MINUTES for 2019-08-27 FINAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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Veterans Advisory Committee Minutes August 27,2019 Page 12 Directors to make sure that they're aware this is a must fill position and that as much support as they can provide us, it will directly benefit our Veterans. Unless someone else has something else on this, lets move on to the next subject which is a little bit related. The Need for VFW 3875 Service Office to get Formal Training as Service Officer Lewis: That has to do with the Service Officer training. This is another one to push to be able to have capability. Ben has been supporting on the weekends and evenings given his job. Also, Alan Hiroka who is from 3875 has been doing it throughout the week but he has never been officially trained but he can handle the cases on the week. What were trying to do is make sure he gets the training. We are pushing hard is VFW, I had another slew of emails to try to push to get him there. I'm not sure where were going to succeed but any support would be greatly appreciated. You also have 12122 on the Kona side. Charles Sermons, I've been unable to connect with him but he's a resource for us. And because of what's happened with DAV and other complicating factors it's essential that we have support and now that we've lost the VBA so there is even less support for veterans to get their claims. Unless you have anything else on the second issue? Fuata: Well the only other thing with the training just like myself, even with the training, I know we've fought this before, when I say fought this, I challenge the system, I normally if I was working with the rest of the service officers who are certified up there at E-Wing at Spark Matsunaga Lewis: Honolulu Fuata: Yeah, Honolulu, there would be no problem because I would have direct access to (inaudible) and if given the Power of Attorney when the Veteran fills out a 21- or VA Form 21-22 giving the FW Power of Attorney, I got access to their files. I don't have access even if they don't give me or give the VFW Power of Attorney, my only access was I brought the veteran and through that I was able to work with the VBA here. So even if we get Alan trained, they are still hindered by that and that's where it's pivotal when we perform or start developing our cases that we work hand in hand with the VBA Counselor. What I've been able to do is, I've ben able to take a lot of his workload so he can just concentrate on his duties and I will take those guys and work with them on developing their cases so he wouldn't be inundated. That's how we worked as a team. He would instead of starting with ground zero, I would work with them and when were ready to file, we'd go to him to streamline that process. So, yes, we need Alan trained, I think every island needs one but basically this island because Alan and I were talking about splitting up the island and going over to Kona and Kealakekua and over to Kau districts and so forth. It just takes time but were willing to do that to make sure were covering our big island. Lewis: thank you, any questions before we go to the third issue? Possible Impacts of Blue Water Legislation