Revitalizing the Veterans Advisory Committee
Winter Springs has always taken pride in its strong ties to the veteran community, with over 2,700 male and 110 female veterans residing in the city. The Veterans and Veteran Family Advisory Committee was established to support these residents and provide a platform for addressing their unique needs. However, recent discussions have highlighted challenges with the committee’s organization, attendance, and alignment with its purpose.
While I understand the City’s concerns about investing resources in a committee that isn’t meeting its full potential, I firmly believe the Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee can be revitalized to become a vital and impactful part of our community once again.
Winter Springs Mayor Kevin McCann, center, speaks during Commission meeting. (Photo by Kathryn Brudzinski)
The Case for Revitalization
As a city, we owe it to our veterans to provide opportunities for their voices to be heard. The Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee has the potential to play a key role in advocating for veterans, but it requires restructuring and renewed commitment to thrive. Here’s how we can move forward:
- Refocusing Goals: By clearly defining the committee’s mission and aligning its objectives with the needs of veterans, we can ensure its purpose is meaningful and impactful.
- Improving Organization: Establishing clear guidelines, meeting schedules, and accountability measures will help create a structure that encourages active participation and results-driven discussions.
- Encouraging Veteran Leadership: Our veteran community must take greater responsibility in driving the success of this committee. Increased engagement and leadership from veterans will be crucial in leveraging the VVFAC to its maximum potential.
Community Voices of Support
As Laurel Ross, a US Army veteran and Winter Springs resident, expressed:
“Winter Springs has always been known as a veteran-friendly community. The Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee is a vital part of that reputation. Disbanding the committee sends a message that the City no longer wants or values input from its veteran residents on these matters.”
Her sentiment is echoed by BG (Ret) David C. Godwin, US Army:
“The City of Winter Springs has always been known as a veteran-friendly community, and I believe that the Committee is a vital part of that reputation. I would highly encourage you to keep the Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee active and support it as they continue to recognize and assist veterans in our city and beyond.”
These voices highlight the importance of preserving the committee and ensuring it continues to serve as a valuable resource for our veteran community.
A Balanced Approach
As a commissioner, I support regrouping and reorganizing the Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee, but I also call on the veteran community to step up and take ownership of its success. By working together, we can ensure the committee becomes an effective resource that justifies the time and resources invested.
A Call to Action
Now is the time for the City and its veterans to come together and breathe new life into the Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee With renewed focus and leadership, the committee can fulfill its mission to serve our veteran community and uphold Winter Springs’ reputation as a veteran-friendly city.
If you’re a veteran or community member passionate about this issue, I encourage you to get involved and share your ideas for how we can make the Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee a cornerstone of support for veterans in Winter Springs. Together, we can create a brighter future for our city’s veterans.