From Service to Community Connection: The Positive Impact of Armed Forces Thanksgiving (05-03-26)

About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of the Armed Forces Thanksgiving event on the West Michigan community, featuring insights from its co-chair and a principal.

West Michigan is coming together once again to honor those who’ve served—and to strengthen the bonds that connect our community. In this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower sits down with Joe DiBenedetto , co-chair of Armed Forces Thanksgiving , and Adam Lancto, Principal at Grandville High School and board member, to explore the mission and impact of this powerful annual event. Returning May 15 at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids, Armed Forces Thanksgiving brings together veterans, students, and community leaders for a meaningful shared experience centered on service, sacrifice, and connection. What started in 2014 as a luncheon to honor active members of the military as well as military veterans has grown into something much bigger—an investment in the social fabric of West Michigan. The event co-chair, Joe Dibenedetto, shares how proceeds support the West Michigan Veterans Coalition and why supporting veterans strengthens not just individuals, but the region’s workforce and community as a whole. Adam offers insight into how student participation transforms this event into a “live civics lesson,” creating unforgettable moments of intergenerational…

People in this episode

Host: Phil Tower

Guests: Joe DiBenedetto, Adam Lancto

Topics covered

• community connection
• veterans
• Thanksgiving event
• education
• intergenerational connection

Keywords

• Armed Forces Thanksgiving
• veterans
• community event
• Phil Tower
• Joe DiBenedetto
• Adam Lancto
• Marcus Luttrell
• West Michigan

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Grandville High School, West Michigan Veterans Coalition

Places: West Michigan, JW Marriott, downtown Grand Rapids

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