Established in 1977, the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, or VAAC, provides advice to Gov. Christine Gregoire and the director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs on issues important to the state’s veterans.

“The committee gives veterans a voice and acts as a conduit for them,” wrote April Harris, a spokeswoman for the Department of Veterans Affairs, in an e-mail. “It also provides advice to the DVA and the Governor on issues important to veterans.”

The committee has championed issues such as property tax exemption, the need for a cemetery in eastern Washington, support for the Walla Walla Veterans Affairs hospital to remain open, and the establishment of a fourth state veterans home.

“These are just a few of the issues the committee has worked on and is working on,” Harris wrote.

The committee comprises 17 veterans.  Thirteen are affiliated with a veteran’s service organization; two members serve at-large, and two members are residents of the western Washington Veterans Home.

Members serve up to two four-year terms and are appointed by the governor.

The VAAC presents awards for outstanding service to the state’s veterans and awards grants for the construction or repair of veteran memorials.

In order to remain connected to veterans from across the state and the issues of concern to them, the committee holds four to six public meetings per year in different cities.

The next meeting is on Oct. 22 in Ellensburg, Wash., at the Hal Holmes Community Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.  The center is located at 209 N. Ruby St.

“The committee does important work for all of our veterans,” added Harris.

For those interested in serving on the VAAC, contact Harris at april@dva.wa.gov or (360) 725-2167.  A complete list of committee members can be viewed at www.dva.wa.gov.