Haslet Park Board forms subcommittee to plan Veterans Day collaboration with VFW post

Haslet Park Board members voted on Aug. 13 to form a small subcommittee to coordinate a Veterans Day event with VFW Post 10374 and approved a partnership to allow the VFW to collect Toys for Tots at the city''s Christmas in the Park on Dec. 6. The board agreed to a subcommittee of three Park Board members (Cindy, Chuck and Serge) to work with the VFW and city officials on a smaller Veterans Day event this year and to sketch a plan the board can present to the mayor and council. The board also approved partnering with VFW Post 10374 so the organization can collect Toys for Tots during the Christmas in the Park event; the board said the VFW would operate as a partner in the city''s tent rather than as a paid vendor. Why it matters: VFW Post 10374 told the board it seeks to promote veteran services, provide outreach on VA benefits and mental-health resources, and recruit local veterans into the post. Board members said a smaller collaboration this year would let the city and the VFW test an event format before seeking larger budgetary support from council. What was proposed: Lance Pendleton, who identified himself as post commander at VFW Post 10374, told the board, "What we'd like to do is propose an idea to cooperate or work with y'all on your Veterans Day." He proposed holding a community event at Haslet park on the Saturday before Veterans Day (Nov. 8) with vendor booths and a small ceremony, or a ceremonial focus if the city preferred a smaller format. Board action: the board voted to form a coordinating subcommittee and to allow the VFW to collect Toys for Tots at Christmas in the Park. A motion to form the subcommittee (members to include Cindy, Chuck and Serge) was made on the record and seconded; the motion carried unanimously. Later a motion to partner with VFW Post 10374 to collect toys at the Dec. 6 Christmas in the Park was made and seconded; Cindy seconded and the motion carried with no opposition. Next steps: board members on the subcommittee will meet with the VFW and city staff, sketch an initial plan, and return a recommendation to the full board; the VFW will also be encouraged to sign up for a table at National Night Out on Oct. 7. The board suggested the VFW solicit veteran-owned businesses and veteran-support organizations to participate and recommended beginning outreach and promotion in October, when Toys for Tots collections traditionally begin. Limitations: board members stressed the first year should be small and largely volunteer-driven unless the council allocates a budget; any expansion would require council approval and possible budget adjustments.