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

To my fellow veterans, families, and veteran advocates,

As we move into July, I want to thank the leaders of our veteran's community for coming together for virtual meetings during the past few months.  The information you have shared about what is happening during this public health crisis in our communities has been tremendously valuable as NDVS prepares for the upcoming 2021 Nevada Legislative Session.  If you represent a state or national veterans organization and are not aware of these meetings, please reach out to David Johnson at [email protected]  to be included.

This past weekend marked the 1st Anniversary of the Northern Nevada Gold Star Family Memorial, located on the grounds of the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home.  We are forever grateful for these families and for all those who help keep the sacrifices of our families top of mind.

Let me say a few words about our Veterans Homes.  Mirroring what is occurring statewide, there has been an increase in COVID-19 positive test results at both state veteran homes.  We are testing every resident and every staff member weekly  or more often ,  and as a result, we have early identification of those that have contracted the virus.

Most of our residents and staff testing positive for COVID-19 are asymptomatic or exhibit mild symptoms, and at this point none are in critical condition.  However, we know how dangerous this disease is, and because of the risk to our elderly residents, our medical professionals are maintaining an extremely close watch on them, providing the best care possible.  Our nursing staff remains vigilant in their adherence to CDC infection control protocols and, in many instances, are going above and beyond what is required in order to protect our residents.  As we are all learning, this is definitely a marathon, especially for those working with our elder veterans and their spouses.

We continue to appreciate the outpouring of support the community has shown for our veterans and state veteran homes. Currently, we are seeking size small N95 masks.  There is a current nation-wide shortage so if you know someone who is sitting on a stash of these, please contact Kurt Green at [email protected].

At other NDVS locations, we are carefully resuming previously suspended operations, such as cremation burials and interments at our Veterans Memorial Cemeteries.  Resumption of full operations will allow families to pay final honors to our veterans in a way that appropriately recognizes their service to our nation.  Please understand, however, that while most are ready to get back to normal, this is not "business as usual."  We are taking the necessary  measures to ensure the safety of visitors and guests.  We are requiring visitors to wear face coverings, maintain a physical distance of six feet from each other (except for immediate family) and keep gatherings to 50 people or less.

As the State continues to reopen, I ask that you please remain safe by wearing face coverings and practice physical distancing. Your health is worth any inconvenience.

Respectfully,

Kat Miller

We congratulate Morton Friendlander for being named Veteran of the Month (VOM) and the Kline Veterans Fund being named Veteran Supporter for the Month (VSM) of June.

America's Veterans Continue to Be Honored With Memorials
By Chuck N. Baker

(Tonopah) - Sometimes, it takes a while for an individual or a group to be recognized for their positive contributions. That can be especially true in the military. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal written by White House National Security Advisor Robert C. O'Brien noted that the practice of garrisoning large numbers of troops with their families on massive bases is now, in part, obsolete. 

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Mission Accomplished
On June 16, 2020, NDVS staff attended Reno Municipal Veterans Treatment Court's second graduation ceremony. A crowd of community members celebrated nine veterans who successfully completed CAMO-RNO (Courts Assisting Military Offenders-Reno).

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HealthHealth and Wellness
COVID 19 and Our State Veterans Homes
During the past month, we have had residents and staff at both the Southern Nevada and Northern Nevada State Veterans Homes test positive for COVID-19. The numbers continue to grow as weekly test results are received.

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Thank You to Our Community Partners
The Nevada Department of Veteran Services thanks all of our community partners and the individuals who have provided support during the pandemic. 

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

The COVID-19 pandemic is still 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. 

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Housing Assistance
As the economic impact of COVID -19 spreads, there are resource available to help veterans and veteran families in need. The Community Resource and Referral Center in the South and the Capitol Hill VA Clinic are open and assisting veterans. NDVS Outreach Officers are also available as a resource in identifying local non-profits that assist veterans.

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 ensures services are still available to veterans and their families.

Nina Ridgeway In Her Own Words Stories from Nevada's Women Veterans
U.S. Air Force Veteran, Nina Ridgeway, joined the military right out of high school in the 1980s. Inspired to enlist by a brother and cousin who served, she realized the men in her life were traveling, learning about exotic places, and experiencing a kind of growth and freedom she wanted for herself. Over her 20-year career in the military, she achieved the rank of Master Sergeant.

NewsNews You can Use
Hail and Welcome Julie Dudley
On June 15th, the Nevada Department of Veteran Services welcomed our new Communications Director, Julie Dudley. "Julie is a highly regarded communications, public relations, and marketing professional," said Director Miller". "I am confident she will provide Nevada's veterans and their families with outstanding service."

Homes for Our Troops Provide Homes for Our Troops
By Chuck N. Baker
(Nevada) - The headline may well be redundant, but it's absolutely correct. The national non-profit Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) provides brand new homes for eligible veterans.   

New Laws Protect Government Funding for Student Veterans  
  By Chuck N. Baker
(Nevada) - Much has been written in recent months about financial relief for individuals, families and businesses affected by the COVID-19 virus. Almost lost in the shuffle were college students attending classes under the G.I. Bill and, who among other things, had been receiving government subsidies toward housing.

Coronavirus FAQs: 
For questions about COVID-19 and how it affects VA health care and benefit services, visit our  Coronavirus FAQs page or read  VA's public health response.

EmploymentEmployment/Education
Latest information on Filing for Unemployment
The Nevada Department of Education, Training and Rehabilitation explains to file for unemployment in the State of Nevada.

RememberAlways Remember

 

  • July 4 - Independence Day
 
  • July 27 - National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day (1953)
 
  • July 28 - Buffalo Soldier Day in Nevada (2019); The Army Reorganization Act of 1866 authorized six regiments for African Americans
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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