sponsor
Projects & Programs
Veterans Workshop & Learning Center
Many agencies offer or provide information regarding benefits and services, but they’re fragmented. In a safe, comforting environment, the Workshop and Learning Center can provide information and make referrals to help veterans navigate the available services and best identify the resources that would most benefit them.
Gold Star Family Memorial Monument
The Bay City Gold Star Family Memorial Monument honors the families of servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the military.
Battery Park
Battery Park is located in Bay City, MI and has recently been restored to its former glory. It is dedicated to honoring our veterans and military history.
Board of Directors
Keith Markstrom
President
Prior to retiring in 2012, Keith Markstrom spent 36 years in health education, and administration with his last position as Director of the Bay Medical Foundation. He served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1972 with service in Vietnam. He received BS and MA from Central Michigan University. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors for Great Lakes Federal Credit Union, and a member of American Legion Post 18.
Frank G. Hoese
Vice President
Retired from the State of Michigan after 38 years of social work with juvenile felony offenders, the last 32 as Director of Parmenter Halfway House. He served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969 with in Vietnam. He received his BA from Michigan State University. He is currently volunteers at the Saginaw Veterans Hospital and was a big brother volunteer in Huron County. Has served on the Boards of Directors for Bay County Boys and Girls Club and Cory Place Runaway Services.
Michael A. Jamrog
Treasurer
Retired in December 2015 after 40 years of financial leadership, operations management and compliance program administration for McLaren Bay Region. He served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971 with service in Vietnam. He received his BBA from Saginaw Valley State University. He is currently a member of the Board for Directors for Great Lakes Federal Credit Union and is a member of the American Legion and a Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans Association.
Michele Zurvalec
Secretary
Marketing Manager, ShineWater, Bay City MI. 34 years of sales and marketing experience in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Retired from MLive Media Group after a 32-year career. Michele has volunteered on several boards and committees for groups including United Way, Saginaw Area Fireworks, Bay Veterans Foundation, and others.
John P. DeWyse
Board Member
Retired in 1999 from General Motors Saginaw Steering Gear Division after 31 years of service. Served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970 with service in Vietnam. Has volunteered for many organizations. Currently active in the Local and State Military Order of the Purple Heart Organization, Saginaw Valley Ship Museum, and the Saginaw Veterans Hospital.
Vaughn J. Begick
Board Member
Is a licensed and certified Physicians Assistant working in Family Practice and Urgent Care for the last 41 years. Currently working at Redi Med Urgent Care. He graduated from the University of Michigan and Duke University. He is also a six term Bay County Commissioner. He served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1972 with service in Vietnam. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the Salvation Army, member of the Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Vietnam Veterans Association and American Legion.
Robert D. Sharow
Board Member
Retired in 2008 as partner from the Law firm Birchler, Fitzhugh, Purtell, and Brissette. Served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969. Received his BA from George Washington University and his JD from University of Michigan. Member of the Board of Directors/Trustee for Delta College Foundation, The Kantzler Foundation, Russell H. and Maxine E. Smith Charitable Foundation, Wenonah Park Properties, Inc, Bay City Downtown Development Authority, Saginaw Valley Torch Club. A current member of the American Legion and Bay County Bar Association.
Andrea Norton
Board Member
Andrea is a social worker at the Saginaw VA where she has worked in a variety of roles to include housing specialist, intensive case manager, and program manager. She served in the United States Air Force from 1998-2007, with deployments to Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. After her time in the military, she went on to Michigan State University where she earned her MSW. She is a member of the Governor appointed Michigan Women Veterans Coalition and is an enthusiastic supporter and volunteer with the Great Lakes Bay Pride festival.
Don Zuzula
Board Member
An accomplished maker, builder and artistic creator, having worked several years in the industry as a digital designer and artist. Served both the active Army and Army National Guard from 2000 through 2008 serving in Iraq in 04-05 resulting in lifelong veterans advocacy. Graduated Saginaw Valley State University with a BA in Graphic Design and Communications.
Jim Reha
Board Member
Prior to retiring in 2012, Jim Reha spent 35 year as a public school teacher in Saginaw and the Gary, Indiana public schools. He served in the U.S. Army from 1989 to 1972, with service in Vietnam. He also served in the Army Reserve and The Indiana National Guard from 1972 to 1976. He received a BS and MS from Indiana University. He is the Director of Educational Programs for the U.S.S. Edson and is a teacher for the OLLE Program at Saginaw Valley State University
Melissa Alex
Board Member
State Coordinator for Survivor Outreach Services, serving Military Families who have lost a loved one while serving in the Military. She has been a contactor working for the Michigan National Guard Family Programs for nine years. Melissa is also a Certified Massage Therapist. She volunteers on several boards and committees for groups including: Bay County Vietnam Monument Committee, Yellow Ribbon Guard, I Support the 1% food pantry and Bay Veterans Foundation.
Randy Hayward
Board Member
Thirty Five year pilot for American Airlines, Lifetime Farmer, Attorney and Owner of New Executive Mortgage LLC. Thirteen year veteran of USAF and Michigan Air National Guard. Active supporter of local veterans programs and advancing veterans issues. Graduate of Delta College, Michigan State University, and Thomas Cooley Law School.
Bill Herrera
Board Member
CPA. Partner in the firm of Madison Professionals, P.C. Received Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Economics from Northern Michigan University on January, 1969. Licensed as a Certified Public Accountant since 1971. Native of Havana, Cuba and escaped Castro’s communist dictatorship in June, 1962. Member of the AICPA and MACPA. Served in numerous boards in the past 50 years as officer and director such as YMCA. Boys and Girls Club, Bay City Players, Bay Community Foundation and Bay/McLaren Medical Foundation.