Rishi Sharma, founder of popular YouTube channel Remember WWII (www.rememberww2.org), visited The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial on Oct. 7, as part of a swing through Michigan and Indiana to interview WWII combat veterans.
Accompanied by Nick Birtwistle, a producer from Little Dot Studios, a British-based digital content, and media network, Rishi spent the morning interviewing board members of The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial at the Memorial site at 31100 Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak.
The footage will be part of a show being produced by Little Dot Studios, according to a press release.
Fresh from interviews in New Zealand, Rishi has lined up sessions with several Michigan WWII combat veterans and is hoping to connect with more during this visit. The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial is aiding him in his search to identify veterans willing to share their story.
Rishi will be in Michigan through Oct. 14, and will return to Michigan for additional interviews. All Michigan interviews will be shared with The Memorial.
Rishi began interviewing WWII veterans in high school in California, enthralled by their stories of heroism, sacrifice, and courage. Inspired by their experiences, Rishi’s mission is to “get all the WWII veterans on camera.” Now 25-years-old, he travels the world capturing veteran’s stories, according to the press release.
To date he has conducted over 2,000 interviews in every state and around the globe. Rishi connected with The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial, who celebrated the dedication of Phase 1 of the Memorial on Aug. 10. Noting we “share a common mission to preserve the stories as a way to teach and inspire current and future generations,” Rishi expressed the importance of connecting with organizations who work tirelessly to ensure the legacy of the Greatest Generation does not die but is handed down to future generations through education.
The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial is the state’s official tribute to Michigan’s homefront and warfront heroes whose sacrifice, courage, and ingenuity secured Allied victory in the war that changed the world.
For more information and to arrange interviews, contact board member Judy Maten by email at Judy.maten@michiganww2memorial.org.
Michigan waives education requirements for state jobs for veterans
In a unique State of Michigan initiative that will open up thousands of job opportunities for military veterans, the State of Michigan is waiving its requirement of a bachelor’s degree for many state jobs if the veteran completed at least two years of active federal service in any branch at the rank of E-6 or above, according to a press release.
Michigan appears to be the first state to waive the education requirements for veterans with two years of experience as an E-6 specifically for state jobs. Other states may consider military occupational specialty and job experience while in the service when applying for jobs, or waive licensure and exam fees, but the education waiver appears to be a first.
The initiative was championed by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) and approved by the Michigan Civil Service Commission (MCSC).
“Michigan is committed to finding new ways to support our veterans and attract top talent to our state,” says Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
“Military members gain valuable skills and knowledge through their service that can’t be replicated in a classroom, and that experience should be considered when applying for jobs. I am grateful for the efforts of the MVAA and the MCSC, and I encourage veterans who qualify to take advantage of this opportunity to come work for the State of Michigan.”
Veterans can qualify for other classifications and levels based on their military experience and are encouraged to provide copies of their joint services transcript or other military documentation summarizing their unique background to assist in credential reviews.
Veterans are encouraged to apply at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/michigan/jobs/1385017/veterans-preference. Veterans interested in applying for a job with the State of Michigan can view openings at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/michigan. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/mvaa.
Upcoming events
• Waterford VFW Post 1008 Auxiliary to host “Quarter Auction” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at 1690 Airport Road, Waterford Twp. Items that will be bid on are donated from local businesses and members, and are divided by categories of value. Bidding paddles are $3 each or 2 for $5. All funds raised go to assist with community Christmas projects. No need to bring quarters. Doors open at 6 p.m. For information, call 248-674-2826.
• Clarkston American Legion Post 377 to host Bingo from 6 to 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, and a Spaghetti Dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at 4819 Mary Sue Ave. $13 dinner includes dessert. All proceeds to benefit veterans. For more information, call 248-673-9301.
The Oakland Press is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events and include a phone number for readers to call for more information.
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