Green Veterans Advisory Commission Meeting – August 4, 2026

The Veterans Advisory Commission of Green, Ohio, met on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers, though the meeting was called to order at 5:13 PM and adjourned at 5:34 PM. All five commissioners were present: Chair Mike Hughes, and Commissioners Jarrod Suffecool, Bill Burgess, Carl Mickelson, and Kyle Moore. Also present were Recording Secretary Nichole Messner, Communications Manager Valerie Wolford, and Mayor Rocco Yeargin. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, changes to meeting frequency, updates on membership expansion and the Veteran Friendly Business initiative, plans for the Trick or Treat Trail and Veterans Day, and reports on community partnerships.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (TMP-5449): The minutes from the June 2, 2026, meeting were approved unanimously by a 5-0 vote, with a motion by Commissioner Moore and second by Commissioner Suffecool.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chair Hughes gave a brief statement thanking citizens watching online and encouraging them to refer veterans in need of support to the commission. No formal citizen comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Meeting Frequency Change: The commission discussed shifting from monthly to bi-monthly meetings. After deliberation, they agreed to begin meeting every other month starting January 2027, with meetings in January, March, May, July, September, and November. A special meeting may be called if needed. Commissioner Moore made a motion to approve bi-monthly meetings, seconded by Commissioner Suffecool, and it passed 5-0.
• Adding Two New Members: Nichole Messner reported that legislation to add two additional members to the Veterans Advisory Commission was on third reading before City Council and expected to be voted on at the next council meeting. No opposition had been voiced.
• Veteran Friendly Business Update: Chair Hughes reported that he met with the new President of the Green Chamber of Commerce, who was very interested in partnering. He plans to have a one-on-one meeting with her and then bring the information to the full commission.
• Trick or Treat Trail: The commission agreed to participate again in the Trick or Treat Trail scheduled for October 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Nichole Messner will register the group.
• Veterans Day Planning: Communications Manager Valerie Wolford announced that nominations are open for a veteran to be honored at the Veterans Day ceremony. The commission also needs to find an MC and a guest speaker (who may also be the honoree). They aim to select the nominee by October and have the MC scheduled by September or early October. Commissioners were asked to suggest candidates.
• Student Representatives: Nichole Messner announced that the 2026-2027 student representatives, Emily Lesko and Samantha Witmer, will begin attending meetings in September.
• Partnerships and Resources: Chair Hughes reported on a meeting with MAPS (a resource organization), noting that MAPS wants to partner with the commission to help get veterans out of the house and connect them with resources. MAPS offers healthcare, scholarships, and other support, including scholarships through Stark State. Pegasus Farms in Hartville also offers free military camps and mental health resources. Chair Hughes expressed interest in creating a new VAC pamphlet to communicate the commission's mission. The next resource meeting at MAPS is on August 20, and commissioners were encouraged to attend.
• Paws on the Patio: Chair Hughes discussed a possible event called "Paws on the Patio" at Kittles in September, intended to welcome and encourage veteran service dogs. The owner of Kittles expressed full support.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Bi-Monthly Meetings: Motion passed 5-0, effective January 2027.
• Legislation for New Members: Pending final council vote.
• Trick or Treat Trail Participation: Approved, with Nichole Messner to handle sign-up.
• Veterans Day Nominations: Commissioners to seek candidates for honoree, MC, and guest speaker by September/October.
• Partnerships: Chair Hughes to continue discussions with the Chamber and MAPS; commissioners encouraged to attend the August 20 MAPS meeting.
• Adjournment: Motion by Commissioner Suffecool, second by Commissioner Moore, passed 5-0 at 5:34 PM.