Legislative Governmental Mall Commission

Kevin DeMenna

Staff:

Chad Nitsch, Senate Committee Analyst

Chairman Smith called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. The Secretary noted that quorum was not present. Although voting could not take place, it was decided among the members to hear presentations.

Korean War Memorial and USS Arizona Anchor

Emerson Stiles, Project Specialist, Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA), explained that the Korean War Veterans, General Brad Smith Chapter in Scottsdale, have volunteered to do some routine maintenance on the Korean War Memorial.

Gene Spruce, Chairman, Korean War Memorial Restoration Committee, Korean War Veterans, General Brad Smith Chapter, introduced the State Commander, Mr. Pete Martinez; State Vice Commander, Mr. Les Negi; State Secretary, Mr. Pete Stewart. Mr. Spruce explained that his committee has been responsible for restoration and upkeep of the Korean War Memorial for the last couple years. He explained that the committee had previously had the brass plates around the base of the Memorial replaced and that the words “Freedom is not free” printed on the entrances to the Memorial. At this time they are updating the Commission on their plans to install a pigeon deterrent system at the Memorial. The Committee also plans to paint the Memorial its original color, white.

The Commission thanked the Korean War Veterans for their interest and efforts to maintain the Korean War Memorial.

Mr. Stiles distributed a packet regarding the USS Arizona Anchor (Attachment A) and explained that the State has to report annually to the Navy on the condition and upkeep of the USS Arizona Anchor. He stated that the Navy has volunteered to paint the anchor at no cost to the State of Arizona.

Enduring Freedom Memorial

Chairman Smith stated that a vote is necessary for the Enduring Freedom Memorial which would not take place at today’s meeting.

Navajo Code Talkers Monument

Sylvia Laughter, Founder, The Navajo Code Talker Memorial Foundation, distributed a letter “The Navajo Code Talker Memorial Foundation” (Attachment B) and explained the following outline of events regarding the Navajo Code Talker accomplishments:

· 2002 Effort started to get the Navajo Code Talkers recognized

· 2002 Governor Jane Hull signed proclamation to recognize Navajo Code Talkers

· 2003 Legislation introduced to allow fund raising for monuments

· 2004 The Navajo Code Talker Memorial Foundation formed as non-profit organization for fund raising

· 2004 Monument installed in Capital of Navajo Nation in Window Rock, Arizona

· 2006 Received permission to put monument in Wesley Bolin Plaza with deadline in 2008

· 2007 Requesting permission from Governmental Mall Commission for exact location within Wesley Bolin Plaza

· Present – have raised $60,000 with goal of $200,000

Ms. Laughter explained some of their fundraising ideas including a dinner during Code Talkers’ Day on August 14. Ms. Laughter requested any recommendations that Commission members might have on the monument. Ms. Laughter showed a ten minute news clip regarding history of the Navajo Code Talkers and Native Americans in the military.

Mr. Chapman asked about the condition of the Foundation board currently, noting that some names on the letterhead in the handout are deceased.

Ms. Laughter stated that the letterhead is a little old and needed to be updated. She stressed the goal to get this monument finished before many more Code Talkers pass away and are unable to see their commitment and sacrifice recognized.

Mr. Smith questioned differences of opinion between the Navajo and Apache on the Code Talkers’ Memorial.

Ms. Laughter stated that there has been no opposition from the Apache Tribe. She said that there has been some differences of opinion about who the Navajo Code Talkers are. Ms. Laughter explained some of the steps that have to be taken and documentation needed for authentication.

Mr. Chapman questioned how many Navajo Code Talkers are living.

Ms. Laughter stated that three or four years ago she was informed that 100 or so were still living. She explained that the number is less at this time. She stated that of the original 29 Code Talkers that created the code, there is only one left living.

Public Testimony

Mr. Smith asked for any public testimony.

Mr. Smith stated that the next meeting would be on Friday, June 15^th.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:03 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Shelley Ponce

Committee Secretary

(Audio recordings and attachments on file in the Secretary of the Senate’s Office/Resource Center, Room 115.)

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Legislative Governmental Mall Commission

May 18, 2007

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Tom Smith, Chairman	Representative Kavanagh
Thomas Chapman	Lynn Favour representing Joy Rich
Lynn Smith	David Richert