IONIA, MI — State Representative Gina Johnsen (R-Portland) will join local legislators, county leaders, and veteran advocates on Friday, January 30, 2026, to host the inaugural Voices of Valor Town Hall at Restore Church in Ionia. The event will take place from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and is open to the public.

The Voices of Valor Town Hall is designed to bring veteran advocacy directly into the community and ensure that the voices of Ionia County veterans and military families help shape legislative priorities for the 2026 session.

The panel will include Senator Rick Outman, Representative Gina Johnsen, Ionia County Commissioners Gordon Kelley and Phil Hesche, and veteran advocate Shane Houghting, a past VFW State Commander. The discussion will be moderated by Lorrena Black, a retired U.S. Army Major and longtime veteran advocate.

Panelists will address emerging local needs, including emergency funding and food security, recent updates to the Soldiers and Sailors Emergency Fund, and the importance of establishing a permanent accredited County Veteran Service Office to help veterans access earned federal benefits. An extended question and answer session will follow, giving attendees the opportunity to raise concerns related to healthcare access, tax exemptions, and gaps in local support services.

Too often, veterans are asked to navigate complex systems on their own, said Representative Gina Johnsen. This town hall is about listening, accountability, and making sure our policies reflect the real needs of the men and women who have served our country.

The Voices of Valor Town Hall will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Restore Church, located at 439 W. Main Street in Ionia. Admission is free and open to the public, and veterans, service members, and military families are encouraged to attend.