Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Appoints New Leadership at Michigan Volunteer Defense Force

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) has appointed Jefferey R. Connell, Lt. Col. (Ret.), as administrator and officer, of the Michigan Volunteer Defense Force (MiVDF).

"I am proud to appoint Administrator Connell as the new leader of the MiVDF," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. "This appointment reflects a commitment to strong leadership, organization and readiness to respond when Michigan faces emergencies. Under this new leadership, I am confident volunteers will continue to stand ready to support and strengthen our communities."

The Michigan Military Act (MCL 32.501), which took effect on June 30, 1967, is the law that governs the organization, administration and deployment of Michigan's state militia. Collectively known as the state military establishment and constituting the armed forces of Michigan, the organized militia consists of the Michigan Army National Guard (MIARNG), the Michigan Air National Guard (MIANG) and the MiVDF. For more information on MCL 32.501, visit Michigan Military Act.