“Our family is honored to partner with the Roscommon County Community Foundation and the Roscommon County Veterans Affairs office to create the Milburn Family Roscommon County Veterans Fund. The RCCF has a superb reputation of exemplary leadership and integrity. Coupled with the knowledgeable, compassionate and encouraging staff of the RCVA this fund will forever help stream financial resources to assist worthy veterans as they navigate civilian life. By creating the Milburn Family Roscommon County Veterans Fund this is our way to invest and express our gratitude and respect for the supportive and caring community that has been so good to us.” -Marc Milburn
On Veterans Day in 2026, the Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) was proud to announce the establishment of the Milburn Family Roscommon County Veterans Fund. This is the first fund established at the RCCF specifically to support the work of Roscommon County Veterans Affairs (RCVA), marking an important milestone in the community’s ongoing commitment to those who have served our country.
The fund was established through the generosity and vision of Marc and Evelyn Milburn, whose commitment to veterans is rooted in gratitude, personal service, and a deep appreciation for the people who make Roscommon County such a special place to call home.
Marc, a retired United States Marine Corps veteran, has long recognized the importance of ensuring local veterans receive the assistance, resources, and benefits they have earned. His involvement in advocating for veterans in Roscommon County dates back to 2012.
Marc participated in and won a community hot dog eating contest fundraiser benefiting the county’s veteran’s assistance program. Following that event, Marc went home and began working on a millage request for Roscommon County Veterans Affairs.
“As community leaders, we needed to do a better job for our veterans,” Marc reflected on the early efforts.
Today, Marc is amazed by the work being accomplished through the RCVA and the dedicated individuals who continue to serve those who have served us.
“They are a dedicated and passionate crew that have made a real difference in people’s lives,” Marc said.
For the Milburn family, this gift is also about building a legacy of community philanthropy. Marc and Evelyn hope the family fund will foster their 14-year-old son Warren’s involvement in giving back and demonstrate the importance of investing in the community and the people who make it stronger. Their vision is not simply to make a gift today, but to create something that will continue making a difference for generations.
A Fund That Will Serve Veterans for Generations
The RCVA works tirelessly to help veterans and their dependents access the county, state, and federal benefits to which they are entitled. Its services include assistance with VA benefit eligibility, service-connected compensation and pension claims, medical documentation, military records, healthcare enrollment, transportation to VA facilities, education and vocational rehabilitation benefits, and death and burial benefits.
The office also administers important assistance programs, including Veterans Relief and the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund.
For many veterans, navigating these programs and accessing the benefits they have earned can be overwhelming. The dedication of the Veterans Affairs team helps ensure that local veterans and their families do not have to navigate those challenges alone.
Heath Nemeth, Director of Roscommon County Veterans Affairs, emphasized the importance of Marc’s early advocacy and the lasting impact it has had on the county.
“If it wasn’t for Marc’s initiative, the Roscommon County Veterans Affairs would not exist,” Heath said. He also recognized Tom Sheppard as instrumental in the work that needed to happen to establish and strengthen the organization.
At the signing of the fund agreement at the RCCF office, Marc and Evelyn Milburn were joined by Heath Nemeth, Director of Veterans Affairs, and Thomas Sheppard, whose combined 34 years of service in the United States Coast Guard, Michigan Army National Guard, and as a United States Recruit Sustainment Coordinator reflect a lifetime of commitment to service along with 1,000s of hours of volunteer work for the RCVA.
RCCF also recognizes Veteran Service Officer Alisha Pastell, Office Volunteer Ginger Major, and volunteers Daniel Benson and Terry Evenhoff for their dedication to supporting local veterans and their families.
Their collective commitment is a reminder that serving veterans does not end when military service is complete. It continues through the people and organizations dedicated to ensuring veterans receive the respect, assistance, and support they deserve.
