ATTENTION MILITARY VETERANS, SPOUSES AND FAMILIES!
Local Impact Alliance presents the 16th Annual Veterans’ Summit
Join us for this free event as experts from Legal Help for Veterans share how veteran benefits are changing. Hear speakers Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone and veteran law expert, Kristina Derro, Esq. share information and practical ways to navigate the current benefits landscape. Information will be shared at 11:30 with questions to follow. Find resources and make connections for veterans and their families.
Lunch is provided!
Details:
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
11:30-1:30
Westland City Hall Ballroom
36300 Warren Rd., Westland
This is a FREE event, however, we ask that you register.
This event is part of the Local Impact Alliance's "Lunch & Learn" program.
About Our Speakers:
Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone
Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC
General Fausone served as the Assistant for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs from 2001-2005 working directly with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Force Health Protection, and Readiness. Serving in this capacity, she assisted in developing and implementing programs, policies, and operations for Reserve Affairs.
General Fausone graduated from the University of Michigan School of Nursing in 1975 and in 1977 received her commission in the United States Air Force as a medical officer. She served on active duty in various nursing positions and in late 1981 transferred to the Michigan Air National Guard. In 1983 and 1995, she completed a Master of Science in Administration and a Master of Science in Nursing from Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan.
General Fausone has written over 25 Veterans Disability EBooks for Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC since 2013. In 2021, General Fausone co-authored "Impact on Health from Exposures: Case Examples from Military Eras and Guide for Clinical Practice - Practical Guide for Managing the Health of Veterans After War/Conflict Exposure: Case Examples from Recent Events" published in the Journal of Nursing Practice. She partnered with the University of Michigan School of Nursing to create 360 Virtual Education, a series of immersive videos created to support healthcare providers when they are caring for military veterans in a variety of healthcare settings to address health inequities and give nursing students the tools to engage in culturally competent clinical practice.
Carol Ann Fausone continues serving by “Taking Care of Our American Heroes and their Families” to obtain the benefits they deserve.
Kristina L. Derro, Esq.
Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC
Kristina L. Derro concentrates her practice primarily on veterans' disability matters before the VA and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Kristina utilizes her Master’s degree in social work, Bachelor’s in psychology, and previous history of working with individuals suffering from mental health disorders by handling mental health disability claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Kristina's litigation experience allows her to pursue cases involving federal tort claims against the VA. Prior to joining the law firm, she worked as a social worker with economically disadvantaged populations suffering from mental health disorders. She is a 2006 graduate of Wayne State University Law School and has both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Michigan.
Kristina takes great pride in her impact on our clients' lives with her work at Legal Help For Veterans, PLLC.