City of Huntsville, Texas Veterans Affairs Advisory Board

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS VETERANS AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD HELD IN SMALL CONFERENCE ROOM AT CITY HALL, 1212 AVENUE M, HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS ON THE 22nd DAY OF MARCH 2018, AT 5:30 P.M. Members present: Wayne Keen, Liesa Hackett (arrived at 5:32 p.m.), Leta Reiner, John McManners, Mark Robinson, Leigh-Anne Stewart, Ashley Taylor, Shane Loosier, David McBroom Members absent: Johnny Holland, Tom Fordyce, Fernando Chavez, Bill Butler, Stephen Bright, Michelle Bright Guests present: Mike Christian, Capt. Cody Holmes, Lorri Caruso 1. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Keen called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2. DISCUSSION/ACTION The Board met to discuss, hear presentations and/or reports and potentially take action on agenda items. a. Approve minutes of last meeting - The February 2018 minutes were approved without objection. b. Hear reports from committee members John McManners thanked the Mayor for his participation in the Muster, saying the Mayor’s excitement for the upcoming program was appreciated. Leigh-Anne announced the Auxiliary would be holding an Easter Egg Hunt at the Post March 24. The American Legion Auxiliary and Sons competed to raise money for the Child Welfare Foundation and raised $650 in change. The Post will also hold a Catfish luncheon for Memorial Day. BBQ Cookoff will be held on May 4-5. David McBroom was introduced as the new committee member. He was with Special Forces, starting the original Delta Force. Ashley Taylor spoke to the committee about seven mentors that visit the Montgomery County jail, talking to incarcerated veterans. She announced Justice for Vets happening in May in Houston. She is also in talks with a representative for retirement homes to visit vets locally. Leta Reiner reported for Fernando Chavez that the Veterans Graduation Ceremony for SHSU will be at 6:30 p.m. May 2. SHSU will hold their Military Appreciation ceremony starting at 5:30 p.m. at the SHSU Bearkat Baseball game. Liesa Hackett reported that ROTC will help repair homes damaged by recent storms. c. Future items, projects, and proposals. – The next meeting will be 5:30 p.m. April 19th. d. Items of Community Interest – • Guest Capt. Cody Holmes introduced himself as a SHSU ROTC newcomer standing in on behalf of Col. Davis. • Guest Lorri Caruso, an Air Force veteran, spoke to the group about her Master’s thesis, analyzing organizations that service veterans, at SHSU. 3. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 6:01 p.m. Brenda Poe, Deputy City Secretary