Houghton County’s Veterans Service Office has a large impact in a region with many veterans. In the past three years the office’s annual vet fest has grown, and welcomed veterans from across the Upper Peninsula, and even some from northern Wisconsin.
we’ve been told by different Veterans Administration representatives and other vendors that this is really the largest and best attended event that they’ve been to in the state. So that’s pretty significant being how rural our area is. – Joe Battisfore, Director, Houghton County Veteran Service Office
Recently the Keweenaw Health Foundation donates 10,000 dollars to support Vet Fest in 2026. VSO Director Joe Battisfore says the funds will support the convention’s gas card program.
So we’re proud to invest in this event because we know how important it is to connect veterans with resources, support, and the appreciation that they deserve right here in the Keweenaw. – Jenn Jenich-Laplander, Executive Director, Keweenaw Health Foundation
And we’re always looking for other organizations and businesses that would like to partner with us for this event because it is costly. This is not a small thing. Last year’s attendance was over 840 people. We had over 80 different service providers. – Joe Battisfore, Director, Houghton County Veteran Service Office
Battisfore says veterans affairs rely on support from the community to connect with veterans and help veterans reconnect with their community.
It’s a wide-reaching event. It’s not just for Houghton County veterans and their family members, but for across the UP, we pull people in from Wisconsin, from downstate and from all over. um And that’s, again, that’s our goal is to reach, the widest reach as possible to connect with as many veterans as possible. – Joe Battisfore, Director, Houghton County Veteran Service Office
Vet Fest organizers are very excited for next year’s event. The festival takes close to a year to plan and organize many non-profits, veterans’ organizations, and program providers and services onsite. In 2025 Vet Fest earned support from Copper Shores with meals provided during the event, and Michigan Technological University has also hosted the event at the student development complex. Those interested in supporting vet fest in 2026 should contact Joe Battisfore from the Houghton County Veterans service office. Details can be found online.
