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HomeMy WebLinkAbout24.01.03 - Minutes Veterans Advisory Committee Washington County Veterans Advisory Committee Minutes Date: Wednesday January 3rd 2024 @ 18:30 Location: 35 W. Washington St. Hagerstown MD Attendance Present- Teresa Spruill (Chair), Starlene Hamilton (Vice Chair), Jim Sword (Secretary), Derek Harvey (County Commissioner), Robert Breeding, Jamaal Brown, Niki Falzone, Darrell Nelson, Aaron Palmer, Stephanie Pulver-Breeden, Robert Summers Not-Present- Laura Lane-Unsworth* Approval of Minutes and Agenda Committee Chair Teresa Spruill called the meeting to order at 1839. The previous meeting minutes were unanimously approved after a motion by Robert Breeding and seconded by Aaron Palmer. This meetings agenda was unanimously approved after a motion by Robert Summers and seconded by Darrell Nelson. Presentation Teresa Spruill introduced Mr. Mike Bowers of the Maryland Veterans Commission. Mr. Bowers was appointed as the 6th District Representative which includes Washington County. Mr. Bowers provided an overview of the structure of the Maryland Veterans Commission and how it works with the various Veterans Service Organizations and other non-profit organizations to find out the needs of veterans across the State. Mr. Bowers also covered several initiatives currently underway by the Maryland Veterans Commission including: “Project Landing Zone” which provides information and services for transitioning veterans. “Project Ask the Question” which is an initiative to prevent service member, veteran and families from committing suicide. “Operation Green Light” which encourages government and businesses to light green colored lights around Veterans Day. “Maryland Joins Forces” is an initiative to help provide education, employment, food, shelter, etc.to veterans and service members. Mr. Bowers stated the State of Maryland has decreed 2024 “The Year of the Veteran”. Business Meeting Old Business Follow Up on the “Adams County Pennsylvania Funeral Funds” was conducted by Aaron Palmer and Stephanie Pulver-Breeden. Mr. Palmer stated that Adams County provides $150.00 towards an Honorably Discharged veterans burial expenses who lived in that county for 5 years. Ms. Pulver-Breeden will continue to make efforts to gather further information on the program. Teresa Spruill provided an After Action Report on the Career Expo held by Hagerstown Community College on November 15th 2023. Aaron Palmer and Robert Summers also attended this event. The event was attended by over 800 persons and several veterans were provided with materials, information and contact information at the event. The next Career Expo is scheduled for April 17th 2024 at Hagerstown Community College. There will be a second table requested for veterans related organizations. Teresa Spruill the Veterans Advisory Committee requested a fiscal budget from the Washington County Commissioners for fiscal year 2024/2025. Those funds are expected to be allocated on or about July 1st 2024 if approved. Further discussion on outreach efforts to veterans in Washington County. Teresa Spruill will be contacting Lou Scalley, who hosts a radio program called “Friday Potpourri” to get the word out about the efforts of Veterans Advisory Commission and meeting dates, times and locations. During the previous meeting it was discussed about possible locations throughout the county, including local veteran organizations (American Legion, etc.) and government buildings (libraries). During the discussion several other possible locations were presented including possibly the Elks Club, North American Rod and Gun Club, Fire halls and the Redmen to be more accessible to veterans and the public. For digital media outreach, like a web page or Facebook, etc. no current sitting member was familiar with creating a digital platform or administering a web site for the Committee. Other Committees and Boards pay for those services through the allocated budget per Commissioner Harvey. Commissioner Harvey added that other boards have had success soliciting donations or discounts in addition to the budget for creating signage, making copies of programs and/or flyers, coffee for events, etc. Stephanie Pulver- Breeden suggested that each Committee member have a profile for the once a website is created. Teresa Spruill suggested that the Committee hold off until after a Website or location to post the profiles. New Business A motion was made by Jim Sword relocate the Veterans Advisory Committee regular meetings from 35 W. Washington St, Hagerstown to possibly 100 W. Washington St. However, the meeting date of the “first Wednesday” of every month would not be available due to conflict with other Commissions that meet on that night. There was discussion about board member availability IF the meeting date was changed, need of a larger space, access, parking and safety for the public, etc. A motion was made by Stephanie Pulver-Breeden and seconded by Robert Breeding to keep the meeting day the “first Wednesday” of each month but to rotate the next 6 meeting locations to places throughout the County to increase public participation and access. The motion passed. Stephanie Pulver-Breeden asked if there would still be a “Zoom” option for future meetings for the public to participate in VAC meetings remotely and Teresa Spruill stated that option is still available. Niki Falzone announced that Frederick/Washington County have received a joint grant fund for a Veterans Treatment Court. Frederick County has implemented the court for veterans who have committed non-violent, non-serious offenses. Other jurisdictions have also implemented this court including Baltimore. The Frederick County VAC is involved with the court system in Frederick County. There was a question as to where Washington County was in process of also implementing this type of court. Stephanie Pulver-Breeden requested having future speaker from Star Equestrian give a presentation for the VAC. Per her contact, Star Equestrian is looking to add 4 to 5 riders per week to their program. Commissioner Harvey stated that the County Commissioners are looking for action items from its Committees and Boards. Announcements/Upcoming Events There will also be a Star’s Stripes and Heros event on January 20th 2024 at their location, 13674 Greencastle Pike, Hagerstown MD. Niki Flazone announced that Platoon 22 will be conducting an event on January 9th 2024. Lunch, haircuts, etc. would be provided to participants. The next Veterans Advisory Committee meeting will be held at 18:30 on Wednesday, February 7th 2024 at the Williamsport American Legion Post 202 located at 400 American Legion Drive, Williamsport MD. Adjournment A motion to adjourn was made by Robert Summers and the meeting adjourned at 19:51.