Veterans Advisory Commission Meeting – March 3, 2026

The Green Veterans Advisory Commission (VAC) held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. Chair Mike Hughes presided. Four commissioners were present (Suffecool, Hughes, Burgess, Sinopoli); one was absent (Mickelson). Also present were Recording Secretary Nichole Messner, Council Liaison Justin Speight, and Student Representative Kyra Suffecool. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM and adjourned at 5:22 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (TMP-5270): The minutes of the February 3, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously by a 4‑0 vote (Hughes motion, Suffecool second).
• Citizen Comments: None.

Discussion Items

Unfinished Business

• Veteran Outing to Kittles: Commissioner Hughes reported that the April 7, 2026 get‑together from 6–8 PM at Kittles restaurant is finalized. Kittles expressed interest in making it a monthly event, held immediately after VAC meetings. The group agreed to proceed.
• Veteran Friendly Businesses Project: Kyra Suffecool presented two sticker designs to denote veteran‑friendly status. The commissioners will select one and move toward production. Discussion emphasized the need for formal endorsement from the Green Chamber of Commerce to add credibility when approaching businesses. Commissioner Burgess volunteered to draft a letter requesting chamber support. Council Liaison Speight noted the importance of flexible criteria for businesses (e.g., offering a discount or parking) and that chamber partnership is critical. Commissioners agreed to finalize the letter, have it reviewed by the city, and once approved, distribute it through the chamber to recruit participating businesses.
• Memorial Day Wreaths: Commissioner Suffecool reported that Dan Bahry of the ROTC Boosters used proceeds from the Raider Run honor walk to purchase custom wreaths (cost approximately $600, donated via Etsy vendor). The order is placed and wreaths will arrive before Memorial Day. Commissioner Burgess volunteered to write a thank‑you letter to the ROTC Boosters. Commissioners also discussed coordinating with the American Legion (and alternating with the VFW in future years) to have a veteran from each branch lay the wreaths at the ceremony. A newly commissioned Space Force lieutenant may be available to participate.
• Veterans Hall of Fame: Chair Hughes is working with Mr. Elkins to draft a recognition recommendation package due June 1. They will gather additional information on the nominee.

Feedback on Battle of the Slice Event

Commissioners reviewed the February 28 Battle of the Slice event. Commissioner Burgess felt the location (a corridor) was not productive—festival attendees bypassed the VAC table. Commissioner Suffecool reported good traffic from 11 AM to 2 PM and a positive interaction with a veterans motorcycle group. Council Liaison Speight characterized the event as a learning experience, noting that 1,500 tickets were sold (exceeding expectations), pizza ran out, and signage was insufficient. He recommended moving city tables to a more prominent area next year and increasing planning and communication.

New Business

• Parade and Partnership Interest: Chair Hughes met a veteran active in a Cleveland‑area veterans union who is eager to participate in the Memorial Day parade and partner with the VAC. The veteran may help engage younger veterans.
• Veterans Golf League: The Ohio Golf Club (an indoor facility) expressed interest in launching a veterans golf league during the summer (their slower season). The club will contact the commission to discuss details.
• JROTC Fundraisers: Commissioner Suffecool announced a JROTC fundraiser at Jerzess that evening (6–8 PM) and a dine‑to‑donate event at Menches on March 16 for the senior capstone trip.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved (4‑0).
• Kittles outing confirmed for April 7, 6–8 PM; monthly continuation discussed.
• Veteran‑friendly business stickers to be selected and produced; Commissioner Burgess will draft a formal letter to the Chamber of Commerce seeking endorsement.
• Memorial Day wreaths ordered and paid for; thank‑you letter to ROTC Boosters to be written by Commissioner Burgess.
• Wreath‑laying coordination with American Legion (and possibly VFW in future) to be arranged; a new Space Force lieutenant may be invited.
• Veterans Hall of Fame recommendation package due June 1; Chair Hughes working with Mr. Elkins.
• Battle of the Slice feedback noted for future event planning; city tables to be relocated next year.
• Parade partnership with veterans union member to be pursued.
• Golf league proposal from Ohio Golf Club to be followed up.
• Meeting adjourned at 5:22 PM by unanimous vote (Suffecool motion, Burgess second).