Genesee County, MI — Derrick Britton grew up in two of the rustiest cities in the Rust Belt. Born in Gary, Indiana and raised in Flint, the newly retired Lt. Colonel of the Michigan Air National Guard believes his record of exemplary service to his country is, at least in part, a direct result of his upbringing.

“Humble beginnings build character,” said Britton, who serves as the Director of the Genesee County Department of Veterans Services (GCDVS). “Some things are just instilled in people, so I have my family to thank for that.”

His late mother would have been proud, as Britton returned as many thanks as he received before offering his final salute as an active member of the Michigan Air National Guard on June 24. The retirement ceremony was hosted by the Genesee County Board of Commissioners with Colonel Daniel J. Kramer, Commander of the 110th Wing, Air National Guard Base, presiding.  With more than 100 people in attendance, the Anthem on the saxophone and a rendition of the U.S. Air Force song (with Britton playing the trombone), he, like the lyric goes, was “off with one helluva roar.” 

And while his official status with the Michigan Air National Guard reads "inactive," his service to the veterans of Genesee County is anything but. 

A Leap of Faith

Britton enlisted in the Army in the summer of 1992. A year later, he was boarding a plane destined for basic training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. It was his very first flight.

“I’m from Flint, you know, those humble beginnings — and I’d never been on an airplane,” he told the audience. “Ironically, the second time I got on an airplane, I jumped out.”

More than 20 years after he took that leap of faith into military service, Lt. Colonel Derrick Britton, surrounded by family, friends and former colleagues, spoke about how his experience serving his country informs every aspect of his role serving those who served.

From here on out, the newly minted civilian will spend more time with his wife and children, and will continue to focus on his passion: serving the Veterans of Genesee County.

‘Military Service Chose me’

Early in life, Britton didn’t consider military service to be something that would capture his spirit. He didn’t give a second look to the military recruiters who set up shop at Northwestern High School. Further, his stepfather, who was drafted into the Army during Vietnam, discouraged him from signing up for military service.

“He didn’t have fond memories, like so many who served at that time,” he said. “We’ve all heard the stories of what they went through.”

Ultimately, he wanted to make something of his life — he wanted to go to college.

“I didn’t want my stepfather’s experience in the Army to determine my future,” he said. “We were raised to do better than our parents, so that was my intention.”

Even so, after he enlisted in the middle of his freshman year at Tennessee State, his intention was to exit military service as quickly as he had joined it.

“College was the only goal I had in mind until the money ran dry,” he recalled. “In that way, military service chose me.”

And, as it turned out, it chose him year after year, through new units, bases, promotions and medals. All told, between his time in the Army and Air Force, Britton was promoted eight times and received 15 major awards and decorations, including two Air Force Meritorious Service Medals.

Britton was quick to share every acclaim and commendation with his wife, children and, especially, his parents. His mother, Barbara Johnson, instilled in him a love of service that guides him to this day, one that he has instilled in his own children.

“My mother was a humble spirit who always made sure others were taken care of,” he said. “She was with me in spirit today.”

Serving Those who Served

The Honorable Judge Jennie Barkey scrapped her hand-written notes on her way to the front of the Harris Auditorium.

“This comes from the heart,” she said.

Judge Barkey told a story about a friend who lost her veteran son to PTSD. It was that tragedy, and others like it, that ultimately led to the creation of the Sergeant Dwayne “Wayne” Cherry Veterans Treatment Court in Genesee County. The court is tailored to meet the needs of veterans, especially combat veterans, who are stricken with grief and trauma related to their military service.

The creation of the court is in line with Genesee County’s longstanding commitment to serving those who served. And Britton, who came into his role in Genesee County just less than a year ago, has made it his mission to ensure every veteran has the support they need.

“I’ve never met a man like this,” she said. “Ever since he’s taken over, we’ve made progress … and it’s because of his dedication.”

In his more than 20 years in the military, Britton served side-by-side with veterans of every stripe, from those who shared his zeal for service to others who may have had a similar experience to his stepfather — and everything in between.

It’s why he continues to be the right man for the job – whatever it is, wherever it is.

“There are some veterans who are easy to sympathize with, like those with visible wounds from service or the elderly,” he said. “But many veterans have invisible wounds and suffer in silence. Others may have had an unfavorable experience and do not look at their time in service with pride.”

Because of that experience, GCDVS tailors its services to the individual needs of veterans. The Department exists to connect veterans to local and state resources, as well as assisting them in the navigation of veterans benefits at the federal level -– a process that can be challenging.

“We owe it to our military veterans to serve them with the same level of dedication that they’ve served our state and country,” said District 8 Genesee County Commissioner Dale K. Weighill. “It’s our sacred responsibility to make certain the sacrifices they’ve made are honored by ensuring they have the support they need throughout their lives.”

If you or someone you know needs veterans’ services, please contact GCDVS at 810-230-3068 or by email at v@geneseecountymi.gov. 

Also, please consider making plans to attend 3rd Annual GCDVS Armed Forces Rally in Flushing on September 14, 2024. The event runs from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Riverview Park. There will be music, kids’ activities, resources for veterans, Footprints of Michigan, MVAA onsite printing DD214s, Free haircuts for veterans and more! Click here to register.