The Fishers Armed Services Commission originated from a breakfast with Mayor Scott Fadness, George Stavropoulos and Fishers City Council Member Brad DeReamer, where the conversation was focused on how the City of Fishers could not only continue to honor veterans, but also encourage military service and pay tribute to those who are actively serving.
From that conversation, the Fishers Armed Services Commission was formed. The purpose of the newly formed Commission is to further the mission of the City in becoming a community in which military service is honored and recognized as a key component to our community’s vibrancy.
The Commission will recommend incorporation and promotion in programming, policy decisions, and protocols to ensure recognition and appreciation for military service is woven throughout our community and understood as a critical component to our sense of place. Those serving, those who have served, those desiring to serve, and our entire community will be positively impacted by this new Commission.
With appointments from Mayor Scott Fadness, Hamilton Southeastern Schools Superintendent, OneZone Chamber of Commerce, and the Fishers American Legion Post 470, the members are well suited to carry out the purpose and mission of honoring veterans and service members. The Commission was formally codified at the January 2022 Fishers City Council meeting and includes the following members:
- El Ahlwardt – President
- Eddie Rivers – Vice President
- Javyer Burnter
- Tiffanie Ditlevson
- Elliott Hultgren
- Leah McGrath
- Nicola McNab
- Mathew Rapp
- George Stavropoulos
- Vince Semona
- Jim White
The first order of duty for the Commission has been the promotion and programming for the National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony. The City of Fishers, a proud Commemorative Partner of the Vietnam War Commemoration, will celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day with a free public ceremony from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 29 at the Fishers YMCA (9012 E. 126th St.).
The program will honor veterans and their families who served during the Vietnam War period and will include an address by guest speaker State Senator District 24 John Crane and a Vietnam Veteran’s lapel pin presentation.
ADA parking is available in the front lot of the Fishers YMCA. The event will also be live-streamed on the Fishers Magazine Facebook page.
In the upcoming months, the Commission will be working on providing strategic direction and guidance of existing Fishers Honors programs, including hosting events and programs that provide meaningful interactions and expand the city’s armed services recognition, developing additional outreach initiatives, and creating procedures and protocols for the city regarding military service and significant military events.
Learn more about the Commission at fishers.in.us/FASC.