Date: 02/12/2010
Final
BRIEFING BY DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE ON JOINT STATE VETERANS & MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
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07:51 AM -- Briefing by Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Senator Heath, chair, made opening remarks. The committee was briefed on the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs by General H. Michael Edwards, State Adjutant General and Executive Director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; Mr. Mickey Hunt, Deputy Executive Director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; Colonel Ed Phelka, Commander of the Colorado Wing of the Civil Air Patrol; and Mr. Ralph Bozella, Chairman, Board of Veterans Affairs. Committee members received a packet of slides outlining the briefing prepared, by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (Attachment A). General Edwards first discussed events commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Colorado National Guard. General Edwards then discussed the current force strength of the National Guard, the guard's troop deployments, and the new "Grow the Force" initiative, which adds a new battalion to the National Guard. The initiative includes construction of new armories to house the battalion. General Edwards discussed a recent trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Congress on issues related to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. General Edwards briefed the committee on the Air National Guard's troop strength, troop deployments to the Middle East, and work performed by the Air National Guard.
08:01 AM
General Edwards continued to brief the committee on the Air National Guard and its recent functions and infrastructure. General Edwards turned his attention to certain programs that provide support to National Guard members and families. General Edwards next discussed the guard's participation in the State Partnership Program, which partners states with other nations in an international exchange arrangement. The briefing then covered recent highlights of the Division of Veterans Affairs. Discussion ensued regarding the number of disabled property tax exemptions claimed as a result of the passage of Referendum E, and the requirements for being eligible for the exemption.
08:11 AM
General Edwards briefed the committee on the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs' 2010 legislative priorities. Discussion ensued regarding a shortage of National Guard armory space, and pending legislation that addresses this shortage. General Edwards responded to a question regarding use of State Historic Fund moneys to update antiquated armories. General Edwards continued discussing the department's 2010 legislative priorities. General Edwards then briefed the committee on future developments and initiatives, including future deployments and planned initiatives for the Army and Air National Guard. General Edwards responded to questions regarding the mission of the 137th Space Surveillance Wing, and the planned basing of the F-35 fighter in Colorado.
08:22 AM
Discussion ensued regarding the contraction of federal military spending and its impact on state National Guard units. Discussion returned to the potential stationing of the F-35 fighter in Colorado. Discussion followed regarding the National Guard's role at the state level in assisting during times of emergency, and the types of assistance provided by the guard.
08:32 AM
General Edwards responded to questions regarding readiness issues pertaining to electromagnetic pulse attacks. Colonel Phelka briefed the committee on the activities of the Civil Air Patrol, the patrol's cadet program, and the patrol's units statewide. Mr. Bozella then briefed the committee on the Board of Veterans Affairs and its recent activities. Mr. Bozella also discussed the use of moneys from the Veterans Trust Fund, and the needs of veterans. Mr. Bozella next discussed the Board of Veterans Affairs' role in advising the State Board of Human Services, and required reporting to the Governor. Mr. Bozella then discussed the board's strategic planning process, and briefed the committee on key findings pertaining to veterans in Colorado and the services provided to them.
08:53 AM
Mr. Bozella continued to brief the committee on veterans in Colorado and needed services. Mr. Bozella then discussed the Board of Veterans Affairs' 2010 legislative agenda.
08:57 AM
The committee adjourned.