Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee 1 Minutes TEXAS January 16, 2025 Microsoft Teams Live Streamed via City's website: tp:www.elpasotexas.-govwideos Television on City 15 YouTube: https:lwww.youtubecomluserelyolelpasotwvideos MINUTES Members Present Brian Kanof Ron Jackson CITY CLERK DEPT George Elsaesser 2025 MAR 25 PM2:05 Donna Juarez Donald Brown Ruben Ramirez Melissa Harcrow 1. Call to Order. 11:22 AM 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call. 7 of 9- Quorum met. 4. Discussion and Action: Election of Officers for the 2025 Calendar Year. a. Secretary: George Elsaesser was elected Secretary by motion and second from Brian Kanof. b. B. Vice Chair: Donna Juarez was elected Vice Chair by motion from Ruben Ramirez and second by George Elsaesser. C. C. Chair: Ron Jackson was elected Chair. 5. Discussion and Action: To approve the minutes of November 21, 2024, Approved. 6. Citizen Comment Period: No specific comments or emails were submitted for public record. 7. El Paso VA Health Care Clinic Update - Amin Enriquez a. Preparedness for Govemment Shutdown: Services will remain unaffected. b. VA Health Connect: Introduction of 24/7 health-related assistance. C. My-Healthy-Vet Updates: Reminder for veterans to complete secure sign-in accounts. 8. El Paso County update- CVSO Antoinette Hunt a. Women's PACT Act Clinic scheduled for March 15 at the Beast. b. Emphasis on collaboration between VAC and VAB. C. Updates on GI Bill eligibility for additional benefits. 9. Service Dog Nation Presentation - Darci Enriquez a. Overview of efforts to provide service dogs for veterans. b. Education on ADA laws and the misrepresentation of service animals. C. Discussion of nonprofit status and collaboration opportunities. 10. Establishment of Subcommittee Chairs: a. Employment: Melissa Harcrow elected Chair. b. Homelessness: Donald Brown elected Chair. Paul Albright - Chief Military Officer City 1 - 300 N Campbell St. - El Paso, Texas 79901 I (915) 212-1447 Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee Minutes TEXA C. Mental Health: Donna Juarez will remain Chair. 11. Monthly Subcommittee Updates: CITY CLERK DEPT a. Employment: No updates as the committee did not meet. 2025 MAR 25 PM2:05 b. Homelessness: Updates on local homelessness initiatives. C. Mental Health: Discussion of gaps in services, resource website deep dive, 988 issues, and efforts to map mental health resources. 12. Proposed Changes to VAC Bylaws: a. Term limits, attendance policies, and compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act were confirmed as previously approved. 13. Proposed Name Change for the Committee: a. The committee voted to change its name to Veterans Advisory Committee" to avoid confusion with the VA. b. Motion passed 7-1. 14. Annual Council Update Scheduled for April 28, 2025 a. Discussion of updates and guidance for the annual briefing to City Council. b. Encouragement to review the 2024 presentation and collaborate with subcommittees. 15. Military and Veterans Affairs Division Update a. Upcoming participation in the Military Spouse Employment Program in Washington, D.C. b. Enhancements to the veteran resource website and integration of Fort Bliss events on the Visit El Paso app. C. Announcement of the Borderplex Veterans Expo on March 21-22, 2025, at the Starlight Event Center. 16. Announcements: a. Upcoming events- Vietnam 50th year ending event, Four Chaplains Ceremony on February 3rd and National K9 Day on March 13, women veterans events, and more. b. Ongoing efforts to raise awareness of veteran mental health and suicide prevention resources. 17. Future Agenda Items a. Presentation by Team Red, White & Blue. b. Invitation to representatives for mental health services discussion. C. Review of upcoming calendar events for veterans and military affairs. 18. Next VAAC Meeting: Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM MDT Hybrid- in person. 19. Adjourn. 12:55 PM. Approved By: Paul Albright - Chief Military Officer City 1 300 N Campbell St. El Paso, Texas 79901 I (915) 212-1447