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Veterans Advisory Committee <br /> Minutes August 23,2023 <br /> Page 2 <br /> Juan Babiak—VA Liaison at Yukio Okutsu SVH <br /> Marcia Brinkley introduced Mr. Babiak to discuss staff shortages at the veterans home. <br /> Mr. Babiak spoke of the challenges they have encountered with hiring staff. They've <br /> offered pay increases and training programs to promote growth within their organization. <br /> George Sheridan joined the meeting at 10:15 am. <br /> Discussion continued about staff shortages and then it was closed as no further discussion <br /> was needed. <br /> Bonnie Montoya—Veterans Experience Action Center <br /> Antonio Gaspar announced that Bonnie was not able to join the meeting. However, <br /> Antonio announced the VA will be hosting a Veterans Experience Action Center on <br /> September 71h from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the VA office. Flyer was sent out to <br /> everyone prior to the meeting. <br /> OLD BUSINESS <br /> Vacancies & Doug Gora Resignation <br /> Brittany Iyo announced that Doug Gora will be moving and has put in his resignation for <br /> the committee. We currently have two vacancies for the committee and requests that if <br /> any members know of anyone interested in applying to please encourage them. <br /> The Wall that Heals—Hilo Group Application <br /> Chair Doolittle announced that the viewing in Hilo for the Wall that Heals will be in <br /> January 2024. The committee is still waiting on the final dates of the viewing. Hawaii <br /> County committee is also working to get the Wall to Maui. There are volunteers that are <br /> willing to go to Maui to assist and also assist with fundraising efforts. The next <br /> committee meeting will be on Friday, August 25 from 11:00 am — 1:00 pm via Zoom and <br /> the P&R conference room. <br /> Cemetery Updates: <br /> Public Directories at all Cemeteries <br /> Chair Doolittle introduced the topic and deferred to Vice-Chair Brinkley and Tom <br /> Wojszynski. <br /> Tom is a part of the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery Development and Expansion <br /> Association (WHVCDEA). The WHVCDEA has purchased two display cases for these <br /> directories. For East Hawaii Veterans Cemeteries, the display cases are completed and <br /> awaiting installation. He continues to work with Donna Shimizu to get this installed. <br /> West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery Open Hours <br /> Tom in the previous meeting made a motion to recommend that County enter into an <br /> agreement with State Parks for assistance in closing the gate to the cemetery. The State <br />