State Rep. Jaime Greene (R-Richmond) introduced two pieces of legislation last Wednesday to honor the service and sacrifice of Michigan’s veterans. Greene’s House Bill 4279 would establish an apprenticeship program for Michigan Army National Guard and Air National Guard service members, while House Bill 4278 would officially designate Michigan as a Purple Heart State. Both bills are reintroductions of measures Greene sponsored last term but were not passed by the Legislature.

“Throughout my time in office, I have remained committed to recognizing our nation’s veterans and ensuring Michigan is a welcoming and supportive home for them,” said Greene, a U.S. Navy veteran. “I am hopeful my colleagues in the Legislature will join me in the effort to honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served. These proposals would formally recognize those wounded in service and provide valuable career opportunities for National Guard veterans.”

The National Guard Apprenticeship Program would allow National Guard members to use the training and experience gained during their service to receive apprenticeship certifications. Under the G.I. Bill, National Guardsmen are eligible for these certifications, and Greene’s proposal would ensure they can utilize their military-acquired skills for career advancement in high-demand fields—at no cost to them. Greene points to a Central Michigan University student she recently met named Jillian Draft as one of her inspirations for introducing this legislation.

“Jillian is currently a senior and serving in the National Guard while in an ROTC program, and she is exactly the kind of person for whom I introduced this legislation,” Greene said. “My goal is to help Jillian and the many other fantastic young men and women like her who are serving our country. These individuals provide the perfect testimonial to why we should do more to ensure they are in the most advantageous position possible at the end of their service.”

By adding Michigan to the Purple Heart Trail, Greene’s House Bill 4278 would formally designate the state as a Purple Heart State, further honoring all recipients of the nation’s oldest military decoration. The Purple Heart is awarded to service members wounded or killed in action while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

“We owe our nation’s veterans a profound debt of gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy today, and these proposals are a small but meaningful step toward giving back to them,” Greene said. “While no measure can truly repay their sacrifices, my hope is that these bills serve as a clear demonstration of our admiration and appreciation for their service.”

House Bill 4278 has been referred to the House Committee on Government Operations, and House Bill 4279 has been referred to the House Committee on Families and Veterans for further consideration.