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SAN DIEGO –
Fifteen local military leaders will advise San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria on issues affecting the military and veterans as part of a new advisory board that Gloria announced on Monday.
The military, veterans and family councils meet quarterly. His first job is to review the city’s existing guidelines and suggest new ways to work with local military personnel and their caregivers.
“Our military and veterans, and their families, are an integral part of the fabric of San Diego – it’s a huge part of who we are as a city and region,” said Gloria. “We have a responsibility to ensure that our city continues to maintain a supportive environment to help both those who have served and those who have supported them.”
The body consists of eight women and seven men and includes representatives from all branches of service. It also includes a seasoned small business owner, military spouse, military family carer, and someone transitioning from active duty to veteran status.
The new body was lauded by several members of Congress, including Rep. Mike Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano, who is vice chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
“I look forward to supporting the work of this diverse advisory board,” he said.
Rep. Scott Peter, D-San Diego, said such a body was vital in a region where the military presence is so large.
“This advisory committee will provide valuable feedback to ensure that San Diego is meeting the needs of our militarily connected community,” he said. “I thank Mayor Gloria for his proactive leadership.”
Representatives of the military also praised the new body.
“San Diego is the best military city in the country, and setting up this council will make us even better,” said Mark Balmert, executive director of the San Diego Military Advisory Coalition.
Members of the panel are Cinnamon Clark, Navy; Brittany Fuller, supervisor; Jodie Grenier, Marines; Jim Gruny Marines; Jack Harkins, Marine; Adam Heyde, Marine; Nina Sughrue Hutton, wife; Keshia Javis-Jones, Marines; Ashish “Yosh” Kakkad, Air Force; RandDee McLain, Marine; Pegah Parsi, army; Holly Shaffner Coast Guard; Dixon Smith, Marine; Hideaki Leo Tanaka, Air Force; and Shawn VanDiver, Marine.
Gloria said he announced the panel this week because it is Veterans Day on Thursday.
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