NDVS Newsletter - July 2023

Message from Director Wagar

Dear Friends,

With the legislative session ending, I do want to take a moment to thank Governor Lombardo and the legislators for the work they did throughout the session. We know they had an abundance of bills to consider this year, but I’m thankful that funding for numerous veteran projects were passed, including our construction projects.

As we move into July, we celebrate Independence Day on the Fourth of July. We will also recognize “Buffalo Soldiers Day in Nevada,” to honor the military contributions of African Americans following the Civil War. Unfortunately, we lost a wonderful veteran and a good friend, Jon Jon Everet. He was a longtime, active member of the Southern Nevada Buffalo Soldiers 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry Association and a distinguished Vietnam veteran receiving the Bronzed Star and Purple Heart. He was always so gracious and welcoming when including me and NDVS in the annual Buffalo Soldiers luncheon. Jon Jon will be greatly missed.

This month we also recognize the “birthday” of the Veterans Services Commission. The VSC marks its 48th year on July 1, 2023, with its quarterly meeting set for July 6 at 9:00 a.m. The agenda and meeting details are HERE. Thank you to Chair Mike Musgrove and the entire VSC for the efforts you take to ensure veterans are receiving the care and benefits they’ve earned.

Thank you to the entire community and all of the NDVS employees for what you do every day for the veterans’ community.

Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July! Thank you all for your support.

Please contact us if NDVS can be of assistance in any way

Respectfully,

Fred Wagar

Photo: Governor Lombardo signing SB 431, Government Modernization and Efficiency Act

NDVS Website

Veterans James Hanson and William Grey

Receive Special Recognition

Congratulations to James Hanson and William Grey who were honored and recognized in a special ceremony on June 30, 2023, as Veterans of the Month (VOM).

On behalf of Governor Joe Lombardo, Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony presented the men with their own special certificate and pin after the two were recommended by the Veterans Services Commission and selected by the Governor for the award.

Hanson is a U.S. Army veteran. He was selected as the July 2023 VOM. His volunteer service accomplishments are too lengthy to list here, but ranges from supporting veterans at Reno’s VA and other veteran organizations to helping finance the Northern Nevada’s Honor Flight program. Hanson was instrumental in working with other Vietnam veterans to create the Reno Vietnam Veterans of America, Sierra Nevada Chapter 989.

Grey is also a U.S. Army veteran. He was selected as the August 2023 VOM. Mr. Grey also boast a lengthy list of volunteer activities including holiday efforts that support Nevada Army and Air Guard families and as well as the decoration of the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home in Sparks. He serves as the Vice-Chair on the board of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 989.

Earlier in the month, Teresa Thurtle was honored as the June 2023 VOM in a ceremony held in Las Vegas. She is instrumental as State Coordinator for Team Red, White and Blue and coordinates numerous events for its members. During that recognition ceremony, the 372 Training Squadron/Detachment 13, Nellis AFB, was awarded Veteran Supporter of the Month for June 2023, due in large part for their support of the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home.

Also awarded in that southern Nevada ceremony were Abigail Panariso for the Youth Serving Veterans Award (YSVA), As a 16-year-old, she has already been heavily involved in veteran programs, including the support of Honor Flight Southern Nevada and the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home. She started her own program, Abigail C.A.R.E.S for Veterans.

To nominate a VOM, go HERE.

To nominate a VSM, go HERE.

To nominate a YSVA, go HERE.

Photo 1 (L – R): In camo, VSM recipients 372 Training Squadron/Detachment 13, Nellis AFB, YSVA recipient Abigail Panariso, VOM recipient Teresa Thurtle following ceremony in Las Vegas.

Photo 2 on the left, (L -R): Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony, S. NV Outreach Director Maria Mandaleni-Orozco.

Photo 3 on the right, (L-R): NDVS Director Fred Wagar, Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony, Veterans Services Commission Vice-Chair Wendell Blaylock.

Photo 4 (L-R): VOM recipient James Hanson, VOM recipient William Bill Grey following the ceremony in Carson City.

Photo 5 on the left, (L-R): Alexander Goff, Rep. for Senator Rosen; Vivian Banda, Rep. for Senator Cortez-Masto; VSC member Jerome Washington; VSC Chair Mike Musgrove; VOM recipient William Bill Grey; Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony.

Photo 6 on the right, (l-R): Vivian Banda, Rep. for Senator Cortez-Masto; VSC member Jerome Washington; VSC Chair Mike Musgrove; VOM recipient James Hanson; Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony.

Veteran of the Month Recipients (L – R) James Hanson and William Bill Grey

Korean War Veterans Honored

On Thursday, June 22, 2023, NDVS Director Fred Wagar attended a ceremony recognizing 70 years since the signing of the Korean armistice agreement. The ceremony included the honoring and recognition of Korean War veterans.

Director Wagar had the privilege to recognize 91-year-old Lee Mowery. Mowery has been a steadfast supporter of those who served in the Korean conflict. Recently, Mowery has made it his mission to ensure Koreans who served next to Americans in Vietnam are properly recognized as well. Mowery was recognized in this ceremony along with Ui Ki Kim, President of the Korean - Vietnam War Veterans Association, Nevada Branch and Sam Park, President of the Korean Veterans Association, Southwestern Region of the United States.

While the Korean War has been referred to as the “Forgotten War,” the service and sacrifice of the men and women who served in Korea will forever be remembered in our hearts and minds.

Photo: (L to R) Ui Ki Kim, Director Wagar, Lee Mowery, Sam Park

NDVS Supports Suicide Prevention Coalition Kick-Off

NDVS was honored to attend the kick-off of a community coalition that combined efforts to elevate awareness on suicide prevention.

The team behind the Reno VA’s program, Supporting Our Veterans or S.A.V.E. Training joined forces with the David J. Drakulich Foundation’s Art Heals War Wounds program to host the June 9, 2022, kick-off in Reno. This effort focuses on using art as a way to promote expression and healing. Included in this effort is Our Story Inc., which launched earlier in the year with an emphasis on Reno’s black population, including veterans.

The NDVS Suicide Prevention program supported the connection of this group to other suicide prevention efforts including the Governor’s Challenge.

Photo: Artwork from Suicide Prevention Coalition Kick-Off

NDVS Outlines Suicide Prevention Efforts at

VFW Statewide Conference

The 2023 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) State Convention was held at the Maverick Hotel in Elko last month. NDVS was honored to provide an update on the department’s activities, including its suicide prevention efforts.

NDVS Director Fred Wagar gave attendees a short legislative update, including news that Nevada lawmakers approved a full-time position within the department for a Suicide Prevention Program Manager. Having a state employee, instead of a contractor to work on suicide prevention efforts was identified as one of the highest priorities by veterans attending the 2022 statewide Veterans Legislative Symposia in Reno and Las Vegas. The suicide prevention contract position and two other positions for the Northern Nevada Outreach Director and Healthcare Initiative Program will convert on July 1, 2023.

The current NDVS Suicide Prevention Program Manager, Aimee Green also attended the conference to outline what is being done to gain support and build coalitions to address the issue of veteran suicide. She also updated the group on the status of both the Mayor’s and Governor’s Challenges to Prevent Suicide.

Director Wagar told attendees to expect a full legislative report by September 2023, regarding legislation of interest to Nevada veterans. The Director also recognized and provided NDVS coins to the outgoing VFW Commanders, VFW Auxiliary President as well as national representatives in attendance.

Photo (L-to-R): VFWA National Rep. Ambassador Stephanie Krueger, VFWA Dept. Rep. President Renee Thayer, VFW Commander Dan Sanders, VFW Past Ntl. Commander-in-Chief Brian Duffy, VFW Past Ntl. Commander-in-Chief John Stroud, NDVS Director Wagar

Army Birthday and Flag Day Celebration at NNSVH

Thank you to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 989 (VVA 989) and the VVA’s Special Events Coordinator Brigitte Stafford for organizing and executing the amazing special celebration of the U.S. Army’s 248th birthday and Flag Day event at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home. Approximately 70 percent of the home’s residents are U.S. Army veterans!

The combined celebration took place outside, underneath home’s large front porch, making it easy for all residents to be wheeled out to enjoy the fresh air and patriotic celebration.

The June 14, 2023, event featured speakers COL Karolyn Hooper, U.S. Army (Ret.) with Horsemanship 4 Heroes and CSM Jim Richardson, U.S. Army (Ret., Currently NDVS N. NV Outreach Director), Ms. Hooper’s husband, COL Scott Hooper, U.S. Army (Ret.) rode his horse, Shahan, while carrying the American Flag in front of the residents. VVA 989 President J.R. Stafford served as emcee.

Flag Day Cake (L to R) J.R. Stafford, Jim Richardson

U.S. Army Birthday Cake (L to R) BG Zachary Doser, NVNG (Ret.), Karolyn Hooper, COL Kathrine (Kat) Miller, U.S. Army (Ret.)

Residents and guests enjoying the celebration.

VIS Team Marks Milestone

Congratulations to the volunteers working on an essential scanning project in Carson City! Veterans Information Systems Supervisor (VIS) Howard Brunje reports that three incredible volunteers were able to complete the scanning and indexing of 25,815 paper DD214’s ahead of schedule. The scanning project turns paper records into an electronic record for safer, more effective record-keeping. The project will also assist NDVS in providing information to veterans of all eras.

The project started August 18, 2022, and was completed on June 15, 2023. The volunteers included Maggie Smith, Cheryl Dagang and Ada Hill. The three are also volunteers with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association in Carson City.

Way to go ladies!

Volunteers Maggie Smith, Cheryl Dagang, Ada Hill

VIS Supervisor Howard Brunje

Empowering Transitioning Servicemembers

We are thrilled to share the resounding success of the recent NVTAP event held at the Aliante Library on June 10, 2023. This event served as a vital platform for connecting transitioning service members with valuable resources and support as they embark on their civilian journey.

The event, organized by the Nevada Department of Veteran Service's Nevada Transition Assistance Program (NVTAP) in collaboration with the City of North Las Vegas' Aliante Library was aimed at providing comprehensive guidance and assistance to those transitioning from military to civilian life. It was a day filled with insightful resources, networking opportunities, and empowering conversations.

In addition to the informative sessions and networking opportunities, NVTAP showcased its online resources and tools designed to support transitioning service members. The program's website, with its user-friendly interface and comprehensive information on benefits, education, housing, healthcare, and essential services, was demonstrated to great acclaim.

If you missed the event at the Aliante Library, we encourage you to explore the NDVS hosted NVTAP HERE. Or join us at the NVARNG Las Vegas Readiness Center for the NVTAP Summit event on July 22- 23, 2023. Day 1 is for exhibitors and community partners. (Day 1- Details/Register HERE) Day 2 provides a resource fair and transition support to ensure success as a Nevada civilian and resident. (Day 2- Details/Register HERE)

Together, we can make a difference!

Share Your Story, Photo or a News Tip!

Do you have an event, idea or story to tell that would be of interest or benefit veterans, military members or their families? Let us know!

There are four simple requirements to appear in our NDVS e-newsletter, Veterans Voice. 1. Story submissions must be 200 words. Feature stories can be 300-500 words. 2. Photos must have captions and an explanation of the photo. 3. Provide your sources so we may verify the information. 4. Give us a point of contact, in case we have questions.

That’s it! Email us at: [email protected] and maybe YOU could become our next guest columnist or blogger!  We look forward to hearing from you!

Women Veterans of Nevada Host High Tea

The High Tea for Women who are serving and still serving was an overwhelming success! The tea, the guest speaker, the gifts, the dresses, the lovely fascinators, as well as the camaraderie amongst the women were all amazing.

The energy within the room on the June 17, 2023, was palpable. More than 100 women supported the event. The event was hosted by U.S Air Force veteran and longtime volunteer, Bobi Oates. Bobi announced that this would be her last time hosting this event due to involvement in numerous other activities, including serving as West Area Director for the Air & Space Forces Association.

Thank you Bobi for providing a safe and welcoming space for Women Vets and those still serving! Photos courtesy of Bobi’s husband, Scott! Thank you all!

VVA Chapter 989

Memorial Day Caravan, Ice Cream and Popcorn

Thank you again to the VVA 989 and the 989’s Associates of the VVA for bringing Memorial Day 2023 events to residents of the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home. Not everyone was able to make the drive out from Sparks to Fernley to attend the annual Memorial Day Ceremony held at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery on May 29, 2023. Just a few photos to show to share so you may enjoy the activities too.

Photo 1 VVA 989 participates in the NNSVH Memorial Day Cruise-In Parade.

Photo 2 Director Wagar assists Chapter 989’s Associates of the VVA serving NNSVH residents ice cream.

Photo 3: NNSVH residents enjoy the Cruise-In parade.

Photo 4: Classic pick-ups and cars participate in the Cruise-In parade.