Veterans Advisory Council - June 26, 2025

Minutes

Presents:

• Betty Fish-Ferguson
• Laurie Kimmell
• Tracy Bogard
• Don Hedlind
• Tawnya Lege
• Austin Hansen
• Dan Miner
• Brian Gornick

Absent:

• Paul Edgar

Excused:

• Carol Bernhard

Other attendees:

• Steven Beals
• Aubrie Balkwill
• Don Kingsborough
• James Manning

Staff:

• Joey Johns
• Gus Bedwell
• Sean Wells
• Tracy Garell

Meeting Called to Order and

Introductions

A quorum was established at 2:30 pm. Agenda adopted.

Adoption of Minutes 

Laurie motioned to adopt the April 2025 minutes. Approved by acclimation. April 2025 minutes adopted. 

Chair Report 

Laurie let the VAC know about a fund raiser for Fort Kennedy. Paul talked about the importance of the work that Fort Kennedy does from his time working on the board. Laurie also reminded the VAC of the upcoming barbeque and orientation session. Finally she reminded members to send her agenda items by the Monday before the at large meeting. 

Subcommittee Updates

• Expo Subcommittee
  • Tracy provided an update on the Veteran’s expo. Things are moving along smoothly. Food bids have been received. PGA has been slow in responding and Sean will set up a meeting time with them.
• Social Services Report
  • Tracy Garell, the new Social Services Director, introduced herself to the new VAC members and provided an overview of the services the department offers. She let the VAC know about an upcoming volunteer appreciation event and that the BCC has accepted the Social Services budget.
• VSO Report
  • Gus provided an update on the VSO. There has been an increase in the number of referrals but a decrease in VSO staffing. There is a backfill being worked on, but it will take time to get the new staff member fully trained. Many folks seeking services are coming into the office frustrated by the long wait times. While the VSO understands the frustration abusing staff is unacceptable. Gus asked the members to remind anyone that they refer that there are long wait times and to prepare for that. He also reminded the members that vets who live outside of Clackamas County cannot be helped by his office. Gus warned about charging for VSO services are not legitimate and should not be used. Finally, he said that the VSO does not offer mental health services and that none of his staff are trained mental health professionals.
• Veterans Housing
  • Joey provided an update on veteran housing programs and which programs are full and which are accepting applicants. He also said that a veteran’s out reach worker has just been hired.
• Legislative Committee
  • Laurie provided an update on a number of bills including the omnibus veteran’s bill, the tax exemption bill, and preference for vets in employment bill.
• Monument Subcommittee
  • Working to get all KIA and MIA Clackamas soldiers honored. House concurrent resolution 39 looks like it will probably pass. Shared a picture taken at the capital.
• Veterans Employment
  • Ken introduced himself and his program. He said that the work is going well, though there are still some issues with substance abuse. He also let the VAC know about and upcoming expungement clinic on July 14th.
• Monument Subcommittee
  • Working to get all KIA and MIA Clackamas soldiers honored. House concurrent resolution 39 looks like it will probably pass. Shared a picture taken at the capital.

Left Over Business

• County Fair Booth: It is almost fully staffed, though there are a few spots for members and staff on Saturday. Gus will send out a reminder email closer to the fair. Members only need to bring any snacks, drinks, or chairs they may need.
• New VAC Members: James Madden and Robert Kilgore were unanimously accepted as new VAC members.

New Business

• Welcome Home – Camp Withycombe: Tracy let VAC know that there will be a welcome home event from the 15th through the 17th of July. They would like as many vets and supporters there as possible. Light refreshments will be provided. Welcomers can arrive as early as 7:00 am.
• Oregon Army Guard: Col. Gibson introduced himself and thanked Tracy for mentioning the welcome home event. He let the VAC know that there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the military museum on July 11th. He also gave a breakdown on where and how many soldiers are being deployed.
• Death Benefits – Mortuary Services: Crystal and Kelsy introduced themselves and the work that they do. They presented a PowerPoint explaining services offered, what services are and are not paid for by the VA.
• Formation of Mental Health Committee & Outreach Committee: The VAC discussed the formation of both of these committees. No consensus was formed and the topic will be addressed in the future.
• Meeting Monthly: It was proposed to have the VAC meet monthly, but most members preferred the current schedule. Paul motioned to keep the current schedule and it was approved.

Adjourn 

The meeting was adjourned at 4:48 pm.

Member Updates, Announcements and Upcoming Events

As the meeting went over time, there were no member updates. 

Next Meeting

Veterans Advisory Council

Thursday, August 28, 2:30-4:30pm – In Person

Location TBD