DELAWARE COMMISSION OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
MEETING MINUTES
MAY 21, 2013
Members Present: Lardizzone, Carroll, Corsa, Harden, Keithley, McMullen, Newman, Newstadt, Sarg, and Weir
Members Excused: Goss, Hampton and Showell
Staff Present: Knotts
Introduction of Guest(s): Daniel Hendee (VAMC Director), Victoria Burke-Watson (Visual Impairment Services Coordinator), Jessica Finan (Home of the Brave) and Ron Jester (Mid-Atlantic Agrability Project)
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to our Nation’s Flag.
Commissioner Weir opened the meeting by presenting Commissioners Harden and Carroll with a WWII Ruptured Duck lapel pin.
Mr. Hendee spoke about the new phone system and the obstacles they are encountering, points discussed at the Veterans Home meeting and his visit to the Home of the Brave. He thanked the Commission for all they do for veterans and answered questions about transportation to lower Delaware.
Victoria Burke-Watson introduced herself and spoke about how visual impairments affect a veteran’s quality of life and how important it is to provide veterans with visual aids. She explained how the program works and the services and equipment available to veterans. She answered questions about the program and its relationship with outside agencies.
Jessica Finan introduced the Home of the Brave’s new Board Chair, Beth McGinn. She provided a monthly report for the male facility and an update on the women’s program.
Ron Jester provided pamphlets, identified the project’s partners in each state and explained how Mid-Atlantic Agrability Project works to benefits veterans and answered questions.
Mr. Knotts briefed about the Commission Memorial Day event on May 30, 2013, at Delaware Memorial Bridge and Northern Cemetery. He spoke about a letter from the Delaware State Funeral Directors Association, mentioned the Military Community Partners (MCP) meeting following the Commission meeting and invited everyone to the Veterans Service Directory Kick-off on June 18, 2013, at 1:30 pm.
Commissioner Corsa briefed about the Flag Day Ceremony at the Southern Cemetery on June 14, 2013, at 10:00 am.
MOTION BY HARDEN TO ACCEPT APRIL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES, SECONDED BY SARG, MOTION CARRIED.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
PERSONNEL
No report.
NORTHERN CEMETERY
Commissioner Harden reported that there were 69 interments, 146 applications approved and the Raise and Realignment fields A, B and C will be done by Memorial Day.
SOUTHERN CEMETERY
Commissioner Corsa reported there were 37 interments, 78 applications approved and preparations are underway for Flag Day. He also stated that used flags can be dropped off at either Cemetery or the Commission office for proper disposal on Flag Day.
HEALTH SERVICES
Commissioner Corsa provided the monthly Veterans Home report.
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
Chairman Lardizzone reported that he met with Representative Jaques about the WWII memorial. He said the Veterans Trust Fund bill for $25,000 was approved with an added amendment for a State income tax check-off. Additional donations for this fund can be made to the Commission of Veterans Affairs and provided further details about the fund and the distribution of monies.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Commissioner Weir reported that there was a Ceremony to honor Commissioners Carroll and Harden for their WWII service.
BY-LAWS
Chairman Lardizzone said the By-Laws will be amended to include the Veterans Trust Fund.
COMMEMORATIVE AFFAIRS
Chairman Lardizzone spoke about the progress of the WWII Memorial.
SERVICE OFFICER REPORT
Commissioner Corsa reported that there were 95 claims filed, 129 decisions received, with 2,274 claims still pending and $1,805,000 awarded. They provided outreach at the Home of the Brave and Rehoboth Civic Center Job Fair.
ORGANIZATIONAL REPORTS
Carroll (MOPH) –Their annual Convention will be held at Dover Downs on June 8, 2013.
Corsa (VVA) – There will be a VVA Memorial Day Ceremony in Dover on May 27, 2013. He also spoke about the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) organization and discussion followed. On July 10, 2013, there will be a TBI meeting at Easter Seals in Georgetown.
Harden (WAVES) – No report.
Keithley (40 & 8) – On May 3 & 4, 2013, he attended the Mid-Atlantic Conference and Installations held in Dover at American Legion Post 2.
Lardizzone (DAV) – The DAV Blue Rocks event is tonight and he outlined some of the expected attendees and mentioned that the Knights of Columbus provided financial assistance. He attended the 92nd DAV Anniversary dinner in Brooklyn, NY. He and Mr. Knotts attended the People’s Place annual breakfast. The DAV State Convention will be held June 21-22, 2013, at the Sheraton in Dover.
McMullen (AFSA) –Their Division Convention was held April 24-27, 2013, at the Sheraton in Dover, and they installed the new officers on May 1, 2013, at Dover AFB. May 23, 2013, is Wingman Day and the Base picnic; where they are assisting the First Sergeants. He attended the Archdiocese at the Military Memorial Mass at the National Vatican. He will be the MC at the Northern Cemetery on Memorial Day. On June 11, 2013, he will be sitting on the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Scholarship Board.
Newman (VFW) – The VFW Department of Delaware Convention will be held June 7-8, 2013, at the Sheraton in Dover. Their service officers at the VA are now fully staffed.
Newstadt (JWV) – The JWV resumed their monthly Bingo at the VA Hospital until October. On May 26, 2013, will be their annual luncheon and installation of officers. He attended the Newark Memorial Day Parade. Chairman Lardizzone spoke about the event at Deerfield and the Governor’s Breakfast.
Sarg (MOAA) – They stormed the Hill in Washington, DC, on April 17, 2013, where they addressed Tricare and healthcare issues, DIC offset and retirement points for reservists. On Saturday night, they held their Scholarship Banquet and provided money for college and summer leadership school.
Weir (AMVETS) – No report.
NEW BUSINESS
No report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
No report.
ITEMS FOR THE GOOD AND WELFARE OF THE ORGANIZATION
Chairman Lardizzone announced that the June meeting will be short as there will be a ceremony at Legislative Hall to unveil the new Veterans Service Directory (VSD) and all Commissioners are expected to attend.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING: JUNE 18, 2013 (10:00 AM)
LOCATION: Robbins Bldg, 802 Silver Lake Blvd, Suite 100
Dover, DE
ADJOURNED
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