Genesee County, Michigan – Genesee County, working with Huntington Bank and the Flint City Bucks, will host the Armed Forces Resource Rally and Military Appreciation Soccer Match at Flint’s historic Atwood Stadium on June 14, 2025. Now moving to a more central location in the county, this annual event honors and supports military personnel, veterans, and their families by offering a day full of services, entertainment, and community involvement.
Beginning at 2 p.m., the Resource Rally offers an array of events and informational booths catered to veterans and their families. Participants will be able to interact with representatives of many assistance groups, including the Genesee County Veterans Services Department (GCDVS), eager to assist in areas including education, healthcare, and employment.
Derrick Britton, a recently retired Lt. Colonel from the Michigan Air National Guard and current Director of GCDVS, emphasized the growing success of the event.
“This is an event that just keeps getting bigger and better every year,” said Derrick Britton, a recently retired Lt. Colonel in the Michigan Air National Guard and Director of GCDVS. “It’s incredibly important that our veterans know that we support them, we stand at the ready to assist and ensure their service and sacrifice is recognized.”
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A Military Appreciation soccer game starring Flint City Bucks against Northern Indiana FC will start at 4:30 pm following the Resource Rally. Along with being a major USL division rivalry game, this match honors the men and women who have served the United States past and present. All veterans, active-duty service personnel, and their families can attend free-of charge. Following the game, there will also be a live auction of player jerseys with revenue going to Wreaths Across America at the Great Lakes National Cemetery.
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The event is planned to allow guests to optimize their experience at Atwood Stadium by allowing overlap between the rally and the soccer game. President of Flint City Bucks, Costa Papista, expressed excitement about the alliance.
“We’re excited to partner with GCDVS to create a full day dedicated to honoring and celebrating our American heroes,” Papista said. “By co-locating the events and overlapping the schedules, we hope attendees will be able to enjoy both the Rally and the match.”
“This event is a great opportunity for our community to come together to show appreciation for those who serve and have served in our military,” Winfrey said. “We are grateful to our partners at Huntington Bank and the Flint City Bucks for their support in making this event possible.”
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Along with many local residents and supporters from throughout the region, this day-long memorial is expected to attract hundreds of service members and their families.