HomeMy WebLinkAbout24.08.07 - Minutes, Veterans Advisory CommitteeWashington County Veterans Advisory Committee
Minutes
Date: Wednesday 07 August 2024 @ 18:30
Location: American Legion Post 26
240 East Main St., Hancock Maryland MD
Attendance
Present- Stephanie Pulver-Breeden (Chair), Jim Sword (Secretary), Derek Harvey (County
Commissioner), Robert Breeding, Jamaal Brown, Starlene Hamilton
Darrell Nelson, Aaron Palmer, Teresa Spruill, Robert Summers
Not Present- Niki Falzone (Vice Chair)*, Laura Lane-Unsworth^
Business Meeting
Committee Chair Stephanie Pulver-Breeden called the meeting to order at 18:30, a quorum was
established and the previous meeting Minutes and Agenda were unanimously approved.
Presentation
Mr. Bill Dietrich from Two Top Mountain Adaptive Sports Foundation provided a presentation
to the committee. Two Top Mountain Adaptive Sports is a non-profit organization that provides
a variety of year round outdoor educational and recreational activities to veterans and persons
with disabilities. Mr. Dietrich wants to encourage more veterans to participate in the program
and the organization is always looking for volunteers to teach and assist with lessons and
activities. There is an application to volunteer on their website. They will provide training to
teach, how to teach and anyone only has to be 18 years or older to volunteer to teach. Brochures
were passed out to the Committee.
Old Business
Washington County Veterans Burial Benefit Proposal
It was agreed upon to remove the language from the proposal which would preclude a veteran
committing suicide from receiving the benefit. The final language for the proposal will continue
to be worked on for a formal vote.
Washington County National Flag Display Proposal
Aaron Palmer further discussed the National Flag Display Proposal. The proposal would be for
an education section to be included in the mortgage disclosure to encourage homes to fly the
national flag and proper flag etiquette on how to properly display the National Flag.
Additionally, if the language of the proposal can be added, for a tax break to be included. The
proposal will continue to be worked on for a formal vote.
Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Proposal
Robert Summers provided a rough draft proposal and a packet detailing the Vietnam Traveling
Memorial Wall for the Committee to review. This packet included information on costs, display
specifications and sample agreement for review.
Stephanie Pulver-Breeden had a concern on the proximity of Washington County, Maryland to
the actual Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC.
Commissioner Harvey suggested that there may be more money available for the 250 year
anniversary.
Specific dates will be explored as well as other veteran organizations who would be willing to
fund raise and participate in the project.
March 29th is the anniversary for the end of the Vietnam War.
This proposal is anticipated to be a specific request from the County Commissioners for funding.
New Business
No new business was discussed.
Committee Member Reports
No committee members had anything to report.
Announcements/Upcoming Events
Every 2nd and 4th Saturday 12:00 Star’s Stripes and Heros Greenhouse Mission
Grow vegetable and flowers at the Star Community Greenhouses
13674 Greencastle Pike, Hagerstown MD
Free for Veterans and First Responders
Community Care Network
Every second Tuesday Washington County Department of Social Services
122 North Potomac Street, Hagerstown MD
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 4th 2024 at the American Legion
Joseph C. Herbert Post 222, 12335 Big Spring Road., Clear Spring MD.