April 2020 Veterans Voice Newsletter
Message Message from the Director
Message from the Director - April 2020
Message from the Director

To My Fellow Veterans, Families and Friends, As I write this letter, it is with sorrow that I share with you that one of our Southern Nevada State Veterans Home residents died from COVID-19 complications while hospitalized last Saturday. All of us at the Nevada Department of Veterans Services are grieving the passing of this Navy Korean War veteran. He served our nation with honor and dignity in its hour of need. He was also a beloved member of our Home community and is already deeply missed.

Please know that we, along with the entire State of Nevada team, are doing everything in our power to protect our residents and continue to take aggressive steps to stop the spread of the virus. I want to thank each one of our team members at the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home for their bravery, dedication and professionalism during this COVID-19 crisis.

Not only the staff at our home, but medical and medical support staff around Nevada are taking heroic actions to protect victims of this disease, to include many of our veteran brothers and sisters. Every one of these health care providers is a hero to the veterans and family members they are treating and caring for.

As I shared with my staff, I do not take the word "hero" lightly. I have had friends grievously injured and killed in the defense of our nation. I understand the sacrifices that our men and women make on behalf of their neighbors. So, when I say our health care providers are heroes, believe that I mean it from the bottom of my heart. Each one of them is on the front lines of the State's response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

As this situation continues to evolve, I wanted to make you aware, we have set up a 24-hour, 7-day a week COVID-19 update line. The number is 702-332-6705. A new, updated message is recorded every day to keep you informed.

The COVID-19 crisis has upended life as we know it, and as such, all of us are doing things differently than we did just a few short weeks ago. That includes the way we are doing business at NDVS as we continue to serve you and your families.

Our Veterans Service Officers (VSO) are assisting veterans and their families via teleconferencing or phone. Simply call 702-830-2000 to make arrangements to talk with a VSO. Our cemeteries are working with families to delay many services. Many events such as our Veterans Legislative Symposia, National Vietnam War Veterans Day, even Veteran of the Month, Veteran Supporter of the Month ceremonies have all been postponed.

Please keep this newsletter handy. It is full of information on changes at NDVS, resources, programs and more, that will help you and your family better handle this crisis.

As veterans, we are no strangers to sacrifice or adversity. When faced with challenging times, we do what we have always done. We stand together and support each other. We face it and together, we fight it until we defeat it. This situation is no different.

Respectfully,
Kat Miller



Send Us Your 1-Minute Video - April 2020

Send Us Your 1-Minute Video 

As we face this unprecedented health crisis, let our vets at the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home know you care! Send them a short, upbeat video! 

Mann Named Veteran of the Month and Pratte Named Veteran Supporter of the Month - April 2020 
Mann Named Veteran of the Month and Pratte Named Veteran Supporter of the Month

Marion (Monk) Mann has been named Veteran of the Month and Alison Prattle has been named Veteran Supporter of the Month for the month of March. 

Click here to read more
Pandemic Changes Ceremonies and Events for National Vietnam War Veterans Day
Pandemic Changes Ceremonies and Events for National Vietnam War Veterans Day 

On March 29th, many events or ceremonies to honor and remember National Vietnam War Veterans Day were cancelled or postponed because of the coronavirus. 

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Send Us Your Ideas if the Coronavirus Alters Memorial Day 
Send Us Your Ideas if the Coronavirus Alters Memorial Day 

Right now, we are all being encouraged to stay at home and practice social distancing to reduce our risk of getting infected with the coronavirus. 

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HealthHealth and Wellness
COVID-19 and the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home: 
What You Need to Know 
COVID-19 and the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home

What You Need to Know Summary: With assistance from the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System, COVID-19 testing of all residents and team members at the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home began on Tuesday, March 30th.

Click here to read more
PsychArmor Training
PsychArmor Training

During this time of social distancing and staying at home, there are many positive things you can do that will keep you busy and support others in need at the same time.

Click here to read more
More Than Ever Before Toolkit in Response to the COVID-19 Crisis
More Than Ever Before Toolkit in Response to the COVID-19 Crisis 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration has partnered with the President's Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS) Office created a messaging campaign in response to the COVID-19 crisis. 

ProgramsPrograms and Services
Changes at Nevada Veteran Memorial Cemeteries
Changes at Nevada Veteran Memorial Cemeteries 

The COVID-19 crisis is impacting the way we and other veterans' cemeteries across the country are conducting business. If you have lost a loved one during this time, please know, our hearts are with you. 

You Can Still File a Claim and Speak with a Veteran Service Officer
You Can Still File a Claim and Speak with a Veteran  Service Officer 

If you want to file a claim, continue pursuing an appeal, or speak with a Veterans Service Officer, NDVS is making sure that service is still available to veterans and their families. 

Preparing for the Inevitable
Preparing for the Inevitable 

While you are social distancing and spending your time at home, now might be a good time to look over Preparing for the Inevitable, by the Military and Friends Club, Sun City, Summerlin. 

NewsNews You can Use
Coronavirus FAQs: 
Coronavirus FAQs: 

The call centers and some VA health facilities are currently experiencing very high numbers of calls. 

Meet the Newest Member of the Women Veterans Advisory Committee
Meet the Newest Member of the Women Veterans Advisory Committee 

Aretha Costley has been appointed to the Women Veterans Advisory Committee. She is from Baltimore, Maryland, but her parents move to California brought her to the West Coast. 

EmploymentEmployment/Education
Who is Hiring? 
Who is Hiring? 

In Las Vegas, some companies are hiring. If you're looking for a job, click the link below: 

Filing Unemployment
Do you have questions about unemployment benefits? There is a free, statewide Ask A Lawyer that will focus specifically on unemployment benefits.  

RememberAlways Remember
Remembering the U.S. Involvement in the Bosnia- Herzegovina Civil War
Remembering the U.S. Involvement in the Bosnia- Herzegovina Civil War 

Bosnia-Herzegovina Civil War erupted in April 1992. The U.S. took a leadership role in December of 1995 to end this war. 

What You Should Know if You are a Military Sexual Trauma Survivor 
Both women and men report Military Sexual Trauma (MST) during their time of service, which can range from sexual harassment to violent sexual assault. 

Mark Your Calendar
Mark Your Calendar
Due to the COVID-19 virus exposure risk, many events have been cancelled or postponed. 

Nevada Department of Veterans Services 
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