Veterans Affairs Commission reviews 2024 activities; asks council to advocate on VA community care

Ralph, chair of the Aurora Veterans Affairs Commission, and staff speaker Ryan Lance briefed the committee on the commission's 2024 work and two recommendations for council consideration.

Ralph said the commission currently has 12 appointed positions with one vacancy and that membership turned over substantially in 2024. He described outreach activities including a veterans'made art display in the mezzanine (partnered with the VFW), oral history work with the Aurora History Museum, participation in the intermodal transportation study and a discussion with Aurora Public Schools staff on issues facing military and veteran families.

The commission delivered a two'year qualitative needs assessment to council last November that cataloged needs identified by interviews with local organizations. From that assessment the commission emphasized two items for council consideration: creation of a single transportation call center to coordinate veteran transportation services and a formal expression of concern from the city to federal elected officials and VA Medical Center leadership about problems in the VA's community care program. "We suggested the city council do two resolutions," Ralph said, noting he had not yet heard back from council members on the suggested letters.

Council members asked for follow up; Council member Gardner asked staff to send dates to discuss the commission's questions further.

Ending: The commission asked council to promote commissioner vacancies and to consider the two recommended advocacy actions; staff offered to follow up with dates to continue the conversation.