20230412_RCM_VETERANS_COMMISSION_MINUTES.PDF

Minutes 
Tempe Veterans Commission 
April 12, 2023
Minutes of the TEMPE VETERANS COMMISSION held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 6:00 
p.m., via In-person and Microsoft Teams.
(MEMBERS) Present:    
Linda Bergevin 
William (Bill) Blair, Vice Chair 
Chantel Carr 
Juan Garcia  
Phillip Kraft, Chair 
Aaron McBride 
Beno Thomas 
(MEMBERS) Absent:  
Jose Moreno 
Staff Present:  
Abe McCann, Veteran’s Services Coordinator  
Agenda Item 1 – Call to Order  
Chair Phillip Kraft called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. 
Agenda Item 2 – Attendance 
Agenda Item 3 – Public Appearances-  
None. The Tempe Veterans Commission welcomes public comment.  According to the Arizona 
Open Meeting Law, the Commission may only discuss matters listed on its meeting agendas.  
Matters brought-up by the public under public appearances that are not listed on the meeting 
agenda cannot be discussed by the Commission. A three (3)-minute time limit per person will be 
in effect.

Agenda Item 4 – Chair’s Remarks   
Chair Philip Kraft welcomed everyone back. Chair Kraft has everyone introduced themselves to 
commission candidate Cassandra Medina.  
 
Agenda Item 5 – Travis Manion Foundation Support Letter Draft  
The City has partnered with the Travis Manion Foundation and will be part of the City of Tempe 
Summer curriculum with the Community Centers. Launching cohorts to teach community 
members to become mentors. The commission suggested that Abe McCann to draft a letter to 
city policy makers that this program is supported by the Veterans Commission.  
Motion of Abe McCann drafting a letter by next Commission meeting, by Commissioner Linda 
Bergevin; Second motion by Commissioner Juan Garcia; Ayes: Beno Thomas, Linda Bergevin, 
Aaron McBride, Chantel Carr, Juan Garcia, William (Bill) Blair, Phil Kraft 
 
Agenda Item 6 – Commission Candidate 1 
Candidate Medina introduced herself to the Commission then discussed her wants as to why 
she would like to join the Commission and as to why the Commission should consider her 
membership. The commission thanked her for her time and will consider the applicant.   
 
Agenda Item 7 – Commission Candidate 2 
Ro Gonzalez introduced himself to the commission then discussed his wants as to why he 
would like to join the commission and his previous experiences he would like to bring to the 
commission. The commission thanked him for his time and will consider the applicant.  
 
Agenda Item 8 – Commission Candidate 3  
Absent 
 
Agenda Item 9 – ACMF Replacement Discussion/ New Commissioner Applications 
ACMF wishes to no longer be an organization member but more of a quarterly advisor. Chair 
Kraft asked the commission who would replace ACMF organization and if the commission 
would like to have an organization to fill the spot? Would the commission like to keep the title of 
the position? 
 
Commission discussed potential commission members and the process. There are two 
positions open: Arizona Coalition for Military Families and At Large.  
 
Commissioner asked if the commission is limited to 11 commission members. Staff responded 
with yes and no. The commission would have to take the suggestion to council if the amount 
were to exceed over 11. 
 
Motion: Replace ACMF to Valors by Commission Member Bill Blair  
Second: Motion seconded by Commission Member Juan Garcia 
Ayes: Linda Bergevin, Vice Chair Bill Blair, Chantel Carr, Juan Garcia, Chair Phillip Kraft, Aaron 
McBride, Beno Thomas

Absent: Jose Moreno 
 
Agenda Item 10 – Commission Member Updates/ Announcements  
The Commission discussed the upcoming Community Salutes event and Boards & Commission 
event in May. Monday 24th, there is a Veteran Workshop at the library. Maricopa Community 
College Veteran Complication will be Friday May 5th at South Mountain Community College. 
Pats Run will be this Saturday in Tempe. 
 
Agenda Item 11 – Future Agenda Items – May 10, 2023  
Discuss new commissioner applications, Veteran spousal tuition, suggestions about guest 
speakers. 
 
Agenda Item 12 – Adjournment  
Motion: Motion to adjourn by Commission Member Linda Bergevin 
Second: Motion seconded by Commission Member Chantele Carr  
Ayes: Linda Bergevin, Vice Chair Bill Blair, Chantel Carr, Juan Garcia, Chair Phillip Kraft, Aaron 
McBride, Beno Thomas  
 
Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.  
Next meeting will be on May 10, 2023  
  
Minutes Prepared by: Jamie Rodriquez 
Reviewed by Abe McCann  
                              
__________________________________  
Phillip Kraft, Chair  
Tempe Veterans Commission