Georgia Department of Veterans Service

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.

The meeting included the approval of a new logo, reimbursement of chairman's expenses, and the election of new officers for 2022-23. Discussions focused on fundraising strategies, including exploring options like flyers, online donations, a golf tournament, raffles, and partnerships. A potential collaboration with Luke Bryan's father was also discussed.

The meeting addressed several key operational and administrative matters for the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation. Discussions included the review and adoption of bylaws, establishment of an EIN and bank account, and the opening of a PO Box. A conflict-of-interest policy and statement were reviewed and adopted. A GVSF Funds Request Form was also discussed and approved. The status of the IRS Form 1023 submission was reviewed, and a foundation logo was discussed. Finally, officers for 2021-22 were elected.