Laserfiche WebLink
Veterans Advisory Committee <br /> Minutes February 23,2021 <br /> Page 7 <br /> Chair: Welcome to our committee and what can you add to it? <br /> Hussey: I was born and raised in Hilo, went in to the Army for 34 years retired in the <br /> Army as a Command Sergeant Major and then did 20 years on Federal Service with <br /> Congressional staff 10 years (inaudible) and 10 in the Senate as the Military Affairs <br /> Advisor and Regional Director for Congressman and Senator in Georgia. Then we <br /> returned to Hawaii. Hilo was too wet so my wife and I moved to Kona. We've been here <br /> since 2014 I'm active, the past Commander of American Legion, Disabled American <br /> Vets VFW and I'm with the Chamber, Kohala Chamber as well. <br /> Chair: Excellent. <br /> Hussey: Our interest is with, we have a Veterans Coffee every week, not so much since <br /> the pandemic, although we just started again two months ago with social distancing and <br /> all and we've brought in homeless vets for coffee, looked at their issues, talked to some <br /> veterans that have problems negotiating their disability, especially with the new blue <br /> water thing which is new, we have some Navy vets that fall into that category. Right now <br /> we have a family, veteran's family, in need, we're trying to help the whole family <br /> because of the pandemic. He had a job, lost it and we don't want them to go homeless <br /> and on the streets. Those are the things we find, we're looking at trying to negotiate. <br /> Also, we're working with the Chamber's Homeless committee here in Kona. We see <br /> about(inaudible) that are homeless in Kona. <br /> Chair: Well, that's certainly been an issue. Well, welcome to the committee, I would <br /> advise you to come back to every meeting and give us a little update we need as much <br /> input as we can get. <br /> Hussey: I'm trying to get some info, we have a Veterans breakfast tomorrow and I'd like <br /> to provide a little info from your meeting. <br /> Chair: Where is your coffee at? <br /> Hussey: It's at Umeke's on Pawai Street in Kona, Wednesday morning 11 :00, free coffee, <br /> social distancing, someone donates the coffee. Umeke's sells breakfast, $7.00 for a full <br /> breakfast. <br /> Lewis: Did you say that it was 11 :30 or 11 :00? <br /> Hussey: 9 to 11 and right now it's limited, first-come, first-serve. Right now we're up to <br /> about 15, we're the only ones allowed in the restaurant in the morning because they don't <br /> open till 11:00( <br /> Chair: That's certainly nice of them to do that. Do we have any other input, comments, <br /> additions? <br />