Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024
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TIME
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SESSION DESCRIPTION
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7:30 a.m.
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Buffet breakfast provided
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8:30 a.m.
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NCSL Military and Veterans Affairs Task Force Convenes
- Opening Remarks by Task Force Co-Chairs and Vice-Chairs
- Rep. Marvin Abney, Rhode Island, co-chair
- Sen. Bryce Reeves, Virginia, co-chair
- Sen. Stephan Pappas, Wyoming, vice-chair
- Pledge of Allegiance - Rep. Abney
- Participant introductions around the table and the room - Sen. Reeves
- NCSL Update - Jim Reed, NCSL
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9 a.m.
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Spotlight on Military and Veterans Affairs in Kentucky
Presiding:
- Co-Chair Sen. Bryce Reeves, Virginia
Speaker:
- Maj. Gen. Haldane (Hal) B. Lamberton, the adjutant general of Kentucky.
As Kentucky's 53rd adjutant general, Lamberton commands the nearly 8,000 military members of the Kentucky Army and Air National Guard. He also oversees the statewide Department of Military Affairs, Kentucky Emergency Management, the Appalachian and Bluegrass Challenge Academies and Bluegrass Station in Avon, Ky. | Presentation
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9:45 a.m.
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Break
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10 a.m.
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Veterans Justice Initiatives
The Veterans Justice Commission, established by Council on Criminal Justice, is examining the extent and nature of veterans' involvement in the criminal justice system, and developing recommendations for evidence-based policy changes that enhance safety, health, and justice. This session highlights the most recent state legislative developments in veterans' justice.
Presiding:
- Co-Chair Rep. Marvin Abney, Rhode Island
Speaker:
- Jim Seward, executive director, Veterans Justice Commission, Wyoming | Presentation
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10:45 a.m.
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Break
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11 a.m.
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Conversation with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Leadership
Retired Brig. Gen. David L. Stringer will kick off a wide-ranging conversation on veteran's benefits, military transition/workforce development, and community/state engagement with federal installations. Stringer is director of the Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio, a 6,400-acre site, 50 miles west of Cleveland. This facility is part of NASA's Glenn Research Center. His job entails directing and coordinating activities at the world-class installation to support key research, testing and development for NASA, the Department of Defense and commercial industry to advance space exploration and global aeronautic leadership. He served in the military for 33 years, retiring from the Air Force on Jan. 1, 2007, as a brigadier general and he has been serving as the NASA Glenn ATF director for the last 17 years. After brief opening remarks, he will dialogue with members of the task force.
Presiding:
- Sen. Stephan Pappas, Wyoming
Speaker:
- Retired Brig. Gen. David Stringer, director, Neil Armstrong Test Facility, NASA
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Noon
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Break for buffet lunch (provided)
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1 p.m.
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Task Force Member and Sponsor Roundtable
Facilitators: Co-Chairs Rep. Abney and Sen. Reeves
Task force members are invited to give a brief, three-minute overview of state legislative initiatives for the 2025 sessions addressing military and veterans' issues. Sponsors are invited to mention recent activity of their organizations relating to the task force's work. Featured sponsors for this meeting are Maximus and Everytown for Gun Safety. Each will give 10 minutes of remarks.
Featured sponsors for this meeting are Doug Howard of Maximus and Talyce Murray on behalf of Everytown for Gun Safety. Each will give 10 minutes of remarks.
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2:15 p.m.
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U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Update
DOD speakers will bring attendees up to date on efforts within the department to address the compatibility of energy development that may impact military airspace and department actions to address and mitigate noise through collaboration within the department and with external parties.
Short Film: The Florida Grasshopper Sparrow: Connecting a Sentinel Landscape – DVIDS - Video - The Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program and the Sentinel Landscapes Partnership’s vital role in conserving threatened and endangered species. (dvidshub.net)
Presiding:
- Sen. Bryce Reeves, Virginia
Speakers:
- Kristin Thomasgard, program director, Department of Defense, readiness and environmental protection integration program chief of staff, deputy assistant secretary of defense environmental management & restoration), office of the assistant secretary of defense (energy, installations, & environment) | Presentation
- Erica Rohr, DOD noise program director, DOD readiness and environmental protection integration program | Presentation
- Steve Sample, executive director, military aviation and installation assurance siting clearinghouse, DOD | Presentation
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3:15 p.m.
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Break - Snacks and beverages provided
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3:30 p.m.
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Veterans Transition and Employment Initiatives
This session will highlight two organizations that assist veterans transition into employment and other needed services and supports.
Hire Heroes USA has recorded 100,000 confirmed hires since inception. In addition to connecting service members, veterans, and military spouses with meaningful employment, Hire Heroes USA lends support throughout the military lifecycle with specialized programs for unhoused veterans, junior enlisted veterans, federal employment candidates, women veterans, and military spouses.
FourBlock is a nationwide community of veterans and military spouses, employers, and veteran allies dedicated to transforming the military transition process. Transitioning service members and veterans can connect with the FourBlock community wherever they are to learn career transition practices, explore career opportunities, and build professional networks.
Presiding:
- Sen. Larry Zikmund, South Dakota
Speakers:
- Cheryl Ewell, chief of staff, Hire Heroes USA
- Eric Stetson, alumni engagement officer, FourBlock | Presentation
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4:15 p.m.
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Review Military and Veterans Track at Summit
Speaker: Jim Reed, NCSL
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Other Business
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4:30 p.m.
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Adjourn
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