Genesee County, MI – Genesee County is proud to announce the 2025 Armed Forces Resource Rally will take place at Flint’s historic Atwood Stadium on June 14. This exciting event, held in partnership with Huntington Bank and Flint City Bucks, aims to recognize and support local military personnel, veterans, and their families. Last year’s event, held in Flushing, attracted hundreds of active and retired military women and men, along with numerous advocacy organizations from across the region.

The Rally will kick off at 2 pm, featuring a variety of resources, information booths, entertainment and community services tailored to the needs of veterans and their families. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with representatives from the Genesee County Veterans Services Department (GCDVS) and other advocates dedicated to support services, education, healthcare, employment and more.

“This is an event that just keeps getting bigger and better every year,” said Derrick Britton, a recently retired Lt. Colonel in the Michigan Air National Guard and Director of GCDVS. “It’s incredibly important that our veterans know that we support them, we stand at the ready to assist and ensure their service and sacrifice is recognized.”

In addition to the Resource Rally  all veterans and active-duty servicemembers and their families will be admitted for FREE to a special Military Appreciation soccer match at 4:30 pm. The Flint City Bucks will take on Northern Indiana FC for a big USL division rivalry game.  This special match will offer an exciting, family-friendly atmosphere while honoring the brave men and women who have served our country, past and present.  A post game live player jersey auction will benefit Wreaths Across America at the Great Lakes National Cemetery.  Kids are always welcome to meet and greet the Bucks after games, get autographs and take pictures.

The Resource Rally will run from 2 pm – 6 pm and the soccer match will begin at 4:30 pm. 

Costa Papista, President of the Flint City Bucks, hopes this is the first of many future partnerships in Genesee County to honor the service of veterans and active-duty servicemembers. 

“We’re excited to partner with GCDVS to create a full day dedicated to honoring and celebrating our American heroes,” Papista said.  “By co-locating the events and overlapping the schedules, we hope attendees will be able to enjoy both the Rally and the match.”

Charles H. Winfrey, Genesee County Commissioner of the 2nd District, home of Flint’s Historic Atwood Stadium, is excited to see a well-established event coming to the 2nd District.

“This event is a great opportunity for our community to come together to show appreciation for those who serve and have served in our military,” Winfrey said. “We are grateful to our partners at Huntington Bank and the Flint City Bucks for their support in making this event possible.”