By Terri Hendry

(Sparks, NV)—Northern Nevada veterans have been waiting a long time for this. Now, the wait is over! Construction on the new Northern Nevada State Veterans Home will soon begin. There will be a celebration to mark the historic occasion. A Groundbreaking Ceremony will be held on July 17, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at the site of the new facility, 2 Kietzke Lane, across from the DMV. Veterans and their families, as well as the public, are invited to attend.

The ceremony will feature remarks from Governor Brian Sandoval, Nevada Senator Dean Heller and Sparks Mayor Geno Martini. A special ceremonial gift will also be given, on a first come, first serve basis, to attendees that will forever mark and remember the occasion. Several hundred people are expected to attend.  (Click here for more information)

Details on the event are still being finalized, including a parking map of the site. (Watch the front page of the NDVS website, NVVetNet, and the NDVS Facebook page, for the parking map in the days ahead.) A special thanks to Reno's Cart Barn for providing free golf carts to serve as shuttles in the parking areas to take attendees to the event area. Additionally, special parking areas will be set aside for the handicapped as well as motorcycles. The seating area will be under a large tent, however you're advised to wear sunscreen or bring a hat. Free coffee and water will be provided. Free baked goods will also be available courtesy of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 388 from Carson City, WAVE from Douglas County and the American Legion Post #1 from Reno.  

By Wendy Simons

(Reno, NV)-- The evidence is ample, and the need is great, for a skilled care facility for veterans in northern Nevada. Currently, there is only one such facility in the state. The 180-bed skilled care facility for veterans is in Boulder City and it is at capacity. There is no similar facility for veterans in northern Nevada.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), there are more than 80,000 veterans residing in northern Nevada. Statewide, the VA has identified a  skilled care nursing need of 649-beds. State law mandates if an additional veterans' home is authorized, it must be located in northern Nevada. The new Northern Nevada State Veterans Home (NNSVH) will address some of the need serving 96 veterans, spouses, and Gold Star parents.  It will be built on State-owned property. Construction plans are 100% complete and ready to go. (Click here for more)

By Fred Wagar & Terri Hendry

(Las Vegas & Reno, NV) – The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and the University of Nevada-Reno (UNR) served as backdrops for Governor Brian Sandoval to sign several key pieces of legislation, including some very veteran-friendly bills.

On Friday, June 16, Governor Sandoval turned a dream into reality. He signed SB 546, the state’s capital improvement projects bill. It will fund several projects, including the construction of a new Northern Nevada State Veterans Home in Sparks, Nevada. The signing happened at the Governor’s alma mater, UNR. It is where he graduated in 1986 and met his wife, Kathleen. “This is a little personal for me,” he told the crowd gathered inside the Milt Glick Ballroom at the Joe Crowley Student Union. Sandoval explained to the crowd the new skilled care nursing home will fulfill an important need. “Veterans have been waiting a long time for this,” he added, "We're not going to wait anymore." (Click here for more)

The groundbreaking for the new home will be July 17 at 10:00 a.m. at the site located at 2 Kietzke Lane, across from the Nevada DMV.  (For more, see the article at the top of this newsletter) 

A day earlier, the Governor signed into law several bills at UNLV, including a veteran friendly one, SB 457. It requires the Board of Regents or its designee and the Commission on Post-secondary Education to collaborate with the American Council on Education to establish statewide standards of credits for military education, training or occupational experience. This bill also requires credits earned for military education, training or occupational experience to be applied towards the required coursework for an associate’s degree, baccalaureate degree or certificate at any university, state college or community college in the System.

This is the last bill signing session for Governor Sandoval. His term is set to expire in at the end of 2018. The next session of the Legislature will be in 2019. 

By Terri Hendry

(Reno, NV)—The Department of Defense notes American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest representations in the U.S. armed forces. Unfortunately, many of these veterans do not apply for the benefits, resources or programs they are entitled to and have earned through their military service. That is why the Nevada Department of Veterans Services is reaching out to these Nevadans. (Click here to read more)

By Robin Mason 

(Reno, Las Vegas, Elko, NV)—Every Nevada veteran and their family should be able to access information about veterans' benefits, resources or programs earned through military service. Unfortunately, it is not that easy or simple. Sadder still, many veterans may not even know they may be eligible for a host of benefits and all they needed to do was apply for them in order to receive them. 

The Nevada Advocacy program educates and certifies Nevada Veterans Advocates (NVA's) so they may help connect service providers with veterans seeking support. (Click here to read more) 

By Terri Hendy

(Reno, Las Vegas, Elko)—Its estimated Nevada is home to more than 300,000 veterans, service members, families and survivors. However, according to a 2016 iCIMS report, "America's Heroes at Work: The Veteran Hiring Report," a disconnect and lack of understanding still exists between veterans and employers. The Patriot Employer Program seeks to bridge this gap.

The program provides training, education, and awareness about the benefits and financial incentives in hiring veterans. It provides support and knowledge on recruiting, hiring and retaining veterans. (Click here to read more)

By Joshua Loftis

(Las Vegas, NV)--Charles Harvey serves as the Veteran Education and Employment Program Manager for NDVS. He is responsible for planning, coordinating and directing programs designed to improve outcomes for student veterans and veterans seeking meaningful employment.

In the days and weeks ahead, you will be hearing more about the NDVS Patriot Employer Program.  It provides Nevada businesses with education and support in recruiting, hiring and retaining veterans. Harvey is the lead on this program. Click here for additional useful information in the Patriot Employer Toolkit:

http://www.veterans.nv.gov/employment. 

Harvey is a second generation veteran, having served eight years in the United States Air Force in support of Operations in Europe and the Middle East. Prior to joining the NDVS, Harvey held numerous leadership roles in state and local government. His education includes a Masters Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in government and public policy.

Please join us in welcoming him!

By Chuck Baker

(Las Vegas, NV) - Military retirees and others who are privileged to be customers of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) might think post exchanges will be getting more crowded because reports say some 15 million more honorably discharged veterans will soon be granted shopping opportunities through the service. But that's only part of the story.

The physical base exchanges made of brick and mortar won't be seeing a rush of new men and women buyers seeking merchandise. After four years of coordination with the Department of Defense, AAFES, and other federal agencies, it was agreed to extend online shopping privileges to all honorably discharged veterans beginning this coming Veterans Day, November 11. 

(Click here for more)

By Chuck Baker

(Las Vegas, NV) - "Our core values are honor, respect and devotion to duty." That statement encompasses what is expected of members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Most American military organizations (Army, Navy, etc), operate under the Department of Defense. But there is one group that differs -- the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard is under the purview of the Department of Homeland Security. It is the principle federal agency responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in all U.S. ports, the inland navigable waterways, and more than 100,000 miles of coastline. If one views the statistics reported on the USCG website, it won't take long to see that the workforce of more than 40,000 Guardsman worldwide is spread thin. While they work around the clock and give it their all, it can be difficult to physically meet the demands of what they have been tasked to do. Enter the Coast Guard Auxiliary. (Click here for more)         

By Chuck Baker

(Las Vegas, NV) - Several years ago blinded American Jim Stovall authored a book called "You Don't Have to Be Blind to See." His words show blinded individuals, and virtually anyone else, how to choose new paths that are aimed at promoting success in every area of their lives. It's a powerful, inspiring book that can help blinded veterans and anyone without eyesight to dream big dreams, and define success for themselves. That's the same message the Southern Nevada Regional Group of the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) offers to its members.

Veterans who have lost their eyesight can enjoy camaraderie and positive thinking in the BVA. The long time President of the local organization is Joe Tasby, a Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam war and a recipient of three Purple Hearts. Tasby is a veteran who did not lose his sight because of a combat incident. Rather, he began losing his vision after he returned to civilian life. Any veteran who is legally blind, due to combat or not, is eligible to join the BVA. And Tasby is there to show them that "no one has to be blind to see." (Click here for more) 

By Josh Loftis

(Las Vegas, NV) - Matt Taylor has joined NDVS as the agency's Southern Nevada Community Outreach Director. The picture above shows him in earlier years working in the Middle East. 

Matt has an extensive background in serving Nevada's veteran community. In his new position with NDVS, Matt will be leading the NDVS outreach efforts where his main focus will be to ensure NDVS fulfills its mission of connecting Nevada veterans and their families to the benefits, resources and programs earned through U.S. military service. His work will ensure the agency is addressing the needs of all Nevada veterans, including unique veterans' populations such as Native Americans, women and LGBTQ veterans.

His most recent position was within a Nevada Congressional Office from 2015-2017 serving as a Veterans Caseworker. The position required him to answer questions and solve problems of veterans who were seeking assistance, guidance and answers.

Previously, he worked in the executive security industry and as a government contractor on weapons reduction and abatement programs in the Middle East and Africa. He has also worked as an independent consultant throughout the United States and in locations overseas.

Matt is a veteran, having served 13 years in the United States Marine Corps as a Combat Engineer. He has called southern Nevada home since 2002 and is very familiar with southern Nevada, the veterans' and military organizations in the southern part of the State, and the wide range of resources available to Nevada’s veterans and their families. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Management from Nevada State College.

His phone number is 702-486-8041and his email is taylorm@veterans.nv.gov. Matt’s office will be located in the Grant Sawyer Building, 555 E. Washington Ave., Suite 3200, in Las Vegas, Nevada.  

The White House launches new veterans' hotline. VA Secretary David Shulkin made the announcement earlier this month. Read more from the Military Times by clicking the link below:

http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/white-house-veterans-complaint-line

If you’re a Gulf War veteran or have a loved one who served in that conflict, you are eligible for a FREE commemorative gift thanks to “Remember My Service Productions.”

The organization is providing FREE coffee table books, “25th Anniversary, The Liberation of Kuwait.” The books are beautifully produced with stunning photography. They are valued at $49.99 but will be provided FREE by calling 1-775-525-4674 or by emailing  hendryt@veterans.nv.gov to make arrangements to pick up your copy.  

The Liberation of Kuwait is a landmark first-edition book published in 2016 by “Remember My Service Productions.”  This historical commemorative was created on behalf of the Nation of Kuwait to honor those veterans serving during Operation Desert Storm.

By Dr. Anne Davis, Chairperson, Women Veteran's Advisory Committee

(Reno, Las Vegas, NV) –There is an effort underway to organize and provide an Honor Flight from Reno/Las Vegas to Washington, DC. It is for women veterans who have served in the U.S. military. As you may already know, Honor Flight's mission is to transport America's veterans to our nation's Capitol to visit the memorials dedicated to their honor, service, and sacrifices. 

This is the first Reno/Las Vegas Honor Flight for Women Veterans. Women have served our nation since the Revolutionary War, but their service has often gone unrecognized and their military experience has been very different from that of men. In our country's early history, women disguised themselves as men to serve our country. It wasn't until World War II, women were able to enlist in the military.

Even then, the rules for men and women were very different. Because of these differences, many women who have served in the military have not, and do not, consider themselves to be veterans. This may be true because they did not serve in a war zone or could not serve in combat positions. While much of this has changed, unfortunately some of our early women veterans have not been recognized for their service.  

Click here to read more.

Any veteran or his or her spouse, parent or child can purchase a veteran license plate. The initial cost for veterans plates with a standard number is $61 plus a Prison Industry fee of 50 cents per plate. The annual renewal fee is $30. The initial cost for personalized versions is $97 plus a Prison Industry fee of 50 cents per plate. The annual renewal is $50. Twenty-five dollars of the initial fee and $20 of the annual renewal are used to support outreach programs and services for veterans and their families administered by Nevada Department of Veterans Services. 

Plates with standard numbers are in stock at DMV Full Service Offices. You can order personalized versions by mail, fax, or in person at a DMV Full Service Office.

Veteran Unit Decal Plates: The DMV is authorized to offer veterans plates with extra space for unit logos. Army Airborne and Navy Seabees are available as well as Air Force and Army logos on National Guard Plates.

Motorcycle plates for Army Airborne and Navy Seabees are not in stock and must be custom-ordered. Visit the Nevada DMV by clicking here: http://dmvnv.com/platesveterans.htm

The Attorney General’s Office of Military Legal Assistance @EASE program is hosting free, collaborative workshops with Nevada Legal Services dedicated to drafting wills and powers of attorney for Nevada veterans. The @EASE program is the nation’s first attorney general-led, public-private partnership offering our military communities access to pro bono civil legal services. The @EASE program has won the Department of Defense Best Practices Award for best legislation and statewide pro bono services. 

Workshops will take place at least once per month throughout the State of Nevada. The workshops are free and open to all Nevada veterans and immediate family members. Representatives from the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, U.S. Veteran Affairs and other veteran organizations regularly attend to answer and address veteran questions concerning disability, pensions, employment and many other areas. For more information on upcoming workshops, please email Hcooney@ag.nv.gov and visit nvagomla.nv.gov.