History
2015
VCAT’s were bootstrapped across the State with MVAA funding through Altarum. For Region 9, Altarum consultant Elena Bridges solicited local veteran leaders to join her and the MVAA appointed Regional Coordinator to start and develop the VCAT. By early 2016, an initial group of 5-7 leaders had formed and began meeting to develop their structure and plans. Dr. Eric Fretz was the founding Chair and Jessica Van Cleave joined as the Co-Chair.
2017 – 2020
These were growth years where the team built relationships across the six counties. While adding ANOTHER entity and agency was not always an easy sell, many great monthly meetings were held. A Facebook presence and email list helped build community. With the arrival of a new Regional Coordinator, Josh Parrish, larger events with broader impact were developed. The first several VET FESTS in Michigan were run by VCAT9, and the massively successful concept has been widely duplicated. Partnerships with USA Hockey led to yearly Military Appreciation Events. A 501c3 was founded to support the VCAT, with the same name.
2020 – 2022
This was a challenging time due to COVID and Dr. Fretz’s heart failure. But the team continued to deliver major events and perform interesting saves as the “emergency funder of last resort”, including rescuing a Detroit area homeless vet who was stranded on a remote island in the Philippines (long story, happy result). This era began the tradition of having most meetings online, which has both good and bad effects.
2023 – present
In 2023 VCAT9 began helping with and sometimes hosting Turkey Dinner events around Thanksgiving in the six counties. Dr. Fretz was also hospitalized for heart failure, but is surviving well. In 2025 the leadership mantle was passed to Ted Crockett.