Item 4F - MemoCITY OF
SOUTHLAKE
MEMORANDUM
May 21, 2024
To: Southlake City Council
From: David Miller, Director Community Services
Subject: Appoint members to the Veterans Memorial Focus Group
Action
Requested: Appoint members to the Veterans Memorial Focus Group
Background:
The FY24 Art CIP includes funding for the creation of a Veterans
Memorial therefore, the Community Services Department began working
with the Southlake Arts Council in January 2024 on this project.
The project was initially presented to the Arts Council during the regular,
January 23, 2024, Arts Council meeting. The Arts Council discussion
determined the formation of a Southlake Resident, Veteran Focus Group
would be beneficial to consult with on the project. The Arts Council
realized only one member on their current board is a Military Veteran and,
they decided this Focus Group initiative would allow them to gather
invaluable feedback from Southlake Veterans about what is important to
them in their own hometown Veterans Memorial.
Staff presented the project idea to the City Council during the regular
February 20, 2024, meeting and explained the intent of the Southlake Arts
Council with forming a Southlake Veteran's Memorial Focus Group was
to create a consulting board, consisting of US Military Veterans who
reside in Southlake, to assist them with advocating for the Southlake
Veteran residents and to aid their work in determining the best location,
features, focus, and size of a future Southlake Veterans Memorial. During
the City Council meeting staff received positive feedback from Council
and encouragement to proceed with the project and formation of the
Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group.
Deputy Director of Economic Development and Tourism, Robert Briggs,
who will be assisting this project as a City Staff Veterans Liaison, opened
the applications for the Veterans Memorial Focus Group in February, with
a deadline of March 8, 2024. The application stated that any Southlake
resident could apply to be a member of the focus group but that the group
itself would be limited to 12 members. Staff received 16 applications in
total including a few who are not Southlake residents but are veterans
and participants in local organizations such as the American Legion and
The Gallant Few. The complete list of sixteen applicants, and their
application responses are attached to this memo for reference.
Using the attached application material, staff requests the Southlake City
Council appoint members to serve on the Southlake Veterans Memorial
Focus Group.
Financial
Considerations: N/A
Strategic Link: The Veterans Memorial Focus Group initiative is linked to the City
Council's Focus Area of "Partnerships and Volunteerism." It also
addresses the City's Corporate objectives of "providing opportunities
for partnerships and volunteer involvement" and "providing attractive
and unique spaces for the enjoyment of personal interests."
Legal Review: N/A
Alternatives: • Appoint no more than twelve applicants to the Southlake Veterans
Memorial Focus Group
• Appoint desired number of applicants to the Southlake Veterans
Memorial Focus Group
• Decline to appoint any applicant and not form a Southlake Veterans
Memorial Focus Group
Supporting
Documents: 1. Veterans Memorial Focus Group Application Form
2. Veterans Memorial Focus Group Application Submissions
Staff
Recommendation:
Appoint members to the Veterans Memorial Focus Group.
City of Southlake Values:
Integrity ♦ Innovation ♦ Accountability ♦ Commitment to Excellence ♦ Teamwork
Item 4F- Attachment 1
Item 4F- Attachment 2
Name: Sabrina Modi
Southlake Resident: Yes
Branch: Army
Rank: E5
Occupation: Nurse
Why would you like to serve on the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group?
I love to be involved in our community since 2004 when we moved here I have been on
many community interest groups. I was in the first class group for our school, I was the
treasure at one of our schools, was on the lacrosse committee and held the first gala to raise
money.
Name: Robert Kemins
Southlake Resident: Yes
Branch: Navy
Rank: 04
Occupation: JAGC
Why would you like to serve on this board?
I am certainly proud of my service and believe this is a very worthy project.
Name: Natan Ton -that
Southlake Resident: Yes
Branch: Army
Rank: 02
Occupation: Medic
Why would you like to serve on the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group?
have been involved in helping our veterans for years. Last year, with the help from our City,
brought my friend, MOWW (Military Order of the World Wars) companion and hero,
General Richard Carey, to our city of Southlake City to speak on Veterans Day. I am
passionate about serving our veterans. Currently, I serve as the Commander of the Dallas
Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW).
Name: Milan Georgia
Southlake Resident: Yes
Branch: Army
Rank: 03
Occupation: Pilot
Why would you like to serve on the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group?
I am currently serving on the Arts Council Board and want to be sure of the tribute to
Veterans, in our City of Southlake, be tasteful, respectful and inspiring to all that see it. That
it reflects the sacrifices mDe for the preservation of our citizens FREEDOMS.
4
Name: Matthew Hince
Southlake Resident: Yes
Branch: Air Force
Rank: 05
Occupation: Intelligence
Why would you like to serve on the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group?
As a resident of Southlake and a Veteran, I am a passionate advocate for honoring the
sacrifices and contributions of my fellow veterans and am deeply motivated to serve on the
Veteran's Memorial Focus Group. With a profound respect for the men and women who
have served our country, I believe that contributing to the development of a memorial
dedicated to their bravery and selflessness would be an honor. I recognize the importance of
preserving the memory of our veterans for future generations. Their sacrifices have secured
the freedoms and privileges that we enjoy today, and we must pay tribute to their service in a
meaningful and lasting way. By serving on the focus group, I aim to ensure that the memorial
accurately reflects the experiences and values of our local veterans, as well as the broader
military community. Though I have no specific ideas at this juncture, I believe that thoughtful
collaboration and dialogue within the focus group will lead to a result of which Southlake will
be proud.
Name: Frank Bernardo
Southlake Resident: Yes
Branch: Air Force
I:MM Mace
Occupation: Intelligence
Why would you like to serve on the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group?
As a retired military member and brother to a triple amputee wounded warrior, I am a Patriot
at heart. I would be honored to contribute ideas and thoughts towards an engaging memorial
that will bring pride to our city along with opportunities for education of our children.
Name: Brent Scurci
Southlake Resident: Yes
Branch: Army
Rank: 03
Occupation: Infantry
Why would you like to serve on the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group?
Being a West Point graduate, and former Army Officer who served in combat, I can
personally appreciate the importance of a Veteran Memorial in our community. I would want
the memorial to honor all Veteran's who've served, up to and including the GWOT.
Appreciate the consideration!
5
Name: Katherin Bjorn
Southlake Resident: Yes
Branch: Army
Rank: Not provided
Occupation: Supply
Why would you like to serve on the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group?
Veterans are important and honoring service beyond just saying "thank you for your service"
is important. Southlake has many veterans of all ages, including many currently serving or
attending our service academies. It's important to recognize everyone in a way that isn't
patronizing.
Name: Kevin Sweeney
Southlake Resident: Yes
Branch: Air Force
:mm'We] W
Occupation: Pilot
Why would you like to serve on the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group?
Name: Alec Knight
Southlake Resident: Yes
Branch: Coast Guard
Rank: 02
Occupation: Intelligence
Why would you like to serve on the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group?
As a veteran of Viet Nam, Desert Storm, and the Cold War I would like to assure Southlake
has a proper memorial to ALL those that served to maintain the freedoms we as Americans
so dearly cherish. Also, I have been President of Honoring Our Wounded Military, Inc. for 13
years. HOWM is a 501 c 3 all volunteer charity which supports our wounded veterans. We
have lived in Southlake for 27 1/2 years and have watched the City of Southlake grow and
evolve. This Memorial would be another great addition to the City.
Name: Bruce Krieger
Southlake Resident: Yes
Branch: Air Force
Rank: 03
Occupation: Pilot
Why would you like to serve on the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group?
As one of the more "senior" vets that are presently living in Southlake, I feel that I might have
a view of my generation's historical background than some of the younger members who are
living in the area. I served during the latter part of the Vietnam era into the late 1970's when
the national attitude toward veterans was quite different than what we experience today. In
that vein, I think I could offer a bit different personal perspective on the focus group's
discussions and activities. Thank you so much for considering me. Sincerely, Bruce Krieger
Name: Heidi Brown
Southlake Resident: Yes
Branch: Navy
Rank: NA
Occupation: Active -Duty Spouse
Why would you like to serve on the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group?
My husband served our amazing country for 25 years, and I was by his side the whole time.
Our children grew up military brats as well. We have been stationed many places and seen
lots of things. I feel I can add quality feedback and ideas for this project. I am detail oriented,
was a CO's spouse for two commands, and love to give back to our veterans and military
members.
Name: Alec Knight
Southlake Resident: Yes
Branch: Coast Guard
Rank: 02
Occupation: Intelligence
Why would you like to serve on the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group?
I desire to be involved because I very passionate about supporting military service members
and veterans. I served in the Coast Guard for 10 years and feel it is important to maintain
service to one's local community. I am active in the Southlake post of the American Legion
and have also dedicated time toard the White's Chapel Outreach Ministry, Operation
Homefront, which supports military families. I have also been active in supporting the work of
Patriot House, a homeless veteran's shelter in Fort Worth. Locally, I have served in
leadership roles with the Carroll Education Foundation and also with CISD boards. I would
be honored to serve the City on this important project.
Name: Frank Pittman
Southlake Resident: No
Branch: Navy
Rank: E4
Occupation: Onboard Artillery
Why would you like to serve on the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group?
30yr resident of Southlake and Navy veteran. Interested in being a part of an important
community project like this.
Name: John Kirby
Southlake Resident: No
Branch: Army
Rank: 03
Occupation: Infantry
Why would you like to serve on the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group?
Current Commander of the Southlake American Legion Post #14
Name: Kevin Sellers
Southlake Resident: No
Branch: Army
Rank: 06
Occupation: Not Provided
Why would you like to serve on the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group?
Current Commander of the Hurst -Euless Bedford American Legion Post #379
Name: Casey Lawrence
Southlake Resident: No
Branch: Army
Rank: Not Provided
Occupation: Not Provided
Why would you like to serve on the Southlake Veterans Memorial Focus Group?
Member of the Veteran Organization — Gallant Few
0