2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 11, 2006 MEETING
Commission meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m.
President Wilson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commission Meeting Agenda & Minutes of Aug. 7th meeting were approved.
Commissioners present: Renie Champagne, Cheryl Cook, Ralph Gibson, Fred Gomez, Chris Gruwell, Wallace Levin, Michael Thompson, Edwin Wilkerson, Bud Wilson & Raymond Wong. Commissioners Jill Buck, Veronika Cauley, George Gibbs, Charles Reed & Brian Zweir were not present.Wayne Snodgrass (Deputy City Attorney), Marilyn Wong, (USS Iowa Committee), were also present.
PUBLIC COMMENTS-Merilyn Wong reported that Vallejo is giving their full support to help bring the USS Iowa to Mare Island. They are going to present their request to the Navy. They have gathered many endorsements from cities and groups in the Bay Area. Comm. Gruwell asked if any other group was still trying to bring the USS Iowa to San Francisco. A few members of Merilyn's organization were trying, but it was felt their efforts had no chance to be successful.
President Wilson presented his letter in support of the Vallejo effort. Champagne made the motion in support of the letter, second by Wilkerson. Motion passed.
PRESIDENTS REPORT-President Wilson welcomed Chris Gruwell, who was just appointed to the Commission by Mayor Newsom. He was in the Army Infantry from 1990 to 1994. He operates a public affairs firm in the City & he worked for the Veterans Administration in Los Angeles. The Mayor also re-appointed Comm. Champagne to another term on the Commission. The Mayor is planning a memorial for Army Specialist 4 Chris Rose, the first San Franciscan killed in Iraq. The event will be held on Veterans Day. The Commission Web Site is up to date and everyone should examine the site.
VICE PRESIDENTS REPORT-Vice President Levin reported that we should support any effort that will help veterans, especially those that served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He reported how important it was to support the San Francisco High School JROTC. We need to save the program because it is in the best interest of the students, who want the program. Comm. Buck & Zweir slots on the commission will come before the Board Rules Committee in Sept.
COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE-Comm. Cook reported that she is serving as State Education Chair for the County Veterans Service Officers Association. She was contacted by Comm. Gibbs, who reported that he was meeting with Steve Kawa on Sept. 15. Comm. Gibbs wife is very ill & Comm. Wilkerson recently brought her flowers. Comm. Cook reported that the VA is now considering Vietnam veterans Agent Orange claims for those that served off of Vietnam.
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS-Comm. Cook reported that Comm. Gibbs and his Department of Veterans Affairs Director Rosenthal had an appointment to meet with the Mayor's Chief of Staff, Steve Kava. Homeless veterans is on the agenda.
HEALTH, WELFARE AND EMPLOYMENT-Comm. Thompson reported that the Department of Employment now has a program to help Iraq & Afghanistan war veterans find employment.
LEGISLATION EVALUATION-Comm. Cook presented Federal & State material on veteran's legislation. Key legislation Senate bills on Veterans Compensation, Montgomery GI Bill & Sheltering all veterans will be put on the commissions next agenda for evaluation & action. She presented Senator Feinstein's legislative report.
VETERANS DAY PARADE-Comm. Champagne reported that the Veterans Day Parade will be held on Sat., Nov. 11th. This will be the first time in memory that the City has allowed the Parade on a day other than the Sunday before Veterans Day.
S.F. HIGH SCHOOL JROTC-Lt. Col. Doug Bullard, Director of Army Instruction at Lowell High School, presented a status report on certain members of the School Boards efforts to get rid of the JROTC in San Francisco. This battle has been going on since 1995 and the School Board has been kicking the latest effort around for the past year. Board members Sanchez and Kelly are leading the present efforts. Their first ploy was to find a replacement program, which they have not been able to find. 1,600 students are part of this productive program. JROTC is there to make better citizens and has been doing that for over 90 years. The vote will take place after the November Election and is set for Nov. 14.
ROA S.F. CONVENTION-Comm. Levin presented a motion to support the Reserve Officers Association June 2007 San Francisco National Convention. Motion by Comm. Wilkerson, second by Comm. Champagne. Motion passed.
ANNOUNCEMENTS-Fleet Week is taking place on the weekend of Oct. 7 & 8. The Columbus Day Parade will be held on Sunday, Oct. 8th. Comm. Champagne reported that the Columbus Day Parade will feature Naval Academy Cadets.
ADJOURNMENT-Comm. Gomez made the Honors Committee report. The meeting was adjourned in memory of the 2,900+ members of the Armed Forces of the United States killed in Iraq & Afghanistan. Former Supervisor and Port Commissioner Sue Bierman, a true friend of veterans who always attended our Memorial Day event.
Minutes submitted by Wallace Levin, 982-3417.
