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0000017b-35e5-df5e-a97b-35edaf770000Over 70,000 people in Michigan served in the U.S. armed services during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.Michigan Radio’s Beyond the Battlefield series takes a look at how post-9/11 veterans are faring. Beyond the Battlefield features, interviews and online video profiles, exploring issues like employment, entrepreneurship, and reintegration into civilian life. The series also looks at how Michiganders think state and federal governments are doing at addressing veterans' care, as well as the particular struggles female veterans encounter when returning home.

Non-profit provides housing for veterans and the opportunity to serve locally

Flickr user Liza Lagman Sperl
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http://michrad.io/1LXrdJM

The Motor City Blight Busters are developing Veteran's Village Center, which provides housing for veterans and the opportunity to work with their organization.

The Center is currently under renovation. It’s located in Northwest Detroit near other properties owned by Blight Busters. 

John George is founder and president of Motor City Blight Busters. The non-profit has a 25-year record of working to stabilize and revitalize Detroit through partnerships and volunteer efforts.

Veteran's Village Center is a partnership with United Peace Relief, an organization that works with veterans to provide disaster relief around the country.

George says, "The disaster of Detroit, it took 50 years, a lot of times people don't feel it's equivalent to a tornado or a hurricane but it is, and what's nice is the vets are working with us, basically using Detroit as a boot camp, to train the vets so when a disaster does strike, they could head out and help out."

George describes the veterans as having a leadership position within Blight Busters. The veterans help to organize the 10,000 volunteers that work with the organization annually along with working with youth in the area. 

"It's really a great opportunity for them to continue to serve and help locally."

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