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Meeting Minutes Military and Veterans Affairs Commission Regular Meeting October 14, 2025 | 5 p.m. Council Chambers Conference Room 88 E. Chicago St., Chandler, AZ Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Levinson at 5:00 p.m. Roll Call Commission Attendance Chair Shane Levinson Vice Chair Michael Simon Commissioner Mary Baker (remote) Commissioner Robert Dalpe Commissioner Jacob Dort Commissioner Carol Farabee (remote) Commissioner Shane Levinson Commissioner LaShay Marks Staff Attendance Corey Povar, Staff Liaison Tawn Kao, Deputy City Attorney Brintley Spencer, Legal Extern Luke Cerré, Recording Secretary Absent None Unscheduled Public Appearances • Brintley Spencer – Ms. Spencer introduced herself to the Commission. • Benjamin Truong – Dr. Truong introduced himself to the Commission. Consent Agenda 1. September Military and Veterans Affairs Commission Meeting Minutes Move Military and Veterans Affairs Commission approve the meeting minutes of the September 9, 2025 regular meeting. Page 2 of 4 Comm. Dalpe motioned to approve the consent agenda; seconded by Comm. Dort. Motion carried 7-0. Action Agenda 2. Veterans Resource Brochure Updates Move Military and Veterans Affairs Commission to approve the updated Veterans Resource Brochure. Mr. Cerré advised that updates included adding Comm. Baker's name, as well as updating Mayor and Council's information. Mr. Povar advised that another change was suggested for a future update: replacing the Dept. of Veterans Affairs seal with a listing of the Commission's events. Comm. Baker motioned to approve the updated brochure; seconded by Vice Chair Simon. Motion carried 7-0. Discussion 3. Objectives Discussion regarding the Military and Veterans Affairs Commission's objectives: Advise, Educate, Collaborate & Coordinate, Acknowledge & Honor No updates. 4. Military Appreciation Breakfast Discussion and possible action regarding supporting the Senior Center's annual Military Appreciation Breakfast, to be held Friday, November 7, 2025. Mr. Povar advised that IHOP would cater, with an estimated 160 servings. He also advised that the Senior Center had acquired electric chafing dishes. 5. Veterans Day Discussion and possible action regarding the Veterans Day event, to be held Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Mr. Povar advised that Hamilton High School's JROTC was confirmed and would be presenting all branches' colors. Chair Levinson advised that Pastor Feyereisen would give the invocation and benediction, and that he should have confirmation on a singer shortly. There was discussion regarding playing the Armed Forces Medley and posting of a Facebook event. Page 3 of 4 6. Military Bound Discussion and possible action regarding dates and venue for the 2026 Military Bound event Date conflict - April 20, 2026 conflicts with the recently approved City Council schedule Mr. Cerré advised that there was a conflict between the original date, 4/20/2026, and the Council meeting schedule. He advised that the Center for the Arts had Saturday, 4/18/2026 available, and there was a consensus to move forward with that date. Color guard - JROTC and/or Chandler Police Honor Guard There was consensus to ask the Police Department's Honor Guard to assist with the event. Pipes & Drums - Alternative to Chandler Fire (no longer active) Mr. Povar advised that the Fire Department's Pipes & Drums had disbanded for the foreseeable future, and would be unable to assist with this year's events. Comm. Dalpe suggested that the Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band might be able to assist, and advised that he would contact them. Further discussion Chair Levinson advised that it would be best to start contacting recruiters in January. Mr. Povar advised that he was inquiring about additional funding for the Commission. 7. History Spot Discussion and possible action regarding updates to the Chandler Museum’s History Spot, a veterans display located in the breezeway between ChopShop and Saba’s Western Wear. There was discussion about the possibility of updating the History Spot. Mr. Povar advised that he would ask museum staff about attending a future commission meeting. 8. Ship Naming Discussion and possible action regarding applying to have a Navy ship named after Chandler. Comm. Dort advised that two prior Navy ships have sailed under the USS Chandler, both named for Rear Admiral Theodore E. Chandler. As the name is currently vacant, he suggested that there is an opportunity to give it new meaning by connecting the Navy's proud traditions with Chandler's identity as a community of veterans, innovators, and patriots. Discussion ensued regarding next steps. Mr. Povar advised that he would work with Ms. Kao to get input from Mayor and Council. 9. Honor Wall Applications Discussion and possible action regarding procedures and parameters for processing applications received for recognition at the Field of Honor. Page 4 of 4 Mr. Povar advised that 25 applications were received before the installation cutoff for Veterans Day, and 23 confirmed their proofs in time for engraving. There was discussion regarding the process, with a consensus that the Commission would only need to review applications that were out of the ordinary. Briefing 10. Treasury Report – Luke Cerré, Commission Secretary Mr. Cerré advised that projected expenses were close to the full budget, particularly due to the need to purchase additional challenge coins this year. Member Comments/Announcements 11. Announcements regarding any external events Comm. Dalpe advised that there were many veterans events occurring across the valley in the next three weeks. He also advised that it would be beneficial to start encouraging submissions to the Veterans Hall of Fame, and that he would be willing to teach a class. Calendar 12. The next regular meeting will be held on November 4, 2025 at the Chandler Community Center, Room 101, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave. 13. Military Appreciation Breakfast – Friday, November 7, 2025, 8:30 a.m. Chandler Senior Center, 202 E Boston St, Chandler, AZ 85225 Veterans Day event – Sunday, November 9, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85249 Ruck 5K/10K – TBD Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85249 Military Bound – April, 2026 Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.