Central Coast Chapter Minutes, December 21, 2013
Meeting to Order @
1:13 PM
Pledges of
Allegiance and SAR
Attendance: 4 Members and 2 Guests
Sunshine
Report: Lewis Height passed away on
12/19. Status of Earl Adams is unknown and Gordon Willey was attending to some
pressing business.
Secretary’s
Report: October Minutes were read and approved.
Acting President
Gary Cooper offered to reimburse Russ Haynes
for his contributions to Wreaths Around America
and the Afghanistan
Flag Project but Russ declined.
Treasurer’s
Report: Account Balance a/o End of November, $2896.00.
Speaker:
Dana M. Cummings
is the San Luis Obispo Co. Veteran Services Officer. Mr. Cummings is a former
Marine and veteran of the Gulf War with six years of service. Mr. Cummings
hails originally from Livermore Falls,
Maine and he possesses a degree
in software engineering.
All Counties in CA
are required by law to have a VSO Veteran Services Officer since 1938. Chief
duties of the VSO are that of assisting veterans in receiving all of the
benefits they and their families are entitled to i.e. filing for service
connected disabilities, pension benefits, burial benefits, survivor benefits,
VA loans, employment and educational benefits.
Another function
of the VSO is to represent and mentor veterans who find themselves involved in
the criminal justice system. Due to Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, many
veterans turn to alcohol and drugs with predictable consequences. Much of the
PTSD is due to too many tours of duty and there is an acknowledgment by the
courts that this is a societal issue with some responsibility. Mr. Cummings was
accompanied by Deputy District Attorney Dave Dow of the Veterans Treatment Court which exists to
monitor and assist probation-eligible veterans. A system of trained volunteer
mentors has been set up guide veterans through the criminal justice system,
individualized treatment and rehabilitation.
Mr. Cummings also
mentioned in parting that all veterans should obtain a VET-ID card which can be
done through his office. Phone # 805-781-5766 or www.slovets.org. A DD-214 is required.
The VET-ID allows
for the vet to receive many local services and benefits including discounts at
many local businesses. The presentation of Mr. Cummings and Mr. Dow was warmly
received. A cannon and certificate were presented.
Old Business: VP
Bill Siler was somewhat agitated by the attendance or lack thereof. It was suggested
that we explore ways to enhance monthly attendance.
Benediction
Closing Pledge
Adjournment @ 2:30
PM
Dana Cummings receives a certificate of appreciation and a desk cannon from acting President, Gary Cooper.
