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VAC: Veterans Advocacy Council CDC Meeting Minutes

Updated: Oct 3

Date: September 26, 2024

Time: 1500-1805

Location: Zoom Call


Attendees:

  • Christina Thomas 
  • Wendell Blaylock 
  • Gary White 
  • Tom Waters 
  • Juan Otero 
  • Helena Otero 
  • Maria Mandaleni-Orozco
  • Letoi Adams
  • Michael Cortes-Klein
  • Alanna Simpson
  • Jimmy DePew 
  • Catrina Barbee
  • Anthony Castro Clemena


Agenda Items:

  • Official Business
    • Updates on local, state, and federal changes affecting veterans and families.
  • Vote in November
    • Encouragement for participation in the upcoming election.
  • Veteran Advocacy Council News
    • VAC Restructure: Reviewed updates on bylaws, directors, programs, website, emails, and streamlined intakes.
    • New Board Members: Welcomed new members to the VAC.
    • Partnerships and Programs: Discussed new initiatives and collaborations.
    • Quarterly Newsletter: Updates on content and distribution.
    • Monthly Meetings: Plans for a separate meet-and-greet dinner at local restaurants starting next month; date TBD.
    • Outreach Overview: Highlights of this month’s outreach efforts.

Upcoming Events:

  • Military History event at NLV Library (VAC & Montford Point Marine Association).
  • Bi-Monthly “Mare Meditation” sessions at The Ranch Horses 4 Heroes.
  • Weekly Trike Rides with US Vets at Forgotten Not Gone.
  • Support for MVP's fitness programs, including stick boxing sessions (MVP membership required).
  • Launch of VAC podcast at Nevada Partners.
  • Call for volunteers for the next major event; follow-up via email.
  • Recap of the 2nd Annual NLV Hometown Block Party, a successful wellness fair and softball tournament.


Key Discussions:


Community Outreach:

  • Christina Thomas emphasized the need for local support contacts in Pahrump and marketing materials for the CNLV VCRC.
  • Tom Waters suggested reaching out to local organizations for community engagement.

Introductions and Networking:

Each attendee introduced themselves and their roles, with several providing valuable contacts related to veterans’ services.

Functional Structure of VAC:

  • Christina outlined the VAC’s focus on data collection to identify service gaps and formulate annual goals.
  • Discussion on incorporating health into veteran culture and improving outreach through an updated website.

Upcoming Events and Initiatives:

  • Planning for a softball tournament, with a focus on inclusivity and community education about resources.
    • To be held: Sunday, November 17th, 2024 from 7am to 7pm

  • Exploring sponsorship opportunities for events, including potential food and equipment donations.


Action Items:

  • Follow up on community outreach and volunteer opportunities.
  • Continue planning for the softball tournament and upcoming events.
  • Finalize details on the VAC podcast and networking strategies.
  • Next Steps:
  • Establish communication channels, including dedicated emails and Google Voice for better outreach.
  • Next Meeting: October 6, 2024.


Meeting Adjourned: 1805

Please reach out if you have any questions or need further information and also for full minutes which is 9 pages long. This is a compressed and consolidated version.


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