On May 18, Kimberly Fitzpatrick, the new Coplay Town Watch (CTW) president, held her first meeting with a speaker since she assumed the position in February.

Anna Rodriguez, an American Gold Star Mother (AGSM) member, spoke about her involvement in numerous veteran organizations. Her son, Nicholas, was a combatant in Operation Enduring Freedom as a U.S. Marine. He died March 1, 2011.

An AGSM member is a mother who has lost a son or daughter in war. The designation began shortly after World War I by American Gold Star Mothers Inc.

Rodriguez talked about the tragedy of 22 veteran suicide deaths per day.

“There are more deaths by suicide than on the battlefield,” Rodriguez said.

She talked about her involvement with helping homeless veterans, the Wreaths Across America program and other veterans advocacy groups.

“I honor my son, Nick, every time I help vets,” she said.

“Everyone knows a veteran. They need our support and help. Vietnam vets were not treated well when they returned. This must never happen again,” Rodriguez explained.

She and her group go to nursing homes to talk to veterans. Many veterans choose initially to not speak about their war experiences.

“If you gain their trust, they open up,” she said. “Many look forward to our return visits, and they share their stories. My work is my therapy.”

Currently, Rodriguez is the president of the Whitehall Township veterans memorial committee. She pitched a request that those present consider involvement in fundraising and supporting the memorial. She invited all to attend one of the committee’s meetings, held the first Wednesday of each month at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7293 in Egypt. The next meeting is 7 p.m. July 6.

In other business, Fitzpatrick reported the 21st annual children’s bike derby is suspended for this year. The derby has long been an opportunity for children to have a positive interaction with police.

This prompted a member present to remark, “We have a hard time getting people to meetings, so we can’t do the bike derby.”

Another member pointed out the meeting attendance has little to do with the one-year suspension. The member explained the suspension has to do with thin cooperation with CTW. A linkage between Coplay and Whitehall is needed for the derby to succeed. That linkage, despite being requested of both municipalities, has never materialized.

CTW plans to have a presence at the 2016 Coplay Community Days in August. The group has supported the event for 20 years.

Planned for the July monthly meeting is a meet-and-greet with Coplay police. Coplay residents are invited to attend.