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VETERAN’S AFFAIRS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MAY 4, 2009
- Call to Order – Bernie called the regular meeting of the Veteran’s Affairs Commission to order at 7:04 pm on April 6, 2009 in the Town Council Chambers.
A. Pledge of Allegiance
- Roll Call - PRESENT: Arden Passaro, Paul Barry, Bernie Corona, Mary Ann Roczynski, Kirk Allison, J. Roger Pelletier
ABSENT: William Miller, Dominic Fulco, Sr.
- Opportunity for Residents to Speak – Resident Sherry Martin came before the Commission to seek guidance and get help with veteran’s issues for her father, who is a disabled veteran and Purple Heart recipient. She needed guidance on how to get his disability rating increased and how to approach the VA. The Commission gave her advice on how to get aide for her father and asked that she check back with them on her progress.
- Approval of Minutes – Approval of minutes of March 2, 2009 and April 6, 2009. Corrections to be made were noted. Mary Ann made a motion to approve both minutes with corrections, seconded by Stan deMello. All in favor, motion carried.
- Old Business
- Resident Follow up – Paul Barry updated the Commission on the situation with resident Karen Dufond who came before the Commission last month. He said that although she was given his contact information she had not as of this date contacted him for any assistance. The Commission will be ready to assist her when/if she decides to ask for help again.
- Goodwin College Follow up – Mary Ann followed up with Goodwin College regarding the Commission having a presence or assisting the college with their veteran’s affairs. She spoke with President Mark Scheinberg who did not feel there was any need for any veteran’s affairs assistance because of the low number of students who were veterans. Mary Ann asked him that if there were ever any referrals for assistance to please send them to the Commission.
- William Miller – Commission was informed that Bill Miller had not resigned, but was not reappointed by his party. A new Commissioner, Linda Carrasquillo was appointed and will begin her service with the Commission at the September meeting. The Commission discussed sending a letter to Bill thanking him for his service to the Commission. Mary Ann will draft the letter to be sent. Paul Barry made a motion to have an official letter sent to Bill Miller thanking him for his service, seconded by Mary Ann. All in favor, the motion carried.
- Homeless Shelter for Veterans – Mary Ann spoke to the Commission about a homeless shelter for Veterans that is supposedly in East Hartford. An organization based in Hartford called Community Outreach has purchased a home here in East Hartford that will house up to 12 homeless veterans. Further investigation by the Commission will be done to get the specifics. Mary Ann and Paul Barry will investigate and get back to the Commission with further details.
- Memorial Day Parade – The route for the parade has been changed; will start at EHMS. Due to budget constraints, shorter parade this year. Some of the Commission members will also be in the parade.
- Open Discussion – The Commission discussed various veterans’ issues: 1) Stand Down in Rocky Hill on Sept. 18; 2) New DAV Commander – Hasty Foreman; Governor Rell honoring women veterans at the LOB on May 11th.
- Adjournment – Commission will be off for the summer. Next scheduled meeting will be after Labor Day, on September 14th. Paul Barry made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by J. Roger Pelletier. All in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
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