Veteran's Commission

VETERANS COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA 9/9/20 Date: 9/9//20 Time: 5:00 PM Location: Virtual Zoom, For log in information contact Veterans Service Officer Eric LaMarche 978 674 4066 1. Meeting Opening: a. Call to Order- Chair – or other officer b. Pledge of Allegiance-Chair– or other officer c. Moment of Silence-Chair– or other officer d. Roll Call – Clerk 2. Approval of June 10th Minutes– Clerk 3. Old Business a.. Veteran Suicide prevention Andeth Vann b. Sept national Suicide Prevention Month 9/10 suicide prevention Day. VA message sent to be run by LTC during month “If you are a Veteran having thoughts of suicide—or you’re concerned about one—free, confidential support is available 24/7. Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, text to 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.” c. Speakers – Nothing pending 4. New Business a Covid 19 Response/issues b. New VOM Ceremony Dors Musgray – Andeth Vann c. VOM eligibility review – Motion as passed an 10/10/18 meeting 7b, Veteran of the Month eligibility – Mr. Gaffney ------------- proposed three options,(1, 2, and 2a.) 1 requiring current or former Lowell residence and 2 and 2a. versions which required contribution to the Lowell Community but without any Lowell residence requirements. Motion by Mr., Freehling seconded by Mr. Guigere for adoption of the Option 2a. Lowell residence not required version. Motion passed on a 5-1 vote Mr. Flanagan opposing. After further discussion of the residence eligibility factor. Mr. Freehling moved to reconsider his motion and moved, again seconded by Mr. Guigere, to adopt Option 2 as presented in the Agenda and set forth following. Option 2 A veteran who deserves to be recognized for service to our country and contribution to the Lowell community The motion was adopted by unanimous vote d. Collateral Update – Stationary Certificates etc.- updates See Owl Stamp quotes attached. Request for authorization Sent to city Manager 5. The Future. Who are we? What do we do? – Define Goals and Tasks. Need to identify core tasks functions which fill a need and are manageable within current membership capabilities 6. VSO Update a Food distribution/benefits processing b Care course 7 Info Reading: The Gunner and the Grunt-Up close account of airmobile warfare in Vietnam by Tewksbury resident Mike Kelley who served as a Crew Chief Door Gunner with 1st Cavalry Division. Books available at Lowell Library or call Mike at 978 851 7392 Informal Veteran Gatherings: Tuesdays10:00 AM Boulevard Across from Heritage Fridays 9:30 – 11:00 Billerica Harley Davidson VA Reps 7. Adjourn