A pending street-name change and plans for supporting upcoming events were discussed at the Hinesville Military Affairs Committee’s monthly meeting last Monday at the Hinesville Police Department.
Chairman David Anderson Sr. began the meeting with supplemental information about some old business. The city’s plans to change the name of Frank Cochran Drive to Veterans Parkway effective May 1 is pending a decision by Cochran’s widow, Faye.
“We had thought about changing the name of the street to Veterans Memorial Drive but didn’t want to confuse it with the (planned) Veterans Memorial at Bryant Commons,” Anderson said. “But that could cause problems for 911 operators.”
Anderson noted if Cochran’s widow doesn’t want the city to change the name of the street, the city could decide to rename part of it, or it could give the street the honorary name of Veterans Parkway and allow it to remain Frank Cochran Drive.
According to Walter W. Meeks III, director of the Fort Stewart Museum, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) James F. Cochran III served as commander of the 24th Infantry Division on Fort Stewart from 1979-81. He died Feb. 22, 2010.
In new business, P.J. Schneider told the committee he delivered two new guidons, or small flags that represent a unit, to Fort Stewart’s Warriors Walk and had received a quote for 20 additional guidons for $450 total, or $22.50 each. He added that he hoped they’d never be needed.
However, with deployments by multiple units and individuals with the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team and the August deployment of Division’s Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, Schneider reminded committee members the 3rd Infantry Division still is very much at war and subject to sustain more casualties.
The Disabled American Veterans-sponsored event, Veterans Helping Veterans, which previously was scheduled for March 3, was delayed due to bad weather until May 5. The fundraiser will take place at Fort Stewart’s post exchange and commissary and the Hinesville Walmart.
The Vietnam Veterans of America is supporting the Liberty County Homeless Coalition’s Good Friday Walk for Shelter on April 6.
The 5-mile walk will begin at noon at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and end around 3 p.m. at St. Phillips Episcopal Church.
Those interested in entering or supporting the walk can call 876-2744.
The HMAC once again will coordinate agencies to provide 13,000-15,000 meals for the food court at the 2012 July Fourth “Worth Fighting For” celebration.
According to Ron Collins, the HMAC is seeking volunteer participation and support from restaurants, business, civic groups, faith-based groups and individuals willing to sponsor a food booth that provides a minimum of 250 free meals, drinks and desserts. Volunteers can work in the food court or provide tables, chairs, tents or grills. Those interested in participating or contributing in support of this event should email Collins at collinro@hotmail.com, or Schneider at paul.schneider@gdol.ga.gov for a copy of the participation form. They also can contact HMAC Secretary Linda Blanchard at liblanchard@cityofhinesville.org.
The free food for soldiers and family members will be served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
At the end of the meeting, Joan Robbins of Century 21 spoke to the committee about a new program called Homes for Heroes, designed to help military personnel, firefighters, law enforcement, teachers and medical personnel buy or sell homes.