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VETERANS PARK URGED FOR CALIFORNIA MILITARY
BASE -- The proposed two-acre site in Los
Alamitos
would include play areas and memorials
to wars past and present.
Story here...
http://www.ocregister.com/
ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1563555.php
Story below:
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Veterans park urged for base
The proposed $4 million, 2-acre site in Los
Alamitos would include play areas and memorials to wars past and
present.
By SCOTT MARTINDALE
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
LOS ALAMITOS – A year-old plan to build a one-stop resource center for
military veterans on the Joint Forces Training Base has taken on new
life, with base officials proposing a $4 million veterans park to
surround it.
The two-acre park would include memorials to wars both past and present,
a children's playground and recreation area, and personalized bricks for
veterans. The public park would be anchored by a veterans center
offering health and social services.
"We looked at everything we might need," said Capt. Aaron Tom, project
officer for the park. "It's gotten bigger as it goes on."
Base officials met Friday with about 80 representatives from area
veterans groups to discuss the feasibility of the project and to form a
volunteer committee that could solicit donations.
Veterans at the meeting, who traveled to the base from across Los
Angeles and Orange counties, expressed concerns about long-term upkeep
of the park and the estimated $4 million price tag.
"We don't carry that kind of money, but our members could back it," said
Ned Metsch, commander of American Legion Post 133 in Huntington Beach.
"The most important thing will be getting people's time."
The Los Alamitos park concept is the latest Orange County proposal to
pay tribute to America's servicemen and women. Irvine is looking at two
proposed veterans memorials – one in the Great Park and a second in
Northwood Community Park.
Last month, the Irvine City Council approved $150,000 toward the
Northwood memorial. The Great Park memorial project is moving forward,
although funding sources have not been identified.
Military officials in Los Alamitos said they are optimistic that local
veterans organizations will agree to sponsor various components of the
park. The remainder of the funding could come from grants and private
donations, they said.
Base officials also have proposed an ambitious timeline for completion
of their park, suggesting that a dedication ceremony be held on Veterans
Day of this year. But they acknowledge that the park likely would have
to be built in phases over a longer time span.
"We have a huge and growing veterans population," said Col. Jane
Anderholt, the base's deputy commander. "We need help getting the word
to them about the benefits out there."
The veterans resource center, under construction just inside the base's
main entrance, will be converted from a long-shuttered military store.
Two groups, Amvets and Veterans Affairs Healthcare System in Long Beach,
have already agreed to participate in the center, officials said.
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Larry Scott --
