(Reno and Las Vegas, NV)—Fred Wagar is new to the Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS), but he is far from new to serving veterans. 

Wagar joined NDVS May 1st taking on the position of Deputy Director of Programs and Services. He brings vast experience in connecting veterans to services and benefits. His background includes expertise in helping disabled veterans.  

He most recently served as a Military Service Coordinator (MSC) for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Las Vegas. In the position, he provided guidance to service members going through the Medical Evaluation Board process.  Wagar assisted these veterans with claims for all chronic disabilities incurred during military service. In appropriate cases, he was able to ensure veterans received their compensation benefits immediately following discharge from service.   

Wagar is himself a veteran. He served in the North Dakota National Guard from 1975 until 1983 as a Combat Engineer.  After a seven year hiatus, he joined the United States Army in 1990 and served as an Arabic linguist/interrogator. Wagar was involved with numerous deployments to the Middle East. While on Active Duty, he completed a degree in linguistics at Monterey Peninsula College in California. In 1998, he was discharged from the Army and joined the Army Reserves. While in the Reserves, Wager served as a Congressional Field Representative for a Congressman from North Dakota.  

In 2001, Wagar began working for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) as a National Service Officer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  He remained in the Sioux Falls Office until 2006. During his stay in South Dakota, he was called to Active Duty in 2003 and served with a Combat Engineer Unit at Fort Carson, CO providing training to soldiers deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. The training involved all aspects of deploying to a hostile environment and watching for and responding to terrorist activity. 

In 2006, he retired as a Sergeant First Class. In 2007, Wagar served as a Ratings Specialist for the Department of Veterans Affairs.  

In addition to military service, Wagar has also played a very active role in the veterans' community. He was appointed as Supervisor of the DAV National Service Office in Reno, where he also supervised the Las Vegas office.  At the same time, Wagar co-founded the Northern Nevada Wheelchair Program with Wayne Willson, a Past Department Commander of the Nevada DAV.  The program provides mobility equipment to veterans and their dependents at no cost. 

Wagar is a lifetime member of the DAV, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He is a Past Department Commander of the DAV in Nevada. When not working, he continues to volunteer for various veterans causes. Please  join us in welcoming him!

(Carson City, NV) – At the young age of 94, William "Bill" Knapp is vibrant and now back in the spotlight. 

The Nevada Department of Veterans Services and Governor Brian Sandoval are pleased to announce the highly decorated U.S. Army veteran received the "Veteran of the Month" award and recognition on Thursday, April 20, 2017 inside the Grant Sawyer Building in Las Vegas, NV. 

The special ceremony for the WWII veteran recognizes Knapp's continuing contributions to fellow veterans and community.  Governor Brian Sandoval said, "Bill Knapp's commitment to serve is demonstrated in his both his time in the military and his life as a civilian." The Governor added, "Even at the young age of 94, Bill still continues to serve his community and others."  

Knapp is a member of the Southern Nevada Patriot Guard Riders, whose members ensure a veteran who has passed away, will never have to take that "final walk" alone. They are present during "Ceremonies for the Unaccompanied," at the Southern Nevada State Veterans Cemetery in Boulder City, NV. At the age of 94, Knapp accepts the American Flag on behalf of WWII veterans during those Thursday ceremonies. Knapp also remembers his fellow WWII veteran friends who have passed away by placing a flag every week on their graves.  

In 2015, Knapp was awarded the French National Order of the Legion of Honor. He served in WWII in the 82nd Airborne Division, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment from 1942-1946.  For his service he received several other honors including; the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, and a Battlefield Commission.  

Knapp is also a member of the American Legion and is a current member of Post 76. He attends church every Sunday and remains committed to helping others. In his younger years, Knapp was a very active member of the Shriners International "precision motorcycle club." He retired his bike at the age of 74.    

The "Veteran of the Month" and "Veteran Supporter of the Month" awards are provided through the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. The awards are part of the Governor's commitment to make Nevada the "friendliest State in the nation" to its military community and veterans. If you have a Veteran or Veteran Supporter you would like to nominate, please email Pamela Roberts at [email protected].

(Washington DC, Extracted in part from AP) – Nevada Department of Veterans Services Director Kat Miller was there when President Donald Trump signed an extension to the "Choice Program."  Miller was invited because she serves as a Vice President on the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs.  

President Donald Trump signed a bill April 19, 2017 to temporarily extend a program that lets some veterans seek medical care in the private sector, part of an effort by the President to deliver on a campaign promise. 

The extension will give Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin time to develop a more comprehensive plan to allow veterans to more easily go outside the VA health system for care. Under the bill Trump signed into law, the VA will be allowed to continue operating its "Choice Program" until the funding runs out, which is expected early next year. The program was scheduled to expire on Aug. 7 with nearly $1 billion left over. 

The new law also calls for changes to alleviate some problems by speeding up VA payments and promoting greater sharing of medical records. The US Department of Veterans Affairs is working on a new version of the "Choice Program" which is being called, "Choice 2.0" and should be sent to Congress soon for approval. Miller said, "It was important the 'Choice Program' be extended as lawmakers continue to work on necessary changes to significantly improve the program." 

Shulkin has said he would like to expand veterans' access to private care by eliminating the Choice Program's current 30-day, 40-mile restrictions. At the same time, he wants the VA to work in partnership by handling all the scheduling and "customer service," something that congressional auditors say could be unwieldy and expensive.

By Terri Hendry, NDVS Communications Director 

(Las Vegas, NV) -- In March of 2015, William (Bill) and Barbara Meehan received news no one ever wants to hear. "Bill was diagnosed with a cancer called multiple myeloma," Barbara said adding, "They told us he was in the early stages of the disease and it was not yet considered 'active.'" Barbara explained that there is no cure for multiple myeloma and that the current standard of care was to do nothing until the cancer became "active." She said, "It was like being told you have a ticking time bomb and having to wait until it explodes before you can do anything."  

Little did Bill and Barbara know, the fuse to Bill’s disease was lit a long time ago. Multiple myeloma is one of the presumptive illnesses due to exposure to Agent Orange. During the Vietnam War, Bill was exposed to the chemical while serving in the U.S. Army. He was a Military Intelligence Specialist at the time, whose final rank upon leaving the military was an E-6. Barbara said it never occurred to either one of them the illness, now manifesting years later, could have its roots in exposure that happened decades before. 

She said this knowledge from the beginning would have been very valuable, but she adds no one, from the pharmacists, physical therapists, social workers, doctors or chaplains, who saw Bill through the course of his treatment, ever connected the dots. She said she discovered the connection quite by accident and that knowledge, prior to Bill's death, was significant to his care and her life after his death.      

Click here to continue reading.

By Terri Hendry, NDVS Communications Director

(Las Vegas, NV)--When Barbara Meehan’s late husband, Bill, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she said neither one of them ever considered it could be service related. It turns out it was and they discovered that connection by accident. She said Bill had been exposed to the chemical Agent Orange while serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  The discovery connected the couple to benefits that helped Bill in his final days and continue to help Barbara even today.    

Barbara has come up with a check list for veterans and their families to consider. It is as follows: 

• Become familiar with the presumed connected disabilities.  Remember, it is not just Vietnam vets; there are presumed connected disabilities for radiation exposure, the Gulf War, Burn Pits and Camp Lejeune! 

Click here for more about veterans’ diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/ 

Click here for Gulf War illnesses:

https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/index.asp 

Click here for the latest information regarding Camp Lejuene water contamination:

https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/camp-lejeune/index.asp 

Click here to learn more about “burn pits” and your health:

https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/index.asp 

Click here to learn more about radiation exposure:

https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/index.asp 

• Write down the name of a veteran or veteran spouse you know who needs this information and SHARE it!

• Write down the name of influential people you know, like a doctor, nurse, teacher, pharmacist, chaplain, Base Commander, Mayor or reporter, and tell them about the presumed connected disabilities. Ask for their help to get the word out!

• Visit service organizations, create flyers, posters and send letters to post members telling them about presumed connected disabilities. Make sure the local VSO has the forms ready and knows the numbers to get DD 214s and file appeals. Remember, when you meet a qualifying veteran or spouse, they are likely to be in a fragile state. Make applying as easy as possible. 

• Write your members of Congress and ask for help in spreading the word. When veterans stand together, CONGRESS WILL LISTEN.  

Barbara wants to make sure veterans and their families know their benefits and where they can get information. She wants to spread the word about this to honor the memory of her husband.  

By Dr. Anne Davis, Chairperson, Women Veteran's Advisory Committee

(Reno, Las Vegas, NV) –There is an effort underway to organize and provide an Honor Flight from Reno/Las Vegas to Washington, DC. It is for women veterans who have served in the U.S. military. As you may already know, Honor Flight's mission is to transport America's veterans to our nation's capitol to visit the memorials dedicated to their honor, service, and sacrifices.  

This is the first Reno/Las Vegas Honor Flight for Women Veterans. Women have served our nation since the Revolutionary War but their service has often gone unrecognized and their military experience has been very different from that of men. In our country's early history, women disguised themselves as men to serve our country. It wasn't until World War II, women were able to enlist in the military. Even then, the rules for men and women were very different. Because of these differences, many women who have served in the military have not and do not consider themselves as to be veterans. This may be true because they did not serve in a war zone or could not serve in combat positions. While much of this has changed, unfortunately some of our early women veterans have not been recognized for their service.  

Today, some women veterans consider themselves to be invisible. We often hear about the women who are doing great things in the service and we also hear about the women who have suffered from Military Sexual Trauma. But the vast majority of women in the services do not fall in either of these categories, but rather they are performing their duties, quietly. All women veterans should be recognized for their service.

You can make this trip possible in two ways. First, we're asking your help in spreading the word to women veterans. Help us find women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and encourage them to submit an application to be a part of this special flight.

If you're a woman who has served in the U.S. Military and are interested in participating in this Military Heroines Honor Flight, then submit your application as either a veteran or a guardian to Honor Flight Nevada. MAKE SURE YOU  NOTE THIS IS FOR THE MILITARY HEROINES FLIGHT IN SEPTEMBER 2017.

If you live in northern Nevada click the link below for your application:  http://www.honorflightnv.org/applications/

Southern Nevada applications can be obtained by clicking here: http://honorflightsouthernnevada.org/index.php/applications/

Priority will be given to older and terminally ill Women Veterans. We are encouraging younger Women Veterans to sign up and submit applications as guardians. There will be no cost to women veterans for participating in this Honor Flight. We are fundraising to cover all costs, but guardians may be responsible for their own expenses.

The second way you can help is to make a donation. It is important that all DONATIONS BE DESIGNATED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE MILITARY HEROINES HONOR FLIGHT AND BE SENT TO EITHER HONOR FLIGHT NEVADA OR HONOR FLIGHT SOUTHERN NEVADA.  

To make a donation in northern Nevada, click here, go to the bottom of the page and designate "MILITARY HEROINES HONOR FLIGHT": http://www.honorflightnv.org/

Or in the south, click here and designate "MILITARY HEROINES HONOR FLIGHT:" http://honorflightsouthernnevada.org/index.php/donations/

Costs are approximately $1,000 per Veteran and $900 per guardian. The flight will take place in September of 2017. We will keep you posted about upcoming important dates and our fundraising efforts. We appreciate your support!

• Compensation and Pension
  
• Health Care
  
• Education & Training
  
• Employment
  
• Burial & Survivor
  
• Housing
  
• Transportation
  
• Military Records
  

By Cathy Yates, NDVS AmeriCorps Program Manager

(Reno, NV)-- My name is Cathy Yates and I am the new AmeriCorps Program Director for the Nevada Department of Veteran Services program.  Previously, I managed the AmeriCorps program at Nevada Outdoor School for three years, successfully increasing the size of the program from 15 members to 26 members serving across northern Nevada.  I am looking forward to growing the program here at NDVS.  AmeriCorps is a federal grant program that falls under the Corporation for National Community Service umbrella.

AmeriCorps members provide direct service and the NDVS program is the only program in Nevada that serves veterans. AmeriCorps members receive a monthly living stipend for their service and at the end of the service year, upon successful completion of their contract, members receive an education award of approximately $5,700 (full time) that can be used to pay for education or passed down to a child.

The AmeriCorps program year runs from September 1-August 31 each year. 

Currently, we have 5 members serving in Southern Nevada with Nevada Vet Corps, the Department of Corrections and the Department of Health and Human Services.  Our goal for the 2017-18 program year is to place 10-12 full time (40 hours/wk) and part-time (20 hours/wk) AmeriCorps members who will serve in veteran programs across Nevada. 

Recruitment for these positions is beginning now, so if you are interested in serving with AmeriCorps in the NDVS program, please contact me by phone: 775-825-9761 or email: [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you!

By Terri Hendry, NDVS Communications Director

(Reno, NV)-- Air Force Veteran Robin Mason is the new Nevada Veterans Advocate (NVA) Program Coordinator. Mason transitioned to his new position after finishing up service in the AmeriCorps Vista program. There, he helped build and grow programs for the Nevada Department of Veterans Services.  

Mason understands the frustration veterans, as well as active duty military or their families, may experience from not knowing all the benefits and services earned through military service and offered through the Veterans Administration (VA). Mason said, "Many people really want to help and support our military and veteran community during and after military life."  He also said, "Being an NVA allows you to reach out and connect in your own community allowing you to form a stronger relationship with your military, civilian and tribal communities." 

The NVA Program is designed to connect more veterans, active duty military, their families as well as their survivors to earned benefits and services. Mason said there are close to 600 NVA volunteers in Nevada with more than 220 certified throughout the State. 

He said, " My goal is to enhance the NVA program," adding, "I intend to bring technology into the program to better recruit and serve veterans in the rural areas and those within the Native American tribal communities." Mason said he would like to expand the program to the point where it serves as a national model to help other states better connect to veterans and the military community. " 

To become a certified NVA, you must complete a 20-module on-line or workshop course. 

To access the online course simply register on Nevada's NEATS website https://nvapps.state.nv.us/, then access the NVeLearn portal at https://nvelearn.nv.gov/moodle/, where you self-enroll for the courses. Upon completion, take a 15 question quiz to receive a certificate for each class of participation.  Once you have completed 20 courses, you can send the certificates to NDVS to request your certification as an NVA.   

For more information, contact Mason at 775-321-4708 or at [email protected].

(Fernley, NV)—Nearly 500 people weathered the wind and cold to pay respects to those who served in World War I. On April 8, 2017 the Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS), in partnership with the Nevada Veterans Coalition, hosted a "Remembrance Ceremony" at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley.  

The event included remarks from Governor Brian Sandoval, NDVS Director Kat Miller as well as local celebrities, John Tyson formerly of KOLO, Channel 8 and Howard Rosenberg, formerly of KTVN, Channel 2. Rosenberg is a Film Studies and Art Education professor at the University of Nevada, Reno and currently serves as an elected Trustee on the Washoe County School Board.  

The event marked a significant milestone by remembering the 100th Anniversary of the United States entry into World War I (WWI) and the sacrifices made. More than four million Americans sent their sons and daughters to serve in uniform during the "Great War." The war claimed       116,516 U.S. soldiers. Of those killed in battle, 195 were Nevadans. There are eleven WWI veterans interred at our cemetery in Fernley. In all, another 200,000 were wounded which is a casualty rate far greater than WWII.   

To read more about the national Centennial Commission and the conflict itself click here: http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/ 

The American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) recently launched a new exhibition, Women Physicians in World War I highlighting the contributions of women physicians during this important period in U.S. history.  

Check it out here:

https://www.amwa-doc.org/wwi-exhibition 

Better still, if you would like to join the research team or have materials, stories, or memorabilia to share with the research team, please e-mail [email protected].  

The goal is to expand this exhibition over the next several years. 

Additionally, the Association is offering a FREE one year membership to physicians in the military, retired or active duty. 

Click here for more on the FREE membership:                                                        https://www.amwa-doc.org/membership-registration 

Discount code: Vets2016 (offer good through Memorial Day 2017)  

For more information contact:                                                                                                          Sarah Chin, Project Coordinator, Women Physicians in WWI Exhibition, American Medical Women’s Association: [email protected]

(Boulder City, NV) – In case you missed it, the Governor’s Office and the Nevada Department of Veterans Services received exciting news from the federal government. The Office of Governor Brian Sandoval and the Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) learned the Nevada State Veterans Home (NSVH) in Boulder City, received approval for a Renovation Grant Award of $636,826.20 through the federal Veterans Administration's State Homes Construction Grant Program.   

The Boulder City Review was quick to pick up on the news. Read the article here: http://bouldercityreview.com/news/veterans-home-gets-grant-upgrade-facililty 

Governor Sandoval said, "This grant will help pay for some much needed renovations at our veteran's home." He added, "It helps fulfill the promise to make Nevada the 'friendliest state in the nation' to veterans and military community."  

NDVS oversees the veterans' skilled care facility. NDVS Director Kat Miller said, "We are thrilled to receive this approval." Miller explained, "Some of the planned renovations include the replacement of 160 beds. The funding will also allow us to upgrade the heating and air conditioning system, expand a wander management system and improve a secondary water treatment system."  

The projects funded through this grant and the required match from the State brings the total amount for the renovations to $908,731.98. The renovations are expected to begin late this summer.  

The NSVH opened in 2002 and provides skilled nursing care to 180 veterans and spouses.  It's an award winning facility, ranking five stars in the Medicare Nursing Home Compare program. The Home also continues to receive top quality awards from HealthInsight and top national rankings in the customer satisfaction rating program called Pinnacle.  

Since its opening, The NSVH has housed nearly 5,000 veterans and their spouses. The submission of the Renovation Grant request and subsequent VA grant funding, along with the State's investment, will facilitate the continued improvement of the Home. 

If you’re a Gulf War veteran or have a loved one who served in that conflict, you are eligible for a FREE commemorative gift thanks to “Remember My Service Productions.”

The organization is providing FREE coffee table books, “25th Anniversary, The Liberation of Kuwait.” The books are beautifully done with stunning photography. They are valued at $49.99 but will be provided FREE by calling 1-775-525-4674 or by emailing  [email protected] to make arrangements to pick up your copy.  

The Liberation of Kuwait is a landmark first-edition book published in 2016 by “Remember My Service Productions.”  This historical commemorative was created on behalf of the Nation of Kuwait to honor those veterans serving during Operation Desert Storm.

Reporters across Nevada continue to show their talent and support of the military and veteran community.

One of those reporters is Lahontan Valley News reporter Steve Ranson. He wrote several articles of interest to veterans, their families and loved ones over the past several weeks. In case you missed it, below is a look at his work and the many other Nevada reporters you're sure to enjoy.

Veterans know sacrifice after serving in Vietnam:
http://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/local/veterans-know-of-the-sacrifices-of-serving-in-vietnam/

http://www.recordcourier.com/news/local/veterans-know-of-the-sacrifices-of-serving-in-vietnam/

The Nevada Appeal was kind to help promote an event marking an important milestone for WWI. On April 8, 2017, approximately 500 people attended an emotional ceremony at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Cemetery in Fernley. The event marked the 100th Anniversary of the United States entry into WWI. History shows us 195 Nevadans made the ultimate sacrifice, with 11 of those veterans interred at the Fernley Veterans Cemetery.

http://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/lahontan-valley/ceremony-marks-wwis-centennial-for-u-s-entry/

So was radio station, KKOH:
http://www.kkoh.com/2017/04/07/remembrance-ceremony-for-wwi-in-fernley/

KTVN, Channel 2 News not only helped promote the event, but provided great coverage of the WWI Ceremony in Fernley. Reporter Jaimie Hays did an excellent job:
http://www.ktvn.com/story/35104011/wwi-remembrance-ceremony

The Nevada Appeal also provided terrific coverage of the WWI ceremony, thanks again to reporter Steve Ranson:
http://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/local/fernley-ceremony-commemorates-100th-anniversary-of-u-s-involvement-in-wwi/

KOLO, Channel 8 was there too:
http://www.kolotv.com/content/news/About-100-turn-out-for-World-War-I-memorial-in-Fernley-418732253.html

The WWI memorial event was so well received it earned a "Silver Dollar" from the Nevada Appeal! The Nevada Appeal's Silver Dollars & Wooden Nickels feature recognizes achievements from the capital region and, when warranted, points out other acts that missed the mark.
http://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/opinion/silver-dollars-and-wooden-nickels-world-war-i-veterans-honored/

WWI exhibit debuts in Carson City. KOLO, Channel 8 shares this terrific video highlighting the event:
http://www.kolotv.com/video?vid=420073853

The Boulder City Review is helping spread the word about Fred Wagar, the new NDVS Deputy Director of Programs and Services: 
http://bouldercityreview.com/news/news-briefs-87

Here is another story on Wagar from The Boulder City Review:
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=wm#inbox/15b40a4bdb3c1d54

The Boulder City Review shows support the Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City with this article. The Home won a renovation grant and in the process earned headlines: 
http://bouldercityreview.com/news/veterans-home-gets-grant-upgrade-facililty

KRNV, News 4 was there as veterans arrived into Reno-Tahoe International Airport to participate an event sponsored by Squaw Valley-Alpine Meadows called Military to the Mountains where about 20 wounded warriors took to the slopes: 
http://mynews4.com/news/local/wounded-veterans-arrive-at-reno-tahoe-airport-for-week-at-slopes

KOLO, Channel 8 headed out to the slopes for this training camp. Reporter Colin Lygren got some terrific shots and tells an amazing story about this program: 
http://www.kolotv.com/content/news/Ski-program-saving-lives-22-veterans-at-a-time-419297054.html

The Federal Department of Veterans Affairs is talking with lawmakers and trying to address problems surrounding its Veteran Suicide Hotline. The problems were pointed out by the VA Inspector General: 
https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/apr/04/va-defending-work-to-fix-troubled-veteran-suicide/

The Sparks Tribune and radio station KKOH are reporting on a new resource for homeless veterans in the City of Sparks. It is a new home that can accommodate up to eight veterans: 
http://www.kkoh.com/2017/04/05/homeless-veterans-find-home-in-sparks/

Talk about support! KKOH put out a call for household items for that new veterans home in Sparks. The response was…overwhelming:
http://www.kkoh.com/2017/04/10/local-veterans-home-thanking-koh-listeners-for-their-support/

Nevada Air National Guard Brigadier General Ondra Berry is giving a big "shout out" to training course hosted by IBM and Corporate America Supports You. His article appears in the Las Vegas Sun:
https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/apr/07/training-program-deserves-salute/

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports Nevada's VA gets praise for its LGBTQ friendly policies: 
https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/military/nevadas-va-hospitals-recognized-for-lgbt-friendly-policies/

Channel 8, Las Vegas NOW Reporter Kirsten Joyce shares information about a non-profit that helps blind veterans in Las Vegas. The non-profit itself is now in need of help: http://www.lasvegasnow.com/community/acts-of-kindness/non-profit-assisting-blinded-veterans-with-resources/689782721

Radio station KKOH welcomes home Honor Flight:
http://www.kkoh.com/2017/04/10/group-of-veterans-welcomed-home-after-honor-flight/

EIN NewsDesk and Network is trying to get the word out to Naval veterans regarding Mesothelioma and compensation:             http://www.einnews.com/pr_news/374098716/nevada-mesothelioma-victims-center-now-offers-a-us-navy-veteran-in-nevada-with-mesothelioma-vital-tips-to-ensure-they-hire-the-nation-s-top-attorneys

MilTech is also offering similar information about the Navy, Mesothelioma and compensation:
http://www.military-technologies.net/2017/04/11/nevada-mesothelioma-victims-center-now-offers-a-us-navy-veteran-in-nevada-with-mesothelioma-vital-tips-to-ensure-they-hire-the-nations-top-attorneys-for-compensation-2/

In Carson City and northern Nevada, there is a lot of interest in the new housing facility for veterans, Richards Crossing. Nevada Appeal reporter Anne Knowles shares key information about the program and phenomenal ribbon-cutting ceremony. The picture show is terrific:  http://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/local/housing-for-vets-disabled-homeless-opens-in-carson-city/

KTVN, Channel 2's Elizabeth Olveda was also at the ribbon cutting for Richards Crossing and shares information about it. You will enjoy her story:
http://www.ktvn.com/story/35139464/new-apartment-complex-to-house-veterans-and-homeless

Elko about to host one BIG event of interest to Guard, Military and Veterans.  Reporter Marianne Kobak McKown with the Elko Daily Free Press shares information, dates and location: 
http://elkodaily.com/lifestyles/what-s-happening-around-elko/article_7d072d4d-d9fe-5e72-9789-b7b10991e094.html

The Las Vegas Sun is shining some sunlight on a new test partnership aimed at reducing prescription drug wait times for veterans. The test pairs the VA with CVS:
https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/apr/18/va-tests-partnership-with-cvs-to-reduce-veterans-w/

Army veteran Ernesto Rodriguez walked across the U.S. to raise awareness about veterans' suicide. The Las Vegas Sun shares his story:
https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/apr/19/veteran-walks-across-us-to-raise-awareness-of-suic/

U.S. Army veteran Joy Horan shares her story of a tough transition from the military to civilian life. It was a transition that included dealing with PTSD as well as a divorce and homelessness. She is a contestant in the Ms. Veteran America pageant. Reporter Jeri Chadwell-Singley features Horan in this story:  
https://www.newsreview.com/reno/soldier/content?oid=24127904

Veterans Guest House is named Veteran of the Month. The recognition did not go unnoticed by media: 
http://www.kkoh.com/2017/04/20/veterans-guest-house-named-veteran-supporter-of-the-month/

Honor Flight of Southern Nevada is featured in Gaming Today:
http://www.gamingtoday.com/vegas_style/vegas_style_Locals_Scene/article/67105-29_local_heroes_take_off_with_Honor_Flight_Southern_Nevada

Waco Veteran Gets second Chance:    https://www.va.gov/HEALTH/NewsFeatures/2017/April/With-VAs-Help-Waco-Veteran-Gets-a-Second-Chance.asp

Now it's YOUR TURN! If you have a story idea or interesting news item you wish to share with other veterans, please send your information to Terri Hendry, NDVS Communications Director at [email protected] or call 775-771-2800. 

Any veteran or his or her spouse, parent or child can purchase a veteran license plate. The initial cost for veterans plates with a standard number is $61 plus a Prison Industry fee of 50 cents per plate. The annual renewal fee is $30. The initial cost for personalized versions is $97 plus a Prison Industry fee of .50 cents per plate. The annual renewal is $50. Twenty-five dollars of the initial fee and $20 of the annual renewal are used to support outreach programs and services for veterans and their families administered by Nevada Department of Veterans Services. Plates with standard numbers are in stock at DMV Full Service Offices. You can order personalized versions by mail, fax, or in person at a DMV Full Service Office.

Veteran Unit Decal Plates: The DMV is authorized to offer veterans plates with extra space for unit logos. Army Airborne and Navy Seabees are available as well as Air Force and Army logos on National Guard Plates.

Motorcycle plates for Army Airborne and Navy Seabees are not in stock and must be custom-ordered. Visit the Nevada DMV by clicking here: http://dmvnv.com/platesveterans.htm

The Attorney General’s Office of Military Legal Assistance @EASE program is hosting free, collaborative workshops with Nevada Legal Services dedicated to drafting wills and powers of attorney for Nevada veterans. The @EASE program is the nation’s first attorney general-led, public-private partnership offering our military communities access to pro bono civil legal services. The @EASE program has won the Department of Defense Best Practices Award for best legislation and statewide pro bono services. 

Workshops will take place at least once per month throughout the State of Nevada. The workshops are free and open to all Nevada veterans and immediate family members. Representatives from the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, U.S. Veteran Affairs and other veteran organizations regularly attend to answer and address veteran questions concerning disability, pensions, employment and many other areas. For more information on upcoming workshops, please email [email protected] and visit nvagomla.nv.gov. 

By Terri Hendry, NDVS Communications Director

(Fernley, NV)—In addition to Memorial Day, you are also invited to join us on Saturday, May 27 for Flag In Day at both the northern and southern Nevada Veterans Cemeteries. The event helps the sites "get dressed" for the Memorial Day events by placing American flags on each grave. The first few hundred volunteers will receive a FREE WWI commemorative pin! 

In northern Nevada, State Veterans Cemetery Superintendent Eric Grimes said he would like participants to arrive at the Fernley cemetery around 8:00 AM. "We are asking folks to arrive no later than 8:30 AM as we get started with a quick ceremony beginning at 9:00 AM," said Grimes. He would like attendees to assemble on the paved area in the middle of the cemetery grounds. Grimes explained there is a short program that includes instructions on how to place the American flags on the gravesites.  

In southern Nevada, Grimes counterpart, Superintendent Chris Nayor said the Flag In event at the Boulder City cemetery starts a little bit earlier, at 7:00 AM. Similar to what happens in the north, there is a short ceremony that includes instructions for flag placement. Naylor is asking volunteers to assemble in the south Courtyard Chapel area. 

The American flags create a beautiful, serene effect, which honors our Veteran men, women and their loved ones interred in one of the two cemeteries.  

In northern Nevada, Grimes said Memorial Day is the biggest event of the year for the Veterans cemetery. He said there have been some years where more than 4,000 people have turned out to attend the outdoor service. In southern Nevada, Superintendent Naylor estimates the crowds to be slightly smaller with as many as 1,500 people cramming inside or just outside the cemetery's chapel.