Harford News

Harford County Commission on Veterans’ Affairs met Aug. 2.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

Attending: Bob Brown, Hayden Anthony, Lisa Brown, Bill Elliott, Art Kaff, Bill Montgomery, Deacon Vic Petrosino

Excused: Janice Cassady, Jim Castelli, Scott Kearby, Patricia O’Keefe, Larry Owens, Mike Ray, Pam Silcox, Cindy Smith, Councilman McMahan (liaison)

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairman Brown. Prayer was led by Deacon Vic.

Approval of Minutes:

Minutes from the June HCCOVA meeting were sent to commission members for review prior to June meeting (A meeting was not held in July). No corrections were put forward; Bill Montgomery motioned for approval of the minutes and Bill Elliott seconded the motion. The minutes were unanimously approved by commission members.

Opening Comments from Appointed Members:

Chairman Brown – presented the HCCOVA Mission and Vision statements and asked members present to continue to think about activities and projects for this upcoming year that would support our mission to assist veterans and their families.

He also presented information about the Help USA Perry Point Housing Project. The project entails renovating houses at Perry Point to provide housing for homeless veterans, and if applicable, their families. The “housing first” initiative provides homes to veterans while they receive help through a registered recovery program. The gray houses are occupied by 2 single veterans, while the green houses are for veterans with families. When the project is completed, a total of 75 units will be available to veterans.

Hayden Anthony – announced that as of November 30th, Councilman McMahan will step down as the liaison to the HCCOVA. (Reason: The current term ends on November 30th & he did not run for re-election to the Council). At this time, his replacement/liaison to the commission is unknown.

Bill Montgomery – reported about the Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Program (TAP) that he serves as a volunteer. The program helps military service members’ transition to civilian life, whether through separation or retirement from active duty.

Bill Elliott – stated that HCC is gearing up for the fall semester, which begins on August 27th. Approximately 300-350 students will use VA benefits during this upcoming semester.

Art Kaff – continuing to post information on the HCCOVA Facebook page & respond to requests for legal assistance from veterans &/or veterans’ family members.

Deacon Vic Petrosino – expanding efforts to reach out to veterans who are inpatients at local area hospitals, including connecting volunteers with required training for hospital volunteers (see Guest Speaker section for additional information).

Changes to HCCOVA Members:

 Cindy Smith: the County Council approval/appointed her to the HCCOVA on June 12th.

 Heather Roelker: will serve as the APG liaison to the HCCOVA

GUEST SPEAKERS:

Amy Parker (Women’s Army Corps Veterans Association – WACVA) could not attend & will reschedule to present at another meeting.

Allen Siegel (University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health Director Spiritual Care Services) discussed the initiative to have veterans visit inpatient veterans. This program was first discussed in November 2016 & now veteran status is part of the intake information during patient registration. A list is now printed daily of veterans who are receiving inpatient care at UCH - Bel Air or Havre de Grace. There are generally 40-50 out of approximately 250 patients (almost 20% of patients) on this list. (Note: veterans are queried ahead of any visitation whether they would like someone to stop in.)

There is a need for additional volunteers – do not need to be ordained, just submit name for vetting & complete training session. Allen introduced Reverend Lewis Geigan and Chaplain Leroy Peyton, both members of the Maryland American Legion. They both described their experiences as a veteran visiting veterans volunteer & described how thankful the patients were for the time spent with a comrade. They encouraged others to join them in this powerful and rewarding experience.

OLD BUSINESS

Veterans Resource Fair 2018 Updates – Bob Brown

 Saturday, November 10th from 10 am – 1:30 pm at Bel Air Armory

 Since this is the 100th anniversary of WWI (& the Armory), the theme of the fair is:

“Century of Service.” The Historical Society will provide information for the fair.

 Detailed flyer is being finalized & should be printed by early September. Other promotional material is also being printed &will be distributed to various media outlets.

 Need assistance getting flyers out to various Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) so they can spread the word to their members through their newsletters, etc.

 Subcommittee chairs met to begin coordination efforts & will meet with members starting in September to prepare for the fair.

 Subcommittees for major areas:

o Marketing – newspapers, TV, flyers, social media

o Facilities – set-up, teardown, permits, equipment

o Food/Drinks – coordination, pricing, serving, supplies

o Programming – guest speaker, singer, color guard, raffle, VIP invites, vendors

Independence Day Parades

 Commission members (Art Kaff, Scott Kearby, Hayden Anthony, Cindy Smith, Bob Brown & Lisa Brown) marched in the Bel Air Independence Day Parade held on July 4th.

 The HCCOVA members were well-received & the organization earned 2nd place among all marching units in the parade!

Army Birthday Celebration

 Celebration was held at Ruggles Golf Course Clubhouse, APG on Thursday, June 14th from 4 – 7 PM

 After brief ceremony & cake-cutting (by Councilman McMahan), free buffet dinner

 Bill Montgomery, Hayden Anthony, Bob & Lisa Brown attended this event.

NEW BUSINESS Goals/Objectives for 2018/19

 Looking towards next year and whether to add &/or changes the HCCOVA objectives

 Due to low attendance at this meeting, Chairman Brown asked all commission members to come prepared with their thoughts & ideas on this topic to the September meeting.

Subcommittee Updates & Upcoming Events

 Need to align subcommittees to address issues affecting veterans on that subject and to answer/respond to requests for assistance/information from veterans &/or their families. Will look at this in more detail when objectives are discussed at September meeting.

Final Announcements

 The next HCCOVA meeting will be Thursday, September 6th at 6:30 PM. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08022018-968