03-01-16 to 08-31-16

07-01-16 to 08-31-016

July, 2016:

7-1-16 Hutch: Wichita Vet Center – Visited with staff, veteran work study friend and outreach to veterans.

Patty: Received call from a fellow veteran provider seeking support and advice on an upcoming funding proposal for large project.

7-2-16 (Sat.) Patty: Fielded and handled calls from three veterans in need, one of whom had just received an eviction notice – Patty made referral to Aaron Lovelady, Salvation Army SSVF. Another needs help with available services at the VA, is seeking employment, needs legal advice and is falling behind on his rent due to being hospitalized with health issues. The third veteran needed a jump start on his vehicle…Patty, although out of town, help make several calls and together they were able to get help from his Vet-To-Vet Support Command friend.

7-3-16 (Sun.) Hutch & Patty: Followed up with veterans in need, setting appointments. Contacted two Vet-To-Vet Support Command volunteers.

7-4-16 Recognized our veterans on Facebook page. Fielded call from veteran in need.

7-5-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • Delivered thank you letter to W. Kellogg Walmart for ongoing support of the Vet-To-Vet Support Command and Veteran Providers’ Coalition of Sedgwick County.
  • Working on the behind the scenes logistics marketing / promoting the upcoming guest speakers for the July 22 VPCSC meeting:
  • Sara L. Mabe, BSW, Macro Social Worker, Community Advocate Northern Virginia and Michael S. Bermes, PhD., MSW, LCSW, ICADC / Senior Advisor for Community Health Integration and Special Assistant to the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps at the Pentagon, Washington D.C.
  • Attended Round Table employers’ meeting at Robert J. Dole VAMC; met with Brad Webster, Veterans Upward Bound.
  • Met with veteran residing at Passageways, transitional residence for homeless veterans.
  • Phone meeting with Steve Gonzales, VP Marketing & Community Relations regarding next VPCSC meeting and Veteran Expo event planning.
  • Contacted Jamie Wohlgemuth, President Cloud 9 Therapeutic Equine Foundation and Brad Webster, Veterans Upward Bound.
  • Contacted a veteran in Vet-To-Vet Support Command program.

7-6-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • Prepared for meeting with John Buckley, Military Relations Officer, Koch Industries regarding funding proposal for Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc.
  • Met with Pastor Cindy Watson, new Sr. Pastor at First United Methodist Church where VPCSC meetings are held. Pastor Cindy comes from Patty’s home church West Heights UMC so there is a well-established relationship.
  • Wichita Vet Center to deliver VPCSC meeting invitation to staff; visited with Timmy Hamilton and two veteran work study students, Marvin and Kimberly.
  • Met a veteran in need at the VA, discussed his most critical needs which was that he had just received an eviction notice. We gave him contact information for Aaron Lovelady, Salvation Army SSVF and took him over to meet with a HUD-VASH representative. (He had been directed to bring his eviction notice to HUD-VASH.) He expressed other concerns that will be addressed once his housing situation is stable.
  • Spoke to Dean Rhein, Privacy Information Officer at VA and he thanked us for being available for two homeless veterans he was helping last week.
  • Met with Gene McCreight, AMVETS National Service Officer, Wichita Regional Office – delivered and visited about VPCSC meeting invitation and upcoming Veteran Expo Event in August that we serve on planning committee. Introduced veteran in need (above) to Gene for basic direction on navigating the VA claims process.
  • Hutch delivered a VPCSC meeting invitation for Director Francisco Vazquez.
  • Met with Barbara Hardyway, Homeless Outreach Coordinator, VA Regional Office at Robert J. Dole VAMC, delivered VPCSC meeting invitation, discussed dates for us to take Barbara and Aaron Lovelady (Salvation Army SSVF) over to visit Passageways Homeless Shelter and meet/visit with Susan Moellinger, President and Jennifer Garrison, CEO/Chairman of the Board.
  • Barbara Hardyway introduced Hutch and Patty to her supervisor, Mr. Andrew Freeman. We let him know how valuable and passionate Barbara is about helping veterans. Hutch invited him to our next VPCSC meeting.
  • Met with Sarah Sell, Student Success Specialist, at Wichita State University about happenings with the Vet Center on campus, including a fundraiser last weekend that will help provide veterans with emergency funds through a scholarship fund to assist with circumstances such as car repair, replacement phone, other basic needs in order to help them stay in school. They have a new service dog who is a calming force for student veterans. We gave her a hard copy of the VPCSC meeting invitation. Patty visited with her about the Vet-To-Vet Support Program and gave her a program flyer which she will post in the Vet Center.
  • Met with Brandi Niblett at Salvation Army (SSVF) regarding next VPCSC meeting and the Vet-To Vet Support Program, giving her a program flyer. We also discussed a fundraiser she and her husband are conducting for local veteran related charities.
  • Brief visit at VA with James Gibson, Team Leader of Wichita Vet Center regarding upcoming VPCSC meeting.
  • Delivered VPCSC meeting invitation to Letty, Store Manager at sponsoring Walmart Supercenter on W. Kellogg.
  • Planning meeting for growth of Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc.

7-7-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • Met with John Buckley, Military Relations Human Services Officer at Koch Industries.
  • United Methodist Open Door (UMOD) – Personally delivered a hard copy and gave a quick overview of the invitation and the highlighted guest speaker to Angee Sisco, LBSW, MPA, Homeless Services Director, Fred and provided a copy for Deann Smith, Executive Director.
  • InterFaith Ministries (IFM) – Personally delivered a hard copy and gave a quick overview of the invitation and the highlighted guest speaker to Anne Corriston, Executive Director and Sandy Swank, Director of Case Management.
  • COMCARE – Personally delivered a hard copy and gave a quick overview of the invitation and the highlighted guest speaker to Marilyn Cook, Executive Director.
  • Fielded calls from 3 veterans in need, referring them to community based services and Robert J. Dole VAMC.
  • Personally delivered a hard copy and gave a quick overview of the invitation and the highlighted guest speaker to Workforce Center – Thom, Angie & Casey, left copies for Brandi & James.

7-8-16 Wichita Vet Center – Hutch interacted with and greeted veterans. Patty received information & feedback from Timmy Hamilton on two community based veteran providers seeking to partner with VPCSC.

7-11-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • McConnell AFB Family & Readiness Center debriefing to TAP class.
  • CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) meeting at COMCARE, announcing VPCSC meeting & encouraging members to invite key players in the community and healthcare field. Visited with Chris West, Via Christi Behavioral Health, regarding upcoming VPCSC meeting and Vet-To-Vet Support Command.
  • Contacted Wesley Medical Center regarding scheduling a meeting to invite key staff to VPCSC meeting, including social workers and who would be their representative who deals with veterans.
  • Creative Awards – Met with owner John Stangle and ordered nametags for Howard & Patty. We will be including their logo on our VPCSC.
  • Robert J. Dole VAMC – Personally delivered hard copy and gave a quick overview of VPCSC invitation and guest speaker to Director Francisco Vazquez; Dr. Robert Bean; Dean Rhein, Privacy Information Officer and Robert Cain, Supervisory Public Affairs Officer.
  • Met with Mike Heldstab, State Military Liason at Senator Jerry Moran’s office. They will be sending a representative to our VPCSC meeting on July 22.
  • Wichita Vet Center, touched base with Brad Gifford about the VPCSC meeting.
  • Worked on VPCSC website and Vet-To-Vet Support Command development.

7-12-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA) luncheon at the Boathouse with guest speakers: Ty Masterson, Republican member of the Kansas Senate, representing the 16th district and Jim Ward, Democratic member of the Kansas House of Representatives, representing the 88th district. Hutch made personal invitations to VPCSC meeting.
  • Continuum of Care (CoC) meeting at United Way. Hutch gave short briefing on Vet-To-Vet Support Command and VPCSC, how they are intertwined to serve veterans, including those who are homeless.
  • Engage ICT gathering at the Lux with topic being “Transportation.” One of our Vet-To-Vet Support Command members attended this event with us. Hutch connected with Annette Graham from Aging Services, inviting her to VPCSC meeting to which she will attend.

7-13-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • Worked on VPCSC website making PC corrections to fall in line with VA guidelines.
  • Progress made on VPCSC meeting plans.
  • Followed up with resources for a veteran in need, referring him to Salvation Army SSVF and the Work Force Center.

7-14-16 Patty & Hutch:

  • Wesley Medical Center – Met with Social Worker Rachel Rucker and Robin Hall, Administrative Assistant to Director Joyce Eby, giving them a personal invitation to the VPCSC meeting on July 22. Hutch explained that the VPCSC can connect Wesley MC to many service providers in community as well as involvement in the Community Crisis Center (CCC), Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and Suicide Prevention Coalition for examples. Rachel Rucker will be attending the VPCSC meeting. Robin will speak to Director Joyce Eby about Hutch & Patty making a presentation about VPCSC & Vet-To-Vet Support Command to support veterans in their care and beyond discharge for those interested.
  • Veterans Awareness Expo event planning meeting with Steve Gonzales – Network with 30 organizations who support our veterans along with 2 WWII guest speakers.

7-15-16 Delivered VPCSC meeting flyer to Sedgwick County Health Department.

Promotion of VPCSC meeting in the community.

7-18-16

Hutch: Government Affairs Committee meeting – interviews with local candidates Dave Dennis, Karl Peterjohn and Michael O’Donnell.

Hutch & Patty:

  • Visited VFW Post # Haysville, Commander Vance Hill, re: VPCSC and upcoming meeting. They will post information on their Facebook page.
  • Visited VFW Post # Derby – delivered invitation to VPCSC meeting.

7-19-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • United Methodist Open Door (UMOD) – Outreach to homeless veterans.
  • Worked with marketing volunteer from Atlanta on revised VPCSC organizational chart.
  • Catholic Charities – hand delivered invitation and gave brief overview of VPCSC invitation to Ken, SSVF.
  • Spoke to Sara Mabe, presenter for VPCSC meeting.
  • Contacted Barbara Hardyway, Homeless Outreach Coordinator, Regional VA office at Robert J. Dole MC.
  • Met with Mario Gioco, Kansas House Representative, 94th District and hand delivered invitation to VPCSC meeting.
  • WSU – Met with Brien Bolin, Director Social Work Department, WSU – hand delivered invitation to VPCSC meeting and presentation by Dr. Bermes and Sara Mabe.
  • Went by Papa John’s Pizza to personally invite Akash to attend VPCSC meeting.
  • WIBA representative called Patty regarding attending monthly women’s luncheon and mixer.
  • Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA) mixer at Thunderbird Firearms.
  • Project Independence – Lead “Friends Through Recovery” group.

7-20-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • My Wichita VA Community meeting at Atwater Center – met with subcommittees.
  • Met with Chaplain Larry T. Brooks, inviting him to say the prayer at VPCSC meeting, which he gladly accepted.
  • Went to Susanne Welshan’s office at City Hall and hand delivered invitation to VPCSC meeting.
  • Hand delivered invitation to VPCSC meeting to Chief of Police Ramsey’s office.
  • Met with and hand delivered invitation to VPCSC meeting to Captain Rusty Leeds, Wichita Police Department.
  • Spoke to Steve Gonzales, re: Veteran Awareness EXPO on August 13 at the Mid-America All-Indian Center.
  • Visited Congressman Mike Pompeo’s office and hand delivered invitation to VPCSC meeting.
  • Spoke to Sara Mabe, re: VPCSC meeting / presentation.
  • Received update from Veteran in Need, scheduled meeting with him.
  • Patty submitted media releases for VPCSC meeting to: KWCH, KSN, KAKE, FOX and the Wichita Eagle.

7-21 16 Patty:

  • Contacted Holly at Wichita Community Foundation.
  • Working with Adrian Palmer at U.S. Logo on quotes for Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc. promotional items.
  • Delivered VPCSC meeting flyer to Sedgwick County Health Department.
  • Communication with Chris West, Via Christi Behavioral Health and Veteran Navigator, re: VPCSC meeting.
  • Created “Certificates of Appreciation” for Papa John’s Pizza and Walmart as supporters of VPCSC and Vet-To-Vet Support Command.
  • Patty & Hutch – Went by First UMC – worked on audio/visual set up for VPCSC meeting. Thank you Adam from First UMC for your help!

7-22-16 OUTSTANDING VPCSC meeting with Ms. Sara Mabe, BSW, Macro Social Worker, Community Advocate Northern Virginia and Michael Bermes, PhD., MSW, LSCW, ICADC – Senior Advisor for Community Health Integration and Special Assistant to the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. at the Pentagon, Washington D.C.

Their presentation was “Building Real Capacity and Quality: Developing an Integrated Community Health Coalition.” There were 67 attendees, including veterans, government officials, Regional VA office representatives, candidates running for local elected offices, Executive Directors, leaders and representatives of health care and veteran service organizations, Vet-to-Vet Support Command members, President of the Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA) and business leaders from the community.

7-23-16 (Sat.) Hutch & Patty presented a CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION to Akash at Papa John’s Pizza Store #1897 located at 220 W. Douglas for supporting our VPCSC meetings and the Vet-To-Vet Support Command program.

7-25-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • Debriefing for TAP class members at McConnell AFB Family Readiness Center. Visited with Dong Kim about VPCSC meeting.
  • Site visit we coordinated to Passageways, transitional living for homeless veterans, taking Barbara Hardyway, Homeless Services Coordinator at Regional VA office; Angee Sisco, Director of Homeless Services at UMOD; and Fred Erwin, Social Worker from UMOD. We met with CEO Jennifer and CFO Sean and also met three veteran residents.
  • Visited Vet-To-Vet Support Command member.
  • Met with Fiona and Douglas, nurses from Progressive Home Health & Hospice, visited about Vet-To-Vet Support Command and the need for visitors for their veteran patients. Also about VPCSC community resources.

7-26-16 Patty – United Methodist Open Door (UMOD) – Outreach and thank you to Angee Sisco and Fred Erwin for their site visit to Passageways yesterday.

Ordered Vet-To-Vet Support Command tablecloth from U.S. Logo for delivery prior to Veteran Awareness EXPO on August 13 at Mid-America All-Indian Center.

Hutch – Meeting with Sharon at Robert J. Dole VAMC.

Hutch & Patty – Project Independent Annual Board Meeting & BBQ dinner: (Hutch is a Board Member, Patty is a member at large in attendence).

Prep for meeting with Holly at Wichita Community Foundation on 7-27-16.

7-27-16 Patty & Hutch: Wichita Community Foundation meeting – (will need to re-schedule).

Wichita Vet Center – dropped off Veteran Awareness EXPO fliers and encouraged staff to let veterans know about this event.

Distributed Veteran Awareness EXPO fliers in the community.

7-28-16 WIBA’s donation presentation to Cowley County Community College.

Patty received call from Shukura from Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) regarding needing help recruiting veterans into their program.

7-29-16 Hutch – Government Affairs meeting at WIBA.

7-31-16 Patty – Met with Carol, a member of “Survivors of Military Retirees” from McConnell AFB about Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc. and VPCSC. They hold monthly meetings and she said they would be interested in having us as guest speakers.

Patty met with Patty, social worker from Medicalodge of Wichita about Vet-To-Vet Support Command and providing visits / programming for their veteran residents.

August, 2016:

8-1-16 Patty & Hutch: Worked on EXPO promotion; Hutch went out to the VA; Vet-To-Vet Support Command programming

Presented VPCSC Affiliation Certificate to ladies of the Wichita Prairie Pilot Club as they celebrated one of their members’ 44th anniversary with the Club.

8-2-16 Patty:

  • UMOD – Outreach to homeless veterans.
  • Conference call for Kansas MyVA Community subcommittee for community resources.
  • Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA) Ladies’ Leadership Alliance Luncheon at the Boathouse: Guest speaker Kim Parker, Chief Deputy District Attorney
  • Project Independence: “Friends Through Recovery” group.

8-3-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • Conference call with Chris West, Service Line Coordinator and Veteran Navigator, Via Christi Behavioral Health
  • Contact with Wesley Medical Center Social Worker.
  • Volunteer Managers’ meeting at United Way.
  • Patty: Contact with Rebecca Fields and Hilari Delarosa on My Kansas VA Community regarding local resources for veterans.

8-4-16 Patty & Hutch:

  • New (female) volunteer orientation for Vet-To-Vet Support Command.
  • Site visit cancelled to take Brad Webster to tour and meet with Passageways CEO to discuss Veterans Upward Bound and Vet-To-Vet Support Command working together to provide additional support and services to their resident veterans. (Passageways will reschedule.)
  • Met with Brad Webster, Veterans Upward Bound regarding veteran recruitment for their services.
  • New volunteer orientation for Vet-To-Vet Support Command.
  • Follow ups & feedback with Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc. Lead Mentors and Veteran Members.
  • Veteran Awareness EXPO event distribution of promotional materials.

8-5-16 Patty:

  • Meeting with Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc. Veteran Member (need to reschedule).
  • Worked with family of Vet-To-Vet Support Command Veteran Member and Lead Mentor, supporting them through a difficult time.
  • Veteran Awareness EXPO event distribution of promotional materials.
  • Submitted 15 grant proposals to Walmart Foundation Community Grant Program for Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc.

8-8-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • Met with Phil Richardson, Major Gifts Development Manager and Ellie Keppy, Multimedia Sales Specialist from KPTS regarding addressing veterans’ needs, highlighting veteran service providers’ needs to help veterans and KPTS’ “Veterans Coming Home Stories of Service” Veteran’s Day Banquet in November.
  • Contacted Sedgwick County Manager Mike Scholes’ office regarding being a keynote speaker on November 11 – pending meeting to introduce him to Phil Richardson, Major Gifts Development Manager and Ellie Keppy, Multimedia Sales Specialist from KPTS Channel 8.
  • Met with Linda Hoppes, donations coordinator at Walmart on N. Rock Rd., who is now our most recent corporate sponsor.
  • Visited Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc. member in the VA hospital, spoke to her family and Vet-To-Vet Support Command friend. Her family is so thankful for the support and friendship she has received since joining Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc. program.
  • Contacted Dr. Michael Bermes and requested power point to forward to Coalition members from “Community Health Integration” presentation.
  • Promotion of the Veteran Awareness EXPO; spoke to Steve Gonzales, VP Marketing & Community Relations at Alpha 1 Drop Zone, the HOST of the EXPO.

8-9-16 United Methodist Open Door (UMOD) – Outreach.

Hutch & Patty:

  • Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA) luncheon…took Steve Gonzales, VP Marketing and Community Relations at Alpha 1 Drop Zone as our guest.
  • EXPO planning meeting at Alpha 1 Drop Zone.
  • VPCSC planning committee meeting with Steve Gonzales, Alpha 1 Drop Zone; Jamie and Tristan Wohlgemuth from Cloud 9 Therapeutic Equine; Brad Webster from Veterans Upward Bound (VUB).
  • Project Independence – “Friends Through Recovery” group leaders.

8-10-16 Patty – Meeting with veteran and his father for veteran’s birthday lunch. Father offered connections with UMB Bank representative in Wichita who is onpart of their local Veteran Resource Group. We will be meeting with him in the near future.

Contacted:

  • Vet-To-Vet Support Command (V2VSC) referral provider at the Robert J. Dole VAMC regarding a V2VSC member.
  • Via Christi (VC) communications department, Terry Rombeck, at Chris West’s request, regarding helping them find a veteran who has received VC services through the Veteran’s Choice Program.
  • Communication with Chris West, regarding letters of support for Vet-To-Vet Support Command and Cloud 9.
  • Call with V2VSC member.
  • Delivered EXPO flier to Q 92.3 radio station.

8-11-16 Patty:

  • Fielded calls from 2 Veterans in need, both very unique circumstances – referred them to resources, one of which was a lawyer for legal advice; will follow up.
  • Contacted Via Christi (VC), new Veteran Navigator, Jody Gragg.
  • Contacted: New Vet-To-Vet Support Command member, new volunteer and 9 current members about the Veterans Awareness EXPO on Saturday.
  • Visited 3 Walmart locations/managers with program materials and information about Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc. Community Grant proposals that have been submitted to the Walmart Foundation.
  • Cloud 9 – Patty and Jamie worked at Cloud 9 on business plans and funding opportunities.

8-12-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • Visited 1 Sam’s & 2 Walmart locations/managers with program materials and information about Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc. Community Grant proposals that have been submitted to the Walmart Foundation.
  • Fielded call from veteran referred to us through the United Way 211 help line, listened and gave him solid referral information to help him establish credit; Hutch offered to meet with him and assist him in submitting a disability claim with a VSO at the VA as this veteran has military-related disabilities yet is receiving no compensation to date.

8-13-16 Veteran Awareness EXPO at the Mid-America All-Indian Center! 30 Veteran service providers, 2 WWII combat pilot guest speakers, lunch provided for vendors by Papa John’s Pizza…Hosted by Alpha 1 Drop Zone with co-coordinators Hutch from VPCSC and Patty with V2VSC. OUTSTANDING EVENT!

8-15-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • Debriefing at TAPS class at Family Readiness Center at McConnell AFB to military personnel transitioning out of the service.
  • Contacted Gil Trout, Chairman and CEO of UMB Kansas & Oklahoma branches to schedule a meeting per Mike Rosales, UMB in K.C. who we recently met with and recommended Mr. Trout as a local resource. Gil sits on UMB Veteran Resource Team.
  • Scheduled meeting with Patti Winkelbauer, Social Services Director at Medicalodges regarding engaging their veteran residents in V2VSC activities at their site.
  • Met with Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc. funder.

8-16-16 Patty:

  • Spoke to Maria Loving, Via Christi Communications Department and connected her to one of our Vet-To-Vet Support Command (V2VSC) members to schedule an interview and possibly a video of his military story and experiences with the “Veterans Choice Program.”
  • Scheduled Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc. Advisory Board meeting for Thursday, Sept. 8 at Alpha 1 Drop Zone. Contacted Board Members and Steve Gonzales who arranged for meeting space.
  • Spoke to Matt Kiddo with Wichita Team RWB regarding one of our new V2VSC members who recently signed up for Team RWB & is interested in having an Eagle Buddy.
  • Spoke to Becky Richardson, Secretary of MyVA Kansas Community Board.
  • Contacted several V2VSC members for updates and provide support.
  • Went to U.S. Logo with V2VSC tablecloth.
  • Delivered V2VSC packet with funding proposal to Sam’s Club.
  • Contacted Gil Trout, UMB Chairman & CEO of Kansas and Oklahoma markets.
  • Contacted Jody Gragg, Via Christi Medical Center…he is replacing Chris Wests’ role as their new Veteran Navigator.
  • Contacted Carol Hirsh, Wichita Prairie Pilot Club, regarding volunteers for VPCSC meeting on August 26th…they will provide desserts and 2 volunteers to help set up and serve.

Follow up with new Lead Mentors and V2VSC Members.

Strategic planning.

Hutch & Patty – “Friends Through Recovery” self-help group at Project Independence.

8-17-16 Hutch & Patty:

MyVA Kansas Community Meeting at Atwater Neighborhood Center; Hutch is Parliamentarian on the MyVA Kansas Community Committee.

EXPO Debriefing and planning committee meeting with Steve Gonzales at Alpha 1 Drop Zone.

8-18-16 Patty & Hutch:

  • Scheduled meeting with Rick Durham, Deputy Chief Finanancial Officer, Sedgwick County for his Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc. volunteer orientation. He is also a member of the McConnell Retirees group and wants us to make a presentation at one of their upcoming meetings.
  • Meeting with Sedgwick County Manager, Mike Scholes and KPTS’ Phil Richardson, Major Gifts Development Manager and Ellie Keppy, Multimedia Sales Specialist regarding Mike being a keynote speaker at KPTS’ “Veterans Coming Home” Annual Banquet on Veteran’s Day to which he glady accepted. Mike and Phil will also co-host a live show on KPTS Channel 8 on August 30th to promote the event and “Veterans Coming Home” initiative.
  • Spoke to Vet-To-Vet Support Command members with updates.
  • Visited Kansas Workforce Center Veteran Specialists and Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc. Lead Mentors regarding upcoming Advisory Board Meeting.
  • Presented framed “Certificate of Appreciation” to Letty, Manager of Walmart Store # 1221 for their continued support of Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc. and the Veteran Providers’ Coalition of Sedgwick County.

8-19-16 Patty met with Sherrill Laird, Residential Manager at IFM regarding starting a Veteran’s Outreach group there. An initial “Coffee with Veterans” gathering will be hosted by Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc. in September.

Visited V2VSC Member at VA Hospital Hospice Unit.

Calls:

  • Passageways on behalf of Veterans Upward Bound.
  • Veterans Upward Bound
  • Phil Richardson, Major Gifts Development Manager, KPTS invited him to join forces on our Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc. Advisory Board, which he gladly accepted.
  • Vet-To-Vet Support Command (V2VSC) Members
  • V2VSC Treasurer
  • Steve Gonzales at Alpha 1 Drop Zone

8-20-16 (Sat.) Patty & Hutch met with new V2VSC Lead Mentor at Panera for volunteer orientation.

8-22-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • Meeting with Gil Trout, Chairman & CEO of UMB Kansas & Oklahoma Markets regarding partnering with UMB.
  • Prep for VPCSC meeting on 8-26-16 with KPTS as presenters.
  • Patty & Jamie from Cloud 9 attended “Home Front Initiative” Mind-Body Skills Group orientation led by Dan Lord, Director of Wichita in Mind, Rick Rangel (Army Veteran and WSU student), and John Henshall, (Air Force Veteran and counselor at the Wichita Vet Center.)

8-23-16 Patty & Hutch:

Site visit to Medicalodges and meeting with Patti Winkelbauer, Social Services Director and Jackie Klepper, Activities Director regarding engaging their veteran residents in V2VSC activities at their site. Our first Veteran Outreach activity / visits with be in September.

Follow ups on upcoming VPCSC meeting on 8-26-16.

Fielded calls from veterans in the community seeking services.

Hutch – Project Independence – “Friends Through Recovery” – led group.

8-24-16 Patty:

  • Meeting with Rick Durham, Deputy Chief Finanacial Officer, Sedgwick County – Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc. Lead Mentor program orientation and application.
  • Calls to members of V2VSC.
  • Ordered donated pizzas from Papa John’s Pizza for Friday’s VPCSC meeting.

Hutch & Patty:

Took Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc. Lead Mentor (member of V2VSC Auxillary) to visit her veteran friend at the Robert J. Dole VAMC Hospice Unit.

Conference call with Sedgwick County Black Republican Council (SCBRC) – Hutch is Parliamentarian and Patty is Secretary. Notable items: Freedom Shoot in Topeka on Sept. 17th & Annual Banquet on December 10th in Wichita at the Marriott.

8-25-16 Patty & Hutch:

  • Initial meeting with new Vet-To-Vet Support Command (V2VSC) Member at Meads Corner.
  • Meeting with Betsy McCosh, Spinal Cord Social Worker and referral provider at the Robert J. Dole VAMC.
  • Attended Open House at Project Independence – Hutch is on their Board of Directors.

8-26-16 VETERAN PROVIDERS’ COALITION OF SEDGWICK COUNTY MEETING at First United Methodist Church. There were 45 leaders and veterans in attendance. Ellie Keppy from KPTS Channel 8 made a wonderful presentation on “Veterans Coming Home” and how KPTS wants to partner with all of our Coalition members to increase awareness and help connect veterans to services in our community. They are hosting a SPECIAL EVENT on Veteran’s Day, Friday, November 11 with keynote speaker Mike Scholes, County Manager.

Prior to the meeting Hutch presented Kansas Honor Flight members their “Certificate of Affiliation” with the Veteran Providers’ Coalition of Sedgwick County.

Networking and debriefing following the meeting.

8-27-16 (Sat.) Patty:

  • Updated VPCSC calendar and activities page; follow up on VPCSC emails / contacts.
  • Spoke with Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc. Lead Mentor for support.
  • Worked on V2VSC initiatives, proposals and upcoming Board meeting tasks.

8-29-16 Patty: Contacted Jody Gragg, Sr. Director of Outreach Services, Via Christi Health – scheduled meeting.

Thank you letters to funders and supporters.

Prep for V2VSC Advisory Board Meeting.

8-30-16 Patty & Hutch:

  • Meeting with Kate (from Australia), one of our former practicum students from Friends University as she is in town for a short visit!
  • Received funding through the Walmart Foundation for Community Grants from 3 local Walmarts for Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc.
  • United Methodist Open Door – Outreach.
  • Contacted V2VSC funder to schedule a meeting.
  • Meeting with Jody Gragg, Sr. Director of Outreach Services, Via Christi Health, regarding VPCSC and being a member of the VPCSC Planning Committee; update on MyVA Kansas Community Board and Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc.
  • Patty: Viewed & supported KPTS’ “Veterans’ Coming Home” Telethon Live show with guest speaker Mike Scholes, County Manager
  • Hutch: Project Independence – “Friends Through Recovery” 1/2 hour group and Board Meeting for Executive Officers’ elections. Hutch is a member of their Board of Directors.

8-31-16

Meeting with Jeremy Barker, Propietor of Two Brothers Culinary Caterers.

Veterans Awareness EXPO 2017 planning committee meeting at All-American Indian Center with Steve Gonzales from Alpha 1 Drop Zone and April at the Center.

Working with VPCSC Member Vici Myers, Business Relations Manager at Pyxis, Inc. who offered to research ways they may be able to assist VPCSC organizations with affordable printing for brochures, fliers, etc.

05-01-16 to 06-30-16

May, 2016:

5-2-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • Debriefing at the TAPS (Transitioning Airmen Preparedness) program at McConnell AFB, informing transitioning airmen about community service providers, the VPCSC, Veterans Behavioral Health Advocacy Council and Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc.
  • Picked up donation to Vet-To-Vet Support Command from Walmart in Derby.

5-3-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • UMOD – Patty met with Angee Sisco, Connie Jarvais (VA), Matt (student intern), Fred (Case Manager) and Aaron Lovelady (Salvation Army SSVF) regarding veteran services, outreach and support we offer as partners with MOU’s at UMOD and briefed Hutch.
  • UMOD – Outreach and support to homeless veterans. Patty, Hutch & Aaron (SSVF) hosted Vet-To-Vet Support Command Outreach Group during lunch in the Family Room. These groups will meet each Tuesday at 11:30.
  • VPCSC Planning Committee Meeting at Alpha 1 Drop Zone – notes will be posted on VPCSC website.
  • Project Independence – “Friends Through Recovery” Group…Cloud 9 also attended and brought ice cream treats & spoke briefly about re-scheduling their Open House (TBD) and planning a special event just for PI members.

5-4-16 Patty, Hutch & Steve Gonzales met at the Mid America All Indian Center with April, their Executive Director to see their venue and hold a planning meeting for our Expo in August.

5-5-16 Steve Gonzales, Hutch & Patty had a meeting with James Gibson and Brad Gifford at the Wichita Vet Center about the Vet Center being involved in Alpha 1 Drop Zone’s upcoming PTSD Awareness Day Event on June 25 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Hutch & Patty worked at the Wichita Vet Center, received a call from a lady in KC area who owns a family farm and is exploring the possibility of offering their on-site apartment to a veteran who in turn would help with farm chores.

5-6-16 Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) is hosting their participants’ appreciation event at Cloud 9 Therapeutic Equine.

Hutch & Patty: Wichita Vet Center – Outreach.

5-9-16 Hutch – Crisis Intervention Team Committee

5-13-16 Hutch – Wichita Vet Center – Outreach and support.

5-16-16 Patty:

  • Debriefing at the TAPS (Transitioning Airmen Preparedness) program at McConnell AFB, informing transitioning airmen about community service providers, Veteran Providers’ Coalition of Sedgwick County Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc.

5-17-16 Patty: United Methodist Open Door (UMOD) – Outreach to homeless veterans. Patty & Aaron Lovelady (Salvation Army SSVF) visited with 2 veterans. Vet-To-Vet Support Command is hosting small group gathering for veterans at UMOD each Tuesday to eat their lunch together and socialize with Hutch and Aaron as veteran mentors.

Project Independence – “Friends Through Recovery” group.

5-18-16 Patty: Vet-To-Vet Support Command volunteer orientation.

Attended “My Wichita VA Community” Board meeting at Atwater Neighborhood Center. Attendees included Robert J. Dole VAMC Facility Director Francisco Vazquez, VA Regional Office Director Karen Townsend, Christopher West – Service Line Administrator of Via Christi Behavioral Health and Veteran Navigator, John Buckley – Military and Veteran representative for Koch Industries, and many other board members.

5-21-16 Patty: Volunteered / worked all day at Armed Forces Day event at Alpha 1 Drop Zone, helping photographer with free “Pictures with a Veteran.” Visited with many veterans and veteran providers. Promoted VPCSC and Vet-To-Vet Support Command.

5-23-16 Patty: Progress on Vet-To-Vet Support Command initiatives. Worked on funding proposals.

5-24-16 Patty: UMOD – Outreach to homeless veterans. Met with Connie from the VA. Patty & Aaron offered veterans an opportunity to eat lunch together in the Family Room.

Met with Jamie from Cloud 9 Therapeutic Equine, re: VPCSC meeting prep, Cloud 9’s upcoming Veterans’ Appreciation Event on June 18 and Vet-To-Vet Support Command.

Project Independence – “Friends Through Recovery” group.

5-25-16 Patty: WIBA’s “Face to Face with the City Annual Forum Luncheon at the Wichita Boathouse with the Mayor Jeff Longwell, Vice Mayor Lavonta Williams, and City Council Members: Jeff Blubaugh, James Clendenin (sat with James), Brian Fry, Pete Meitzner, & Janet Miller. Patty gave Mayor Longwell an update on the VPCSC and Vet-To-Vet Support Program and networked with WIBA members. Patty approached and visited with Lavonta Williams about the possibility of working with the City of Wichita and HUD property managers to provide Veteran Outreach groups, an idea that Ms. Williams supports.

Prep for VPCSC meeting on Friday, May 27.

Delivered donation request to Sam’s Club while there ordering VPCSC Memorial Day cake.

Spoke to Donna Chandler of Shalom Homes with an update on a veteran Patty referred to the Wichita Vet Center and support for his caregiver.

Met with Jamie and Aubrey Wohlgemuth about Cloud 9’s upcoming Veteran Appreciation event on June 18. Jamie will get promotional information to Patty to post and distribute when it is available.

5-26-16 Patty: Fielded and sent correspondence about our VPCSC meeting.

Spoke to a homeless veteran who is hoping to get into an apartment soon; he plans on attending VPCSC meeting.

Received call from veteran who has season tickets to the Wichita Music Theater and is donating tickets for two shows this summer for Vet-To-Vet Support Command participants. He will be at our VPCSC meeting.

Provided support to veteran who has recently finished her Master’s program at WSU and is seeking employment.

5-27-16 Patty & Hutch:

VPCSC meeting: Guest speakers – Ray Avila, WWII X-POW, Battle of the Bulge, Omaha Beach and Dr. Lewis Smith, WWII, B-17 Combat Pilot. Thank you Steve Gonzales, Vice President of Marketing – Alpha 1 Drop Zone, for coordinating our guest speakers to Honor Our Fallen Heroes as we head into Memorial Day weekend.

Vet-To-Vet Support Command meeting with new volunteers.

5-30-16 Memorial Day – Patty decorated family graves of veterans in KC.

5-31-16 Patty assisted disabled Veteran in need (VIN-1) navigate his medical specialists’ appointments & provided transportation.

June, 2016:

6-1-16 Patty spent time with VIN-1 while in hospital, assisting with communicating with health care team.

Patty received a call from Letty, Walmart Store Manager on W. Kellogg, with the great news that they are donating another gift card to help support June’s VPCSC meeting and Outreach activities in Vet-To-Vet Support Command.

6-2-16 Patty spent time with VIN-1 while in hospital & provided transportation home.

6-3-16 Patty conducted Vet-To-Vet Support Command and VPCSC business. She spoke to several veterans and left messages for others who are either in or interested in being in the program. Patty contacted James Gibson, Team Leader of the Wichita Vet Center, to ask him to be a guest speaker at our next VPCSC meeting on Friday, June 24 (left James a message).

Patty picked up donation from Walmart on W. Kellogg, had a picture taken with Letty, their store manager and posted a Thank You on Vet-To-Vet Support Command Facebook page.

6-6-16 Hutch & Patty – worked on Vet-To-Vet Support Command and funding proposals. Patty asked James Gibson at the Vet Center if he or another representative would be able to be a guest speaker at our next VPCSC meeting.

6-7-16 UMOD – Outreach to homeless veterans & “Vet-To-Vet Support Command Lunch with Veterans” in Family Room along with Aaron Lovelady, SSVF, Salvation Army.

Patty received referral call from Timmy at Vet Center from Kandi Gray, loan officer for veterans and military families at Equity Bank. Patty briefed Kandi on VPCSC activities & upcoming events.

Vet-To-Vet Support Command meeting.

Riverfest – Outreach to Veterans who visit Wichita Vet Center mobile unit.

Project Independence – “Friends Through Recovery” group, led by Hutch.

Patty – Military Night at Riverfest after PI.

6-8-16 Riverfest – Outreach to Veterans who visit Wichita Vet Center mobile unit.

6-9-16 Hutch & Patty: VPCSC Planning meeting at Alpha 1 Drop Zone (A1DZ).

Veterans’ Expo Event Planning meeting at A1DZ. Event being coordinated by Steve Gonzales, VP Marketing A1DZ.

Riverfest – Outreach to Veterans who visit Wichita Vet Center mobile unit.

6-10-16 Riverfest – Outreach to Veterans who visit Wichita Vet Center mobile unit.

6-13-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • TAPS Debriefing at McConnell AFB Family Readiness Center for airmen transitioning out of the military.
  • Wichita VA Regional Office conducts Faith Based & Community Organization Collaboration Event at Robert J. Dole VAMC Auditorium.

6-14-16 UMOD – Outreach to homeless veterans & “Vet-To-Vet Support Command Lunch with Veterans” in Family Room along with Aaron Lovelady, SSVF, Salvation Army.

Continuum of Care (CoC) meeting at United Way.

Recovery Conference – Park City.

Project Independence – “Friends Through Recovery” group, led by Hutch.

6-15-16 Recovery Conference – Park City.

6-17-16 Hutch – Wichita Vet Center, Outreach.

6-18-16 (Sat.) Cloud 9 Therapeutic Equine’s Open House and 2nd Annual Veterans’ Appreciation Event!

6-20-16 Prepared for upcoming Vet-To-Vet Support Command friendship match.

Clearances on new Vet-To-Vet Support Command volunteer.

Touched base with Wichita Vet Center to confirm who their guest speaker would be for VPCSC meeting on 6-24-16.

Prepared and submitted funding proposal for Vet-To-Vet Support Command following request from potential funder.

6-21-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • UMOD – Outreach to homeless veterans & “Vet-To-Vet Support Command Lunch with Veterans” in Family Room along with Aaron Lovelady, SSVF, Salvation Army.
  • New Vet-To-Vet Support Command friendship match.
  • Meeting with Chris West, Service Line Administrator, Via Christi Behavioral Health.
  • Prepared funding proposal package.
  • Went to U.S. Logo & ordered Vet-To-Vet Support Command T-Shirts.
  • Project Independence – “Friends Through Recovery” group, led by Hutch.

6-22-16 Patty & Hutch: Prep for VPCSC meeting on Friday, 6-24-16.

Facilitated two new Vet-To-Vet Support Command friendship matches.

6-23-16 Patty:

  • Recruited veteran volunteer for VPCSC meeting; sent meeting reminder to over 160 members; updated planning committee; continued preparing for tomorrow’s meeting.
  • Prepared for new Vet-To-Vet Support Command friendship meeting.
  • Spoke to female veteran who is interested in becoming a Vet-To-Vet Support Command volunteer.
  • Assembled Vet-To-Vet Support Command information packets for veteran residents at Passageways, a transitional living home for homeless veterans. Visited with 8 Passageways residents.

6-24-16 Hutch & Patty:

VPCSC meeting at First UMC – Program speakers: Jim Wishart, ESGR Representative and Gene McCreight, AMVETS showed a film trailer about combat zones.

6-25-16 (Sat.) Patty & Hutch: PTSD Awareness Event at A1DZ – organized by Steve Gonzales, VP Marketing A1DZ. Host information booth(s) for VPCSC & Vet-To-Vet Support Command for Outreach to Veterans. Networked with many veteran service providers, including:

  • James Denison, POW/MIA Chair, Dept. of KS VFW, VVA Chapter 809 & Service Officer 5th District, Home Post 3115
  • Jennifer Yount, Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) Support Coordinator – US Army Reserve Command
  • Matt Kiddo, Brandi Wright & Melinda from Team RWB Wichita
  • Jason & Jamie Wohlgemuth family members from Cloud 9 Therapeutic Equine Foundation
  • Wichita Vet Center
  • Midwest Battle Buddies
  • Veterans 4 Veterans Outdoor Adventures

6-27-16 Assisted veteran in need with a personal visit to Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) with Dianna Stever, Accredited Administrator.

Fielded calls from three veterans in need, one of whom is transitioning from homelessness.

Briefly visited with Dean Rhein, Privacy Information Officer – Robert J. Dole VAMC regarding 2 homeless veterans needing additional community services.

Called and scheduled meeting with Retired Colonel John Buckley, Military Relations Officer, Koch Industries regarding a funding proposal for Vet-To-Vet Support Command, Inc.

6-28-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • UMOD – Outreach to homeless veterans & “Vet-To-Vet Support Command Lunch with Veterans” in Family Room along with Aaron Lovelady, SSVF, Salvation Army.
    • Met with Angee Sisco, Director of Homeless Services
    • Visited with Barbara Hardyway, Homeless Outreach Coordinator, Robert J. Dole VAMC – VA Regional Office regarding Hutch and Patty taking her for an on-site visit to Passageways, along with Aaron Lovelady from Salvation Army SSVF.
  • Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA) Luncheon: “Face-2-Face with the County” at the Wichita Boathouse, networked with members & visitors:
    • Mike Scholes, County Manager, Sedgwick County Manager’s Office
    • Karl Peterjohn, County Commissioner, 3rd District
    • Jim Howell, County Commissioner, 5th District
    • Richard Ranzau, Chair Pro Tem, County Commissioner, 4th District
    • Richard Durham, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Sedgwick County Division of Finance
    • Kate Flavin, Interim Public Information Officer, Sedgwick County – County Manager’s Office
    • Jack Pulley, Fleet Sales Manager – Davis Moore Automotive
    • Toni Porter, Project Manager, Government Relations – Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce
  • Continuum of Care (CoC) Planning Committee Meeting at United Way
    • Met with Kathleen Webb, Development Director at Inter-Faith Ministries regarding starting a Vet-To-Vet Support Command Outreach group for their veteran residents
  • Project Independence – “Friends Through Recovery” Group, led by Hutch & Patty

6-29-16 Patty & Hutch:

  • United Way GIV Warehouse – With our non-profit status, we “shopped” & delivered personal care and household items to a veteran in Vet-To-Vet Support Command who is transitioning from homelessness.
  • Sedgwick County Black Republican Council (SCBRC) dinner meeting at Chairman Joseph Elmore’s home, along with Eric Williams who is running unopposed for Sedgwick County District Court Judge, Division 6.
    • Howard has served on the SCBRC as Parliamentarian for 7 years
    • Patty has served as the Secretary for SCBRC for 2 years

6-30-16 Hutch:

  • Government Affairs Committee Meeting at Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA)
  • Town Hall at Robert J. Dole VAMC

03-01-16 to 04-30-16

March, 2016:

3-1-16 HH & PG:

  • UMOD Outreach to homeless veterans
    • Met with Andy Mills, Homeless Services Director – his last day, and Angee, the new Homeless Services Director
  • Met with Lon Smith, M.A., M.P.A., President of Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA). Lon offered valuable advice for a non-profit veteran provider seeking guidance on several key issues and was very supportive of the VPCSC and our providers.
  • Met with Jamie Wohlgemuth from Cloud 9 regarding further partnership between Cloud 9 and Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc.
  • Round Table employment meeting at the VA, led by Robin Madson, with employers and providers.
  • Advocates to End Chronic Homelessness (AECH) meeting at Inter-Faith Ministries (IFM).
  • HH – Project Independence self-help group leader.

3-3-16 PG met with Donna Chandler, President of Shalom Homes, Inc. and visited storage units they have with donated building materials.

PG & Donna Chandler gathered and delivered needed items to a veteran transitioning from homelessness.

3-4-16 HH & PG: Attended Community Crisis Center (CCC) Committee planning retreat at Kansas Leadership Center (KLC), networking with members…

HH MOU @ – Wichita Vet Center

3-5-16 PG and veteran spent the day at Cloud 9, grooming and riding horses with Jamie Wohlgemuth, President of Cloud 9. Jamie showed us what they are planning with their trails, arenas and property to enhance participants’ experiences. Also discussed United Way Youth Days of Caring events at Cloud 9 the week of March 14.

3-7-16 As leaders of Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc., PG & HH joined and accepted their terms, and paid annual dues of the Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA) on the recommendation of Lon Smith, M.A., M.P.A., President of Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA).

3-8-16 HH & PG:

  • Attended Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA) Luncheon and excellent presentation at the Boathouse with well in excess of 80 members and guests in attendance.
  • Continuum of Care (COC) meeting at United Way with 33 community stake-holders in attendance.
  • Met with Jamie from Cloud 9 and worked on funding proposals.
  • HH – Project Independence self help group leader. PI Members named their group, “Friends Through Recovery.”

3-9-16 HH & PG: Met with US Logo design artists for Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc.

Met with Jason Wohlgemuth from Cloud 9 & Donna Chandler from Shalom Homes, Inc. and we are working with both on an initiative to help veterans.

3-10-16 HH & PG:

  • Spoke to potential funder.
  • VPCSC planning committee meeting at Alpha 1 Drop Zone. Members: Howard C. Hutchison, Patty Gnefkow, Steve Gonzales, Brad Webster, Jamie/Aubrey/Tristan Wohlgemuth.
  • Meeting at Alpha 1 Drop Zone for Veteran Awareness Expo.

3-11-16 HH MOU @- Wichita Vet Center

* Week of HEROES at the Mid-America Indian Center, recognizing local heroes, including veterans each day.

3-14-16 HH & PG:

Hutch posted Women Veterans’ Meet and Greet event at Alpha 1 Drop Zone on Saturday, March 19 on Facebook and sent flyer out to all VPCSC members.

Debriefing at the TAPS (Transitioning Airmen Preparedness) program at McConnell AFB, informing transitioning airmen about community service providers, the VPCSC, Veterans Behavioral Health Advocacy Council and Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc.

Spoke to Steve Gonzalez, Vice President of Marketing, Alpha 1 Drop Zone regarding Women Veterans’ Meet and Greet event.

Met with Wink Hartman’s staff.

Spoke to veteran needing tax service advice and assistance with checking on the filing of a medical claim; HH will meet with him on Friday at the Wichita Vet Center.

Visited disabled veteran who is recovering from surgery and heading to rehabilitation.

Met with Melissa Gomez, SSVF Case Manager, Catholic Charities and scheduled her and Ken to make a program presentation at the April 23rd VPCSC meeting.

Met with Brandy Niblett, new SSVF Case Manager, Salvation Army and scheduled her and Aaron Lovelady to make a program presentation at the April 23rd VPCSC meeting.

Visited veteran who is working on getting housing assistance.

Spoke to Matt Kiddo from Wichita Team RWB and scheduled him and Melinda Kellogg to make a program presentation at the March 25 VPCSC meeting.

Worked on new funding proposal.

3-15-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA) – Social Mixer with over 35 members in attendance and networked with:
    • Nancy Wilson, PT, CEAS – WORKSAFE Physical Therapy
    • Sandy LeSage, Safety Manager – LSI Staffing
    • Phil Richardson, Major Gifts Development Manager – KPTS
    • Craig A. Smith, Business Development Manager – Heartland Technology Solutions
    • Debbie Trevett, RN, BSN – Toe Truck, Inc.
    • Laura Olson-Oxley, Owner, Senior Account Executive – Coupon Chuck Wichita
    • (No names on business cards) – Fulton Valley Farms & Dash*Away Reindeer
    • Sherri Smith, Interior Designer – Integrated Facilities Group (IFG)
    • Marsha Geisert, Owner – Integrated Facilities Group (IFG)
  • HH – Project Independence self-help group leader.

3-16-16 Hutch & Patty: Attended “Wichita My VA Community” meeting at VA; networking with members and met new member Priscilla J. Orta-Wenner, Attorney.

Patty and veteran who has recently transitioned from homelessness helped Cloud 9 Therapeutic Equine with United Way Youth Days of Caring volunteer event at the ranch, with over 20 youth volunteers.

3-18-16 Hutch MOU @– Wichita Vet Center

3-19-16 Alpha 1 Drop Zone’s “Women Veterans Meet & Greet” from 2 – 4 p.m.

3-21-16 Hutch & Patty worked with two veterans, one of whom is in rehab following surgery.

Howard delivered completed Memorandum of Agreement form to VA.

Patty scheduled veteran gatherings.

3-22-16 Patty – UMOD Outreach to homeless veterans; networked with Aaron Lovelady, Salvation Army SSVF Mentor and Jennifer Garrison, CEO/Chairman of the Board, Passageways. Met with homeless veteran at UMOD, transported him to the Vet Center.

  • Patty & Hutch – Attended special forum on Health Care Issues, Needs and Resources (with CoC members); networking.
  • HH – Project Independence leader of “Friends Through Recovery” self-help peer support group.
  • HH – Visited with veteran friend.

3-23-16 Patty had lunch meeting with two lady veterans who are interested in the Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc. program and VPCSC.

Patty & Hutch worked on V2VSC Logo design and funding opportunities.

3-24-16 Hutch & Patty – visited Passageways, Ltd. residence for homeless veterans and presented Passageways with their Veterans Providers’ Coalition of Sedgwick County Affiliation Certificate.

Dinner with lady veterans who are interested in learning more about the Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc. program and VPCSC.

3-25-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • Community Crisis Center (CCC) meeting at Comcare.
  • VPCSC Meeting (Noon) at First UMC – guest speakers: Matt Kiddo, Co-Captain TEAM RWB Wichita Community and Steve Gonzales, VP Marketing Alpha 1 Drop Zone. 31 providers in attendance.

Patty met with veteran at Vet Center who is transitioning from homelessness, 2nd meeting.

3-28-16 Hutch & Patty – Lunch meeting with Dr. Bermes from Washington D.C. and female veteran from Wichita, re: VPCSC involvement and presentation in July.

3-29-16 Patty – UMOD Outreach to homeless veterans.

Hutch & Patty:

  • Joint Town Hall Meeting: Theme: Honoring our Vietnam Veterans on 50th Anniversary of Vietnam War
  • HH – Project Independence self-help group leader.
  • Project Independence Board Meeting.

3-30-16 Patty – Program development; call from homeless veteran.

Hutch – VA

3-31-16 Hutch & Patty – Community Crisis Center (CCC) sub-committee meeting, re: volunteerism for CCC and COMCARE.

April, 2016:

4-1-16 Patty & Hutch finalized logo development with US Logo.

Hutch – MOU @ Wichita Vet Center – met with two veterans transitioning from homelessness.

4-4-16 Hutch – Debriefing at the TAPS (Transitioning Airmen Preparedness) program at McConnell AFB, informing transitioning airmen about community service providers, the VPCSC, Veterans Behavioral Health Advocacy Council and Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc.

4-5-16 Hutch:

  • UMOD Outreach to homeless veterans.
  • Met with Gene McCreight with AMVETS, re: “BECAUSE WE CARE DAY” event.
  • Worked with veteran regarding employment at the VA.
  • Advocates to End Chronic Homelessness (AECH) meeting at IFM. (Hutch will be providing Continuum of Care updates to AECH committee.)
  • Project Independence self-help group leader.

4-6-16 Hutch provided VPCSC table at the “BECAUSE WE CARE DAY” event hosted by AMVETS at the Dole VAMC.

Hutch networked with many VA providers, including TEAM RWB, CLOUD 9, VUB, AMVETS & Tara Cisneros, CMA/MA Wichita Regional Office 452. He made introductions between Cloud 9 and Dole VAMC Facility Director, Francisco Vazquez. Hutch was asked to serve on a VA Committee.

Hutch met with a Veteran at the VA needing assistance with VA & Community resources and introduced him to Brad Webster from Veterans Upward Bound.

4-7-16 Hutch facilitated VPCSC planning meeting with Steve Gonzales from Alpha 1 Drop Zone, Brad Webster from VUB & Patty from Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc. at Alpha 1 Drop Zone.

Hutch & Patty attended Veterans EXPO Planning meeting at Alpha 1 Drop Zone.

4-8-16 Hutch & Patty – Wichita Vet Center, visited with 2 veterans transitioning from homelessness.

4-11-16 Hutch & Patty – Worked on program materials and marketing development.

Sat in Attorney Eric Kidwell’s office from 2:40 to 3:26 p.m. waiting to give his secretary who runs a legal office an updated flyer.

Went by Christopher West’s office at Via Christi, re: Being a guest speaker at 4-22-16 VPCSC meeting.

4-12-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • United Methodist Open Door – Outreach & support to homeless veterans
  • Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA) luncheon at the Boathouse – Guest speaker: Brigadier General Michael Scholes, our new Sedgwick County Manager. Visited with him about VPCSC and Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc. – he is very supportive of our efforts to serve veterans, receives our emails and hopes to attend future VPCSC meetings as his schedule allows.
  • Continuum of Care Forum at Child Start with over 30 homeless service providers in attendance. Patty connected Jamie & Aubrey from Cloud 9 Therapeutic Equine Foundation with Outreach Director at Child Start to learn more about services at Cloud 9 and hopefully developing a partnership to serve children and families from Child Start.
  • Project Independence – “Friends Through Recovery” support group, led by Howard.

4-13-16 Patty – Meeting with homeless service provider.

4-14-16 Program development and strategic planning

4-15-16 Hutch & Patty – Wichita Vet Center, met with 2 homeless veterans

4-17-16 Patty, President/CEO of Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc. is pictured in the “Getting Together” section of the Wichita Eagle networking with fellow WIBA member Nancy Wilson of Worksafe Physical Therapy at the WIBA luncheon. Patty and Nancy discussed connections in the community for Cloud 9.

4-19-16 Hutch & Patty:

  • UMOD Outreach and support to homeless veterans. Delivered MOU between Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc. and UMOD to Angee Sisco, Director of Homeless Services
  • Meeting with Naquela Pack, Big Brothers Big Sisters who wanted to make connections for mentors; Patty will speak to and forward Sarah Sell’s (WSU Director of Veteran Affairs) contact information as some of their youth are interested in going into the military. Additionally, we promoted Cloud 9’s services, gave Naquela their literature which she will pass along to her Director to contact Jamie for a meeting to visit about children’s services.

Patty, Jamie, Aubrey & Tristan – Project Independence – “Friends Through Recovery” support group.

4-20-16 Patty:

  • Attended “Wichita My VA Community” Board Meeting at Atwater Neighborhood Resource Center.
  • Received and visited female referral for Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc. program.
  • Met & visited with WWII Veteran.

4-21-16 Meeting with Jason Scheck at COMCARE’s Community Crisis Center, re: Volunteer program.

Howard attended Sedgwick County Republican Party meeting with Mayor Jeff Longwell as speaker and County Commissioners and City Council Members in attendance.

4-22-16 Hutch & Patty: Community Crisis Center Board Meeting

Veteran Providers’ Coalition of Sedgwick County Meeting at 1st UMC. Guest speakers: Christopher West, MSW, Service Line Administrator, Via Christi Hospitals, Wichita, Behavioral Health Services; Ken Fanska, Catholic Charities SSVF and Aaron Lovelady, Salvation Army SSVF.

Received signed MOU between Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc. and UMOD to Angee Sisco, Director of Homeless Services

Local Walmart supports Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc. efforts.

4-25-16 Funding proposals/ donation requests

Followed up with QuikTrip, re: donation request.

4-26-16 Hutch & Patty: UMOD Outreach and support to homeless veterans; offered veterans an opportunity to eat their lunch together with Hutch and Aaron Lovelady (Salvation Army SSVF) and have extra refreshments. Met with Barbara Hardyway, VA Regional Office Homeless Coordinator and Connie Jarvais, Dole VAMC Homeless Coordinator.

Second local Walmart supports Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc. efforts.

4-27-16 QuikTrip Corp. makes donation to Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc. for Outreach efforts.

Patty:

  • Met with VA provider regarding referral to Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc.
  • Finalized / ordered business cards for Vet-to-Vet Support Command, Inc.
  • Distributed information about Kansas Honor Flight Heroes Welcome Home on April 29
  • Re-sent Cloud 9’s Open House invitation to Coalition members.
  • Distributed information about “Veterans Coming Home” initiative by KPTS to Coalition members

4-28-16 Patty:

  • Phone meeting with Steve Gonzales, VP Marketing – Alpha 1 Drop Zone (A1DZ), re: VPCSC Planning, Armed Forces Day at A1DZ on May 21, attending Kansas Honor Flight return and Vet-to-Vet Support Command updates.
  • Picked up donation from QuikTrip Corp.

4-29-16 Patty, Hutch, Steve Gonzales (Alpha 1 Drop Zone), Brad Gifford (Wichita Vet Center) – Welcome home Wichita’s Veteran Heroes from their Kansas Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

Hutch & Patty – Wichita Vet Center – Outreach.