THANK YOU TO OUR SERVICE PEOPLE!


MEMBER APPRECIATION: Presented to Tom Stearns, Benchmark Mortgage by WMLAR Director of Education, MLS & Marketing, Andrea Booker at the January, 2023, General Membership Meeting/Awards/Installation Event

“When I sat in on one of his classes, his passion and commitment to supporting our American Heroes and our communities, was contagious. As WMLAR was looking to bring the NAR Military Relocation Professional certification course, I knew that I would not be the best person to teach.
The conversation with my next recipient about getting him trained to present this important certification, was one of the easiest I’ve ever had- a quick “This is what it is” and “This is what WMLAR wants to bring to it’s members” was met with an enthusiastic “I’M IN!” Fast forward a year or so and Michigan has added just shy of 100 new earned MRP Certifications, in part, due to his efforts.

I should note as well, that in the numerous classes taught, this person never excepted, nor expected, a dime. Instead, he asked that WMLAR make a contribution to the Grand Haven Chapter Chief Petty Officers Association.
The Grand Haven Chapter Chief Petty Officers Association, Grand Haven CPOA (GHCPOA) is a not for profit, war veterans designated 501(c)(19) and is comprised of active duty, reserve, retired and honorary Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers. Membership in the Chapter is also open to all sister service men and women having successfully held the rank of Chief Petty Officer (Navy) , Sergeant First Class (Army), Gunnery Sergeant (Marine Corps), or Master Sergeant (Air Force). We have 74 members on our roster and continue to grow annually.
Thank you, Tom Stearns with Benchmark Mortgage, for not only being ALL IN as we worked to bring this certification to the Members, but THANK YOU on behalf of our veterans whom you devote your time and talents to assisting with their homeownership dreams.
I’d like to please present Tom with a NAR Gratitude Coin and Certificate of Appreciation, but WMLAR would also like to present a $1,000 donation to the Grand Haven Chapter Chief Petty Officers Association.”
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
The MVAA, through its new Michigan Veteran Connector initiative, will connect with organizations and businesses across the state in hopes of getting their help in reaching veterans. By simply asking customers if they served in the military and, if so, referring them to the MVAA’s 1-800-MICH-VET hotline, these Veteran Connectors can ultimately help veterans get linked to the resources they need to thrive. READ THE PRESS RELEASE BY CLICKING HERE.

Military OneSource from the Department of Defense is your 24/7 gateway to trusted information, resources and confidential help. When MilLife happens, it’s your “first line of support” — giving service members and military families tools to stay well and thrive.

