NDVS Newsletter - December 2023

Message from Director Wagar

While it’s unfortunate, I need to start this month’s message on a sad note. I want to share the recent passing of a veteran, former colleague and friend Pieter Droog. As many of you may know, Pieter retired around this time last year after serving five years as our Veterans Advocacy and Support Team Director. Pieter served in the U.S. Army, retiring with the rank of Major in 1994. He was a passionate advocate for veterans and their families. His humor and kindness will be greatly missed. Services will be held on December 8th at 2:00 p.m. at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Our hearts go out to his wife Ellen, his family, and friends during this very challenging time. Please keep Pieter’s family in your thoughts.

One way to keep Pieter in your hearts and minds is to take part in a ceremony that honors all fallen veterans. Wreaths Across America is a wonderful way to spend time with your friends or loved ones in service and in honor of those who have served our country. This year, the annual event falls on Saturday, December 16, 2023, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at both the Northern and Southern Veteran Memorial Cemeteries. I hope you will join the hundreds of volunteers who turn out every year to honor a veteran or family member of a veteran by laying a wreath on the gravesite of those buried at one of our cemeteries. Again, I would ask you keep Pieter in mind when attending this event.

Wreaths Across America takes many community volunteers to honor our fallen veterans. Not only do volunteers assist with this dignified laying of wreaths, but I would also be remiss if I didn’t thank our advocates and supporters who have helped us carry out our mission throughout this past year. From the veteran service organizations and volunteers, along with so many other groups who help bring holiday cheer to our residents at our State Veterans Homes to the volunteers who are always ready and available to provide cemetery support, we could not do what we do without you.

While it will be a somber time for some, I certainly hope that many of you will be with family during this holiday season.

Warmest Regards,

Fred Wagar

Photo: In Memory of Pieter Droog who died on November 29, 2023.

NDVS Website

Join Us for Wreaths Across America

NDVS will be hosting Wreaths Across America on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at both the Southern and Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemeteries beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Wreaths Across America provides the opportunity to remember and honor the service and sacrifice of those who have passed as well as those who are currently serving in the U.S. military.

The event also provides educational opportunities for school-aged children to learn about our veterans and the military community. Wreaths Across America encourages participants to lay a wreath on each hero’s grave, saying the deceased individual’s name out loud in honor and recognition of their service. It is a great wonderful event for groups to participate in, such as scouts, civic groups, churches or nonprofits.

If you would like to donate a wreath, you must specify the location of your donation to either the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery or Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery!  

To donate a wreath at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery go HERE.

To donate a wreath at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, go HERE.

The Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located at 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive in Boulder City. The event at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery is co-hosted by the Nevada Civil Air Patrol. Up to 800 volunteers are expected to attend.   

The Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located at 14 Veteran’s Way in Fernley.  The event at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery is co-hosted by the Nevada Veterans Coalition. As in the south, hundreds are also expected to attend!

Photo: 2022 Wreaths Across America at the SNVMC. Photo courtesy of Janet Snyder, Military Widows from Wreath Across America, SNVMC.

Photo: Despite the cold, hundreds also gathered for 2022 Wreaths Across America at the NNVMC.

Veteran/Veteran of the Month Recipients Honored at

Veterans Day Ceremony

Governor Joe Lombardo, along with Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony and Nevada’s Congressional delegation participated in a special ceremony during the November 11th Veterans Day Ceremony in Las Vegas to six Veteran of the Month recipients and six additional recipients of the Veteran Supporter of the Month Awards.

Our congratulations to the following recipients:

Richard “Rick Kaufmann: VOM (October 2023)

Rick is a coast guard veteran who has spent countless time and energy keeping the information flowing for some 400 Vietnam veterans in the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 989 in Reno and 1076 in Las Vegas! He serves as webmaster to both chapters and also volunteers for duties within the chapters to include color guard, parades, Wreaths Across America, car shows and a host of other events and activities too numerous to list here.

Walker Furniture, Larry Alterwitz, President/CEO: VSM (December 2023)

This is the ninth year Walker Furniture has provided the “Help for Heroes” program which provides much needed, specialized furniture to 12 local veterans or military members. The furniture includes chair lifts, adjustable beds, new mattresses, and dining sets. It is essentially furniture that supports the independence and comfort of those with physical challenges that is not provided through the VA. Walker Furniture also routinely provides a veteran/military discount to its customers.

Victor “Doc” Moss: VOM (January 2024)

Doc is an Air Force veteran who is very active in American Legion, Paradise Post 149 as well as the VFW and various professional organizations to include the Air Force Sergeants Association. It is estimated he spends around 20 hours a week supporting the veterans service organizations just mentioned. His volunteer work has included support for hosting reunions for nearly 150 U.S. Air Force ammo troops around the country. He also posts to social media and serves as webmaster for AL post 149.

Linda Wright: VSM (January 2024)

Linda serves as the chair of the nye county’s, “Together with Veterans.” This initiative is aimed at preventing veteran suicide in rural Nevada. She also serves on the Veterans Financial Committee which submits monetary requests to the Board of County Commissioners to spend on items significant to veterans, such as purchasing a service dog. In addition to being a Nevada Veterans Advocate, Linda has served veterans in various capacities through the DAV and VFW in Pahrump as well as the Auxiliary at Post 10054. She has been there to help vets with holiday meals or veterans facing homelessness.

Ronald Peters: VOM (February 2024)

Ron is a Navy veteran who jumped in with both feet after being trained and receiving his certificate as a Nevada Veterans Advocate in August of 2022. Since then, he has logged an estimated 350 volunteer hours helping more than 180 veterans and dependents. He supports Henderson’s Veterans Service Office as well as the Nevada National Guard and Army Reserve, also in the Henderson area.

Maria Moss: VSM (February 2024)

Maria is what you might call a “super volunteer,” spending at least 20 hours a week as the lead volunteer at the VA Northwest Clinic and four (4) hours a week at the Fisher House. She is also the President of the American Legion Auxiliary Paradise Unit 149 as well as supporting the Auxiliary’s efforts surrounding the VA and rehabilitation.

Group photo featuring Rick Kaufmann (VOM) in white shirt center surrounded by the Governor, Lt. Governor, Nevada Congressional delegation, friends, family.

Photo: (L-R) Wendall Blaylock, VSC Vice-Chair; Larry Alterwitz, Walker Furniture (VSM); Governor Lombardo; Lt. Governor Anthony.

Photo: (L-R) Governor Lombardo and Victor Doc Moss (VOM).

Photo: (L-R) Governor Lombardo, Linda Wright (VSM), and Lt. Governor Anthony.

Photo: (L-R) Governor Lombardo, and Ronald Peters (VOM).

Photo: (L-R) Governor Lombardo, Maria Moss (VSM), and Lt. Governor Anthony.

Happy Birthday U.S. Marines!

On November 10, 2023, the Marine Corps League celebrated the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home alongside the home’s residents.

The residents are comprised of all military branches, including those who will forever call themselves Marines. Thank you to the Marine Corps League for the wonderful celebration and the delicious cake!

Photo: U.S. Marine cake cut by sword with Thomas Luciano, Colonel, USMC (Ret) sharing a moment with residents.

Photo: New NDVS Deputy Director of Benefits Lisa Maciel was among those in attendance and made brief remarks.

Photo: NNSVH Resident Council President Wally L. with NNSVH Volunteer Director Amy Morley.

Remembering Former VAST Director Pieter Droog

The NDVS family is mourning the loss of one of its own. Former Veterans Advocacy and Support Team (VAST) Director Pieter Droog passed away on November 29, 2023, in Reno.

Pieter will forever be remembered by his NDVS family for his intelligence, wit, humor, warmth, and charm. When asking colleagues for information or following up on tasks, Pieter would always respond by telling the co-worker, “THAT'S why YOU'RE my favorite!” bringing smiles every time.

Pieter retired from NDVS in December 2022 as VAST Director where he oversaw the department’s team of Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) across Nevada as well as the Nevada Veterans Advocate program and “Welcome Home” initiative.

Pieter retired from the U.S. Army in 1994 with the rank of Major. Upon retirement, Pieter and his wife Ellen, settled in Reno, Nevada. More about Pieter in the Reno Gazette Journal Obituary HERE.

Services will be held on December 8th at 2:00 p.m. at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley.

Our hearts and thoughts go out to his wife Ellen, and his family and friends.

Pieter Droog

10/14/1952 – 11/29/2023

Crombie Academy Again Offers Free

Certified Nursing Assistant Training

The Crombie Academy at the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home will once again offer its free onsite Certified Nursing Assistant training course beginning on December 11, 2023!

The academy is named after 19-year-old PFC David “Nick” Crombie, from Winnemucca, Nevada who died while serving in Iraq as a U.S. Army medic

in 2006.

The Crombie Academy is a workforce development program that offers an introduction to basic nursing skills, nursing assistant duties and responsibilities as well as an understanding of veteran culture within an acute and long-term care setting at the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home.

The four-week (120 hours) of training prepares participants for the Certified Nursing Assistant Certification Examination. Participants who pass the exam are offered employment opportunities at the home.

For more information about the program, eligibility and admission go HERE.

Meet the New Veterans Healthcare Champions Program Manager

Zaconia Turner is the newest member to join the NDVS team. She oversees the Veterans Healthcare Champions Program which provides outreach and education to care providers surrounding the unique healthcare needs of those who have served in the U.S. military. This would include raising awareness to care providers on the importance of asking patients if they’ve ever served in the U.S. military as identifying veterans can lead to better healthcare outcomes. Additionally, Ms. Turner will be providing care providers with information on military-connected exposures and will work in partnership with the Perry Foundation offering training sessions on military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress, and Parkinson’s Disease. Her program includes providing support for caregivers and survivors by connecting them to resources, programs and services. She also oversees the Veterans in Care recognition program.

Ms. Turner has worked in the healthcare profession for nearly two decades starting off as a dietary assistant at a long-term nursing facility at the age of 13. Her background includes work as a Certified Nursing Assistant before acquiring the following degrees: Associate of Science in Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy, Bachelor of Science in Health & Wellness and Master of Science in Health Information Management.

Ms. Turner is the daughter of a retired disabled Marine & Army veteran. She is an active member of the National Honor Society, and American Health Information Management Association. She is CPR/AED Certified through the American Heart Association. Ms. Turner and her family also provide donations and resources that support individuals experiencing homelessness, including homeless youth and veterans.

For questions about the Healthcare Champions Program or the Veterans in Care (VIC) recognition program, Ms. Turner may be reached at [email protected].

Photo: Zaconia Turner, Veterans Healthcare Champions Program

NDVS Suicide Prevention Program Spotlight

On November 16th, NDVS Suicide Prevention Program Manager Aimee Green participated in UNR’s National Rural Health Day, hosted by the University’s School of Medicine. Attendees were from Nevada’s rural hospitals and clinics. Ms. Green was among the invited presenters. She shared an overview of NDVS, along with the department’s programs, services and initiatives.

Ms. Green also shared a unique resource, a veteran’s pocket card, which is currently being distributed to health care professionals across Nevada. The card explains the importance of asking patients the question, “Have you ever served in the U.S. military?” because veterans can have unique health care needs due to their military service. The card provides information about military exposures, as well as instructions on how to connect veterans to their earned benefits as well as services and programs to address a veteran’s needs. It helps professionals assess health care risks such as suicide and provides contact information for crisis intervention or follow-up services. The card was developed by NDVS in collaboration with its statewide partners.

Update: Nevada Governor’s and Mayor’s Challenge Teams to Prevent Suicide

The Nevada’s Governor Challenge team and four Nevada Mayor’s Challenge teams (Truckee Meadows, Las Vegas, Winnemucca, & Elko) are working alongside the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to prevent suicide among service members, veterans, and their families. This effort is underway in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The Nevada Governor’s Challenge team is now at “Year Two” in its action plan that identifies and targets priority areas and initiatives. The plan was created during a policy academy in 2019 with technical assistance from SAMHSA. In February of 2024, key members from the Nevada Governor’s team will attend an Implementation Academy to establish pilot projects and other efforts aimed at preventing suicide. For more information visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/smvf-ta-center/mayors-governors-challenges

PHOTO: Governor’s Challenge Team to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families.

Holiday Cheer!

Thank you to the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 989 for spreading holiday cheer at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home this month.

The VVA-hosted December 1st party helped to kick off the 2023 Holiday Season! The VVA and volunteers with the Reno-area Home Depot spent the morning of the party decorating the entire home, inside and outside, for the holidays! The afternoon party for residents, staff and families featured a performance from the Retro Radio Dolls as well as an appearance by Santa who brought gifts for every resident!

Other activities at the NNSVH includes a December 4th weekly Monday Night Football party with special guests from a UNR student group to help serve food and visit with residents.

On December 7th, new NNSVH residents who were admitted between August and December, will receive their Quilt of Valor. VVA #989 will also give new residents who served in the Vietnam era a commemorative pin. This is also Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day planned.

On December 12th, the local company Wetlab will be visiting to give an ornament to every resident and assist with afternoon Bingo.

On December 14th, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office employees will be dropping off gifts for every resident as part of their annual Gift-A-Vet Angel Tree Program. These gifts will be distributed to residents the following week during their neighborhood Christmas parties coordinated by the NNSVH Activities Team.

Many other community partners have contacted NNSVH and will be dropping off special donations throughout the month.

The NNSVH Dietary Team is planning special meals for residents on Christmas and New Years Day. On December 29th, the Row casinos will donate the monthly birthday cake to celebrate all December birthdays.

Happy Holidays to all and thank you to the Reno-area community for all the love and support!

Photo: 2022 Washoe County Sheriff’s Office “Give-A-Vet Angel Tree Program drop-off team.

Photo: 2022 Gifts from “Give-A-Vet Angel Tree Program.

LGBTQ+ Veterans Spotlight on Activities and Dani Dawson

The LGBTQ+ program recently held its educational training session for NDVS VAST team members in North Las Vegas on November 8th, 2023. This program incorporates important benefits for veterans who identify as gender and sexually diverse, as well as addressing relevant health issues impacting our veterans.

The main goal of the NDVS LGBTQ+ program is to promote a greater understanding of the gender and sexual diversity of our veterans. As part of our ongoing efforts, we are considering expanding the curriculum to include training on the concepts of gender identity and gender expression in customer service interactions.

Additionally, the LGBTQ+ program actively participated in the Community Brain Health Awareness Event hosted at The Center, an organization dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ Community in Las Vegas. We had the opportunity to attend the Las Vegas TransPride Day of Empowerment Festival, where we had the pleasure of meeting many veterans who have served our country. Also, we attended the inaugural ceremony opening for the Veteran Business Outreach Center. Stay tuned for next month’s update!

TransPride Day of Empowerment

Let us take a moment to highlight Retired CW3 Dani Dawson, who shared her experiences being an Airborne Ranger at the TransPride Day of Empowerment event. Dani not only served in the military, but also dedicated her time volunteering for activities through various community advocacy programs, including one focused on suicide prevention. Dani's contribution to both the military and our community is truly inspiring!

Photo: (L-R) Christopher Miannay and Dani Dawson, Retired CW3.

Mark Your Calendar – Virtual LGBTQ+ Veteran Resource Workshop

In partnership with Our Center, NDVS will present information during a FREE Virtual LGBTQ+ Veteran Resource Workshop that will focus on topics of interest to gender and sexually diverse veterans.

The event will be held on Monday, January 22, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. via Zoom. The virtual event will cover a wide variety of topics including discharge upgrades, navigating healthcare treatment and much more!

To attend, please register here: https://bit.ly/LGBTQResourceWorkshop1

Or contact Christopher Miannay at [email protected] or Jammie Verdin at [email protected].

Become a Nevada Veterans Advocate!

As we close out the year 2023, now is the time to consider taking on a new challenge in January 2024! Take the online course to receive your certificate to become a Nevada Veterans Advocate (NV Advocate)!

The online course consists of 20 lessons. Take the lessons at your own pace, in the comfort of your home. The topics cover a wide range of information that can assist veterans and their families connect to earned benefits, programs and services.

Once you receive your NV Advocate certificate, you can become part of the NDVS team and help us spread the word at outreach events for veterans. To learn more or to enroll in the NV Advocate course, click HERE. Start the New Year, 2024 by becoming an NV Advocate today!

Also, look for dates in the Spring of 2024 for the next free, in-person, two-day workshop in the Reno area to become an NV Advocate!

First Year Success for Hometown Veterans Block Party

NDVS participated in the City of North Las Vegas’ first Hometown Veterans Block Party on November 4th by providing outreach to support connecting veterans and their families to earned benefits, services and programs.

The event celebrated the first annual 'Hometown Veterans Block Party and also marked the first anniversary of the Veterans & Community Resource Center. The Veterans & Community Resource Center in North Las Vegas operates with a one-stop approach, providing accessible, no-cost services and resources, including employment, housing, education, mental health and wellbeing, finance, and legal support.

According to event organizers approximately 44 vendors/exhibitors and up to 1,500 people, including an estimated 250 veterans, attended the event at the Veterans & Community Resource Center. Area dignitaries attending included Congressman Steven Horsford, Nevada Assemblywoman Claire Thomas, North Las Vegas Councilman Richard Cherchio, Judges Courtney Ketter and Belinda Harris along with VA Public Affairs Officer Charles Ramey.

Photo: (L-R)Ricky Allen, United States Air Force Veteran-Retired E-7,

Lead Military Marketer and Community Liaison with Desert Parkway Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, NDVS Southern Nevada Outreach Director Maria Mandaleni-Orozco, NDVS Suicide Prevention Program Manager Aimee Green, and Alphonso Gibbs Jr. LCSW-C, Community Engagement Partnership Coordinator, Suicide Prevention with the VA Southern Nevada Health Care System.