The Wareham Veterans council appoints new members, achieves quorum

Though the process to get enough members to successfully run meetings has proven challenging, the Wareham Veterans Council has enough members to hold regular meetings. 

Army National Guard veteran Colleen Marble and Brandon Sand who currently serves on the U.S. Coast Guard were appointed to three-year terms at the Tuesday, March 3 Select Board meeting. James Stevens, also of the U.S. Coast Guard, was appointed to a two-year term. 

The Wareham Veterans Council is a board that supports veterans with recognition and organizes events around town like Memorial Day and Veterans Day gatherings. It has been seven years since the council had meetings. 

Sand said he knows a lot of service members who struggle when they retire from the military and wanted to try to help build camaraderie between local veterans.

The council had hit its member goal with the appointment of Navy veteran Richard Holmes in early January. However, it takes more than just the minimum number of members to successfully operate.

Only operating with four members doesn't give the council the opportunity to hold meetings often, as they would need to cancel or reschedule if one member cannot attend.

Now, the council can run its meetings on the third Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. in room 208 of the Multiservice Center, 48 Marion Road. 

Chair of the Select Board recalled to a time where the council had 15 members and called the resurgence a “good thing.” 

“This is an important stuff, in honoring people who fought for this country,” she said. 

Member Sarah Corbitt highlighted how the council can unite those who are just exiting their service. With members of her family in the armed forces, she thanked the new members. 

“I think the council can provide not only honoring the older generations, but helping the new, younger generations that have retired from the military transition better to a successful role in civilian society,” she said.