HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-02-2019 VAB MinutesVETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019, 3:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1225 MAIN ST., SEBASTIAN FL
Chairman John Haskins called the Veterans Advisory Committee meeting to
order at 3:00 p.m.
2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
3. Present
John Haskins, Past Commander of the VFW, Post 10210
John Kinlen, Member of the American Legion, Post 189
Neil Baumgartner, Member of the VFW
Kim Paskiewicz, VFW Auxiliary Member
Randy Moyer, American Legion Member
Not Present
David Spooner, President of the VFW Auxiliary, Post 10210 -- Excused
Barney Giordan, Member of the American Legion -- Excused
Also Present
Brian Benton, Leisure Services Director
Janet Graham, Technical Writer
4. MEETING CHAIR MAKES ANNOUNCEMENTS — Chairman Haskins announced
that David Spooner is excused.
5. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS -- None
6.. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Haskins asked if there were any corrections or changes to the Minutes of the
October 7, 2019 meeting as presented. Hearing none, he then called for a motion. Motion
to accept the Minutes of the October 7, 2019 as presented was made by Mr. Kinlen,
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MEETING OF DECEMBER 2, 2019
seconded by Mr. Moyer and approved unanimously via voice vote.
7. Unfinished Business
A. Veterans Day Event Review
Chairman Haskins stated the event went very well. The new sound system was a great
improvement, and the event was well attended.
Mr. Kinlen thanked Mr. Benton and his staff who worked diligently with the veterans, and
he appreciates the City's help.
8. Public Input -- None
9. New Business
A. Pearl Harbor Day Planning and Responsibility
Chairman Haskins stated the past District Commander, Jack Willis, has that set up. The
event will be at 12:30 p.m. on December 71h. A wreath will be laid in the water during the
ceremony. The VFW will be in charge of the event.
Ms. Paskiewicz stated she had given the program to Mr. Benton to have printed. Mr.
Benton stated the City will provide the speaker system for the event. He wanted to verify
that the setup will be the same as last year, and Chairman Haskins said it would be the
same setup. He said the road closure will be around noon for the event at 12:30.
Chairman Haskins thanked the City and staff for their time and effort spent on veterans'
events. The rest of the Board members joined in this.
B. Wreaths Across America Discussion
Chairman Haskins called on the representative from the Wreaths Across America
program to speak on this program.
Richard Lewis represents the Indian River County division of Wreaths Across America.
Wreath Day this year is on December 14th. They will be expanding to Sebastian this year
VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 3
MEETING OF DECEMBER 2, 2019
for the first time. He stated that the community has really stepped up in supporting this
program. They will be covering all the graves that have been sponsored. They have
raised support for 1,900 wreaths as of December 1, which was the cutoff date.
Chairman Haskins inquired whether the graveyard behind CR 510 and 512 is covered.
Mr. Lewis stated if they have enough wreaths, they will cover that. His group counted the
graves at that site, and there are 35 there. There will also be enough wreaths to cover
West Wabasso as well.
Mr. Lewis had flyers that he passed out to the Committee members and Mr. Benton with
more information on the wreath program. He described the ceremony and the timing
during the event. He asked that someone from each branch of the services be available
to place the ceremonial wreaths. Since there is a monument for each of the wars, he
asked if someone from each of those wars could be available to lay the wreaths at each
of those monuments. Chairman Haskins stated they will see that that is done.
Mr. Kinlen stated they will definitely have someone at the event to sing the National
Anthem.
Mr. Lewis acknowledged Post 189 Riders for stepping up as well as Post 10210 of the
VFW for their donation.
C. 2020 Schedule of Veterans Events
Mr. Kinlen stated the Veterans' Council will have a picnic at Riverview Park on February
1st, 2020. This is for all veterans and their families. The Salvation Army is providing a
portable kitchen for this event. Veterans groups may set up in the park that day in order
to help get the word out as to what these groups do.
Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day are also events during 2020. There is also a
service for the four chaplains.
Mr. Benton stated he still needs information regarding the four chaplains. Chairman
Haskins stated Jack Willis will be handling that, and Chairman Haskins will have him get
in touch with Mr. Benton.
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MEETING OF DECEMBER 2, 2019
10. Staff Matters — None
11. Board or Committee Member Matters — None
12. Items for the Next Aaenda and Date: March 2, 2020 @ 3:00 p.m.
13. Adjourn
There being no further business, Chairman Haskins made a motion to adjourn, seconded
by Mr. Moyer, and passed unanimously via voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at
3:21 p.m.
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