HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024.12.12 VAB Minutes KITTITAS COUNTY
VETERAN'S ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
BOCC CONFERENCE ROOM, 205 WEST 5TH ROOM 109 -ELLENSBURG
Regular Meeting
THURSDAY 9:00 AM December 12, 2024
Board Members: Chairman Brett Wachsmith,Jeff Leichleiter, Bill DeHaven,Ruben Cardenas,Kristin
Ashley
Absent: Ronald Ness, Gayle Scott
Staff. Emma Madland, Clerk
Others: Timothy Paxton,Kittitas County VSO,Eddie Vader,Washington State(WDVA)Veteran Service
Officer,Kasey Knutson, Candi Blackford
Meeting called at 9:00am
Citizen Comments
None
Minutes
Minute approval:
Brett Wachsmith asked for a motion to approve the September 9,2024,meeting minutes.
Motion 12.01: Motion to approve September 9,2024, meeting minutes.Jeff Leichleiter moved to
approve the September 9,2024; meeting minutes as presented.Ruben Cardenas second.All
approved.Motion 09.01 carried to approve the December 9,2024; meeting minutes as presented.
VSO Update
Timothy Paxton,Kittitas County VSO updated the following:
• As of December 12',there are 49 veterans active on the voucher program and 5 inactive,costing
$43,530. There are still vouchers available.
• VSP reduced the vouchers from 8 to 4 per month, allowing for veterans who don't receive
vouchers at the beginning of the month to have some available.
• All active program members will be recertified on January 1 St,2025.
• 433 claims done,ROI: Per month-$64,298.43,Per year-$771,581.16, One-time back pay-
$183,307.52
• Veterans Service Officers attend the Centennial Senior Center twice per month to help with
vouchers and answer questions.
Eddie Vader,Washington State(WDVA)Veteran Service Officer updated the following:
• Attended various events supporting veterans in Kittitas County since the previous meeting.
• Currently working with the Cle Elum Safeway to approve the use of food vouchers at their store.
Other Updates
Candi Blackford noted that MultiCare in Yakima is setting up referral care to better support veterans with
disabilities.
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Kristin Ashley shared that there has been an increase in community members reaching out to support
veterans. Candi Blackford also noted a decrease in veterans searching for assistance,with 23 families in
the county right now.
Ruben Cardenas provided information regarding a CWU Veterans Book Club for student veterans and
community. Registration is available online.
Other Business
Resignations,Applications and vacancies
The committee discussed the resignation of Dennis Court. This leaves one vacancy on the Veterans
Advisory Board. There was one application received,but no actions were taken today. This led to a
discussion regarding bylaws surrounding the representation of different organizations on the board.
Kristin Ashley suggested the board take on the responsibility of reaching out to local veteran service
organizations for updates prior to meetings. Candi Blackford will bring the bylaws to the next meeting for
further discussion on how to proceed.
Meeting Concluded at 9:47 am
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY,WASHINGTON
Committee Clerk Brett Wachsmith, Chairman
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