The Vanderburgh County Veterans Council had a busy year in 2010
By: Stephen Melcher
The year started off with a letter from Mark Acker. Mark is the Veterans Services Officer for Vanderburgh County. In his letter, he indicated his retirement and requested the Veterans Council to recommend and endorse the current Assistant Director Jay Ball to the Director position. After his promotion, he will be the Services Officer and Tami Fehn-Cassidy, currently the Secretary should be appointed Assistant Director.
The Veterans Council is interested in continuing the quality of service provided by Mark and his staff, therefore the Council recommend and endorse the appointment of Jay Ball to Veterans Services Officer and Tami Fehn-Cassidy to Assistant Veterans Services Officer. Jay has 12 years experience in his position and Tami has 5 years experience. Jay and Tami know the veterans, the community, and the system. This would ensure the continuation of services to the veterans, their spouses, and their children. Mark’s passion for our Veterans over the past 26 years will be missed!
After several months the County Council finally promoted Jay Ball to Services Officer. Tami, (not a veteran) was not promoted to Assistant Services Officer, as stated by the Council; due to the hiring freeze. The county hiring freeze put a hold on the Veterans Services office. The Veterans Council tried to convince the County Council to move Tami to the assistant director’s position so the Secretary position would open up to a Veteran. In order to have a smooth transition, Tami & Jay would have been available to train the incoming Secretary if they had been promoted sooner.
In December, 2010 Jay Ball turned in his retirement letter to the County Council & County Commissioners effective 21 January, 2011. The County Council after receiving his letter promoted Tami to Assistant Director in January 2011 and gave the o.k. to hire Paul Dupont, a veteran as Secretary starting on 31 January 2011. Paul will remain Secretary until he can take the position as Director in a few months. This then will leave the position of Secretary open for a Veteran to fill as soon as possible!.
Larry Bucshon, Candidate for 8th District Congress, was at the 1 April, 2010 Council meeting for a presentation on issues important to veterans. A question and answer session followed. Trent Van Hafften, Candidate for 8th District Congress, was at the 2 September, 2010 Council meeting for a presentation on issues important to veterans. A question and answer session followed.
In July, 2010 Chris Cook Superintendent of Cemeteries for the City of Evansville reported that both Civil War Cannons in Oak Hill Cemetery had been repaired and in place for Memorial Day services.
Marine Corps League 1090 Color Guard participated in the parade and presented the Colors for the ceremony at Old National Bank patio, for The 4th of July Freedom Celebration. Commander Melcher was the MC and gave the main address.
Veterans Day: The Veterans Council ceremony was held on 11 November, 2010 at Oak Hill Cemetery. Commander Melcher the MC and the main address given by Barb Kortz member of the Marine Corps League 1090, Devil Dogs and Woman Marines Association. A special tribute from JR Shembre a member of the Disabled American Veterans. Mayor Weinzapfel gave the Mayor’s Veteran of the Year Award to Paul Dupont.
The Veterans Council gave a special “Thank You†to the Rotary Club for the renovation of the Women’s Bathroom in the Coliseum. (Mark Acker did the contracting for the project $ 28,000.00) They are looking into raising funds to redo the men’s bathroom.
Stephen R Melcher
Commander Vanderburgh County Veterans Council
US Army Veteran
Sgt First Class E-7
