Veteran's Affairs Plus W/ David L. Washington

Kevin Krall 0:00
The content of this program is paid for by David L. Washington. The content of Veterans Affairs plus does not reflect the opinions or views of 91.5 Jazz and more or the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Unknown Speaker 0:20
Good morning. This is Veterans Affairs Plus, I'm Dave Washington, your host you can save this show is sponsored by making moves life coaching service. Today's guests are state senator Patricia Spearman, Mr. Frank Hawkins. And I have authors, April and Angel Washington, and also their sister Amer arm again, will be a guest today in studio guests. In fact, a couple of quick announcements. This is Women's History Month as well as Nevada. We're reading week, couple condolences. I'd like to point out once again to my good friend Tony Williams and his family. I attended his graveside service, and I was in full dress uniform to honor. And Tony because he's done such a great job in our community. And then also to my good friend and fellow golfer Kenny Jordan, and his family on the loss of his sister most recently, and sad to extend condolences to Michael towers on the loss of his beloved wife, Carolyn, of many, many years. They were like twins, they were together so much, but certainly want to extend condolences to them. All right now to the senator spin the last time you were on the show. You were responsible for getting a number of bills passed that would help our veterans so. And before we get started, would you tell us what branch of service Did you serve in again?

Unknown Speaker 2:05
I served in the Army military police corps.

Unknown Speaker 2:11
How many years have you served?

Unknown Speaker 2:14
About 29 and a half? I was medically retired? And if it weren't for the medical retirement, I would have gone 40.

Unknown Speaker 2:24
All right. Well were their losses are again, because you've done a tremendous job. And certainly, once again, if you would just give us an update on some of the things you did in terms of bills for veterans that will again be helpful to them.

Unknown Speaker 2:38
Yeah, so I think the the one that, that comes to mind first is the bill for MST, military sexual trauma, excuse me, and that's for, you know, we've had a number of service members, both active and veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma, I won't, I won't go into how that makes me feel, I'll just say that it sickens me to my stomach, when you have people on the same team, you know, who would exploit someone for their own personal pleasure or desire, whatever. So the military section pharma actually put some money aside for people who are dealing with that, so that when they go to, if they if they happen to encounter the, the criminal justice system, there's money in there to make sure that they get the kind of treatment that they need. And even if they don't, there's money in there to help put them in touch with some folks who can show them where treatment is available. I've also spoken at length to our federal delegation about what that looks like. And ask them if they can make it a point. Make this make just make this a priority. Make it a priority. If I can, if I can pivot, I want to want to talk about some things that yeah, that's something that we've done. But I've been been focusing a lot on our women veterans, not to the exclusion of men, but most of the people that I hear from now who really, really, really need help our women voters, and as I stopped to think about it, a couple of years ago, I said everything that we do, we do it under the umbrella of veterans, right. But when people close their eyes, I say close your eyes, and when you when I say veterans tell me the picture that comes to mind 99 Man, man, people, people don't even think about women who started and so so we've got housing, for example, veterans housing, but as those housing that accommodates our men, right, it's we have we have different programs, you know, like even job training programs and programs that accommodate the men but we don't have we have no housing, zero housing for that's been set aside specifically for women veterans. So I've been talking to our federal delegation, and I've also been talking with someone in the White House who is the outreach person for the President. It's on Veterans Affairs and saying to them, whatever you need me to do, I'm willing to do that, to help get this off the ground, but we need to start talking and focusing specifically on housing for our women veterans, because the homeless population that we have out there now includes women veterans, and it should not beat. That's exactly. That's excellent. So. So that's, that's one of the things that I've been working on. Now, the other thing that I've been really concerned about, and you know, when we're not in session now, so there are no bills that are pending, and there won't be any bills pending until 2023. And if God blesses and says the same, and I continue to work hard, I don't intend to be down 23, I intend to be the mayor of North Las Vegas, where I will continue my work for veterans. So here's the thing that the President said last night that I think is of great interest should be of great interest to veterans, he has put forth a challenge to Congress to make sure that veterans administration, medical benefits are available to our low income veterans. That's important, because the cost of medical insurance, as you know, is huge. And for someone who is barely making it, having access to the VA can mean the difference between life, quality of life and shorter life, right, because some of the things that our veterans experienced if they don't have health care, they don't go to the doctor. And part of that is related to the service that they have, you know, it was about about 20 years after after we had actually ended Vietnam before people started realizing that agent orange this thing that they put on the on a plant it not only not only did they kill the plants, you know, the sent out the brush in Vietnam, but it had a negative effect on on servicemembers. Well, yeah, the same thing that's happening with with burn pits. People who are people who were stationed, especially in Iraq,

Unknown Speaker 7:13
and Afghanistan, the burn pits in the burn pits included any type of material, medical, environmental, chemical, all of that was put in huge burn pits. And it's not like a whole underground burn pits, you know, or someplace where you take them to dispose of, it's like an incinerator. And so the people who were in close proximity to those places, not just in terms of miles, but wherever the smoke wherever the air happened to float to, we're finding that many of them are being diagnosed with some very rare cancers. And so so one of the things that the President has done is he has put forth the idea or said to Congress, we need to make sure that we have money in the VA, number one, be able to identify these, these references. Number two, make sure that we are identifying those who will probably be susceptible to that. And number three, make sure that we have a way for them to get taken care of because we should not send people into battle. And then they come back with the effects of that of battle. And we don't do anything to help them. That is wrong. And so so so that the whole piece about burn pits, that's, that's at the top of his agenda now. And it's not just the cancers that we're talking about. There's also some respiratory issues associated with with with a bone pitch. I'll use my myself as as an example. I wasn't close to burn pits, but I happen to be there be depending on when they were renovating, depending on it was built in the 50s. And you know, the material of choice in relation. You know what that was? So, so I got some of that stuff in my lungs and never had asthma before. But because, because I got asbestos from asbestos in my lungs that, you know, that is compromised my respiratory system. Oh, yeah, some tough stuff. It'd be that way. Yeah, it'd be that way for the rest of my life. I know what I need to do to make sure that I protect myself. But I also as someone who's retired, I also have access to the Veterans Administration, hospital system, but we have we have veterans who don't. And so any veteran who is experiencing some type of illness, even if you think it's related to your service, you need to make sure that you're going to the VA

Unknown Speaker 9:37
Senator, we got about a minute. What can we what can we do to assist you? I'm talking about the fellow fellow veterans, men and women who are out there listening to this program, what can we do to assist you in moving things forward?

Unknown Speaker 9:52
Here's what I'd like. I'd like to do. I'd like to have them to go to my website. And this is not a this is not a request for campaign contributions. I like We go to my website, pet spearmint.com and fill out the information which says contact us. And please put in there that I want to be a part of a veterans Advisory Council. Now I know that currently there is something like that, and for the city of North Las Vegas, but when I think Advisory Council, I think about people who, who are not participating right now, right, but I need to hear from them. And I want to make sure that throughout my tenure as mayor, that I have veterans close by what you can help me do is go there, and sign up for that. And when we call on you, please make sure that you can attend we're gonna have some some town hall, make sure you can attend, I need to hear from you. Because I want to be able to leverage the federal and state funds that come into the city to make sure that things like housing, health care, job training, etc, etc, make sure that we can we can leverage those funds with funds that we already have, because veterans deserve much more than we are giving them now. And I intend to make sure that we make up the difference.

Unknown Speaker 11:01
Right. Thank you for your time, Senator. That's Senator Patricia Spearman. Thank you, Senator.

Unknown Speaker 11:07
Thank you. Thank you, sir, for this opportunity to address you have a great day you too.

Unknown Speaker 11:24
Good morning again, this is Veterans Affairs plus on 91.5, jazz and more. I'm Dave Washington, your host. We are back with our next guest Mr. Frank Hawkins of the Wellness Center dispensary. I've known his brother for many, many years and known him to be one who studies and prepares a frank, could you give us an update on what's happening in the cannabis cannabis industry

Unknown Speaker 11:49
was let go going on there's the dispensaries that are opening probably for the new for 2022. From 2017 You're probably gonna have upwards of 20 more dispensaries open. There is a bunch of consolidation going on. So the big public companies are coming in and buying out all of the local companies. So pretty soon you're gonna see marijuana dispensaries and cultivation and companies all belonging to publicly traded companies in Canada, of course, because still not legal in America, even though and 38 to 40 states, it's legal for recreational marijuana. The other thing you're going to see in Nevada in 2022 is the opening of consumption lounges, which is probably going to start happening July or August 2022. So there's a lot going on prices right now as people know, are probably low, as low as they were when medical medical, medical marijuana was in existence in 2015. So a lot of movement. A lot of players in the market consolidating buying up smaller guys, and still probably less than 10 local folks that still own dispensaries and cultivation. And

Unknown Speaker 13:23
so it's almost almost like the hotel industry where all the big boys get together and they buy up, you know, your Caesars, your MGM. So we're gonna have the same thing occurring in the cannabis industry. And interest, now you got a new location about to open, give us a little status.

Unknown Speaker 13:43
So we you know, we have to, because of the business, the type of business marijuana, it's always a challenge. We had a couple of County Commissioners that somewhat pose or trying to oppose us. But we were ultimately successful. We did have a delay. But we are going to be on wistfully No. And I'd like to when we're close to the opening, I'd like to give you the address, but it's going to be a great shot. We're excited about it. Because it's a market that area that is not being served. So we look forward to going there and and becoming a part of the neighborhoods and a part of the business base.

Unknown Speaker 14:25
Great. So Frank, is there anything that you can share with, you know, this is a veteran show, and we do have veterans listening? Is there any quick recommendations you can make to them with respect to them? Who may want to get into this industry?

Unknown Speaker 14:44
Well, if you want to get into the industry, it's a big growing industry. That's what I tell people. Right? Don't be disheartened because people say we need $10,000,000.15 $20 million to get in to a dispensary talk. cultivation. I think if you look at this industry almost like the growth of the Industrial Revolution, then anything you can think of there's an opportunity be that shirts, pants, clothing, C, CBD products, shoes, food drinks. It just is you're only limited by your imagination. So you got to have the, and you think it'll work in marijuana, which it will because everything's going to work in marijuana. And you ought to be talking to somebody about, Hey, how can I transfer my idea into this marijuana space and get a piece of this already? Multi, multibillion dollar business, soon to be a trillion dollar business.

Unknown Speaker 15:58
So Frank, what is what do they call this? The other side of the mirror? One is the more corporate type? him? Yeah, I tried to Frank, I tried to convince my wife when she was serving as an interim state senator, the look, hemp is good, that it's more than just smoking. You know, it's things that you can build a product with. And that's something that that I think others need to know. So I'm glad you're sharing that.

Unknown Speaker 16:27
Yeah, but you know, a big or even a bigger issue for those folks who, who have pain and don't want to take the oxys hilt slash CBD is a great alternative to relieving the pain without getting you high. I like to tell people though, you know, if you've got pain, and you don't have to worry about taking a drug test, or you're not worried about being, you know, high or anything like that, the one to one that's the THC 50% in the marijuana 50%. So that's the him and the hurt together. They're better together than they are apart, even though they weren't both, but they weren't birth better together. I say take a one to one. And that will relieve your body pain. It's almost like taking a muscle relaxer, and it also relieve your head pain. For those people who have headaches. And I think it goes those chronic headaches. It's another way of helping to stop that before it starts. So

Unknown Speaker 17:27
So is it. So is it ingested? Is it ingested?

Unknown Speaker 17:31
Yeah. Oh, there's so many ways you can take it now you can eat it. You can drink it, you can smoke it. You can put it on and, and a roll of robots, lotions. A little things you cut and paste them on. Right? Like little tattoos, but you name it. And it's already there. That's why I tell people if you got an idea, you want to be in the marijuana space. Get involved. There's nothing but opportunity out there.

Unknown Speaker 18:00
Right. Well, we appreciate the update. Mr. Hawkins, you're doing a fine job. And I appreciate the fire in your gut that you have to take on the big boys when they try to close us out. Would you very quickly just give us an indication? I know you had an issue with this minority application process they were trying to put together. Could you cover that real quick?

Unknown Speaker 18:23
Sure. So this the state of Nevada, legislature approved consumption lounges, and they're going to have independent lounges. And they're going to have social equity lounges. And of course, they'll have lounges for those current dispensaries that are already open, but they're going to have applications and my concern is that there won't be any black people, African American people. We are the only African American owned dispensary in the entire state, three black men. And, and 15 1617 states that we're going to have more we're going to have more. And it's 2022. And we're still the only one that's unacceptable to me. But I'm telling folks read the regulation is out there 341 From the assembly view, and that's where all the regulations is coming from. I did a show on KCP. Last week, there's going to be another show but there'll be also be able to go to our website and watch it. And basically we're telling people you can make your opinion known, okay, you don't say anything during the regulatory period, and you're silent, then that's going to become the law of the land of which the application gonna be based. And if that happens, I'm telling you, there's not gonna be any African American license.

Unknown Speaker 19:43
Great. All right, sir. We appreciate your time and keep doing the great work that you're doing. And I know you're a tremendous philanthropist. And I know people are probably waiting to hear that out there in our community. But Frank, we appreciate you brother so you take care

Unknown Speaker 19:58
anytime. Thank you.

Unknown Speaker 20:12
This is Veterans Affairs plus on 91.5, jazz and more. We're here in the third and final segment. Our guests are my daughter's April, Angel and Amber. Wow, celebrating family. But this is actually Women's History Month. So Amber, could you kind of elaborate for a brief moment on it and your thoughts in regards to women's history month.

Unknown Speaker 20:40
For me, I would like to celebrate my mother, my sister, and both of my sisters, my mom worked for the school district for 25 years and then moved to a whole completely different line of work becoming a fire inspector for three years. And that takes great courage to me if you're used to being in one thing, and moving on to something completely new, but gaining and gaining a lot out of it. And for my two sisters, April, she is a complete go getter. She's has so many so many different things inside of her that she has no problem with taking risks. On, you know, she's definitely she calls it a hustler, and has been one from probably since she was probably like 12 years old. But an angel also both my sisters are very gifted in several different ways. And Angel, she can be given like 10 words and make a poem that would be so immaculate and like, how did you come up with that, but she's definitely gifted from God on these different things that she's able to do just so seamlessly without any effort. So I'm just grateful for my family, my my mother, and my sisters, because they are true inspirations to me. Because I'm one that may have talent, but I'm not one that's ready to, or willing to take a risk. And so I'm grateful for all the women that are out there that take risks and do something with the talent that they've been given.

Unknown Speaker 22:25
We'll see it in amber. She's being modest. She is a very gifted interior designer, very gifted in that way. Next, I'm gonna talk to April, April, you was the first author of the family. Tell us a little bit about your book, and how did you come up with the idea?

Unknown Speaker 22:44
Well, I came up with the idea. First of all, I want to say happy birthday to live in a day. Somebody who's been such a great person, community, a great mentor, Father, Father, figures, Godfather, I want to celebrate you today. Also, daddy, thank you. Not what came came about with you, inviting all the children on our streets to watch. He didn't want to just teach us about fire safety. But he wanted everybody all the children around to know about safety, also fire safety also. So when I did, we promoted two different things and stop having a little classes at the house. I said, Well, you know what other students should be able to learn about this too. So I decided to write a book called fire safety in the Washington home, I dedicate that book to your mama forgive us fire service. And I thought that would be a great way to still continue to take your legacy and teach the children your story, my story of your story.

Unknown Speaker 23:43
Wonderful. And I should remind folks, again, this is Nevada Reading Week. And again, these two authors, my daughter, April, and Angel. So Angel, explain a little bit of your ideas and where you come from with respect to I know you've written several books. Could you explain a couple of them briefly?

Unknown Speaker 24:06
Absolutely. And I want to echo April and her sentiments Happy birthday, daddy. And real quick, Amber, you too, are to be honored. It's about all contributions that women have given to this world, which includes, you know, the raising of children who will become productive members of society. So we should all celebrate everything that we do whether you've taken the leap of faith or not, we are all positive contributors to this world. But as far as my books are concerned, my books are a little more touchy and subject matter. It was very important to me to make sure that all kids know that they are loved. And so my books are a children's book series. Always remember you are loved children's book series. And they deal with social and emotional issues that our kids are faced with. So for this Nevada Reading Week, I've read it two schools this week thus far. And the book that I chose to read was always remember you are loved when the child seek guidance about cyber and peer bullying, as we know that that is prevalent, unfortunately, in society, whether it's school or even at work, you know, adults can bully others as well. So I just felt that that was important to get that word out to kids this week. But also the message in the book is to make sure that kids just know and realize that even though they may be having some difficulty in their lives, that they are absolutely loved. They are loved members of society.

Unknown Speaker 25:53
Right. Could you briefly I know you've you've done a blog, Angel, say a little bit about that, please, didn't want to have some closing remarks from you guys real quickly on Women's History Month, as well as Nevada Reading Week.

Unknown Speaker 26:08
So what I did, actually, this particular month, last month, because it was black history month, I took 27 days to highlight wonderful members of society who don't get the acknowledgement or honor that they deserve. Sometimes you don't you can be you know, a major name. And those are the names that we see all the time. But I wanted to highlight people who are not recognized, but are deserving recognition.

Unknown Speaker 26:37
Amber's thoughts on history or and or Nevada Reading Week, briefly.

Unknown Speaker 26:44
I think it's just so great that we have this, it shouldn't just be a month. You know, we should do this at all times, to celebrate women. It's not like women are only, you know, for a specific time women are around just like men are every day of the year. So I think stuff shouldn't be just highlighted on a specific month. It should be done daily, as far as and reading also, April.

Unknown Speaker 27:11
I think women are to be appreciated. Everyday we are the shoulders of the world. I say Amber, even though Amber decided to go to college, her dream is to be a dancer, and but you're dancing for the Lord. So you're doing what you were taught to be awesome. So it doesn't have to always be in the business realm or the company rail. Or, you know, we're big money. But as long as you're doing what you're told to do, that's what matters. And I think that's what all women should understand. Whatever your call to do, God's grace will do.

Unknown Speaker 27:46
Thank you, my daughters, and certainly want to mention yas brother Vernon and Ray Washington. But this is about the women is this this week this month. And again, I agree with all that's been said with respect to women should be celebrated year round, and I think that we do but it's also not a bad thing to focus for him up and give you an example of a lot of people wonder why we only have Black History Month in the shortest month of the year. Well, this is the reason why. Mr. Would, Mr. Carter, G. Woodson, what he was talking about was having a birthday of the President Abraham Lincoln and also a Frederick Douglass their birthdays were in the month of February so that's why he selected it. So it had nothing to do with the short days. But again, once again, Veterans Affairs plus on any 1.5 Jazz and more. We welcome you and appreciate you so much for the time you spent with us have a great day.

Unknown Speaker 28:43
Happy birthday. I hope you had a happy birthday on Wednesday daddy. Hey when they stay on your bed all we got is it was on last night

Transcribed by https://otter.ai