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West Miami creates Military Affairs Board, proclaims May as Military Appreciation Month
Summary
Commission unanimously adopted an ordinance establishing a West Miami Military Affairs Board and approved a proclamation naming May 2025 Military Appreciation Month.
The City Commission unanimously adopted an ordinance creating a West Miami Military Affairs Board and approved a proclamation declaring May 2025 Military Appreciation Month, both sponsored by Vice Mayor Ivan Chavez Jr.
The ordinance — presented at second reading and public hearing — establishes the board’s composition, powers, duties, appointment process and staff support. The public hearing included remarks from Ivan Chavez Sr., who identified himself as vice chair of the Miami‑Dade County Military Advisory Board and described efforts to connect veterans to local resources and benefits.
“It's our attempt at West Miami to get resources and benefits down to our veterans that not only earn them, but have already paid for them with their… family’s time and sacrifice,” Ivan Chavez Sr. said during public testimony.
Vice Mayor Ivan Chavez Jr., the ordinance sponsor, said West Miami has a long post‑World War II history of veteran residents and that the new board is intended to restore and strengthen local representation for veterans. “This board is gonna be the first step in that direction,” he said.
The ordinance passed on a 5-0 vote. Commissioners then approved a proclamation sponsored by the vice mayor declaring May 2025 Military Appreciation Month; that item also passed 5-0.
The new board’s duties include advising the commission on veterans’ needs and outreach; the ordinance text provides for staff support and financial provisions. Staff will begin the appointment process per the ordinance’s schedule.
