What a night it was at Celebrate Michigans Military 2023! Held in a brand new venue at The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, this event was our most successful yet.
Of course, the importance of the June 6th (D-Day) event was evident to all who attended. At this event, not only were we able to fund several more Service Dogs for deserving veterans on our waiting list, but we also celebrated the unveiling of the new statue of Les Brave II, at Water’s Edge art installation, dedicated to the allied troops who landed on Omaha Beach during WWII. We were honored to be joined at the event by several WWII veterans, as well as several “Rosie the Riveters”.
The evening featured many presentations, including representatives from all four branches of service, Guardian Angels Founder & CEO, Carol Borden, a moving speech from Guardian Angels Recipient, Bryan and his Service Dog, Fahrny, as well as incredible food.
This was the eighth Celebrate Michigan’s Military event, and by far the largest with over 400 registered guests in attendance. Thank you to all who sponsored, supported, attended and donated to this great event in support of Guardian Angels!
Mary Jo has an extensive history working with the media as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University. Mary Jo has worked for companies such as Gannett, News Bank Inc., E.W. Scripps Company, Lee Enterprises, Pulitzer, Inc., Arthur Andersen, and has been involved with Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. since 2011. Ms. Brandt has had many hours of training in leadership, coaching, and mentoring. Her teams have consistently been highly effective in support of organizational mission and goals. She has one son, Paul who is currently in the Navy, and a daughter, Amanda in college and working full-time for a law firm in Naples. Ms. Brandt began volunteering with Guardian Angels after both her father and previous employer received a Guardian Angels Service Dog in 2011. Seeing the incredible difference service dogs could make in the lives of their recipients, she became involved through volunteering her time & talent to Guardian Angels. Ms. Brandt was then asked to join the Board of Directors and has served as a Board Member since 2013. Recently, Mary Jo has been named as a 2021 Patriot Scholarship recipient from Colorado Technical University. When asked why this scholarship and completing her Master’s Degree in Business Administration was so important to her, she responded, “This scholarship represents how important education is to our military/veterans and their families. I am honored to be part of this unique community. I am already in a career that demonstrates my commitment to helping others, I expect finishing this degree will allow me to be much more effective in my pursuit of working with our Veterans. This scholarship isn’t just about me. It is about how I can help others.” Today we face an even bigger challenge that none of us saw coming during the midst of the pandemic and worldwide economic collapse beginning to unfold. Yet again, Mary Jo is stepping up to the plate to be sure that our organization continues to serve those that need us, as we triumph in the face of untold adversity of today’s world. Businesses will only survive these difficult times because of leaders like Mary Jo.
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