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June 2019 Veterans Voice Newsletter
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Message from the Director
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Message from the Director - June 2019
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Welcome to Summer and Get Ready for a Busy Couple of Months Ahead!
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Check Out the 2018 NDVS Annual Report
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The Nevada Department of Veterans Services 2018 Annual Report pays tribute to "Honoring Every Veteran - Every Generation." Click here to read it!:
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Gold Star Families Memorial Dedication at
Northern Nevada State Veterans Home
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A dedication ceremony for the new Gold Star Families Memorial Dedication will be held on the grounds of the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home in Sparks, Nevada on June 29, 2019 at 3:00 PM.
Click here to read more
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Congratulations to Ed Kaatz and Reno Elks Lodge #597
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Marine veteran Ed Kaatz and members of Reno Elks Lodge #597 received special honor and recognition from Governor Steve Sisolak during a ceremony held last month inside the Old Assembly Chambers in Carson City.
Click here to read more |
Memorial Day Ceremonies
in Northern and Southern Nevada
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Governor Steve Sisolak was among those who paid tribute and honor to our fallen military heroes during the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley. This year, the ceremony paid special honor to women who have or are serving in the U.S. military.
In Boulder City, the "Battle Born Ruck to Remember" added a new element to the annual Memorial Day ceremony. A group of 250 students from Truckee Meadows Community College in the north and the University of Las Vegas in the south, combined forces to conduct a 400-mile group marathon known as Operation Battle Born Ruck March. The end to the march became part of the ceremony.
Click here to read more |
Hundreds Turn Out for Flag In Events
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Flag-In events in Fernley and Boulder City turned out hundreds of volunteers on Saturday, May 25, 2019.
Click here to read more |
Ruck to Remember, History, Judicial Commentary in Spotlight
on Memorial Day in Boulder City
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This year, something new was added to the traditional, respectful presentations on Memorial Day at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City. A group of 250 students from Truckee Meadows Community College in the north and the University of Las Vegas in the south, combined forces to conduct a 400-mile group marathon known as Operation Battle Born Ruck March. The end to the march became part of the ceremony.
Click here to read more |
Motorcycle Groups Support
Special Forces Memorial Day Ceremony
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For the past 20 years, the local Special Forces Association has held its own Memorial Day ceremony, one day before the official commemoration. This year the Special Forces ceremony at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. was supported by several veterans' motorcycle clubs, including local Post 149 American Legion Riders.
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WWII Women's Army Corps Veteran
Lieutenant Colonel Harriet West-Waddy Honored
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A special memorial service was held at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery on May 24, at 10:40 AM in the chapel for Harriet West-Waddy.
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Gulf War Veteran? a 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
hendryt@veterans.nv.gov
. 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? a Gift 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 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
hendryt@veterans.nv.gov. 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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June Is PTSD Awareness Month
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June is PTSD Awareness Month. June 27
th
is the designated day
for PTSD Awareness. The designation is designed to help raise awareness about the many different PTSD treatment options available and how you can make a difference in the lives of veterans and others who have experienced trauma. Everyone can and should help.
Click here to read more |
The VA MISSON Act and Your Health
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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is providing information on the VA MISSION Act and what to expect in the coming months. The Act affects many VA programs, including changes that make dramatic improvements to how veterans receive health care provided outside of VA facilities.
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VA MISSION Act Fact Sheet
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Additional VA MISSION Act FAQ
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The Longest Day Fundraiser and Raffle
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The Alzheimer's Association is seeking donations from community partners for a raffle basket fundraiser for The Longest Day, which is a fundraising event that helps raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer's care, support, and research efforts.
Many older veterans suffer from memory impairment diagnoses, to include Alzheimer's.
Any community partner who donates an item to our raffle basket will be able to place their community brochures on the raffle basket table in the Alzheimer's Association's lobby (and will be able to donate branded materials for the raffle basket). The Alzheimer's Association will be selling raffle tickets throughout the month of June. All proceeds will support The Longest Day fundraising event.
To donate a raffle basket item, please call 775-786-8061, email Niki Rubarth at nrubarth@alz.org, or visit our office to drop off your donation. Our address: 639 Isbell Road, Suite 240, Reno, NV 89509
Thank you for your support!
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Programs and Services
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Nominations Sought for "Help for Heroes" Program
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Walker Furniture is seeking recommendation letters for the company's sixth annual "Help for Heroes" program to help wounded U.S. Military personnel and veterans in Clark County who need specialized furniture.
"Walker Furniture created the "Help for Heroes" program to help make day-to-day living a little easier for a segment of our community that is often overlooked," said Larry Alterwitz, Walker Furniture CEO/Owner. "This year the program will provide some relief for 12 active duty military personnel and/or veterans."
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The Nevada Department of Veterans Services is pleased to announce a new, FREE resource! -
A Speakers Bureau that will provide experts or emcees at your next event, ceremony, presentation, gala, meeting and more.
The purpose of the bureau is twofold. First, it will help ensure veterans, currently serving military in Nevada and their families have information about benefits and services that improve their lives. Second, the bureau is designed to raise public awareness about the rich legacy of Nevadan's who have served in America's military and how they can best support our veteran and military communities.
Across the nation, the statistics show that less than 1% of Americans living today have served in the military. This means fewer veterans in Congress and leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. Those decision makers are important to supporting and providing funding of necessary programs important to our military and veteran communities.
Listening to someone who has lived through a certain experience can be helpful in gaining understanding of said experience. NDVS can help provide this personal connection between veterans and our Nevada communities by development and maintenance of a veterans and military speakers bureau.
Just click
here to view the NDVS Speakers Bureau.
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News You can Use
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Top 10 Things to Remember about Flag Retiring
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Friday, June 14, 2019 is Flag Day. It sits right between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, which are two perfect times to proudly display your American flag. But time, elements, even storage can take a toll on your flag, leaving it weathered, worn, and ready for retirement. We checked with the experts to provide a top 10 list of things you will want to keep in mind when you retire your flag.
Click here to read more |
Randle Honored for Volunteerism
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NDVS has a great Nevada Veteran Advocate partner in the southern part of the state named Peggy Randle who specializes in small group home Veterans in Care (VIC) ceremonies.
On April 17
th, Peggy and her patriotic team performed two small group home VICs in Henderson, Nevada - one at Sweet Home Belmont and the other at Ameery Care II. A total of five veterans were honored with family, friends, and staff in attendance.
Peggy's service and dedication are appreciated in honoring Nevada's veterans who live in smaller facilities. These particular ceremonies tend to be very special and personal because of their small size.
If you have any questions regarding VICs, please contact Amanda Whitecloud at
whiteclouda@veterans.nv.gov or 775-825-9757. Amanda is the Administrative Assistant to the NDVS Deputy Director of Health & Wellness, Wendy Simons.
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Work Underway in Henderson
for Additional Display Honoring Veterans
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In Southern Nevada, it may be difficult to name one city over another that does more to honor veterans. Bountiful Las Vegas can boast of several memorials, including the recent addition of a solemn area featuring larger than life sculptures of warriors located in front of the State's Grant Sawyer Building. Pahrump has only a handful of memorials, but as an unincorporated town, it does well for itself and is not to be faulted. Boulder City perhaps is the leader, as it is the location of a State veterans home, a State veterans cemetery and several veterans memorials framing the city.
But what about Henderson?
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Help Sought to Find Missing Service Dog
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Last December, a sudden medical emergency hit Morris Collins. The comatose Army veteran was placed inside an ambulance and raced to the hospital. Sadly, his faithful service dog, Murphy, managed to slip through an unattended door and took off after the ambulance, before disappearing. His beloved dog, Murphy, provided comfort and security. But now Murphy is gone.
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Employment/Education
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VASNHS to Hold Special Nursing Career Fair to
Hire Approximately 50 Nurses
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The Department of Veterans Affairs' Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS) will be holding a special Nurses Career Fair from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, June 10-11, to hire approximately 50 nurses for a variety of positions locally.
With expanded services for local veterans in Southern Nevada, VASNHS currently has a growing need for nurses in a variety of roles. VASNHS is seeking experienced registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses, to work in the following areas: medical/surgical inpatient wards, emergency medicine, women's health, cardiology, critical/intensive care unit, outpatient primary care, mental health, float pool, community care coordination, and several other areas.
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Become a Patriot Employer!
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The Patriot Employer Program provides employers with the tools and knowledge to hire and retain veterans. It also identifies the benefits that come from hiring the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces to utilize their training, skills, teamwork as well as leadership abilities.
The benefits of hiring veterans go 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 veterans 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 would make any business or company proud including integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness. 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 Governor Sisolak to be 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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Always Remember, Never Forget - June 2019
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D-Day - June 6, 1944
During World War II (1939-1945), the Battle of Normandy, which lasted from June 1944 to August 1944, resulted in the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany's control. Codenamed Operation Overlord, the battle began on June 6, 1944, also known as D-Day, when some 156,000 American, British and Canadian forces landed on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of the heavily fortified coast of France's Normandy region. The invasion was one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history and required extensive planning. Prior to D-Day, the Allies conducted a large-scale deception campaign designed to mislead the Germans about the intended invasion target. By late August 1944, all of northern France had been liberated, and by the following spring the Allies had defeated the Germans. The Normandy landings have been called the beginning of the end of war in Europe.
U.S. Army Birthday - June 14, 1775
Join the celebration of the U.S. Army Birthday on June 14 as we remember its creation in 1775. The army originally consisted of volunteer soldiers with roots to the Continental Army - and was formed to fight the Revolutionary War. Today, as the largest branch of the U.S. military, the proud men and women of the U.S. Army continue to provide peace and security for all of us.
Flag Day - June 14, 1916
When the
American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren't fighting united under a single flag. Instead, most regiments participating in the war for independence against the British fought under their own flags. In June of 1775, the
Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army-a unified colonial fighting force-with the hopes of more organized battle against its colonial oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first "American" flag, the Continental Colors.
For some, this flag, which was comprised of 13 red and white alternating stripes and a Union Jack in the corner, was too similar to that of the British.
George Washington soon realized that flying a flag that was even remotely close to the British flag was not a great confidence-builder for the revolutionary effort, so he turned his efforts towards creating a new symbol of freedom for the soon-to-be fledgling nation.
On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the
Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that "the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white," and that "the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday - June 23, 1941
When the Coast Guard "Reserve" was authorized by act of Congress on June 23, 1939, the Coast Guard was given a legislative mandate to use civilian volunteers to promote safety on and over the high seas and the nation's navigable waters. The Coast Guard Reserve was then a non-military service comprised of unpaid, volunteer U.S. citizens who owned motorboats or yachts.
Two years later, on Feb. 19, Congress amended the 1939 act with passage of the Auxiliary and Reserve Act of 1941. Passage of this act designated the Reserve as a military branch of the active service, while the civilian volunteers, formerly referred to as the Coast Guard Reserve, became the Auxiliary.
PTSD Recognition and Awareness - June 27, 2014
PTSD Awareness Day is observed every year on June 27th.
PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and is a condition that many veterans and non-veterans alike suffer. PTSD can occur when someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. This condition wasn't always understood properly by the medical or military community, and Department of Defense press releases often point to earlier attempts to identify PTSD symptoms in the wake of service in World War 2, Vietnam, and other conflicts.
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Mark Your Calendar
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Mark Your Calendar - June 2019
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