Veterans’ Affairs Commission
Minutes
January 10, 2008
Regular Meeting

I. CALL TO ORDER
The Veterans’ Affairs Commission meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. ROLL CALL/INTRODUCTIONS
Present: Commissioners Bennett, Dow, Moody, Nowalk, Rodriquez, Sarlls, VanSciver, Yett, Sr.
Staff: Barbara Shannon-Banister, Chief of Community Relations Division

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Commissioner Sarlls that the minutes be approved. Motion carried.

V. FINANCIAL REPORT
Beginning yearly balance: $400.00. Inquiry made as to what the Commission can do to receive more funding. It was suggested that they ask the Mayor’s Office for more funding when funding is needed.

VI. CHAIR REPORT

Ø United Veteran’s Committee of Colorado: Meeting was held at which Lee Anderson from the VA reported on the progress of the new hospital. Commissioner Sarlls spoke with Judy Guy from Project Eagle, as well as Lee Anderson regarding the progress of the memorial. It was suggested that Bill Holden, Ed Perlmutter’s contact, be contacted regarding the memorial. Commissioner Sarlls thought it best not go to Bill Holden regarding this memorial because the Freedom Memorial is going to Perlmutter for funding and she does not want there to be a conflict regarding the two memorials. Commissioner Sarlls may speak with a representative at Ken Salazar’s office about the VAC memorial.
Ø Commissioner Sarlls has an upcoming meeting regarding homeless veterans. Bob Boom will be in charge of that meeting.
Ø “Old Glory’s Journey of Remembrance” will be held at Fort Logan on Monday, January 28 at 10:00 a.m. Expecting veterans and others to participate in order to make the event a great success. Contact O’Neal Hughes at (303)-761-0119 for more information or to R.S.V.P. Commissioner Sarlls will forward flyer with detailed information.

VII. COUNCIL CONTACT REPORTS
No reports.

VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
No reports.

IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Ø Check on status and authorization of memorial model to be placed on stand in lobby. A down payment has been made. It was suggested that oral histories of veterans (including recordings from the veterans on the commission) be included with the memorial model. The Library of Congress is involved with the production of oral histories by offering a set of questions to the participants. The recordings of the participants speaking can then be sent back to the Library. Commissioner Dow moved and Commissioner Rodriquez seconded a motion to participate in Congressman Perlmutter’s drive to complete oral histories of veterans. Motion carries. It was suggested that this information be included on the website.

X. NEW BUSINESS

Ø Travel Website: In August, Commissioner Sarlls presented the idea to the private company that screens all proposals for the City of Aurora. The representative at the company loved the idea and said she would recommend it. However, she also said city management was taking their time on proposals.
Ø Boards and Commissions Website: It was suggested that the website be improved by linking various other military and veteran websites to the Boards and Commission website. Commissioner Moody will have recommendations for improvement of the website next month.
Ø Applicant for Vacant VAC Position: DeeLynn Ford will interview before the February VAC meeting at 5:30 p.m. Application period is now closed.
Ø Veteran’s Forum: Last year in February the Veterans’ Affairs Commission Annual Forum was held to inform the public of the work of the commission and various other programs and benefits available to veterans. A good number of people from different organizations attended, however, not many from the public attended. The intention of the forum is to offer the public a place to ask questions and get information regarding veterans’ benefits and services. It order to make the forum more successful this year, it was suggested that the organizations present first and the VA present last. It was also suggested that participating organizations have tables set up in order to inform attendees about their services. March 13, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers is the proposed date, time and place. Commissioner Nowalk suggested that presentations be kept to an overview of services rather than details and that a strict time limit be placed on presentations as many presenters went over their allotted time during last year’s forum. At last year’s forum it was mentioned that the Commissioners should not sit in the Councilmember’s seating area. However, the Commissioners agree that it is appropriate to sit in those seats as the members are representatives of the Commission. Suggestions on what can be done to attract the public to the event include printing more brochures, placing an article in the Aurora Sentinel newspaper, and hosting an activity that will attract veterans from Aurora. Commissioner Bennett will write an article for the Sentinel as well as an official press release and speak with the press directly in order to fully publicize the event. Commissioner Sarlls will invite members of the UVC to attend the forum. Commissioner Moody is working on a database to include attendees and participants of VAC events such as the forum.
Ø The possibility of assisting with the Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon for Armed Forces Day was mentioned. The contact for this event is Dow Peck.
Ø State of the Base Meeting will be held January 19, 2008, with a cost of $25.
Ø Announced: ICCNA MLK, Jr. Commemoration Dinner; ACOF MLK, Jr. Breakfast; both held in January.
Ø Pamela Bennett’s email address is Pamela5660@yahoo.com
Ø The 65^th Anniversary of Women Marines celebration will be held Saturday, February 16, 2008 at Castle Café in Castle Rock. An exhibit will be set up to include a new oil painting done by a combat artist. (This is the sister painting to the one VAC had when their exhibit was opened.) The VAC exhibit is currently in Camp Pendleton for their anniversary; will be set up in USAA offices in Colorado Springs; eventually will be a permanent exhibit in the main office in San Antonio, Texas. VAC is always in need of money to support the exhibit. Commissioners are urged to inform the Commission if they know of anyone who can be of financial assistance.
Ø Retiree Appreciation Day will be held on July 19, 2008 at the Naval Facility at Buckley Air Force Base.
Ø FYI: Rosie’s Diner in Aurora offers veterans a 25% discount; Mt. Fuji Restaurant offers veterans a 10% discount.

XI. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:57 p.m.

The next meeting is Thursday, February 14, 2008
6:00 p.m. Fletcher Room, 1^st Floor, Aurora Municipal Center

___________________________________ ______________________________
Paula Sarlls, Chair Pam Feigitsch, Program Assistant

Veterans’ Affairs Commission

Meeting Dates to Remember
02/05/08 8:00 a.m. KCRT, Aurora Room, 1st fl., AMC, 1^st fl. AMC
02/06/08 6:00 p.m. HRC, Fletcher Room, 1st fl., AMC, 1^st fl. AMC
02/14/08 6:00 p.m. VAC, Fletcher Room, 1^st fl. AMC
02/28/08 6:00 p.m. KAC/ICCNA, Fletcher Room, 1^st fl. AMC
02/28/08 10:00 a.m. ACOF, Aspen Room, 2nd fl. AMC
02/23/08 9:30 a.m. NAACP, Living Waters Christian Center, 1585 Kingston St.
02/19/08 6:00 p.m. Community Relations Div., City Cafe, 2nd fl., AMC
02/12/08 6:00 p.m. Police/Fire Community Forums, Aurora Room, 1st fl., AMC
02/13/08 9:30 a.m. Civil Rights/Human Rights, Sand Creek Room, 4^th fl. AMC