Gerdes appointed to veterans affairs commission
Operation Iraqi Freedom vet is first woman named to commissionBy ANNE BLANKENSHIP Daily Freeman-Journal Managing Editor
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Heather Gerdes, of Webster City, was named the newest member of the Hamilton County Veteran Affairs commission Tuesday at the regular meeting of the Hamilton County board of supervisors.
Gerdes is a member of the Iowa Army National Guard and recently returned from a yearlong tour of duty in Iraq. She will fill the unexpired term of the late Art Dayton, which runs through Dec. 31, 2011. Gerdes is the first female to be appointed to the commission, according the supervisors.
"I really wanted to get involved with helping veterans," she said. "I hope to finish my degree soon so I can work with veterans and counseling. This is a way that I can help those who served before me."
"I told her when she came in for her interview that I was really glad to be able to gender-balance the Veteran Affairs commission. The state has told us that we need to be looking for that. I think that this commission is one that is not always easy to gender balance," said Wes Sweedler, board chairman. "And also, the age and the conflict being represented, I think its going to be really good for Hamilton County and the Veteran Affairs commission."
"After interviewing Heather, I think she'll handle herself well on the commission," said Supervisor Doug Bailey. "I think she'll be a valuable addition to the commission."
"It is a changing time for our local veteran affairs commission," said Dave Young, supervisor. "We're moving from the World War II era people on the commission to the next generation. I know we have Korean War veterans and Vietnam veterans on the commission. I'm just really pleased, Heather, that you've accepted this position."
UDMO report
Justin Jones, Hamilton County outreach director for Upper Des Moines Opportunity, presented his agency's budget request for fiscal year 2010. Jones said his request, $12,000, was the same amount requested last year. He added that the funding was critical for outreach efforts in the county.
Jones added that for every county dollar received, UDMO brought $48.77 in state and federal assistance to the county.
"As I say each year, the local dollars - both county and city dollars - are vital to forming programs specific to Hamilton County and to Webster City. Local dollars allow us to focus on local needs," he said.
"Last year, our office assisted 2,142 individuals in 811 households. That's an increase of 400 individuals in Hamilton County from the prior year," he said.
He said those figures were from October 2008 through September 2009.
"I can tell you that from September to now, our office can feel a drastic change in the numbers of people we're already serving. Except for the great community effort in the past month, we have not been able to keep food in the food pantry. As soon as we get it, it's gone. There is a constant need," he said.
The food pantry is operated strictly with local dollars, Jones said.
"It's just by fundraising and donations," he noted.
"We've seen a lot of new clients this year, especially for the heating assistance. They've finally felt they have to swallow their pride and come in. It's just tough right now. I don't see that changing in the next year," Jones said.
He also requested an additional $1,000 to be utilized as matching funds for $4,000 anticipated through a contract with Elderbridge Area Agency on Aging.
"The contract allows us to provide chore service and home repair to Hamilton County seniors. The chore program provides assistance to people age 60 and older to procure services such as lawn mowing, snow removal, and installing or removing storm windows. The home repair program provides home repairs designed to allow seniors to continue to live independently in their homes," he said.
Sweedler said the requests would be considered as the board moves into budget discussions in the coming months.
Contact Anne Blankenship at editor@freemanjournal.net or call 832-4350.
