Veterans Voice
May 2022
Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) Newsletter
Serving Nevada's Heroes since 1943 ~ Donate to NDVS
Director's Message * Honoring Heroes * Health & Wellness * Programs & Services * News * Always Remember
The purpose of the program is to ensure separating service members, veterans of all eras, and their families are prepared for the next step in civilian life. Read more
Mark Your Calendar
Send us your upcoming events at pio.ndvs@veterans.nv.gov to post to our calendar
Suicide Prevention
Message from New Director Fred Wagar 
Dear Veterans, Families, Advocates and Friends,  
 
It is such an honor to receive Governor Sisolak’s appointment to serve as the next NDVS Director. My goal is to bring the same leadership skills to the forefront that I learned working alongside Kat Miller over the past six years. Read More
Honoring Our Heroes
Thank You Kat Miller!
Retired NDVS Director Kat Miller is a well-respected local and national leader in the field of veteran’s services. She has served our state and nation with great honor and has led the Nevada Department of Veterans Services through both good and bad times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More
Make Your Plans for Memorial Day
Make sure your calendar is marked and you are set to attend the Memorial Day events hosted by NDVS. This year, Memorial Day is Monday, May 30, 2022, and there are ceremonies and activities planned at both northern and southern Nevada. Read More
New Serving Veterans – Youth Award
If the world’s biggest strength lies in youth, Nevada’s Veterans Services Commission plans to capitalize on this strength by offering a new opportunity. NDVS is now accepting nominations for the new, Serving Veterans – Youth Award. Read More
Standing Room Only at Special
Veteran/Veteran Supporter of the Month Ceremony 
(Carson City, Nev.) – The pandemic placed the monthly Veteran of the Month and Veteran Supporter of the Month ceremonies on pause. But a special “catch-up” ceremony, to honor recipients in northern Nevada who missed their in-person ceremony, brought out a crowd. Read More
May 2022 Veteran of the Month and
Veteran Supporter of the Month Recognized 
Luke Bialzak
Katie Grace Foundation
We congratulate Luke Bialzak for being named Veteran of the Month (VOM) and the Katie Grace Foundation for being recognized as Veteran Supporter of the Month (VSM) for May 2022. Read More
VAST Director Pieter Droog Receives
State of Nevada Honor and Recognition 
NDVS is pleased to announce its Veteran Advocacy Support Team (VAST) Director Pieter Droog was named as the Nevada’s Employee Veteran of the Month for March 2022. Read More
Health and Wellness
Free Surviving Spouse Planning Session Offered in May  
By Len Yelinek

(Las Vegas, Nevada) - The Southern Nevada Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) will be hosting a “Personal Planning and Surviving Spouse Symposium” on May 16, 2022, at the Clark County Library Theater. Read More
Veterans Brain Trust Launches  
The Las Vegas Mayor’s Challenge is sailing ahead with the Veterans Brain Trust Initiative. The group met last month to launch this new initiative with the goal of having the brain trust serve as the foundation to improve and create opportunities for Nevada’s veteran and military communities. Read More
Veterans Appreciation Breakfast Planned in Winnemucca for
Mental Health Awareness Month 
Winnemucca is shining a spotlight on Mental Health Awareness Month this May through Humboldt Connections, which promotes an awareness of mental health issues, connectedness within the community, and suicide prevention for all. Read More
NDVS and Key Partners Attend National Conference to Widen Lens on Suicide Prevention 
The Suicide Prevention Program Manager, Sarah Hogue, was among those attending the American Association of Suicide Prevention Annual Conference in Chicago, Illinois from April 27-30th. Read More
Programs & Services
Program Allows Veterans to Receive High School Diploma Years Later 
By Chuck N. Baker 
 
(Nevada) When America went to war, some high school students left school to join the military or were drafted. They never officially received their high school diploma. These veterans completed their service, whether it was a two-year draft, the minimum three-year enlistment or retirement after 20 or more years. Read More
Lincoln County Coalition Hosts First
Community Event
On Saturday, the 23rd of April, the Lincoln County Coalition had its first-ever community event in Panaca, Nevada. NDVS was on-site, connecting with veterans in the community and discussing VA claims, veteran benefits in Nevada. Read More
Top Five Themes Emerge as Nevada Veterans Identify
Statewide Issues and Concerns
The results are in following the 2022 Nevada Veterans Legislative Symposia held in Las Vegas and Reno in March. Participants of both events helped to identify and prioritize issues and concerns within the veteran community that will be brought to Nevada lawmakers for consideration in the next session of the Legislature.
 Grants Support Truckee Meadows Upward Bound Scholarships 
By Chuck N. Baker 

(RENO) — S.E.E.4vets, a veterans advocacy group, has established a promising foothold for transitioning military servicemembers in Arizona. Recently the Scottsdale-based organization has expanded into other western states, including Nevada. Read More
News You Can Use
Check Out the 2021 NDVS Annual Report
Our 2021 Annual Report is out, and we’re excited to share it with you. There have been many successes in serving Nevada’s veterans and the veteran community through new programs and much more. Read More
Admiral Linda Fagan May Become First Woman to Lead U.S. Coast Guard
The Biden Administration nominated Admiral Linda Fagan to lead the U.S. Coast Guard. If confirmed, she would become the first woman to lead a U.S. armed service. Read More
Fallon Native Brigadier General Michael Hanifan Retires
By Steve Ranson 

After nearly four decades in the active-duty U.S. Army and Nevada Army Guard, Fallon native Brigadier General Michael Hanifan retired from military service at the end of February. Read More
Employment/Education 
NDVS Job Postings
Looking for a new job? Check out our job postings on the NDVS website Click Here
On-the-Job Apprenticeship Programs
Have you thought about a job that pays you while you learn? There are two ways to gain valuable skills while earning a wage either through On-the-Job Training or through Apprenticeship Training. Click Here to learn more!  
Always Remember
May 2022 

Month of the Military Caregiver  
National Military Appreciation Month 
First week of May – Public Service Recognition Week 
May 1 – Silver Star Service Banner Day (1818)  
May 3 – Air Force Sergeants Association Birthday (1947) 
May 5 – Veterans of the Vietnam War & The Veterans Coalition Birthday (1978) 
May 6 – Military Spouse Appreciation Day; Friday before Mother's Day  
May 8 – VE (Victory in Europe) Day (1945) 
May 13 – Children of Fallen Patriots Day 
May 19 – Catholic War Veterans Birthday (1935) 
May 21 – Armed Forces Day; Third Saturday in May 
May 30 – Memorial Day; last Monday in May