Commanders Coalition Meeting Minutes
6 September 2023
Here are the meeting minutes for the Commanders Coalition held on 6 September 2023. The mission of this newsletter is to amplify the support available to our community veterans through a network of Veteran Service Organizations, Nonprofits, Business and public sector organizations. Thank you for the support you give to those who have served our great nation.
For those of you who attend the monthly meeting, I am going to be adding your organization and the point of contact. There are MANY organizations in our community. If you do not see your organization, please respond to this email or add a comment to the newsletter (Requires a Free Account) so I can add you to the directory.
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No veteran in our community should be left in the dark regarding how much support is available to them.
SYNOPSIS
The meeting began with the speaker expressing gratitude to the veterans of Foreign Wars for their support. They mentioned planning to visit a cemetery to leave rocks and flags on veterans' graves. A speaker discussed the impact of a hurricane on the community. Tina Reason talked about moving forward with canine care for veterans and addressing gun violence. Other speakers discussed various topics such as food distribution, upcoming missions, newsletters, and events. Representatives from organizations shared updates and information. A suicide prevention awareness walk was mentioned. Right at Home provided information on in-home care for veterans. Other topics discussed included money-saving properties, scholarships, and tax exemptions. Various matters related to veterans and support services were discussed, including housing, rehoming, homelessness support, and forming alliances. Updates were given on honor guards, POWMIA vigils, veterans' activities, disability claims, and upcoming programs for a radio show. The Wings and Wheels event was expanded, and potential grants were mentioned. Lack of participation in the organization's event was addressed. Plans for a film festival and an upcoming dental care event for veterans were discussed. An update on the effects of a recent hurricane on VA clinics was provided. Various other topics were discussed, including job opportunities, fundraising events, suicide prevention programs, and district picnics.
Text Summary of the Meeting.
Topics discussed
veterans, employment, meeting, reorganization (00:00:06 - 00:02:29)
No summary is available for this section of the meeting.veterans, Foreign wars, boost, publication, information, microphone system, United States Marine Corps, Air Force Association, brochures, September 24th, memory, rock, flag, hurricane, damage, power, community, assistance, fish fry, pow ceremony, home schoolers, band (00:02:29 - 00:06:09)
The speaker expresses gratitude for the support given by the veterans of Foreign Wars and shares that they have received a whole page in their publication. They mention that their first information is about the veterans of foreign wars and their morale is high. They mention an upcoming visit to a cemetery and the plan to leave hero rocks and flags on the graves of deceased veterans. Another speaker mentions the impact of a hurricane on their community, but they express gratitude for the support and assistance received. They invite everyone to a fish fry event and share plans for a pow ceremony and a performance by the Highway 59 band at their post.legion, VFW, Gold Star family, Military Heritage Trail (00:06:10 - 00:08:30)
No summary is available for this section of the meeting.canine care, veterans, lobbyists, appropriations, member, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, gun violence, prayer meeting, community, high school football games, military presence, prayer warriors, crime, gun violence, youth, examples, older black veterans (00:08:33 - 00:10:53)
Tina Reason starts the meeting by stating that she will not be showing her son's pictures again as he was embarrassed the last time. She then mentions that they are moving forward with the canine care for veterans and have meetings with lobbyists scheduled to help with the appropriations. There is also a suggestion that it be placed under a member, possibly the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. Tina then brings up the issue of gun violence and mentions attending a prayer meeting with people from different religions who are concerned about the community's welfare. She proposes having a presence of military personnel and prayer warriors at high school football games to show there is another way and deter crime and gun violence. She encourages anyone interested to speak to her further.veterans, community service, trailer donation, food distribution (00:10:55 - 00:13:45)
The speaker, Suzie Cap, is a volunteer at the Tallahassee Veterans Legal Collaborative, which provides community service. They express gratitude to Mary and James Labat for donating a trailer for their food distribution efforts. They also mention their regular food distribution at Vet Village and other locations. They request more donations to help veterans with driver's license conversions. Another speaker, David Esposito, represents the Patriot Guard Riders, an organization formed in 2005 to prevent protests at veterans' and first responders' events. He encourages people to join, regardless of veteran or motorcycle-riding status. Respect for veterans' families is emphasized.missions, 911 memorial, Tallahassee National Cemetery, final salute (00:13:45 - 00:15:11)
The speaker discusses upcoming missions at the 911 memorial on September 11th, the Tallahassee National Cemetery on the 15th and 27th, and a quarterly final salute. They express gratitude and mention having paperwork for one table. They confirm the dates and times of the events.veteran service organizations, newsletter, veterans court, graduation, resettlement programs (00:15:11 - 00:25:14)
During the meeting, various speakers addressed the attendees. Chris Wilson discussed the changes made to the military section of the newsletter and encouraged organizations to provide information to be featured in future editions. Ed Hood introduced the Commander's Coalition newsletter and discussed plans to expand it to include podcasts and live streams. Another speaker encouraged organizations to actively participate and promote their services. Charles Dan Hendrickson mentioned an upcoming graduation ceremony for the Veterans Court and the need for mentors. Lastly, a speaker expressed appreciation for the support and coordination among the organizations, particularly during a recent storm event.Purple Heart Film Festival, Veterans Day parade, Americanism patriotism essay contest, Inclusion Cafe (00:25:14 - 00:32:24)
The meeting discussed two announcements. The first announcement was about the successful Purple Heart Film Festival that took place in August and honored Colonel Sanchez. The second announcement was about upcoming events, including the Wings and Wheels event and the Veterans Day parade. Other topics discussed included an essay contest on Americanism patriotism, awards received by the Fleet Reserve Association, and a fundraiser for Inclusion Cafe, a new agency that provides job opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities. Representatives from various organizations also reported that they had no updates or had something to share. Additionally, Nicole Dempsey from the Department of Veteran Affairs informed the attendees about an upcoming suicide prevention awareness walk.veterans, in-home care, assistance, benefit (00:32:29 - 00:34:20)
Sharon Wheaton from Right at Home introduces Laurie Fitzpatrick as the director of quality care. They discuss how their organization is a VA preferred provider for in-home care and assistance, specifically for veterans. They emphasize the importance of veterans knowing about this benefit, particularly if they have a service-related disability. They provide information on their website and hand out flyers with more details. Veterans typically receive 20 hours per week of personal care assistance, with respite care available for primary caregivers. They encourage attendees to speak with them for more information on how Right at Home can assist veterans and their spouses.veterans, support, property advisor, tax exemptions (00:34:24 - 00:36:21)
Valencia Scott from the doctor's office expressed gratitude for the monthly meetings and offered assistance in informing veterans about money-saving properties and tax exemptions. She encouraged attendees to reach out for further support. The representative from the American Legion Post 114 in Crawfordville shared their involvement in the American Legion Legacy Ride, which raised over $1.5 million for scholarships benefiting children of veterans. They also mentioned starting their own group and welcomed veterans, auxiliary members, and veterans' children to join.Roxanne Dress, American Region post 1 14, Commander, Disaster area (00:36:21 - 00:37:04)
Roxanne Dress, the commander of American Region post 1 14 in Crawfordville, reported that she had nothing to report. The commander for the second District American Legion expressed gratitude for completing installations at all 14 posts. They also mentioned receiving notes from the Department of Florida, advising against uncoordinated efforts to go to disaster areas and stressing the importance of coordinating with officials in the area.fundraiser, B J's, flyers, participate (00:37:06 - 00:37:54)
No summary is available for this section of the meeting.Veterans, Southwest Georgia, Housing, Resources (00:37:54 - 00:50:37)
The meeting discussed various matters related to veterans and support services. Some of the topics covered include the availability of free housing at the barracks in the case of storms, approval by 90 Works for veteran rehoming and homelessness support, the formation of the Veterans Alliance of Bayda County, the upcoming Meet and Greet event for Southwest Georgia veterans, the creation of a Facebook page for veterans, upcoming events like the Macgyver program and Veterans Day fishing tournament, and the approval process for a nonprofit organization. Additionally, updates were given on the activities of the honor guard, DAV services, POWMIA vigil, 9/11 memorial dedication, and support committee meetings. A seminar was also mentioned to help veterans file disability claims.building, event, ceremony, flagpole (00:50:41 - 00:51:39)
No summary is available for this section of the meeting.Bill I Coffer, Greg Tis show, Monday Veterans program, Thank you (00:51:43 - 00:51:50)
Bill introduces himself as Bill I Coffer and says he is with the Greg Tis show and the Monday Veterans program. He thanks the audience.Todd Spry, Oliver Sperry, Sean Knowles, suicide prevention (00:51:50 - 00:55:56)
The meeting discussed upcoming programs and guests for the show. Todd Spry will provide tips on starting a business, Oliver Sperry will speak about the Chamber of Commerce, Sean Knowles will come from Village, and there will be discussions on suicide prevention and judge as Richardson. The Wings and Wheels event is being expanded to 3-5 days to attract more visitors. There are potential grants to cover fixed costs. Doug Ingram will provide more details. The event will not be before September of next year. The event has the potential to create jobs and support local businesses. There is a potential fundraising opportunity for the Florida Veterans legal collaborative. The distribution of funds will depend on many variables.volunteer, organization, event, activity (00:55:58 - 00:58:36)
The speaker begins by addressing a lack of participation in the organization's event and encourages attendees to volunteer with other organizations instead. They mention that the mayor fulfilled a promise to host a film festival, which was successful. The speaker expresses gratitude to the mayor and mentions plans for a similar film festival in the future, featuring a local veteran. The speaker also mentions that food and venue arrangements are already taken care of for the next festival. They conclude by mentioning their own experience serving in the military for 27.5 years and dedicating the past 30 years to veteran-related activities.church, speak, group, fund (00:58:37 - 01:00:24)
The speaker mentions that they were invited to speak at Faith Presbyterian Church and unexpectedly received $800 in funds. They discuss the results they have seen from their actions and mention an upcoming event called a micro stand down on September 22nd. This event aims to provide dental care for veterans who cannot access it through the VA unless they have 100% disability. The speaker encourages passing along information about the event to those who may need it. They conclude by thanking the group and mentioning that more information on the micro stand down will be provided.Calvin Carter, VA clinic, hurricane, telehealth (01:00:25 - 01:02:00)
Calvin Carter from the VA clinic provided an update on the effects of a recent hurricane. Despite some challenges with electricity and internet, care was still delivered through telehealth at the Mariana and Tallahassee clinics. The Perry Clinic sustained roof damage and has been without power since Wednesday. A mobile medical unit has been deployed from Tampa to provide first aid and mental health screenings. The Perry Clinic is operating as usual, while the mobile unit continues to provide aid and distribute food supplies in collaboration with the county.power start bar, gene John, veterans, jobs, monuments, Air Force Association, National Cemetery, VFW, first grade grandchild, Air Force funding, growth, meeting, Patriot Guard, legion, honor guard, cardboard boat race, fundraiser, roof, Nicole, suicide prevention, coalition, be the one program, lunch and learn, tragedy assistance program for survivors, scholarships, certified peer specialist, be the one campaign, coffee and doughnuts, district two picnic, history (01:02:00 - 01:14:59)
The meeting discussed various topics including power issues, job opportunities for veterans, approved monuments, the growth of the meeting, the involvement of the Legion's son group, the upcoming cardboard boat race fundraiser, the coalition meeting, the be the one program for suicide prevention, the tragedy assistance program for survivors, and the district two picnic. No additional information was provided.Time, favorite, kids (01:15:00 - 01:16:11)
No summary is available for this section of the meeting.
Potential actions
Put the upcoming events in November, including the stand down, vets, and paycheck for patriots, on the list. [1]
See if there are any veterans who need assistance with employment and connect them with Brooklyn. [2]
Continue with the reorganization of the Post Building and the repairs needed. [3]
Take advantage of the good donations received to improve the building. [4]
Maintain the positive momentum with financial restructuring and continue the progress. [5]
Publish the information about the Veterans of Foreign Wars in their publication. [6][7]
Prepare for the visit to the Memory Site on September 24th and distribute brochures about the event. [8]
Host a fish fry on the third and promote it with more information. [9]
Organize a POW ceremony on the 15th of this month, involving home schoolers from the county. [10]
Arrange for the Highway 59 band to perform at the post this Saturday. [11]
Attend the meeting tomorrow night to discuss the Military Heritage Trail project. [12]
Contact Gordon to express interest in working on the project and attending the tour. [13]
Follow up with Gordon after the meeting to discuss further details. [14]
Schedule meetings with lobbyists to discuss writing the appropriations for canine care for veterans. [15]
Determine the meaning of "going under a member" in relation to a veteran group, possibly the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. [16]
Explore the idea of having a military presence along with prayer warriors at high school football games to show an alternative to crime and gun violence. [17]
Discuss the opportunity with interested individuals to determine their level of participation and support. [18]
Continue the conversation and exploration with Tina Reason to potentially make changes and impact lives positively. [19]
Drop in between three and five to observe the activities of the Tallahassee veterans legal collaborative. [20][21]
Continue donating to support the driver's license conversions for veterans in need. [22][23]
Consider joining the Patriot Guard riders to help maintain peace and support veterans and first responders. [24]
Spread awareness about the Patriot Guard riders and their mission to encourage more volunteers. [25]
Emphasize that membership in the Patriot Guard riders is open to anyone, regardless of veteran status or motorcycle ownership. [26]
Mission at the 911 memorial on 9 11. [27]
Mission in Tallahassee National Cemetery for prisoners of war and Missing in action commemoration on the 15th and 27th. [28]
Final salute at Tallahassee National Cemetery for quarterly gathering. [29]
Review paperwork for possible table setup. [30]
Clarify the dates and times for the upcoming missions. [31]
Collect information from veterans service organizations for the Major Morale page by the 16th. [32][33][34]
Sign up to become a mentor for the Veterans Court program. [35][36][37]
Find individuals with experience in resettlement programs to assist a family in need. [38]
Continue to provide support and resources to veterans through Thursday afternoon sessions. [39][40][41]
Explore ways to involve the American Legion post in community events and disaster relief efforts. [42][43][44]
Prepare for and participate in the Wings and Wheels event. [45]
Ensure the Veterans Day parade is on schedule and offer assistance if needed. [46][47][48]
Support the Americanism patriotism essay contest for grades six through 12. [49]
Acknowledge the achievements of Senior Chief Chopper as the regional shipmate of the year. [50]
Participate in the Inclusion Cafe fundraiser and support adults with intellectual disabilities in finding employment opportunities. [51]
Visit the right at home website to access the information about qualifying for in-home care and assistance as a veteran. [52][53]
Talk to Sharon or Laurie to learn more about the direct benefits available for veterans, including personal care assistance and respite care. [54][55]
Click on the orange link at the bottom of the flyer to access additional information on how right at home can help veterans and their spouses. [56][57]
Obtain more information from Sharon or Laurie about how right at home can assist surviving spouses of veterans. [58][59]
Take advantage of the opportunity to have a conversation with Sharon or Laurie to learn more about the services and support available to veterans and their families. [60][61]
Contact Valencia Scott to discuss money saving properties and tax exemptions for veterans. [62]
Consider reaching out to Valencia Scott for assistance in disseminating information about individual events. [63]
Explore the possibility of starting a new group, specifically Post 114 in Crawfordville, and recruit veterans, auxiliary members, and children of veterans. [64]
Follow up with veterans and their families who may be eligible for scholarships from the American Legion Legacy Ride. [65][66]
Coordinate disaster response efforts with officials in the affected area to ensure effective assistance. [67]
Follow the guidelines and notes from the Department of Florida to avoid causing more harm than help. [68]
Continue communication and coordination with the 14 posts in Crawfordville to stay updated on activities and potential assistance needs. [69]
Monitor any new directives or updates from higher authorities regarding disaster response. [70]
Encourage ongoing collaboration and sharing of information among the American Region and the second District American Legion. [71]
Attend the fundraiser at B J's tomorrow night. [72]
Spread the word about the fundraiser to others who may be interested. [73]
Provide additional flyers for those who did not receive one. [74]
Encourage others to participate in the fundraiser. [75]
Donate 20% of the proceeds to the women Veterans night. [76]
Follow up with individuals who did not receive the flyer and ask if they know anyone who might be interested. [77]
Connect with 90 Works, a veteran rehoming and homeless resource, to obtain contact information for homeless veterans in Southwest Georgia and offer long-term housing assistance. [78][79][80]
Coordinate with the Veterans Alliance of Bayda County to address the unmet needs of veterans in Southwest Georgia, including suicide prevention, resources, and events. [81][82][83]
Attend the Meet and Greet event on the first Thursday of the month to connect with veterans and gather information. [84][85][86]
Create a Facebook page for Northern Florida and Southwest Georgia veterans to serve as a platform for promotion, gathering, and sharing information. [87][88][89]
Todd Spry will be coming on the show to provide tips on creating a successful business for veterans or anyone looking to start their own business. [90]
Sean Knowles will be a guest speaker from Village in the upcoming week. [91]
Habitat for Humanity will also be featured soon, discussing their work and initiatives. [92][93]
A guest will be discussing suicide prevention in a future episode. [94]
Judge Richardson will be a guest on the show. [95]
Encourage group members to volunteer for organizations participating in events. [96]
Plan and organize a similar film festival next year, featuring a veteran from the group and securing the same IMAX theater location. [97]
Ensure the same sponsor continues to provide food for the film festival. [98]
Share personal stories through films to honor veterans' contributions. [99][100]
Further information is needed on the micro stand down event on September 22nd. [103]
Determine the location of the micro stand down event. [104][105]
Share the information about the event with others who may need it. [106]
Clarify any insurance policies or payment requirements for receiving dental care at the event. [107]
Thank the speaker for providing more information on the micro stand down event. [108][109]
Coordinate repairs for the roof damage at the Perry Clinic. [110]
Restore electrical power at the Perry Clinic as soon as possible. [111]
Continue deploying the mobile medical unit from Tampa to provide first aid and mental health screenings to the affected areas. [112]
Ensure regular appointments and services at the Perry Clinic are continued while also providing support through the mobile unit. [113]
Collaborate with Taylor County to distribute food relief supplies and coordinate efforts for assistance. [114]
Work to get veterans employed by sending them to Brooklyn and the team. [115][116][117]
Ensure everyone who wants to speak at the meeting is given the opportunity. [118][119][120]
Obtain approval for the VFW monument in the National Cemetery in Washington. [121][122]
Gather more details on Air Force funding and share them with the group. [123]
Encourage membership in the Legion's son group and involve them in honor guard activities. [124][125][126]
The minutes are incomplete and inaccurate. For the BJ's fundraiser there was no information though I clearly stated information about the fundraiser. They are also hard to read.
Karen Bauer
Women Veterans Unite