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Proponent asks Senate to designate March 9 as 688th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day
Summary
Charlinda Scales, executive director of the O Taste Foundation, testified in favor of Senate Bill 17 to honor the 688th Central Postal Directory Battalion and cited her organization's kitchen incubator and a $6 million project partially funded with American Rescue Plan funds.
At a second hearing before the Senate Armed Services, Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee, Charlinda Scales, executive director of the O Taste Foundation, testified in support of Senate Bill 17, which would designate March 9 as 688th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day.
Scales described the O Taste Foundation’s 688 kitchen incubator in Dayton and tied the bill to economic and historical recognition. "Their mission was more than just delivering letters. It was about strengthening morale, fostering unity, and demonstrating the impact of women in leadership," she told the committee. She said honoring the unit ensures its contributions remain in the nation’s history and can inspire future generations.
Scales gave details about the incubator and funding: she said the project was a $6,000,000 effort partially funded by American Rescue Plan Act dollars, with additional grant support she attributed to U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown. She said the incubator has 15 full‑time staff and capacity to accept up to 60 entrepreneurs.
Committee members thanked Scales for her testimony and for the foundation's work linking veteran and community service history with local economic development. The committee concluded proponent testimony and recorded no vote during the hearing.
Ending: With proponent testimony complete, SB 17 remains in committee for further consideration.
