By Chris Bavender
Increasing awareness of veterans’ issues and finding ways to honor them is the purpose behind a Veterans Committee created last month by the Whitestown Town Council.
“Creating this committee was extremely important to me because my hero, my grandpa Freeman, selflessly and honorably served our great country in the United States Navy,” Town Council President Eric Miller said. “The importance my grandpa placed on service to our country taught me to strongly believe in a quote by Theodore Roosevelt, ‘A man who is good enough to shed his blood for the country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards.’ This committee will help to ensure our veterans are recognized appropriately for the great sacrifices that they have made, and it will help to ensure our veterans are given a square deal or greater in regards to veterans issues and needs. “
The new board will also work closely with Whitestown American Legion Post 410 to study options for building a permanent memorial to Whitestown veterans.
“We are most grateful and honored the Town of Whitestown has chosen to recognize our veterans and partner with them in this unique way,” said Ron Domres, who serves on the executive committee of Post 410. “It means a lot to our local vets that their sacrifices were appreciated, their opinions are valued, and their voices will be heard by our town leaders.”
The Veterans Committee will be comprised of seven members.
“This board will be made up of veterans, current service members and their spouses and children,” said Town Councilor Kevin Russell, who is a disabled U.S. Army veteran. “It’s a terrific way to best give those who understand veterans’ issues a meaningful voice in their local government.”
The ordinance creating the Veterans Committee passed unanimously. To apply for a seat, email Miller at [email protected]. The board is expected to be in place by October.
