MONTHLY COMMITTEE MINUTES
Veterans Conference Room, Ruppert Sargent Building 1 Franklin Street, Hampton, Virginia 23669 Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Committee Members Present: Marti Chick-Ebey, Joy Cipriano, Kurt Clemons , Pete Fairchild, John Gately, Paige Glass , Suzanne Higgs, Libby Kendrick, Arnold Lorea, Jill Lynch, Peggy Mertz, Michelle Pauley, John Pritchard, Hal Roesch, Tony Soltys, Bill Tucker and Chuck Valliant
City Representatives Present: Ann Bane, Bruce Sturk and Jim Wilson
Visitors: Hank Morgan, Caretaker, Peninsula Pilots; Carole Barton, Community Support, JBL-E; Tony Eaton, U.S. Army (Ret.)
I. Opening and Pledge of Allegiance. Meeting called to order at 5:00 PM.
II. Guest Speaker: Henry "Hank" Morgan, Caretaker of the Peninsula Pilots baseball team.
A. Mr. Morgan gave a spirited talk about his respect for the military community and his appreciation for the Military Affairs Committee. After brief introductory remarks about the Peninsula Pilots, he shared heartwarming stories about two young men who exemplified the military spirit of generosity, professionalism, and duty.
1. Skyler Williamson, a Peninsula Pilots catcher in 2004, attended the US Military Academy at West Point on a scholarship while playing for the Pilots. He was top in his class academically, physically, and militarily but delayed joining the Army, when he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers. He left his baseball career after only one season to return to the Army where he became a platoon leader, serving two tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. His decision to serve his country instead of pursuing a lucrative baseball career was an inspiration to Hank Morgan.
2. First Lieutenant Todd Weaver was an avid baseball player and a graduate of Bruton High School and The College of William and Mary. He left William and Mary's School of Law in his second year to join the U.S. Army where he served in Iraq and in Afghanistan. Todd was killed in Afghanistan on September 9th 2010 and in his honor, the Peninsula Pilots now hold a “Todd Weaver Day” every year to honor all military service men and women who have sacrificed their lives to protect our country.
B. Mr. Morgan shared the history of the War Memorial Stadium where the Pilots play and noted that the Peninsula Fine Arts Center in Newport News will be exhibiting photographs that tell the history of the stadium. He also noted that active-duty military are always admitted to games free-of-charge and veterans pay reduced ticket prices.
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C. Chairman John Gately presented a MAC coin to Mr. Morgan to thank him for his ardent support of the military community in Hampton Roads.
III. Roll Call and Secretary's Report
A. Review and Approval of September 10th Minutes. Peggy Mertz moved that the minutes be approved. Chuck Valliant seconded and the committee approved them unanimously.
B. The secretary requested that committee members send committee reports to her for inclusion in the minutes.
IV. Chairman's Remarks
A. Farewell to Mayor Molly Ward. The MAC wishes to extend their sincere congratulations to Mayor Molly Ward for her appointment as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director for the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. In her new role Ward will lead White House engagement with mayors, county and municipal officials across the country. Mayor Ward's resignation was effective Friday, October 4th. She has served as mayor of Hampton for five years.
B. Welcome to Hampton's newly appointed Mayor George Wallace. On Friday, October 4th, Hampton City Council named Vice Mayor George Wallace to replace Molly Ward until a special election is held in May 2014. Because Wallace's appointment left the 7- member council one member short, Council also named former Commonwealth's Attorney, Linda Curtis, to fill his position until a special election, probably in the spring.
C. Planning Meeting. Planning Meeting: The October planning meeting was attended by John Gately, Chairman; Chuck Valliant, Vice Chair; Michelle Pauley, Secretary, Pete Fairchild, Veterans Affairs; Arnold Lorea, Event Logistics; Peggy Mertz, Family Support; Tony Soltys, Community Affairs; and Bruce Sturk and Jim Wilson, Hampton City Government.
D. City Manager Mary Bunting will speak at the November 12th MAC meeting instead of today's meeting, as previously scheduled.
E. Days of Remembrance and Hope review
1. Chairman John Gately and Vice Chairman Chuck Valliant extended the MAC's sincere thanks to Arnold Lorea, Tony Soltys, Pat Garvey, Suzanne Higgs, and city officials for all their hard work coordinating the 2013 Days of Remembrance and Hope ceremony. Appreciation was also expressed for the assistance provided by MAC members who helped plan and execute this very special event. The Vice Chairman also extended thanks in absentia to First Sergeant Ryan Sattelberg for being the featured speaker.
2. The event drew approximately 200 attendees, mostly troops, ceremony participants and those being honored.
3. A link to Channel 47's event video is on the MAC website.
F. In Memoriam
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On September 11, 2013, Winfred "Beck" Beckwith, 74, passed away after a long battle with cancer. A long-time member of the MAC, a patriot and a friend, he will be sorely missed by all of us who serve today.
In 1958, Beck enlisted in the US Army and later transferred to the US Air Force. After proudly serving over 22 years, he honorably retired from the Armed Forces and became a Department of the Army civilian at Fort Monroe. He was a Life Member of the VFW, Commander three times for Post 3219 in Phoebus, VA, and District 1 Commander for the Department of Virginia.
One of his last duties on the MAC was "the ringing of the bells" at our Day of Remembrance and Hope ceremony in 2012. It is poignant that he passed on this date in 2013.
On September 28, 2013, Beck's comrades in VFW Post 3219 hosted a very patriotic, spiritual and heartfelt "Celebration of Life" in his honor. His burial location will be listed on the United States Department of Veteran Affairs Gravesite Locator website (http://gravelocator.cem.va.gov/).
G. Upcoming Transition-on-the-Go! and V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) Hiring Event
1. The TEAM's next Transition-on-the-Go on October 17, 2013 already has over 41 transitioning service members and veterans registered. During this full-day seminar, attendees will hear from experienced and knowledgeable employment specialists, financial managers, recruiters, and employers to assist in transition from the military to civilian workforce.
2. At the October 24th Military Workforce Recruiting (MWR) Day, hosted by the Virginia Department of Veteran Services, job-seekers will use the knowledge and resources gained from Transition on the Go to meet with roughly sixteen employers and recruiters who have job openings available. Priority placement will go to those attendees at the Transition on the Go who will be available to assume new jobs in the next 2-3 months. Behavioral interviews will also be conducted at each of the 17 tables on the floor.
3. The last TEAM meeting on September 24th at Peninsula Worklink was attended by Lindsay Haake, Roger Bullis, Andy Schwartz, Katie Wiggin, Paige Glass, Reba Gordon, Kurt Clemons, Anne Patterson, Doug Harschbarger, Fred Andy, Chuck Valliant and John Gately. Andy Schwartz indicated that the “Transition on the Go” program has become the model for a statewide program.
4. The second sequence of “Transition on the Go” and “Military Workforce Recruiting” is expected to take place on March 6th and 13th, 2014.
5. In the interest of bringing together employers with vets and separating military personnel, we of the MAC will be partnering with Leonard Sledge, Director, Economic Development (757.728.5165) to determine ways to assist.
H. Salvation Army Veterans' Transitional Housing Program Relocation
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1. Since the Hampton Planning Commission recommended the approval of the Salvation Army Veterans' Transitional Housing relocation to the Arrow Inn property in Hampton on 11 July, unexpected opposition has arisen.
2. The full City Council will address the issue on October 9th. The outcome is not guaranteed, so MAC members are encouraged to attend and support the program.
I. "Taste of the Town", Thursday, October 10, 2013, 6-9 PM at the Peninsula Town Center
1. Suzanne Higgs, PTC, requested support for the event from MAC members. All proceeds go to support the USO.
2. Food samplings from PTC's fabulous restaurants participating in the event. Special live music from Fine Swiss Cheese.
3. Ticket books cost $15 for military; $20 for civilians; and $25 at the door.
J. Veterans Stand-Down
1. The Hampton VAMC Homeless Program and the MAC have been making progress in their partnership for the Veteran’s Stand-Down at the Y. H. Thomas Community Center, 1300 Thomas Street, Hampton, VA 23669 on November 16, 2013.
2. Marti Chick-Ebey, LCSW, Homeless Coordinator is coordinating support from the Hampton VAMC. The Veterans Affairs Subcommittee has the lead for the MAC. Marti can be reached at 757.722.9961 x1285 or via email at [email protected]. Hal Roesch is the chair of the Veterans Affairs committee.
3. Services and programs will include -- but will not be limited to -- DMV mobile services, flu shots, Rapid HIV Testing, legal aid, employment assistance, transitional and permanent housing assistance, VA eligibility assistance, Wounded Warrior support, and VA/community-based residential rehabilitation programs. Food, haircuts, hygiene items and more will also be provided.
4. Lunches: Pat Garvey has reported that the First Presbyterian Church and Hampton Baptist Church have raised $450 for lunches. They are currently looking for volunteers from the Boy Scouts to prepare/assemble the lunches. The Salvation Army has donated $1,500 for food purchases and has agreed to provide food trucks at the event.
5. Hal Roach is working with the DAV to recruit more volunteers. His wife has recruited several hair stylists to participate in the event.
6. Per Hal Roesch, they are expecting between two and three hundred attendees.
K. Freedom Support Center.
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1. Elizabeth Mancano is no longer the Executive Director of the Freedom Support Center. She has joined the team at the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls in Richmond.
2. Andy Schwartz has left the FSC as well. Allison Dolan is serving as the interim contact for the Freedom Support Center, but her last day will be October 18th.
3. Deputy Commissioner Catherine Wilson will be overseeing the FSC as they become more integrated with the Virginia Department of Veteran Services.
L. Virginia Wounded Warrior Program's 5th Anniversary Celebration, Friday, October 18th, at the Virginia War Memorial, 621 South Belvidere Street, Richmond, VA.
1. The celebration kicks off with a ceremony at 4:30 PM, followed by a reception.
2. MAC members are invited to attend. For an invitation, contact John Gately.
M. Presentation to Spinal Cord Unit at the Hampton VA Medical Center, December 14, 2013.
1. Angela Leary and the River County Quilters are preparing forty-seven quilts to be presented to the patients. She has invited the MAC to attend.
2. The MAC is looking for a suitable role to play in the event, but there was a consensus at the planning meeting that a presentation of MAC coins is not appropriate for this venue. Suggestions will be sought from the entire committee.
3. Members who attend are encouraged to wear their MAC polo shirts.
N. The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Military Recognition Luncheon where the Military Citizen of the Year will be named. The event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hampton Marina Hotel on November 12, 2013, from 11:30 to 2:30 PM.
V. City Reports: Bruce Sturk and Ann Bane reporting. No reports this month.
VI. Committee Reports
A. Communications. Suzanne Higgs reporting.
1. The Communication Subcommittee has received approval to purchase the display boards and tri-folds presented to the MAC earlier this year. Invoices will be sent to Jim Wilson for processing and payment.
2. Suzanne asked the committee if they would like the Communications Subcommittee to create an Operations Manual. Approved.
3. MAC members were asked if our website should include information on military- friendly entertainment and volunteer opportunities for furloughed government employees. Jill Lynch reported that Sam's Club is offering free shopping with military ID card and that the VEC will provide unemployment benefits information
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on their website, http://www.vec.virginia.gov. However, because many of the furloughed employees are being brought back to work, it was decided that a MAC website update was unnecessary.
B. Community Affairs. Tony Soltys reporting.
1. The 2nd Annual "Day of the Military Child" will be held on 26 April 2014. A request for sponsorship was submitted to USAA requesting up to $5,000 for the event. Pat and Tony will also be submitting sponsorship requests to Langley Federal Credit Union and other insurance companies whose focus is on the military.
2. Tony attended a meeting at the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond. The Commonwealth goal, as identified by an Executive Order, is to eliminate homelessness by 2015. This goal is compatible with the Veteran Affairs goal.
3. Elisha Harig-Blaine, National League of Cities, hopes to get Hampton Roads motivated to be the first area of the Commonwealth to meet or exceed the Commonwealth goal of eliminating homelessness by 2015. He is interested in meeting with the MAC to discuss this effort.
4. Tony attended a presentation by Ruth Hill, Executive Director of The Healing Place for substance-abuse recovery. This non-profit group desires to have a 200 -bed facility for men and a separate 100-bed facility for women in the Hampton Roads area. They have been seeking support for a site and funds and have identified a potential site on the Southside already. Financial support is estimated at $5M for start-up costs and $2M per year to sustain the facilities. Approximately 18% of the homeless are veterans and the majority of homeless have substance abuse problems.
5. Mr. Mike Dunfee met with members of the Region V, CSB Leadership Team this morning and will be part of a group that meets regularly to discuss ways to use community assets to provide services to veterans. This is part of Secretary Shinseki's efforts and the White House Initiative Community Summit.
6. Tony will be attending the VAPHA Conference "Health on the Homefront" at the Hampton Convention Center on 21-22 October. The focus is on issues concerning active duty and retired military and their families. With 2.3 million citizens (out of the Commonwealth's 8 million population) affiliated with the military, this is a major issue.
C. Event/Logistics. Arnold Lorea reporting.
1. Hampton Holly Day Parade on Saturday, December 14. Step-Off is 6:30 PM. The theme with be “Joy to the World.”
2. The MAC will again have a float in the parade.
3. Arnold will submit our Entry Submission and attend a mandatory meeting on Tuesday, November 5th, 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. He will coordinate planning and provide periodic updates, including an update at the next Executive
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Planning Session on November 7th.
D. Family Support. Peggy Mertz reporting. Peggy reported that the Family Support Subcommittee has lost members and needs to reconstitute its membership. Libby Kendrick volunteered to join her group.
E. House Rules. John Pritchard, Chair.
1. John Pritchard suggested that while the MAC's bylaws should be periodically reviewed, they should not be re-written. Changes will be made only when need for revision is demonstrated.
2. In effort to revise, if needed, suggested amendments will be presented to a planning committee first, and only thereafter to the general membership for consideration.
F. Veterans’ Affairs. Hal Roesch reporting.
1. People who come to the Veterans Stand-Down will be vetted in a “triage” area of the event. Many services are targeted specifically to support veterans and veterans alone. Other homeless individuals might have access to other aspects of the event. For additional comments, see Section IV, Subsection J on the Veterans' Stand-Down.
2. Hal intended to coordinate further with Shelley Bennett, Team Leader for Team Depot of Home Depot, to discuss the long anticipated veteran’s housing reconstruction or repair project in Hampton.
VII. Meeting adjourned at 6:00 PM.
Next MAC Planning Meeting Thursday, November 7, 2013, 11:00 AM Lawson Conference Room, eighth Floor, City Hall
Next MAC Meeting Tuesday, November 12, 2013, 5:00 PM Veterans Conference Room, Ruppert Sargent Building 1 Franklin Street, Hampton, Virginia 23669
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