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Veterans petition seeks larger Cherokee Nation veterans center; councilors ask for a study
Summary
Committee members received a petition asking for a larger veterans center (about 131 names) and discussed conducting a study to determine needed space; the veterans office also confirmed a Warrior Flight and hotel reserved for March 10.
A petition seeking a larger Cherokee Nation Veterans Center was presented to the Community Service Committee and logged with roughly 131 signatures, committee members said.
Councilor Condesa Teehee said she received the petition and submitted it to the committee. Barbara Forman of the veterans center confirmed she had not previously seen the petition and, after reviewing it, told the committee "it looks like there's about 131 names on it." Forman and other councilors said they have studied additional space needs in the past and said taking another look with a targeted study would be an appropriate next step.
Councilors and staff described the December veterans event as well attended — Forman said approximately 167 veterans were served that evening — and acknowledged the current building can be tight during large events. Forman said the nation has previously used alternate venues when needed, including a gym and a casino space.
Forman also announced logistics for the Warrior Flight: hotel and travel arrangements are booked for a March 10 trip to Hard Rock; she said a list of participating veterans is available to councilors through staff.
Committee members generally expressed support for studying whether expanded space is needed, and several councilors emphasized that population growth and rising demand across programs may create a need for more facility capacity in multiple service areas.
