By Larry Jones
July 4, 2011

Hallandale Beach (FL) Mayor Joy Cooper, Co-Chair of the Conference of Mayors Community and Military Relations Task Force, told members that the Conference is pleased to be working with government agencies and building networks with groups that support our men and women in military uniforms. Speakers from the White House, the Defense Department and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Association spoke to members about efforts underway to build better relations with local communities and increase support for military personnel.

U.S. Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment Director Patrick O’Brien told mayors his office assists local communities to respond to Defense base closures, realignments, contractor reductions and base expansions. He has worked with local communities since 1989 assisting them with recovery efforts. He also reminded mayors that a Presidential Executive Order requires not only the Department of Defense but many other federal agencies to assist local communities facing military buildup and base closures and related events.

Lieutenant Colonel Jason Dempsey, from the White House Office of First Lady Michelle Obama, told mayors about the Joining Forces Program, which is a national initiative that supports and honors America’s service members and their families. He said the initiative’s mission is to educate, challenge, and spark action from all sectors of our society — citizens, communities, businesses, non-profits, faith based institutions, philanthropic organizations, and government — to ensure military families have the support they have earned.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Association Policy Director Jonathan Schleifer said the association focuses on improving the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families. The organization addresses critical issues facing new veterans and their families, including mental health injuries, a stretched VA system, inadequate health care for female veterans, and the GI Bill educational benefits.