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VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 8, 2007 MEETING
Commission meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m.
President Wilson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commission Meeting Agenda & Minutes of Dec. 4th meeting were approved.
Commissioners present: Jill Buck, Veronica Cauley, Renie Champagne, George Gibbs, Ralph Gipson, Chris Gruwell, James Guglielmoni, Wallace Levin, Michael Thompson, Edwin Wilkerson, Bud Wilson & Raymond Wong. Commissioner Cheryl Cook was not present. 12 present, 1 not present & 2 open seats. Mrs. Renie Champagne & Deputy City Attorney Wayne Snodgrass were also present.
COMMISSIONS POSITION ON THE USS IOWA-Comm. Levin reviewed the San Francisco Naval Heritage Museum's (SFNHM) new effort to bring the USS IOWA to San Francisco. The commission passed a motion (12/04/06), not to take any action until we are presented with a new completed plan from SFNHM.
PRESIDENTS REPORT-President Wilson reported that Merilyn Wong informed him that they are fund raising & things are moving along in their efforts to bring the USS IOWA to Vallejo.
VICE PRESIDENTS REPORT-Comm. Levin reported that Miguel Bustos is the new Mayor's Liaison to Commissions. He is attempting to coordinate the commission actions with the Mayor's Office & he is meeting with commission secretaries to accomplish this. New Supervisor from District 4, Ed Jew has been & is a good friend & supporter of veterans.
COMMISSION GOALS & PLANS COMMITTEE-Comm. Gibbs was happy that the commission Homeless Plan developed by Comm. Gibbs & Buck was sent to the Mayor & the Board of Supervisors.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS-Comm. Gibbs reported that his VA Office still needs clean clothing for homeless veterans. He especially needs men's warm coats.
HEALTH, WELFARE & EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE-Comm. Thompson reported that the SF Job Fair will be held at Fort Mason, on May 23, 2007. There is a new health program called Real Life Line at the Balboa Naval Hospital. When serious disabled veterans are hospitalized, their dependants are eligible for employment help by the State of California.
NATIONAL VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS-Comm. Wong reported that he will attend a Veterans of Foreign Wars meeting in Sacramento. He also reported on the VFW Voice of Democracy program. The event will be held at Mercy High & students will give patriotic presentations. He & his wife Dara will be honored at the District 15 reception in room 207, on Feb. 10, at 12 noon.
Comm. Guglielmoni reported that he was meeting with the Superintendent of Schools in South San Francisco to work on an Americanism Program. He is working on this program for AMVETS. Comm. Levin made a motion that he also be authorized to represent the commission. Second by Comm. Champagne. Motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS-Comm. Levin reported that today Supervisors Dufty, Maxwell, Daily & Jew were sworn in for their new terms.
Comm. Gruwell reported that it would be important if the commission did some new proactive projects. Comm. Gibbs supported this concept & he felt that new directions are very important. Comm. Gruwell suggested that we look into a program to give returning veterans short-term education loans. He will attempt to see if such a program is possible. Comm. Buck suggested that we work on a project that would be possible & that would get good press.
OLD BUSINESS-Comm. Levin reported many citizens are still working to save JROTC & we must not give up in our effort to save this important & productive program. The new School Board was sworn in & the Lincoln High JROTC presented the colors.
ADJOURNMENT-in memory of the 3,000+ Americans killed in Iraq & the 300+ killed in Afghanistan. We also remembered Charles Reed, Fred Gomez & George Gibbs wife Lucille Gibbs.
Minutes submitted by Wallace Levin, 982-3417.
