This petition is calling on the Mayor and Oakland City Council to form a Veterans Blue Ribbon Commission to represent Veterans' interest in local government affairs. The City of Oakland, California has the second largest Veterans population in the San Francisco/Bay Area. However, the city has neglected addressing issues of concern by this segment of the population. Among the major concerns are homelessness and health care. It is estimated that twenty-five percent of the homeless population in Oakland are veterans. 

In past years, the city government has failed to recognize Veterans Day beyond being a paid holiday for City Government. The Commission will have the lead in planning events for both Memorial and Veterans Day celebrations in the city.   We are calling for the Commission to have a direct line of communication with the Mayor, City Council and Staff to follow-up on issues of Veterans concerns. 

For the upcoming Veterans Day 2023, we are calling for three streets on the Old Oakland Army Base to be named honoring past and presence local Black Veterans: The late Major General John H. Sanford, USA, former commanding officer of the Base, Sergeant Morrie Turner, Army Air Corps, and retired Major Howard D. Jackson USMC

Please sign the petition and pass it on. Support outside the Veterans community is welcomed and appreciated.  Thank you. 

Organizing committee members are: Charles Blatcher, III, chairman, National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations, Diane Williamson, President, of the Veterans Community Media Network, and Jeff Sheibs, Vice Commander, American Legion Post 599.