Empowering Veterans Through Community & Support
Veteran 1st provides equitable access to care, resources, and advocacy for veterans and their families across Michigan and beyond.
Our Purpose
Guided by service, driven by compassion, committed to veterans
Mission Statement
Veteran 1st empowers veterans and their families by providing equitable access to care, community resources, and advocacy. We address mental health, justice, housing, food security, and overall quality of life to ensure no veteran is left behind.
Vision
To create a thriving veteran community where those who served our nation find belonging, support, and opportunity. We envision a future where every veteran has the resources and connections needed to live with dignity and purpose.
Our Policies
Non-Discrimination Policy
Veteran 1st is committed to providing equal opportunity for all people regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. This policy applies to all staff, board members, volunteers, and clients of our organization.
Board-approved policy demonstrating our commitment to inclusivity and equal access for all.
Making a Difference
See the work we do every day to support veterans and their families across Michigan
Holiday Basket Giveaway
December 20th, 2025
100 holiday boxes of food including full turkeys were distributed to veterans and families in need.
A huge THANK YOU to Douglass Community Association for hosting us and to Harding's Market for providing the holiday boxes.
Sponsors: State Representative Julie M. Rogers, Rotary Club of Portage, Visiting Angels of Southwest Michigan, Doug Pierce, Zac Bauer, and Veteran 1st
Full team ready to serve
Turkey giveaway in action
100 holiday boxes with full turkeys
Toni with board member Suhey and volunteers
Stacks of food ready for distribution
Car loaded with holiday food baskets
More of our work
Toni Kennedy at work
At an event, serving veterans
Toni in Sinai, Egypt - MFO Multinational Force and Observers
Toni standing with Marines
Veterans group photo
Community outreach event
8+
Counties Surveyed & Served
Toni Kennedy
From the Bronx, New York, to serving our nation, Toni Kennedy embodies dedication and resilience. As a US Army Medic, she learned the value of service and community—principles that guide Veteran 1st today.
After facing her own challenges transitioning from military service, Toni recognized the critical need for veteran support systems. When she was let go from her position, someone asked, "Why don't you just start your own business?" That moment sparked the creation of Veteran 1st.
Qualifications & Recognition
Leadership Positions
- •Veteran Navigator, MDHHS
- •Former Trustee, Kalamazoo Charter Township
- •VP, Kalamazoo Defender
- •Secretary / Treasurer, Douglass Community Association
- •Board Member, LISC Community
- •Commissioner, Road Commission of Kalamazoo County
Awards & Honors
- •MKB-NAACP - Distinguished Veteran of the Year Award
Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch 2023 - •Veteran of Hope Recognition 2024
- •State Senate McCann Tribute Recognition 2024
- •US House of Representatives Recognition
- •Military Service Academy Applicant Interviewer
Board of Directors
Dedicated leaders committed to serving veterans and their families
Toni Kennedy
President
CEO of Veteran1st
US Army Veteran
Road Commission of Kalamazoo County
Dennis Lutz
Vice President
Retired Major General, US Army
Awarded the US Army Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service
Serves on the Kalamazoo County Veteran Affairs Committee
Bruce Justin
Treasurer
Retired CPA - developed an accounting and tax practice with a focus on financial and compliance auditing.
Leads a team that plans and presents a community remembrance program on Memorial Day.
Active Rotarian for over 35 years.
Dan Bement
Secretary
Retired Lieutenant Colonel, US Army
Combat Infantry Badge
Retired from FEMA Region V as the Director of the RV Regional Operations Center (ROC) and Plans and Operations Branch Chief
Former County Commander, American Legion
Suhey Fisher
Member
U.S. Army combat veteran & holistic wellness practitioner
Founder of Inner North LLC and Sailor's Manifesto, creating innovative programs that empower veterans through wellness, resilience training, and community connection.
Healthcare professional & veteran resource navigator
Comprehensive Veteran Services
From advocacy to event coordination, we provide the support veterans need to thrive in their communities
Mental Health Support
Connecting veterans with mental health resources, counseling, and support groups to address PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Justice & Legal Aid
Advocacy and support for veterans navigating the legal system, ensuring fair treatment and access to justice.
Housing Assistance
Helping veterans find stable housing solutions, from emergency shelter to permanent housing programs.
Food Security
Providing access to food resources, nutrition programs, and holiday gift baskets for veterans in need.
Family Support
Tailored support for veteran families, with specialized programs for women veterans and their unique needs.
Resource Navigation
Expert guidance through VA benefits, community resources, and programs available to veterans.
Mentorship
Providing mentorship and guidance to veterans, helping them navigate the challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life.
Note: We're expanding our services pages with more detailed resources and guides. Check back soon or contact us for immediate assistance.
Advocacy & Event Coordination
Veteran 1st actively coordinates veteran events for organizations across Michigan, advocates for policy changes, and works closely with the VA to improve services for our veteran community.
We believe in the power of community and unity. Every veteran deserves respect, support, and access to the resources they earned through their service.
Voices of Those We Serve
Real stories from veterans whose lives have been touched by Veteran 1st
"As a combat Army Veteran, I can say with complete confidence that Toni Kennedy and Veteran First are the real deal. Toni has helped me navigate through hardships with genuine care, follow-through, and zero politics. She's a straight shooter who gets things done and always puts the Veteran first—just like the name promises. Veteran First is becoming a true safe harbor for those of us who need guidance, resources, and someone who actually shows up. I'm proud of this mission, grateful for Toni's support, and excited to see the impact she continues to make for our veteran community."
Sue Fisher
Combat Army Veteran & Board Member
"I have worked on several projects with Toni. On some of them, I either asked her to run them (Veterans Resource Fair), or be a part of the team organizing the event (Veterans Day Celebration). I have found that she deals with pressure well. She steps up and takes the lead when needed. She is very reliable. She sets a pace of activity that I personally can not keep up with. When it comes to Veterans and Resources, I have never met anyone as well versed as Toni is. This is because she has worked with Veterans for years, organized events for veterans for years, and brings a work ethic and practical knowledge which I have found unmatched. I find Toni very organized. I have been in several (over 10) meetings with Toni and I have found her very organized for the meeting. "
Dennis Lutz
Vice President
"Toni Kennedy has worked with me for several years with planning and presenting a Memorial Day Ceremony in Kalamazoo. Her creativity and networking connections helped immensely in creating a meaningful event. Her energy, support and persistence was key to working through the issues arising from presenting such an event to the community. Her interest in caring for issues in the lives of vets was evident in the work she did for the Ceremony."
Bruce Justin
Treasurer
Contact Veteran 1st
We're here to help. Reach out to us for support, questions, or to get involved.
Send Us a Message
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE ARE IN CRISIS:
The Veterans Crisis Line is staffed by caring, qualified crisis responders who are there to help. Many of these responders are veterans themselves.
Contact Information
Support Our Mission
Your generosity helps us continue serving veterans and their families. Every dollar goes directly to programs that make a difference.
Donate Securely OnlineOther Ways to Give
Venmo: @Veteran1st • Mail checks to PO Box 290, Nazareth, MI 49074
501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible • EIN: 39-5030726
Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Partners & Memberships
Organizations we collaborate with and proudly belong to.
Partners
Battle Creek VA
Visiting Angels
Memberships
Lifetime member of the NAACP
Lifetime member of the Association of the United States Army
Lifetime member of DAV (Disabled American Veterans)
Member of the American Legion