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November 2019 Veterans Voice Newsletter
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Message from the Director
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Message from the Director - November 2019
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November means Veterans Day! Come see what is going on across the State for Veterans Day, as well as some other interesting items!
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France Continues to Honor WWII American Fighters
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The melodic patriotism of "God Bless America" intertwined with the French lyrics of "La Marseillaise." The dual harmonies drifted through an area where a group gathered for two presentations of the French Legion of Honor (Legion D'Honneur).
William "Dean" Whitaker served in the Army Air Corps and William Grant served in an Army infantry division during World War II. Both men received French Legion of Honor medals during a special ceremony held in Las Vegas last month. While it's been more than seven decades since WWII ended, the French people and their government remain strong in their commitment to thank, honor and recognize the men and women who helped them during their time of need.
The Legion of Honor medal was devised when the French Revolution ended, November 9, 1799. Napoleon Bonaparte ascended as France's First Consul, replacing Louis XVI. He ordered a medal be designed that could be given to anyone of all ranks and professions for outstanding achievements in military or civilian life.
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Whitecloud and Grim-Brooks Recognized and Honored as
Veteran and Veteran Supporter of the Month
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"In service to others," become a life saver and then a life's calling for U.S. Navy veteran, Shane Whitecloud. Whitecloud shared his story with Nevada Appeal reporter, Steve Ranson about a fluke that made him join the Navy instead of the Air Force at age 17 - just out of high school. He also shared some tough emotions about the bitterness and anger that enveloped him, starting with a Navy accident and then dealing with the aftermath as a survivor of military sexual trauma. Whitecloud admits this kicked off a downward spiral that involved fights, drugs, trouble with the law, and thoughts of suicide. Now, more than 20 years later, Whitecloud said he found healing, found himself and found his lifelong mission in helping his fellow veterans in need.
In a special ceremony at the Old Assembly Chambers, Whitecloud was recognized and honored as Veteran of the Month.
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Memorial Location Project - We Could Use Your Help!
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NDVS is launching an exciting statewide initiative to locate every veteran, military or war memorial across the state! We are partnering with Veteran/Military reporter, Chuck N. Baker, who is doing all the leg work.
Baker is currently identifying these memorials and documenting their location. He is also collecting photos and conducting research on each memorial to write any existing history to provide a better understanding of the men and women honored.
There are four state veterans' memorials; the Battle Born Memorial to Nevada's Fallen in Carson City, the Nevada State Veterans Memorial at the Grant Sawyer Building in Las Vegas, The Nevada Veterans Memorial Wall on the State Capitol Grounds in Carson City and the Mustang 22 Memorial in Reno at the Stead Airport.
Click here to read more |
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By Janet Snyder
Veterans Day deals available in Las Vegas and around the country. Simply call the casino or restaurant "participating" to make sure the Veterans Day offer is still valid. It's a good idea to ask if military surviving spouses are included in the offer. Most often military surviving spouses can show their dependent I.D. cards to get a free meal and sometimes the veteran can bring a guest!. Remind everyone that military surviving spouses are part of the military community.
For Veterans Day events in your neighborhood, check out our "Mark Your Calendar" section in this newsletter.
As for Veterans Day deals, see recommendations below:
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How You Can Help with Wreaths Across America
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This year, Wreaths Across America Day will be observed on Saturday, December 14, 2019. The annual event is a coordinated wreath-laying effort that takes place at Arlington National Cemetery as well as 1,600 locations across the U.S., including the Northern and Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemeteries.
At Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City...
In southern Nevada, the Boulder City Republican Women are joining forces by accepting wreath sponsorships. For every two-wreath sponsorship received, the cemetery is to receive a third wreath as part of a fundraising program developed by Wreaths Across America. Sponsorships are $15 each.
In Boulder City there are several ways to obtain order forms to purchase wreaths. On November 9 the Republican Women will staff a table at the city's Albertsons market. Arrangements to purchase wreaths can also be made by calling (702) 393-1228, or by emailing
[email protected]. To donate by credit card, visit
http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. Another group that will volunteer by placing wreaths on Dec. 14 is the Las Vegas Emblem Club No. 114. Members are wives, mothers, daughters, sons, brothers and sisters of Elks Lodge members. The lodge can be reached at (702) 258-3557, or
[email protected].
At Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley...
The Nevada Veterans Coalition (NVS) remains a strong force in supporting Wreaths Across America at the cemetery in Fernley. NVC has set up a "Partner Page" on their website to accept donations:
http://supportnnvc.org/partners.html. To donate by credit card, visit:
www.supportnnvc.org.
Their goal is to place a wreath on all graves at the cemetery!
Click here to read more |
Gulf War Veteran? Free Gift for You!
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The State of Kuwait is providing a special "thank you" to the men and women who served in Operation Desert Storm. Gulf War veterans may receive a free commemorative, first-edition book, The Liberation of Kuwait. It includes a companion, feature-length documentary on DVD. The set retails for $49.95 but is yours, free, because of your service.
The high quality book was published in 2016 by Remember My Service Productions. It is full color, printed on heavy glossy paper. The 9" X 11" book has a hardcover and dust jacket.
We regret we cannot mail the free book sets due to cost. But you may arrange to pick up your free copy by emailing
[email protected]. We can make arrangements for you to pick up your copy from the nearest NDVS office. Thank you for your service!
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Korean War Veteran? This Free Gift is For You!
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For a limited time, and for the first time ever, the nationally acclaimed book Korea Reborn: A Grateful Nation Honors War Veterans for 60 Years of Growth and The Remembered War, a 2014 GI Film Festival-selected documentary, are being bundled together in a collector's edition commemorative book and DVD set.
Both the book and DVD remember and honor the brave Americans who served during the Korean War. Their fight for freedom in a war-torn, distant land has nourished a modern and prosperous Republic of Korea, one of the world's most powerful testaments to the fruits of liberty.
The books are a gift from the South Korean government and are made available to you, Korean War veterans, at NO COST! The book retails for $49.95 but again, it is yours free, if you are a Korean War veteran.
While we honor the service of all who veterans, this offer is a special gift reserved only for those who served in combat during the Korean War.
The high quality book was published in 2016 by Remember My Service Productions. It is full color, printed on heavy glossy paper. The 9" X 11" book has a hardcover and dust jacket.
We regret we cannot mail the free book sets due to cost. But you may arrange to pick up your free copy by emailing
[email protected]. We can make arrangements for you to pick up your copy from the nearest NDVS office. Thank you for your service!
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Health and Wellness
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Free Family and Professional Caregiver Training Opportunity - Bravo Zulu Training, Pahrump and Winnemucca
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Join us for a two-day workshop near you that will explore what it takes to get to Bravo Zulu* by providing dementia care and support that is tailored, yet flexible, to each unique elder's strengths, preferences and needs. This program also has a component that speaks to military service and its impact on the aging process. This Bravo Zulu training will be presented by Jennifer Carson, PhD. She is the Director of the Dementia Engagement, Education and Research Program (DEER) in Community Health Sciences at the University of Nevada, Reno
The Pahrump Event will be November 7 - 8
The Winnemucca Event will be November 18 - 19
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Unique Opportunity for Community to See New
Northern Nevada State Veterans Home
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For the first time, community members in the Reno-Sparks area were able to see the fully furnished Northern Nevada State Veterans Home (NNSVH) during a special open house event held October 3, 2019.
The day started at 10:00 AM with opening remarks from Governor Steve Sisolak. Other dignitaries included City of Sparks Mayor Ron Howard and Avalon Health Care Board Member Peter Cooke, Major General (Ret.).
Following the opening ceremony, tours of the 96-bed full skilled-nursing care facility took place until 4:00 PM.
The NNSVH is like no other. Each resident has their own private room. The dining areas are shared, encouraging residents to mix and mingle. The facility features state-of-the-art technology, providing the highest quality of care. The Nevada-themed facility even includes artwork from Nevada artists!
In addition to state-of-the-art care, the facility also contains areas of a unique design. The Town Hall portion of the building contains a Coffee Bistro and a Sports Bar.
The new home also features an award-winning executive chef, Greg Parsley. Parsley recently received the Perry Foundation's prestigious Endeavor Award for Innovation in Dining. The award recognizes a Skilled Nursing Facility or Assisted Living Community for embracing a person-centered approach to dining excellence, while maintaining standards to ensure resident health and wellness. Click here for more on the award:
https://veterans.nv.gov/northern-nevada-state-veterans-home-executive-chef-receives-prestigious-award/
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Programs and Services
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Free New and Improved Nevada Veterans Advocate Workshop
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We heard you! Based on the feedback from previous attendees of our Nevada Veterans Advocate (NVA) Workshops, we are trying something new. On November 2-3rd, NDVS is hosting an NVA Workshop that will allow attendees to take ALL 20 modules required to receive an NVA certificate. We are
extremely pleased that we have 115
attendees
registered for
this workshop. Since space is limited, we have closed registration for this Henderson workshop. But another NVA workshop will be offered again in the Spring of 2020
in Reno
. Simply watch this space for the dates and times to come. In the meantime, you may also take the NVA course online and receive your certificate that way. To get started, click here:
https://veterans.nv.gov/community/veterans-advocacy/
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News You can Use
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Battle Born: Memorial to Nevada's Fallen
Wins American Institute of Architects Regional Award
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Nevada's new Battle Born Memorial is the recent recipient of the 2019 Western Mountain Region American Institute of Architects Distinguished Honor Award. This is the highest honor a project can earn for the Western Mountain Region Awards and was the only project from Nevada to win an award! The Western Mountain Region consists of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
The selection process for designing and building the memorial included members of the Nevada Arts Council and the Veterans Services Commission. Fifteen artists vied for the project, but that number was narrowed down to three in 2016. In the end, the panel selected PUNCH Architecture from Las Vegas.
The memorial contains the names of the 894 Nevadans who died fighting to protect our country, dating back to the Civil War. The memorial's ceiling contains metal plates with the names of the fallen cut out of the metal plate. The concept is to allow the light from the sun or moon above to reflect the names to the floor, or to the people inside the memorial.
In December of 2017, final funding for the project was announced. Construction was completed a year later with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held in November of 2018.
Punch Architect's Zak Ostrowski called the award a big honor. He said PUNCH is now submitting the memorial for the American Institute of Architects National Award.
One of the AIA judges said, "This project is gorgeous... compelling in both content and graphic execution. We appreciate the suggested materiality, craft, care and attention to detail. It appears to be a very nice part of a civic park as both a connector and a place of contemplation."
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Need Your Help to Build Scatter Gardens at Our Veterans Cemeteries
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Cremation is becoming more common as an end-of-life choice. As a result, we have received many requests and would like to honor by creating a scatter garden at both our veterans' memorial cemeteries in northern and southern Nevada. This will give families and friends of the deceased more choices and options at our veterans' cemeteries.
Scatter gardens are designated areas where family and friends of the deceased can scatter the ashes of their loved one. The gardens will be peaceful, beautiful areas where the final resting place for the deceased will be among their veteran or military brothers and sisters. The gardens will provide a sanctuary for family and friends to visit and reflect in a beautiful setting.
We will keep you posted as we make progress. All donations are greatly appreciated.
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Millions More Vets and Caregivers Are About to Get Commissary, Exchange Access
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The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are gearing up for what will be the largest expansion of patrons to the military
commissary system and exchanges in 65 years, making sure that shoppers will be able to get on base and find the shelves fully stocked.
Starting Jan. 1,
Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war and all service-connected disabled veterans, regardless of rating, as well as caregivers enrolled in the VA's Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers program, will be able to shop at Defense Commissary Agency stores and military exchanges.
Click here to read more
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Army Association Keeps Nation Up-to-Date
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Our nation's intelligence agencies work diligently to keep top secret information about America's military just that - top secret. But there is much information about our armed forces that can be accessed by the public, if they know where to look. One source comes from the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).
The AUSA is a nonprofit educational and professional development association serving the nation's Army, soldiers, Army civilians and their families as well as industry partners and their families, including other supporters of a strong national defense. The organization works to connect the Army to the public at the national, regional and chapter levels. At its annual national convention in Washington, D.C., programs and seminars relate the latest non-secret information about how the Army operates. Although the information is public, it generally can only be accessed by an AUSA member or convention attendee.
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Employment/Education
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Air Force Transition Assistance Program Receives a Make-Over
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The Transition Assistance Program received new curriculum and a slight makeover as of Oct. 1.
Before, TAP could be accomplished no later than 89 days before a military member's separation date. Now, individuals can take advantage of the program 12 to 15 months before their final out - nearly a year difference.
"A new federal law came out: the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019," said David Burger, 341st Force Support Squadron TAP manager. "This caused TAP to completely change. Anyone who went through TAP before will see significant changes.
"Whether you were enlisted or an officer, everyone got the same information," Burger said. "Now it's a case-by-case management style."
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Become a Patriot Employer!
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Depending on your skill set, landing a good-paying job can be a challenge, particularly for military members transitioning from service to civilian life. That's in part what the Patriot Employer Program seeks to address.
The Patriot Employer Program provides employers with the tools and knowledge to hire and retain veterans. Just as important, it also demonstrates to Nevada businesses the benefits of utilizing men and women who have served in the Armed Forces.
The benefit of hiring veterans goes far beyond tax breaks and incentives. Anyone who has served in the military is familiar with discipline and teamwork. They have respect for policies and procedures and they know the importance of overcoming adversity to complete the mission.
Most former military are comfortable with technology and have been in positions where they have had to learn new skills or adapt quickly. They also come with a set of values that include integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness that would make any business or company proud. They know what it means to put in a "good, honest day of work."
The Patriot Employer Program provides businesses with a toolkit. Employers also receive knowledge through an online course. Upon completion of the course, that business is eligible to receive a decal and certificate, signed by the Governor, and presented in a ceremony, and then proudly displayed.
For more information on the Patriot Employer Program click here:
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Always Remember
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The United States Marine Corps celebrates its Birthday on November 10
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The U.S. Marine Corps was formed as a security force of sorts, serving as an infantry unit aboard naval vessels and was responsible for protecting the ship's officers. Sometimes this was evident with the Marine's quarters positioned between the Officer's quarters and the rest of the ship - to serve as a buffer between them and the rest of the crew.
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Mark Your Calendar
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Mark Your Calendar - November 2019
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