The Matthews Veterans Advisory Committee (MVAC) in conjunction with the Town of Matthews held their 2nd annual breakfast with Mayor Paul Bailey and the Town Council on Saturday June 16th at the Mount Moriah Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.
All veterans and their families were welcome to discuss what is MVAC and their mission which is clearly to help military veterans, military members and their families. The organization was chartered by the Town of Matthews in 2015 to serve the community in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and Board of Commissioners.
Their mission is to promote a solid and cooperative relationship with the Town, it’s veterans and current service members and their families. To provide advice to the the Town leadership during patriotic holidays and events. Prepare assessments and inform Town of veterans needs in the local area. Identify individuals, organizations and veteran friendly local businesses who support our veterans while making a contribution to the mission. Increase awareness of the various resources available to our veterans and their families. To recognize that veterans are a valuable resource in our community who make a positive and meaningful contribution to our society, culture and traditions. Finally, to promote the importance of Americanism, patriotism, and the values of honor, duty, and service to our country.
The breakfast was fantastic as Pastor/Reverend Larry Whitley and the excellent culinary staff at the church prepared an outstanding meal for all who attended the event which was around 50-60 citizens in the Fellowship Hall. The spread was so good it was worth attending just to enjoy the delicious food and friendly hosts. However, the goal of the event was to provide a forum where veterans can learn about the mission and current objectives of the MVAC, meet other veterans in our community, ask questions and voice their concerns about the needs of veterans in general.
Retired Air Force Brigadier General Fisk Outwater is the Chairman for MVAC who led with the meeting agenda and outlined MVAC’s mission and vision. Incoming Chair, effective July 1st, Tom Cannon, Captain USNR retired had some good comments regarding the future of MVAC. The key guest speakers included Janene McGee, Division Director, Community Support Services for Veteran Services in Mecklenburg County, Blake Bourne, Executive Director, Veterans Home Bridge. Others who were in attendance included Alan Burgess, American Legion Post 235 Commander, Phil Mowry, newly elected Post 235 Commander, MVAC member, Lance Nelson, Charlotte Veterans Center, and Mike Stubbs, Commander, Chapter 634 Military Order of the Purple Heart.
