Nevada Department of Veterans Services Newsletter July 2017 
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By Terri Hendry

(Sparks, NV)—Northern Nevada veterans have been waiting a long time for this. Now, the wait is over! Construction on the new Northern Nevada State Veterans Home will soon begin. There will be a celebration to mark the historic occasion. A Groundbreaking Ceremony will be held on July 17, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at the site of the new facility, 2 Kietzke Lane, across from the DMV. Veterans and their families, as well as the public, are invited to attend.


The ceremony will feature remarks from Governor Brian Sandoval, Nevada Senator Dean Heller and Sparks Mayor Geno Martini. A special ceremonial gift will also be given, on a first come, first serve basis, to attendees that will forever mark and remember the occasion. Several hundred people are expected to attend.  (Click here for more information)


Details on the event are still being finalized, including a parking map of the site. (Watch the front page of the NDVS website, NVVetNet, and the NDVS Facebook page, for the parking map in the days ahead.) A special thanks to Reno's Cart Barn for providing free golf carts to serve as shuttles in the parking areas to take attendees to the event area. Additionally, special parking areas will be set aside for the handicapped as well as motorcycles. The seating area will be under a large tent, however you're advised to wear sunscreen or bring a hat. Free coffee and water will be provided. Free baked goods will also be available courtesy of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 388 from Carson City, WAVE from Douglas County and the American Legion Post #1 from Reno.  

By Wendy Simons

(Reno, NV)-- The evidence is ample, and the need is great, for a skilled care facility for veterans in northern Nevada. Currently, there is only one such facility in the state. The 180-bed skilled care facility for veterans is in Boulder City and it is at capacity. There is no similar facility for veterans in northern Nevada.


According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), there are more than 80,000 veterans residing in northern Nevada. Statewide, the VA has identified a  skilled care nursing need of 649-beds. State law mandates if an additional veterans' home is authorized, it must be located in northern Nevada. The new Northern Nevada State Veterans Home (NNSVH) will address some of the need serving 96 veterans, spouses, and Gold Star parents.  It will be built on State-owned property. Construction plans are 100% complete and ready to go. (Click here for more)

By Fred Wagar & Terri Hendry

(Las Vegas & Reno, NV) – The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and the University of Nevada-Reno (UNR) served as backdrops for Governor Brian Sandoval to sign several key pieces of legislation, including some very veteran-friendly bills.


On Friday, June 16, Governor Sandoval turned a dream into reality. He signed SB 546, the state’s capital improvement projects bill. It will fund several projects, including the construction of a new Northern Nevada State Veterans Home in Sparks, Nevada. The signing happened at the Governor’s alma mater, UNR. It is where he graduated in 1986 and met his wife, Kathleen. “This is a little personal for me,” he told the crowd gathered inside the Milt Glick Ballroom at the Joe Crowley Student Union. Sandoval explained to the crowd the new skilled care nursing home will fulfill an important need. “Veterans have been waiting a long time for this,” he added, "We're not going to wait anymore." (Click here for more)


The groundbreaking for the new home will be July 17 at 10:00 a.m. at the site located at 2 Kietzke Lane, across from the Nevada DMV.  (For more, see the article at the top of this newsletter) 


A day earlier, the Governor signed into law several bills at UNLV, including a veteran friendly one, SB 457. It requires the Board of Regents or its designee and the Commission on Post-secondary Education to collaborate with the American Council on Education to establish statewide standards of credits for military education, training or occupational experience. This bill also requires credits earned for military education, training or occupational experience to be applied towards the required coursework for an associate’s degree, baccalaureate degree or certificate at any university, state college or community college in the System.


This is the last bill signing session for Governor Sandoval. His term is set to expire in at the end of 2018. The next session of the Legislature will be in 2019. 

By Terri Hendry

(Reno, NV)—The Department of Defense notes American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest representations in the U.S. armed forces. Unfortunately, many of these veterans do not apply for the benefits, resources or programs they are entitled to and have earned through their military service. That is why the Nevada Department of Veterans Services is reaching out to these Nevadans. (Click here to read more)

By Robin Mason 

(Reno, Las Vegas, Elko, NV)—Every Nevada veteran and their family should be able to access information about veterans' benefits, resources or programs earned through military service. Unfortunately, it is not that easy or simple. Sadder still, many veterans may not even know they may be eligible for a host of benefits and all they needed to do was apply for them in order to receive them. 

 

The Nevada Advocacy program educates and certifies Nevada Veterans Advocates (NVA's) so they may help connect service providers with veterans seeking support. (Click here to read more) 

By Connie Johnson
(Reno, Las Vegas, NV)—Veterans can face unique health care challenges. The Perry Foundation is helping to address them which is why the Nevada Department of Veterans Services is partnering with the non-profit. This partnership is providing Nevada health care professionals with continuing education on a wide range of veteran-centered issues.   

In June, Las Vegas Mental Health professionals received free continuing education to help veterans who've suffered Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Sadly, the VA reports about 1-in-4 women and 1-in-100 men seen for VA health care report a history of MST when screened by a VA provider. (Click here for more)
 
The free, half-day workshop served those hoping to gain a better understanding of MST as well as the resources and support available to address the behavioral and mental health needs of MST survivors. Earlier this year, a similar workshop was held in Reno.

The NDVS continues to partner with the Foundation to provide another free training program; Bravo Zulu. This course helps care partners of veterans, living in Nevada eldercare communities, better understand military culture. This helps care partners provide better care and understanding of veterans in this setting. Bravo Zulu is also designed to improve the care and support of all elders, particularly those living with dementia. 

Bravo Zulu is named in honor of veteran elders. It consists of four (4) 4-hour modules.  Attendees completing all four (4) modules receive a Certificate of Completion satisfying the Nevada State regulation (NRS 449.094) for dementia education. CEUs are also be awarded upon successful completion of each module for Licensed Administrators (Board of Examiners for Long Term Care Administrators), Licensed Nurses (Nevada State Board of Nursing), and Social Workers (Board of Examiners for Social Workers).

The next Bravo Zulu training will be held on Wednesday, July 19th, 2017. For more information email Sandy Tenboer at tenboers@veterans.nv.gov or call 775-825-9757

To learn more about MST visit:  https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp
You may also want to check out the VA's video "Make the Connection" showing veterans sharing their stories of recovery.

Click here to watch the MST video featuring survivors:
https://maketheconnection.net/conditions/military-sexual-trauma
The video serves as reminder that survivors are not alone in having experienced MST or in having the strength to recover. 

By Terri Hendy

(Reno, Las Vegas, Elko)—Its estimated Nevada is home to more than 300,000 veterans, service members, families and survivors. However, according to a 2016 iCIMS report, "America's Heroes at Work: The Veteran Hiring Report," a disconnect and lack of understanding still exists between veterans and employers. The Patriot Employer Program seeks to bridge this gap.

 

The program provides training, education, and awareness about the benefits and financial incentives in hiring veterans. It provides support and knowledge on recruiting, hiring and retaining veterans. (Click here to read more)

By Joshua Loftis

(Las Vegas, NV)--Charles Harvey serves as the Veteran Education and Employment Program Manager for NDVS. He is responsible for planning, coordinating and directing programs designed to improve outcomes for student veterans and veterans seeking meaningful employment.

 

In the days and weeks ahead, you will be hearing more about the NDVS Patriot Employer Program.  It provides Nevada businesses with education and support in recruiting, hiring and retaining veterans. Harvey is the lead on this program. Click here for additional useful information in the Patriot Employer Toolkit:

http://www.veterans.nv.gov/employment. 

 

Harvey is a second generation veteran, having served eight years in the United States Air Force in support of Operations in Europe and the Middle East. Prior to joining the NDVS, Harvey held numerous leadership roles in state and local government. His education includes a Masters Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in government and public policy.

 

Please join us in welcoming him!

By Terri Hendry 
(Las Vegas, NV) – U.S. Navy veteran James Kerr is being honored as this month's "Veteran of the Month." He received the award and recognition on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at a ceremony in the Grant Sawyer Building in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Governor Brian Sandoval and the Nevada Department of Veterans Services are pleased to announce Kerr's selection based on his work helping veterans through the Henderson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3848, American Legion Post 40, Nellis Air Force Base Chapter of the Non-Commissioned Officer Association, Veterans Transition Resource Center and City of Henderson. (Click here to read more)
By Terri Hendry 
(Las Vegas, NV) – The Nevada Humane Society's G.I. Dogs Program is this month's "Veteran Supporter of the Month."

The G.I. Dogs Program is a free service that transforms abandoned animals into service dogs for military veterans and their families. Through the program, veterans are matched with a service dog, with all fees waived. All pets are spayed and neutered, micro-chipped, and vaccinated before adoption. The dogs receive professional training and ongoing support.   (Click here to read more)
By Terri Hendry
(Reno, NV)—Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) Deputy Director of Wellness, Wendy Simons has been selected as a Nevada Healthcare Hero. She will receive the award in an event at the Peppermill Resort on August 31, 2017 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The 12th annual Healthcare Heroes Awards honors outstanding healthcare professionals in Nevada across 10 different categories. Simons is the winner in the non-profit category. Simons and the others in each category were selected by a panel of blue-ribbon judges in the healthcare field. Simons and the other honorees will also be featured in the September 2017 edition of Nevada Business Magazine. (Click here for more)
By Terri Hendry
(Las Vegas, NV) – The Perry Foundation Endeavor Awards recently recognized the state’s top-performing health care facilities and health care professionals working in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Communities with an event at Bear's Best Golf Resort on June 14.

Two caregivers at the Nevada State Veterans Home (NSVH) in Boulder City received awards. (Click here to read more)

By Chuck Baker

(Las Vegas, NV) - Military retirees and others who are privileged to be customers of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) might think post exchanges will be getting more crowded because reports say some 15 million more honorably discharged veterans will soon be granted shopping opportunities through the service. But that's only part of the story.

     

The physical base exchanges made of brick and mortar won't be seeing a rush of new men and women buyers seeking merchandise. After four years of coordination with the Department of Defense, AAFES, and other federal agencies, it was agreed to extend online shopping privileges to all honorably discharged veterans beginning this coming Veterans Day, November 11. 

(Click here for more)

By Chuck Baker

(Las Vegas, NV) - "Our core values are honor, respect and devotion to duty." That statement encompasses what is expected of members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

     

Most American military organizations (Army, Navy, etc), operate under the Department of Defense. But there is one group that differs -- the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard is under the purview of the Department of Homeland Security. It is the principle federal agency responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in all U.S. ports, the inland navigable waterways, and more than 100,000 miles of coastline. If one views the statistics reported on the USCG website, it won't take long to see that the workforce of more than 40,000 Guardsman worldwide is spread thin. While they work around the clock and give it their all, it can be difficult to physically meet the demands of what they have been tasked to do. Enter the Coast Guard Auxiliary. (Click here for more)         

By Chuck Baker

(Las Vegas, NV) - Several years ago blinded American Jim Stovall authored a book called "You Don't Have to Be Blind to See." His words show blinded individuals, and virtually anyone else, how to choose new paths that are aimed at promoting success in every area of their lives. It's a powerful, inspiring book that can help blinded veterans and anyone without eyesight to dream big dreams, and define success for themselves. That's the same message the Southern Nevada Regional Group of the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) offers to its members.

     

Veterans who have lost their eyesight can enjoy camaraderie and positive thinking in the BVA. The long time President of the local organization is Joe Tasby, a Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam war and a recipient of three Purple Hearts. Tasby is a veteran who did not lose his sight because of a combat incident. Rather, he began losing his vision after he returned to civilian life. Any veteran who is legally blind, due to combat or not, is eligible to join the BVA. And Tasby is there to show them that "no one has to be blind to see." (Click here for more) 

By Josh Loftis

(Las Vegas, NV) - Matt Taylor has joined NDVS as the agency's Southern Nevada Community Outreach Director. The picture above shows him in earlier years working in the Middle East. 

 

Matt has an extensive background in serving Nevada's veteran community. In his new position with NDVS, Matt will be leading the NDVS outreach efforts where his main focus will be to ensure NDVS fulfills its mission of connecting Nevada veterans and their families to the benefits, resources and programs earned through U.S. military service. His work will ensure the agency is addressing the needs of all Nevada veterans, including unique veterans' populations such as Native Americans, women and LGBTQ veterans.

 

His most recent position was within a Nevada Congressional Office from 2015-2017 serving as a Veterans Caseworker. The position required him to answer questions and solve problems of veterans who were seeking assistance, guidance and answers.

 

Previously, he worked in the executive security industry and as a government contractor on weapons reduction and abatement programs in the Middle East and Africa. He has also worked as an independent consultant throughout the United States and in locations overseas.

 

Matt is a veteran, having served 13 years in the United States Marine Corps as a Combat Engineer. He has called southern Nevada home since 2002 and is very familiar with southern Nevada, the veterans' and military organizations in the southern part of the State, and the wide range of resources available to Nevada’s veterans and their families. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Management from Nevada State College.

 

His phone number is 702-486-8041and his email is taylorm@veterans.nv.gov. Matt’s office will be located in the Grant Sawyer Building, 555 E. Washington Ave., Suite 3200, in Las Vegas, Nevada.  

The White House launches new veterans' hotline. VA Secretary David Shulkin made the announcement earlier this month. Read more from the Military Times by clicking the link below:

 

http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/white-house-veterans-complaint-line

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 produced with stunning photography. They are valued at $49.99 but will be provided FREE by calling 1-775-525-4674 or by emailing  hendryt@veterans.nv.gov 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.

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 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.  

Click here to read more.

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

NDVS Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) are available to assist any veteran, family member of a veteran, or Nevada resident on active duty. 

NDVS offers free assistance with filing claims for service-connected disabilities, non-service-connected pension, and other benefits afforded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).

There are three locations; 

Reno, 775-321-4880; Las Vegas,  702-224-6025; and Elko, 775-777-1000.

Assistance includes aid in the filing of claims, support during the appeals process, representation at local hearings, and guidance with requests for discharge upgrades. To schedule a claims appointment at one of our offices, call the number of the office closest to you.

In addition to in-office appointments, NDVS offers Rural Outreach events in the following areas:

NORTH -- Austin, Gardnerville, Hawthorne, Silver Springs, Battle Mountain, Ely, West Wendover and Winnemucca

SOUTH -- Beatty, Laughlin, Mesquite, Pahrump and Tonopah

For more information on our Rural Outreach, or to schedule an appointment during one of our Rural Outreach events, please call one of the numbers listed above to contact a VSO in your region.

JULY ROVER DATES
July 6
Hawthorne
                                755 Sierra Way                               
Hawthorne, NV
     11 AM - 2 PM     

              July 7             
Elko and Ely Interactive Video
Ely Great Basin College
9 AM - 12 PM

 July 11
Silver Springs
2945 Fort Churchill
Silver Springs, NV              
9:30 AM - 3 PM

July 13
Beatty
  Beatty Town Office
                100 A Ave S.            
            10 AM - 3 PM          

                July 20               
Mesquite
840 Hafen Lane
Mesquite, NV
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Pahrump every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
VAMC Reno every Wednesday and Thursday

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 Hcooney@ag.nv.gov and visit nvagomla.nv.gov. 

By Ryan McDonald, Outreach Coordinator AG's Office

(Carson City, NV)--We wanted to welcome all veterans to utilize the Nevada Attorney General’s Office of Military Legal Assistance (OMLA) in providing pro bono (free) legal assistance and representation to active duty, reserve and National Guard service members in a wide area of civil law matters. 

The OMLA is a comprehensive, statewide program combining the joint efforts of legal aid organizations, private sponsors and the State Bar of Nevada to address the need for affordable legal representation in our military communities.

The OMLA also currently provides assistance to veterans with wills and powers of attorney. In many cases, the OMLA services can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. 

In order to receive legal assistance from this program, active military and reserve service members should seek referral from their respective Judge Advocate General.

Veterans should seek referral from their respective Veterans Services Office.


July 4 

Location:
Hills Center Drive and Hillpointe Rd. Las Vegas

8:30 AM - 11 AM

Contact:

702-341-5500

summerlinpatrioticparade@summerlincouncil.com

http://summerlink.com/patriotic-parade/

_______________________________________________________________________


Henderson 4th of July Parade


Location:

350 E. Racetrack Road Henderson


6 PM 9 PM


Contact:

702-267-5707

_______________________________________________________________________


July 16

Run Like You're On Fire Tour - Las Vegas


7 AM - 9 AM


Contact:

Jamie

606-875-5808

Jamie@Bravo748.com

Bravo748

_______________________________________________________________________


July 28 - July 29

Ely Shoshone Powwow


Location:

250 Heritage Dr, Ely


July 28th, 10 AM - July 29th, 9 PM


Contact:

Marla Stanton

775-388-3816

newenaibe21@yahoo.com

We are constantly adding new events to our calendar, in our on-going mission to support the veteran community in Nevada. Click here to check out our VetNet calendar
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