Calandra Fergerson

The meeting featured extensive departmental reports regarding veterans benefits, appeals, state veterans nursing homes, cemeteries, and legislative advocacy efforts. Key discussions included the success of the inaugural Hats on the Hill advocacy event, budget allocations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, the status of ongoing procurement and grant management initiatives, and updates on transition and employment programs. The Board approved the acceptance of land for the Augusta Cemetery and re-appointed members to the Veterans Service Foundation Board.

The Veterans Service Board meeting agenda was approved. Key discussion points included reports from various directors and coordinators regarding outreach activities, training sessions, and operational updates across different divisions, such as Appeals, Training, Veterans Benefits North and South Regions, Women Veterans Coordination, Suicide Prevention, Transition and Employment, and Homelessness Coordination. Financial reports detailed expenditures for FY 2026 and updates on several major grants, including the SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant, the Unite-Us Grant, the Veterans Mental Health Services Program Grant, and the PTSD study grant with Emory. Operational updates covered claim processing statistics from the Appeals Division for September through December 2025, staff position openings, and reports on veterans served at the State Veterans Homes. Legislative activity was also noted, particularly advocacy for full funding for the Department of Veterans Services and support for combating claim sharks.

The meeting included the approval of the November Agenda and the October minutes. Reports covered extensive activity from Service Officers, including participation in VAVS meetings, briefings on Supreme Court decisions concerning CRSC, training sessions, and various public events such as Veterans Day ceremonies and benefit presentations. Commissioner Ross detailed numerous engagements focusing on women veterans' issues, legislative follow-ups, and multi-state collaboration on veteran services. Operations reports highlighted resource fair participation, claims filing statistics, personnel actions, and the deficiency-free annual audit of the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home. Financial updates detailed the expenditure of FY 2026 budget allocations and provided status reports on major grants, including the SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant and the Unite-Us Grant, noting that the latter would close at the end of the year. The Appeals Division reported on hearings conducted despite a VA Regional Office shutdown. Cemetery operations confirmed the completion of expansion projects at both Glennville and Milledgeville. The Board moved into Executive Session to discuss sensitive matters before adjourning.

The meeting included reports from various directors and coordinators. Discussions covered topics such as upcoming events, training programs, claims processing, and outreach activities. Updates were provided on veteran benefits, women veterans' affairs, suicide prevention, transition and employment, homelessness initiatives, and financial matters. The board also reviewed strategic plans, legislative updates, and grant programs, including the SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant and the Unite-Us Grant. Additionally, there were reports on state veterans' homes and cemeteries, personnel actions, and external affairs and communications.

The meeting addressed resignations from the board, updates on nursing home funding, and the impact of Hurricane Helene on veterans' homes. Reports included financial updates, fundraising efforts, and the development of a strategic plan for fundraising. Discussions covered the creation of a trifold brochure, the establishment of a Gift Acceptance Committee and an Events Committee, and upcoming speaking engagements. The need for a sustainable fundraising process and the use of marketing tools were also discussed.