HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-10-2022 VAB MinutesVETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2022, 3:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1225 MAIN ST., SEBASTIAN FL 32976
I. Chairman Gary Shaw called the Veterans Advisory Committee meeting to order at
3:00 p.m.
II. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
III. Roll Call
Gary Spiecker, American Legion Member -- Late Arrival
Gary Shaw, VFW Commander
Neil Baumgartner, VFW Member
Kim Paskiewicz, VFW Auxiliary Member
Not Present:
Stephen Hamerlin, American Legion Member
Also Present
Brian Benton, Director of Leisure Services
Joseph Perez, AV Technical Assistant
Janet Graham, Recording Secretary
IV. Meetina Chair Makes Announcements -- None
V. Aaenda Modifications -- None
VI. ADoroval of Minutes -- August 1. 2022
Chairman Shaw called for a motion to approve the Minutes from August 1, 2022. A motion
approving the Minutes of August 1, 2022 as presented was made by Ms. Paskiewicz,
seconded by Mr. Baumgartner, and approved unanimously via voice vote.
VII. Unfinished Business — None
Vill. Public Input -- None
IX. New Business
VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 2
MINUTES OF MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2022
A. Veterans Day Planning and Responsibility
Chairman Shaw stated that the planning is in progress, and he passed out copies of the
preliminary program to all the Board members. He will contact the high school band to
see if they want to play. The ROTC will be contacted to insure they are available to
present the colors. Contact will be made with the Veterans Area Honor Guard to insure
they are available for the rifle salute and taps.
Mr. Spiecker said the Honor Guard is planning on making three different appearances on
Veterans Day: the Orioles and two additional places where the Honor Guard does a
service. He said the times are 12:00 noon, 1:30 p.m., and approximately 2:00 p.m.
Chairman Shaw stated that the City should get all the pertinent information at least a week
to 10 days prior to the event. The Master of Ceremonies will be the VFW adjuvant, and
she will be running the program that day.
B. Pearl Harbor Day Planning and Responsibility
Mr. Benton stated that the Pearl Harbor Day event is to be organized by the American
Legion. He said that typically that event starts at 12:30 p.m. All agreed.
C. Wreaths Across America (Rick Lewis)
Mr. Lewis stated there was a really good turnout yesterday for a fund raiser for wreaths.
He said that with a few more donations they should be in good shape in Sebastian. He
stated they will again be looking to do a ceremony afterwards at 12:00 noon. He said he
will be contacting the Honor Guard, and he hopes to have them there again this year. He
is also hoping to have the bagpiper. He is going to need some help from the local veteran
organizations. He would like to have military people from each branch this year in proper
dress with as many uniforms as possible to place the wreaths during the ceremony. This
is a very solemn ceremony honoring past service members. He is asking for help in laying
and picking up wreaths. He will be running the event this year. He mentioned that last
year there was some difficulty with retrieval of the wreaths. There were three members
picking up 600 wreaths. He will get with Ms. Paskiewicz in setting up the ceremony. Mr.
Lewis said they usually get some help from the Boys and Girls Clubs and Boy Scouts in
laying out the wreaths. Chairman Shaw said Wayne Newland from the American Legion
is a great contact for the Boy Scouts. Mr. Lewis announced that the date this year is
December 17� -- National Wreaths Day, which will happen all over the country. They will
start laying wreaths as usual at 10:30 a.m., and the ceremony goes off at noon. That
corresponds with the Arlington National Cemetery event and events all over the country.
The ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial at Riverview Park. Ms. Paskiewicz
VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 3
MINUTES OF MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2022
suggested having a program. Mr. Lewis said it would be nice to have one. Ms.
Paskiewicz volunteered to do the program.
X. Staff Matters
A. Christmas Parade
Mr. Benton reviewed that the Christmas Parade this year will be on Saturday, December
1O' . It will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Main Street boat ramp and end at Riverview Park.
He would like to have as many veterans groups participate in the parade as possible.
The groups will start lining up around 5:00 p.m. He will ensure that all the veterans groups
are placed towards the front of the parade, as usual.
Xl. Board or Committee Member Matters
Mr. Spiecker said he is with the Marine Corps League, and he announced that there is
going to be a Marine Corps Ball on November 12' at Barefoot Bay. He is expecting at
least 170 people. He has some tickets left, but they are going quickly. There are a
number of marines In Sebastian who probably do not know about this. The tickets are
$40.00 each. It is a formal affair, so the people attending will be dressed up. Anyone
who wishes to attend needs to get with him about tickets. He needs to know by Friday if
anyone would like to attend.
XII. Items for Next Aaenda and Date: January 9. 2023 at 3:00 o.m.
Mr. Benton stated that there will be discussion at that time about the Four Chaplains
Memorial event that typically takes place in February. They have not had it the last few
years, but he will get with Larry Wapnick regarding this item. He will give the Board all
the information for that event at that meeting.
XIII. Adfourn
There being no further business, Chairman Shaw called for a motion to adjourn. A motion
adjourning the meeting was made by Mr. Spiecker and seconded by Mr. Baumgartner.
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