MINUTES SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERAN AFFAIRS & MILITARY INSTALLATIONS Thursday, August 19, 2004 1:00 p.m. National Museum of the Pacific War George Bush Gallery-Conference Room Fredericksburg, Texas ***** Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs & Military Installations was held on Thursday, August 19, 2004, at the National Museum of the Pacific War George Bush Gallery-Conference Room Fredericksburg, Texas ***** MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: Senator Leticia Van de Putte Senator Craig Estes Senator Troy Fraser Senator Eliot Shapleigh Senator Kel Seliger ***** The chair called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted: Senator Fraser moved adoption of the minutes from the previous hearings held on May 24, 2004, and April 29, 2004. Senator Seliger seconded the motion; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Van de Putte recognized Admiral Grojean, Executive Director of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation, who lead the Committee in the Pledge of Allegiance and discussed his role in the museum. Senator Van de Putte recognized Representative Carter Casteel, who said a few words and joined the Committee members for part of the hearing. The Committee heard invited testimony on Texas Parks and Wildlife and the history of the National Museum of the Pacific War. Witnesses testifying and registering on the museum are shown on the attached list. The Committee heard invited witnesses on the Texas National Guard and the Family Readiness programs around the state. Witnesses testifying and registering on the National Guard are shown on the attached list. The Committee heard invited testimony from Chairman Elvin J. Schofield on the Texas Employers Supporting Guard and Reserve Committee, who explained the role of the Committee in supporting deployed soldiers and provided written testimony. The Committee heard invited testimony on the Hazlewood Act, which is interim charge number two. Witnesses testifying and registering on the interim charge are shown on the attached list. The Committee heard invited testimony of the U.S. Latino & Latina WWII Oral History Project. Witnesses testifying and registering on the project are shown on the attached list. At 4:15 p.m. Senator Van de Putte moved that the committee stand recessed, subject to the call of the Chair; without objection, it was so ordered. At 4:22 p.m. the Committee reconvened. Senator Van de Putte recognized Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, who gave a speech. The Committee heard their last invited witness on the Hazlewood Act, followed by public testimony. Witnesses testifying and registering as public witnesses are shown on the attached list. Senator Van de Putte recognized the staff of the National Museum of the Pacific War for allowing the Committee hearing to take place in the museum. Senator Van de Putte also thanked the witnesses that testified and recognized the Committee staff, namely, Jennie Costilow, David Holmes, and Sara Gonzalez. There being no further business, at 5:13 p.m. Senator Van de Putte moved that the Committee be adjourned. Without objection, it was so ordered. ______________________ Senator Leticia Van de Putte, Chair ______________________ Sara Gonzalez, Clerk SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERAN AFFAIRS & MILITARY INSTALLATIONS Minutes Thursday, August 19, 2004 page 3