Veterans Connection 07/08/2026

Veterans Connection: MCVSC Newsletter

Dayton VA Renovates Chapel, honoring Dayton's legacy of veteran care, and more.

Please continue to forward the newsletter and ask fellow veterans to subscribe. With over 36,000 veterans in the county, we’ve still got a long way to get them all subscribed, so please help by referring local veterans to https://mcvsc.org/subscribe.

VA Renovates Chapel of the Good Shepherd

Montgomery County has a proud history of pioneering support for those who served. During the Civil War, Lewis B. Gunckel, a stalwart Union supporter and state Senator, recognized that the official military structure was insufficient in caring for wounded and disabled soldiers, as well as the widows and orphans they left behind.

Gunckel’s tireless advocacy led to critical legislative changes and the establishment of a state home for returning soldiers. His efforts were instrumental in Dayton being chosen as the site for the national headquarters and central branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, created by Congress in 1865.

Serving as the Home's Resident Manager starting in 1867, Gunckel helped create a community that provided veterans with more than just basic care. The Soldiers' Home offered hospitals, libraries, workshops, and postal services, fostering independence and agency among its residents. By 1884, the Dayton Soldiers' Home had grown into the largest veterans' sanctuary in the world, housing over 7,000 veterans.

This local legacy of comprehensive care paved the way for the eventual establishment of the Veterans Administration in 1930, which consolidated all veterans' programs into a single federal agency. Today, we remember leaders like Lewis B. Gunckel, who ensured that Dayton would be at the forefront of serving those who sacrificed for their country.

Full Story at Spectrum News

Honoring Dayton's Legacy in Veteran Care

The Warren County Post recently ran a story highlighting Montgomery County's proud history of pioneering support for those who served. During the Civil War, Lewis B. Gunckel, a stalwart Union supporter and state Senator, recognized that the official military structure was insufficient in caring for wounded and disabled soldiers, as well as the widows and orphans they left behind.

VA Unveils 2026 Veterans Day Poster

The entries have been reviewed and the Veterans Day National Committee has collaborated with VA to select the 2026 Veterans Day Poster. This fall the poster will decorate the halls of VA facilities to remind visitors of the service and sacrifice that we honor on Veterans Day.

The two flags on the poster—a current American flag and an early American flag—serves as reminder of our past and present on the nation's 250th anniversary. The poster reflects the sacrifices of American service members for 250 years to defend freedom.

Federal Contractors Fined for SDVOSB False Claims

Executives involved in a fraud scheme related to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) contracts agreed to pay $21.3 million to resolve allegations of misconduct. These contracts are set aside for businesses owned by service-disabled veterans, providing them with federal contracting opportunities. The executives allegedly misused these contracts for fraudulent gain, emphasizing the importance of integrity and compliance in federal programs.

The Importance of SDVOSBs

SDVOSBs play a crucial role in the federal procurement process. These businesses are specifically set aside to ensure that disabled veterans, who have dedicated their lives to serving our country, have equitable access to federal contracts. By prioritizing SDVOSBs, the government aims to support these entrepreneurs, fostering economic independence and community contribution.

Benefits of Establishing a SDVOSB

Federal Contracting Opportunities: SDVOSBs are eligible for exclusive federal contracts, providing a stable revenue stream and business growth opportunities.
Support from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA offers resources, training, and mentorship to help veterans establish and grow their businesses.
Mentorship Programs: These programs connect new SDVOSB owners with experienced business leaders, offering guidance and best practices for success.
Community Impact: By owning an SDVOSB, veterans can contribute to their communities, creating jobs and supporting local economies.

Interested in Starting a SDVOSB?

If you are a service-disabled veteran interested in establishing an SDVOSB, we encourage you to reach out to the Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission. We can provide resources, guidance, and support to help you navigate the process and make the most of the opportunities available to you.

Together, let's uphold the integrity of these programs and ensure that they continue to serve the heroes who have served us.

DoJ Press Release

Car Show Season is Here

Summer is a great time for car shows. Montgomery county and the surrounding area host dozens of car shows throughout the summer, some of which are specifically hosted by veteran organization or to benefit veterans.

Whether you want to show off your classic car or just check out some amazing vehicles, you'll want to visit some of these great car shows.

Corvettes & Coffee Cruise-In

When: Saturday, July 18, 2026 (Starting at 9:00 AM)

Where: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH (Greene County line)

AMVETS Post 1789 Cruise-In

Where: 715 Market St, Brookville, OH

When: 3rd Friday of every month, May through September (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

Bethel American Legion Post 406 Annual Car Show

When: Saturday, July 25, 2026 (Day-of registration)

Where: Bethel American Legion Post 406, Bethel, OH (Clermont County)

Rally 4 Heroes Car Show

When: Saturday, August 1, 2026 (At 11:00 AM)

Where: Miami County Fairgrounds, 650 N County Rd 25A, Troy, OH (Miami County)

Springfield Swap Meet & Car Show

When: Friday and Saturday, September 4th & 5th

Where: Clark County Fairgrounds, 4401 S Charleston Pike, Springfield, OH

Dayton Concours d'Elegance

Where: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH

When: Sunday, September 20, 2026 (10:30 AM – 4:00 PM)

Sons of AMVETS Post 99 Car Show

When: Sunday, September 20, 2026 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

Where: AMVETS Post 99, 501 S Dixie Dr, Vandalia, OH (Montgomery County)

Did we miss your event? If your car show is sponsored by a local veteran organization or benefits veterans, we'll include it on our event calendar. Contact us via the link below to submit your event.

Contact MCVSC

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

Check out the full calendar on our website.

Have an upcoming event for veterans? Contact veteransinfo@mcohio.org to be included in the newsletter!

10:00 a.m., July 8, 2026. MCVSC meeting

Meeting Details

9:00 a.m., Sept 12, 2026. 11th Annual Motorcycle Ride for Veterans

Event Details

Help Fellow Veterans Sign Up

The work of the Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission is only possible if we're able to reach the veterans that need our help. Do your part and forward it to your veteran friends. Ask them to go subscribe: https://mcvsc.org/subscribe

To maintain consistency and accuracy, Veterans Connection does not accept outside article submissions. If you have a veteran-focused event that you would like to share with the community, please submit it through the Community Calendar link above for consideration.

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