National City has a rich history when it comes to honoring and celebrating its military community.
From events such as the chamber of commerce’s Salute to Navy luncheon to La Vista Memorial Park’s annual Memorial Day event that honors the men and women who died while serving in the armed forces.
National City also commemorates its fallen heroes at the Kimball Bowl War Memorial which received an upgrade and improvement last year after stolen memorial plaques were recovered.
In addition to these measures, the National City City Council unanimously approved the creation of a new veterans and military families advisory committee.
The commission will advise the city council on matters related to the support of National City’s veterans and military community, make recommendations to the city council with respect to veterans and military service members.
Eleven members would sit on the volunteer based committee where they will hold meetings that would provide a forum of discussion of issues relating to veterans and military families. Members can be residents or non-residents and will be appointed by the mayor with confirmation by the city council for a four-year term.
A working group put together by the city manager explored the idea of the commission and outlined the committee’s framework.
The commission has come to fruition after a previous attempt to to create one had failed. Councilwoman Mona Rios brought the item forward in 2013 but did not have the votes.
Instead the city council at that time had suggested she start an informal military advisory committee in partnership with the local Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and other military groups. After a brief time, the informal committee disbanded because of staffing and budgetary constraints.
Recently, Rios brought the idea back to the city council after she found that there was still community support for such a committee.
“My personal reason for doing this was because we live in a military town and we should have some ability to reach out and connect with our military and connect them with resources that they need,” Rios said.
National City currently has seven boards and commissions whose members are appointed by the mayor and city council.
If interested in applying to the veterans and military families commission, visit the city clerk’s office or email: MDalla@nationalcityca.gov.
