Date: October 24, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Zoom
Meeting ID: 870 9129 2232
Passcode: VAC
Attendees:
Chairpersons: Christina Thomas and Juan Otero
Special Guests and Partners: Leo Garcia (Concerned Veterans for America), Leroy Hudson, Coach Williamson (Iron Sharpens Iron)
Other attendees were present
Meeting Agenda Summary
Opening Remarks and Introductions
Meeting opened by Christina Thomas with a welcome to all attendees.
Brief introductions by each participant.
Updates on Veteran Advocacy Initiatives
Federal Legislative Initiatives:
Leo highlighted efforts surrounding the Veterans Health Act, a bill intended to allow veterans to independently schedule medical appointments and streamline VA processes, reducing the VA’s role as a "gatekeeper."
Local Legislative Updates:
Clark County’s new legislation makes homelessness on public property and living in vehicles illegal. This change requires careful navigation by VAC and partners working with homeless veterans.
Additional information was shared on several VA-related acts (PACT Act, Compact Act), ensuring veterans are aware of benefits, mental health resources, and recent VA policy updates.
Partnership Updates
Concerned Veterans for America (CVA): Leo shared CVA’s bipartisan focus on state and federal advocacy, leadership development for veterans, and fiscal responsibility in VA services. CVA is currently awaiting political season closure to refocus on legislative advocacy.
Iron Sharpens Iron: Coach Williamson introduced his organization’s mentorship program for marginalized youth, including national and international outreach. His program benefits from partnerships and funding aimed at supporting under-served youth and veteran-owned nonprofit organizations.
Discussion on Veteran Housing and Homelessness Issues
Tunnels to Towers Housing Project: Discussion on the denial of a Tunnels to Towers housing initiative for veterans by the City of North Las Vegas, causing frustration within the veteran community and among supporting organizations. Advocacy efforts continue, with VAC committed to highlighting this need in upcoming legislative sessions.
State Legislative Symposium (Spring 2025): VAC encouraged members to attend and voice concerns directly to state legislators and representatives.
Community Events and Participation
Veterans Day Parade (November 11): VAC will participate in the Boulder City parade, joining the Mobile Vet Center and other partners.
Armed Forces Appreciation Day Recap: VAC reported a successful event supported by the City of North Las Vegas Veteran and Community Resource Center, strengthening community connections.
Advocacy and Outreach Goals
Emphasis on promoting financial literacy, life insurance options, and veteran empowerment as priorities.
Encouragement for members to obtain advocacy training and certifications in peer support and crisis intervention to effectively serve the veteran community.
Additional Discussion Points
Reminder for members to participate in local voting as a show of bipartisan commitment.
Clarification regarding past communications on the CNLV BBQ and Block Party, emphasizing a focus shift toward planning next year’s unified event.
Holiday Schedule Adjustments: The VAC monthly meeting for November falls on Thanksgiving; therefore, there will be no formal meeting, but an informal meetup will be held. Similarly, the December meeting falls during the holiday season and will be replaced by a holiday meetup.
Action Items
Leo: Continue to seek co-sponsors for the Veterans Health Act.
VAC Members: Register for the Veterans Day ceremony on November 11 at the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home, Boulder City.
Outreach Team: Coordinate with local agencies to address veteran homelessness following new Clark County legislation and ensure available resources are widely communicated.
Next Meeting
Date: November 6, 2024
Topics: Legislative strategies addressing veteran homelessness, advocacy initiatives, and final logistics for the Veterans Day parade.
Comments