June 2020 Veterans Voice Newsletter
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Message Message from the Director
Message from the Director - June 2020
Message from the Director

To my fellow veterans, families, and veteran advocates, 

In the three months since this global pandemic reached Nevada, we all have experienced changes in our lives and felt a lack of "connectedness." Our NDVS Team, however, remains committed to serving Nevada's heroes and their families, regardless of the circumstances. If you have ideas about how we might better support you, please shoot us a note! 

Our team is certainly not the only ones looking out after our veteran family; I could write pages and pages about how veterans and their supporters are looking out for each other.  I do want to specifically call out and thank the Nevada Veterans Coalition and the Nevada Chapter of the National Order of the Trench Rats Dugout #421 for their support in modifying operations for this year's Memorial Day events. Their assistance was critical in protecting our communities, and, in helping our department put together Nevada's virtual Memorial Day and wreath laying ceremonies. 

With veterans across the state, our team members were disappointed that we could not have large public events at our State Veterans Cemeteries, but we are very grateful to those who helped protect our visitors and staff by observing social distancing, and placing flowers and flags in a safe and respectful manner. 

During a tremendously difficult time for Nevadans across the state, we saw the true meaning of Memorial Day shine through. While we all love the ceremonies and the patriotic display of flags, Memorial Day is, and will always be, about remembering the service and sacrifice of those who gave so much so Americans can live free. Thanks to all of you who remember and honor our Fallen-on Memorial Day and every day. 

As we move forward to into June, keep the 76th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy (June 6th) and the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War (June 25th) on your calendars. Take the time to seek out our seasoned WWII and Korean War era veterans and thank them for their service and for their sacrifice. 

Respectfully, 
Kat Miller

We congratulate Carlton R. Fogg Jr. for being named Veteran of the Month (VOM) and Richard S. Kiern being named Veteran Supporter for the Month (VSM)of May. Due to the risk of coronavirus exposure, special ceremonies to honor and recognize the VOM and VSM have been postponed until it is safe to resume them once again.

Memorial Day
While NDVS was unable to hold it's annual public ceremonies, we worked with the Veteran Service Organizations of our State and both Nevada Veteran Memorial Committees to create two moving Virtual Memorial Day Videos.

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Laborers Union Local 169 Donated Grocery Gift Cards 
to Veteran Organizations
On May 12, 2020, Local #169 presented 50 Raley's gift cards to the Department State Commanders of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Vietnam Veterans of America.

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HealthHealth and Wellness
COVID 19 and Our State Veterans Homes
What You Need to Know Summary : With assistance from the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System and the State Lab, COVID-19 testing of all residents and team members at our Nevada State Veterans Homes took place between March and May. 

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Two Hails and Two Farewells

May has been a month of significant change for NDVS.
Our Deputy Director of Health and Wellness Wendy Simons announced her retirement, and Amy Garland was appointed by Director Miller as the new Deputy Director of Support Services. 

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  Good Health Care Administrators Are Hard to Find: Nevada Has Two!
T wo administrators have recently been employed and are currently continuing the great track records established by former supervisory personnel.  

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Thank You to Our Community Partners
The Nevada Department of Veteran Services thanks all of our community partners and the individuals who have provided support during the pandemic. 

 Vietnam Veterans Still Battling Agent Orange
(Washington, D.C.) - It's not a new challenge. It's an old challenge that continues to grow. And while the enemy is often ourselves due to our poor eating habits, there are new weapons being developed that can help tip the advantage toward Vietnam veterans.

ProgramsPrograms and Services
Nevada Veteran Memorial Cemeteries
Changes at Nevada Veteran Memorial Cemeteries. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is still impacting the way we and other veterans' cemeteries across the country are conducting business. If you have lost a loved one during this time, please know, our hearts are with you.

Suicide Prevention during the Pandemic
Hello Nevadans:

Kim Donohue here to talk about the importance of CONNECTEDNESS especially during the pandemic and the world-wide need for isolation. 

You Can Still File a Claim and Speak with a Veteran Service Officer
If you want to file a claim, continue pursuing an appeal, or speak with a Veterans Service Officer, NDVS ensures services are still available to veterans and their families.

In Her Own Words
After retiring from the military, Marlene Merck wanted to make a home in a small town with a slow pace and was drawn to the beauty of the Ruby Mountains in Nevada's frontier. Having served 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, she moved with her daughter to Elko and started a new life in rural Nevada. 

NewsNews You can Use
Coronavirus FAQs: 
For questions about COVID-19 and how it affects VA health care and benefit services, visit our  Coronavirus FAQs page or read  VA's public health response.

Honoring Our Heroes Lunch
The Nevada Military Support Alliance and Pinochios Bar and Grill Reno location have partnered up to provide a free BBQ Hamburger or Hotdog lunch in recognition of their service to our nation and great state. Participants are asked to show either their Military ID, VA Card, or DD-214 to receive lunch.

EmploymentEmployment/Education
Latest information on Filing for Unemployment
The Nevada Department of Education, Training and Rehabilitation explains to file for unemployment in the State of Nevada.

RememberAlways Remember
A D-Day Hero
Please read below for the biography written by Mr. Bob Reed, a WW2 Veteran Liaison to the French Government's Legion of Honor for Mr. William Knapp.

Frontier Wars (1622-1924 intermittent)
6 - D-Day
12- Women Vet Day
14 - Army Birthday
14 - U.S. Flag Day
23 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday
25 - 70th ANNIVERSARY beginning of Korean War
27 - PTSD Recognition and Awareness

Mark Your Calendar
Mark Your Calendar
Due to the COVID-19 virus exposure risk, many events have been cancelled or postponed. 

Nevada Department of Veterans Services 
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