Veterans Voice
August 2022
Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) Newsletter
Serving Nevada's Heroes since 1943 ~ Donate to NDVS
Director's Message * Honoring Heroes * Health & Wellness * Programs & Services * News * Always Remember
The Nevada Veterans Benefits Registry
By joining the registry you will discover more about benefits you have earned, and, give us the opportunity to inform you of new benefits as they are developed. Stay connected!
Mark Your Calendar
Send us your upcoming events at pio.ndvs@veterans.nv.gov to post to our calendar
Suicide Prevention
Message from Director Fred Wagar 
Dear Fellow Veterans and Veteran Advocates, 
 
Just three months ago we recognized former Director Kat Miller as she retired from her duties with NDVS. We now have another great leader who left NDVS. You have probably heard already that Deputy Director of Healthcare Services, Amy Stephensen (Garland), was appointed by Governor Sisolak as Director for the Governor’s Finance Office. 
Honoring Our Heroes
Veteran of the Month and Veteran Supporter of the Month Honored in Special Ceremony
Five recipients of Veteran of the Month or Veteran Supporter of the Month Honored in Special Ceremony Governor Steve Sisolak honored and recognized five recipients of the Veteran of the Month or the Veteran Supporter of the Month (VOM/VSM) during an in-person ceremony in Carson City last month. Read More
Now Accepting Nominations for New Youth Award 
If you know of a young Nevadan or a youth group that supports veterans or volunteers to improve the lives of veterans, we want to hear from you. NDVS is now accepting nominations for the new, Serving Veterans – Youth Award. Read More
Health and Wellness
Amy Stephensen leaves NDVS to advance as new
State Budget Director in Governor’s Office
On July 20, 2022, Amy Stephenson officially became the new Director for the Governor’s Finance Office leaving her position as the Deputy Director of Healthcare Services for the Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS). She replaces Susan Brown who recently retired. Read More
New three-digit 988 Crisis & Suicide Prevention Lifeline
launched July 16, 2022 U.S. transitions to new phone number for crisis care 
New three-digit 988 Crisis & Suicide Prevention Lifeline launched July 16, 2022 
U.S. transitions to new phone number for crisis care. Compassionate and accessible care is now available to Nevadans statewide by dialing an easy to remember three-digit number, 988.
NDVS initiative will support civilian healthcare  
providers to better serve veterans 
The NDVS Veterans Healthcare Pocket Card educational initiative has officially launched in Elko. This initiative is aimed at educating and informing civilian healthcare partners on the ways to identify veterans and engage with them about their military service to identify military exposures, screen for suicide risk, and connect veterans to resources. Read More
NDVS Collaboration with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 
NDVS is proud to announce its continued collaboration with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) with the launch of a two-page resource flyer. The flyer is the first of its kind in identifying and targeting a subgroup of military exposures and presumed conditions with clinical and veteran-centric resources. Read More
The Marines Come to Town 
After months of coordination in the background, The Northern Nevada State Veterans Home recently had the pleasure to recently play host for a reunion of the 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. Read More
Programs & Services
Maria Mandaleni-Orozco Named New NDVS Outreach Director
Maria Mandaleni-Orozco joined NDVS in 2021 as a Veterans Service Officer. She helped veterans file claims for disability, pension, and survivor’s compensation and educated veterans and their families on the benefits available. Read More
NDVS Veterans Service Officers Set Claims and Awards Record
The Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) is pleased to announce a record setting year for filing claims on behalf of Nevada’s veterans, thus ensuring these veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned through their military service. Read More
The NDVS Roadshow Wraps up This Month with Two Last Events in Northern Nevada 
Over the past few months, NDVS has put on events throughout northern Nevada from Reno
to Elko, Winnemucca and Ely and the last two events of the series are coming up.
NDVS Hosts Its First In-Person NVTAP Event  
NDVS hosted its first NVTAP in-person event at the Army National Guard Readiness Center in North Las Vegas on July 30, 2022. Read More
News You Can Use
Decorated WWII Veteran Dean Whitaker Passes Away 
World War II veteran Dean Whitaker passed away on July 14, 2022. Mr. Whitaker was a former Prisoner-of-War (POW) who was very active in the Las Vegas veteran’s community sharing his experiences. Read More
Your Ideas Sought for Las Vegas October 1st Memorial
Clark County officials and the 1 October Memorial Committee are seeking public input for the construction of a respectful, lasting memorial to remember the victims of the October 1, 2017, shooting as well as honor the survivors, first responders and everyday heroes who inspired the nation with their bravery in recognition of the resiliency and compassion of the community.
Employment/Education 
NDVS Job Postings
Looking for a new job? Check out our job postings on the NDVS website Click Here
On-the-Job Apprenticeship Programs
Have you thought about a job that pays you while you learn? There are two ways to gain valuable skills while earning a wage either through On-the-Job Training or through Apprenticeship Training. Click Here to learn more!
Always Remember
August 2022 
Anti-Terrorism Awareness Month 
August 2 – Iraq invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990. On August 7, 1990, George Herbert Walker Bush launched Operation Desert Shield.   
August 4 – Coast Guard Birthday (1915) 
August 7 – Purple Heart Day (1782)  
August 14 – Navajo Code Talkers Day (Est. 1982) 
August 14 – Congressional Medal of Honor Society Birthday (1863) 
August 16 – National Airborne Day (1940) 
August 29 – Marine Forces Reserve Birthday (1916)