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May 2019 Veterans Voice Newsletter
Message Message from the Director
Message from the Director - May 2019
The month of May has many things on the calendar - opportunities for you to volunteer, show your support, and honor Nevada's veterans!

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Check Out the 2018 NDVS Annual Report
The Nevada Department of Veterans Services 2018 Annual Report pays tribute to "Honoring Every Veteran - Every Generation." Click here to read it!:
 
Honoring Veterans and Supporters  
Three individuals shared the podium to receive honor and recognition for their volunteer work in helping veterans. In a special ceremony at the Grant Sawyer Building in Las Vegas, Terry Estabrook, was named Veteran of the Month , while Su Phelps and AARP Nevada shared the honor of being named Veteran Supporters of the Month .

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NDVS Hosted Memorial Day Events
Make sure your calendar is marked and you are set to attend an upcoming Memorial Day event hosted by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. This year Memorial Day is Monday, May 27, 2019. There are ceremonies planned in both northern and southern Nevada.

At the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, the Memorial Day ceremony is set to begin at 11:00 AM. The Fernley, Nevada veteran cemetery is located at 14 Veterans Way. Please be sure to give yourself adequate time for parking as this event brings out hundreds of attendees. This year, Governor Steve Sisolak, and NDVS Director Kat Miller, will attend the Fernley event.

At the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, the Memorial Day ceremony will kick off a little bit later starting at 1:00 PM. NDVS Deputy Director of Programs and Services, Fred Wagar, will attend. The Boulder City veteran cemetery is located at 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive. Again, please give yourself enough time to park!

Also, don't forget the "Flag In" events at both cemeteries on Saturday, May 25, 2019 where volunteers place American flags on each gravesite to prepare for the Memorial Day ceremonies. In northern Nevada, please arrive no later than 9:00 AM. and in southern Nevada, please arrive to the Boulder City veteran cemetery no later than 7:00 AM., before it gets too hot!

In southern Nevada, there is also a Special Forces ceremony on Sunday, May 26, 2019 at 10:00 AM near the Memorial Gardens at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive.   
Operation Battleborn: Ruck to Remember
In Nevada, Operation Battleborn: Ruck to Remember  is a unique way to honor and remember the military men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice since September 11, 2001. The Nevada ruck march combines the challenges of a grueling marathon with the comrade and teamwork necessary to complete any endeavor by a large group. 

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Missing in Nevada: 15 Unclaimed Veterans Receive Military Burial
The Nevada Veterans Coalition played host to another Missing in Nevada ceremony by laying to rest the unclaimed remains of 15 veterans.  The veterans joined their brothers and sisters at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in a solemn ceremony that remembered them for their service and sacrifices. 

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Korean War Veteran? This Free Gift is For You!
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 and 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!
Gulf War Veteran? Free Gift for You!
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!
HealthHealth and Wellness
Southern Nevada State Veterans Home Maintains Highest CMS 5-Star Quality Rating
The Southern Nevada State Veterans Home (SNSVH) has again received the highest rating possible from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a 5-star quality rating. According to CMS, only 10 percent of skilled care nursing facilities in each state receive the top 5-star rating.

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Resident/Family Survey Gives Southern Nevada State Veterans Home Highest Rating Possible
The Southern Nevada State Veterans Home (SNSVH) in Boulder City, Nevada earned the 2019 Pinnacle Quality Insight Customer Experience Award, scoring in the top 15% in the nation across, over a 12-month average.

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Eli Pick Facility Leadership Award Presented Third Year in a Row
The Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) is pleased to announce the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home (SNSVH) has received the 2019 Eli Pick Facility Leadership Award for the third year in a row. This national recognition identifies top performing leadership of skilled nursing care facilities from across the country. The American College of Health Care Administrators honored SNSVH Administrator Linda Gelinger with the leadership award earlier this month.   

ProgramsPrograms and Services
Team Rubicon is Always All In
When it comes to veteran service organizations, active members of Team Rubicon, not only make it personal when helping fellow veterans, they also get physical.

Amanda McDonald is the Senior Associate of Regional Operations for Team Rubicon. Her region is the Southwest. She explained the term "Crossing the Rubicon" "is kind of considered a point of no return." The Rubicon is a river in Italy that Julius Caesar crossed, committing himself to war with Pompeii. "When Julius Caesar crossed, he actually had his army turn around to burn their boats. It was victory or death," McDonald explained. That is indicative of the firm commitment that Team Rubicon volunteers make when they provide response to world-wide disasters.

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NDVS Speakers Bureau Now Available
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.
For more information, you may also contact Josh Loftis at 775-825-9748 or  loftisj@veterans.nv.gov
NewsNews You can Use
Women Are Driving Force in American Legion Auxiliary
The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) is making significant impact in many communities across America.  Over the years, the ALA has influenced considerable change, won hundreds of benefits for veterans, helped military families through transition and produced important programs for our country's youth.

Southern Nevada ALA member Judy Cobb said, "Nationally, we are the largest female patriotic organization in the world with more than 800,000 members. We are a part of the American Legion. We are their counterparts. We are a member of their family, along with the Legion Riders [motorcyclists] and the Sons of the Legion."

 Click here to read more
EmploymentEmployment/Education
The Folded Flag Foundation Scholarship Application Period Open for 
2019 - 2020 Academic School Year
The Folded Flag Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization committed to honoring the legacy of America's fallen heroes by helping their families with financial support for education.

The Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2019-20 school year.
The scholarship and grant opportunities offered by The Folded Flag Foundation, include:
  • Educational scholarships to cover the cost of private school tuition and fees, tutoring, after-school programs, summer camps and/or other related educational expenses for Gold Star children in grades K-12
  • Educational scholarships for college-bound Gold Star spouses and/or children (under the age of 26) to cover the cost of tuition and fees, books, computers, living expenses, tutoring, test preparation services and/or career preparation expenses
The Folded Flag Foundation was formed in 2014 as a nonprofit organization that relies on public donations to provide scholarships to the spouses and children of U.S. military and other government personnel who have lost their lives in defense of our country. For the 2018-19 school year, The Folded Flag Foundation awarded more than $1.8 million in educational scholarships to 205 recipients from across the nation.

To qualify for The Folded Flag Foundation's scholarship program, applicants must be the spouse or child (aged 0-26) of a U.S. military or government personnel who lost his or her life as a result of hostile action or in an accident related to U.S. combat operations.   
The deadline for application is May 15, 2019, with scholarships awarded to those selected in time for the fall school semester enrollment period. Applicants will be notified in mid-July about the status of their application.

For more information on The Folded Flag Foundation, click here:  https://www.foldedflagfoundation.org/
Become a Patriot Employer!
The Patriot Employer Program provides employers with the tools and knowledge to hire and retain veterans. It also identifies the benefits of hiring men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces to utilize their training, skills, teamwork and 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 Steve Sisolak to be presented in a ceremony and then proudly displayed.

For more information on the Patriot Employer Program click here:
RememberAlways Remember
Always Remember, Never Forget - May 2019
Mexican-American War (Apr 25, 1846 - Feb 2, 1848)

"The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) marked the first U.S. armed conflict chiefly fought on foreign soil. It pitted a politically divided and militarily unprepared Mexico against the expansionist-minded administration of U.S. President James K. Polk, who believed the United States had a "manifest destiny" to spread across the continent to the Pacific Ocean. A border skirmish along the Rio Grande started off the fighting and was followed by a series of U.S. victories. When the dust cleared, Mexico had lost about one-third of its territory, including nearly all of present-day California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico."

 
Civil War (Apr 12, 1861 - May 9, 1865)

The Civil War in the United States began in 1861, after decades of simmering tensions between northern and southern states over slavery, states' rights and westward expansion. The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 caused seven southern states to secede and form the Confederate States of America; four more states soon joined them. The War Between the States, as the Civil War was also known, ended in Confederate surrender in 1865. The conflict was the costliest and deadliest war ever fought on American soil, with some 620,000 of 2.4 million soldiers killed, millions more injured and much of the South left in ruin.

 
May is National Military Appreciation Month
National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM) is celebrated every May and is a declaration that encourages U.S. citizens to observe the month in a symbol of unity. NMAM honors the current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those who have died in the pursuit of freedom.  The month of May is characterized by six national observances which highlight the contributions of those who have served.

 https://militarybenefits.info/national-military-appreciation-month/#ixzz5mhChX6Mw
 
Silver Service Banner Day (May 1)
Every May 1 Americans honor the sacrifices of the combat wounded, ill and dying service members on Silver Star Service Banner Day.
Across all branches of The United States military, Silver Star families are honored for their services with the symbol of the Silver Star Service Banner and Flag.  We are encouraged on May 1 to take the opportunity to do the same.

 
VE Day (May 8)
On this day in 1945, both Great Britain and the United States celebrate Victory in Europe Day. Cities in both nations, as well as formerly occupied cities in Western Europe, put out flags and banners, rejoicing in the defeat of the Nazi war machine.
The eighth of May spelled the day when German troops throughout Europe finally laid down their arms: In Prague, Germans surrendered to their Soviet antagonists, after the latter had lost more than 8,000 soldiers, and the Germans considerably more; in Copenhagen and Oslo; at Karlshorst, near Berlin; in northern Latvia; on the Channel Island of Sark-the German surrender was realized in a final cease-fire. More surrender documents were signed in Berlin and in eastern Germany.


 
Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 10)
National Military Spouse Appreciation Day is celebrated on the Friday before Mother's Day in May. This year it will be observed on Friday, May 10th, 2019.National Military Spouse Appreciation Day
On Military Spouse Appreciation Day we honor the contributions and sacrifices made by military spouses. Their commitment and support help to keep our country safe. America's military spouses are the backbone of the families who support our troops during mission, deployment, reintegration and reset. Military spouses are silent heroes who are essential to the strength of the nation, and they serve our country just like their loved ones.
In celebration of Military Spouse Appreciation Day, the armed forces have special events and programs to inform, honor, and recognize military spouses around the world. Events range from spouse appreciation luncheons to educational workshops, and spouse employment fairs that pay tribute to military spouses.

 
Armed Forces Week (May 11 -19)
Armed Forces Week typically is celebrated in the week leading up to Armed Forces Day (the third Saturday in May). For American service members, Armed Forces Week is an occasion to remember past and present service for all branches of the service; once upon a time there was a separate occasion for each branch of the military, later consolidated into a single remembrance.

https://militarybenefits.info/armed-forces-week/#ixzz5mhFIjw1l
 
National Maritime Day (May 22)
National Maritime Day is observed annually in the United States on May 22.  Created to recognize the maritime industry National Maritime Day also honors America's Merchant Marines for their contributions and sacrifices for our country.   Special acknowledgment is given to ships and seafarers that have held a prominent place in our nation's history.
As one of the oldest industries, it has time-honored traditions and a rich and full history. Celebrations and ceremonies around the country will recognize the people our maritime nation depends on.  Each year the Department of Transporation holds a national ceremony in Washinton D.C. There is a national ceremony in Washington D.C. at the Department of Transportation headquarters.

 
Memorial Day (May 27)
Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2018 occurs on Monday, May 28. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.

For information on goings-on across Nevada for Memorial Day, visit our Mark Your Calendar at:
CalendarMark Your Calendar
Mark Your Calendar - May 2019
Click here for some events happening in May!
Nevada Department of Veterans Services 
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