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Nevada Department of Veterans Services Newsletter April 2017
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Veterans and Military Day at the Legislature (VAMDAL) for the 79th Legislative Session was a great success. Below are some highlights from that day. We hope you enjoy.
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By Chuck Baker/Terri Hendry
(Carson City, NV) - Veterans and Military Day at the Legislature (VAMDAL) is a special day at the State Capitol. When Nevada's Legislature is in session, by statute, the third Wednesday in March is set aside for this day to honor veterans, military members as well as the families of those who have or are currently serving.
VAMDAL raises awareness about the military and veteran community and provides that community with access to lawmakers and the governor. Dozens of bills and resolutions are currently under review in the Nevada Assembly and Senate. Every two years elected officials grapple with proposed regulations concerning many issues. Several of those proposed laws are drafted to help the veterans' community in the Silver State.
VAMDAL brings together those who are brothers and sisters in arms. The governor, members of the Assembly and the Senate, appointees from the Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) and other state agencies congregate to invest time and energy to formally and openly confer appreciation and affection for former and current Service Members.
Click here to read more.
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By Chuck Baker
(Carson City and Las Vegas, NV)- It happened on the historic grounds of the Nevada Legislature. The honoree stood in front of the veterans memorial, and within eyesight of many other statues and plaques and concrete edifices honoring the men and women who served the Silver State and Carson City. It was there that former Army Sergeant Richard "Dick" L. Moyer was presented with a Bronze Star medal with "V" device for his heroic efforts during the Vietnam War.
In fact it was a special day for all the veterans and others who came to honor Moyer and others. Steeped in tradition, the bi-annual Veterans and Military Day at the Legislature is set aside to pay tribute to those who put their lives on the line, and those who did not return. Moyer once placed his life on the line, and returned along with the men he is credited to have helped save.
Moyer was proud and humbled, standing at a podium with Gov. Brian Sandoval, who spoke about him in terms that acknowledged and praised events in his past. He heard Air Force Brig. Gen. William Burks describe the moments when Moyer displayed life-saving actions under fierce combat conditions on behalf of his fellow soldiers. It was all that and more that brought back memories as if it were yesterday. But the past caught up with the present on a March morning as the governor attached the military medal to Moyer's suit coat, shook his hand, and spoke words of sincere congratulations. The audience stood and applauded, and Moyer's wife Patti looked on with love and pride in her eyes. To her, Dick Moyer has always been her hero.
Click here to read more
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By Terri Hendry
(Carson City, NV) -- U.S. Marine Corps veteran John Louritt was all smiles as he shook Gov. Brian Sandoval's hand. Louritt had reason to smile. He had just received recognition from the governor, surrounded by other dignitaries, his family and friends, after being named Nevada's Veteran of the Month. The Veteran of the Month recognizes Nevada veterans who contribute their time and energy to support other veterans, their communities and/or the military.
Louritt's recognition is well earned. He has a long history of service. The decorated Vietnam veteran made a career of serving his community as a police officer with the South Lake Tahoe Police Department. He retired after 32 years of service but is not spending a lot of "down time" on the couch as he continues his passion of helping others.
For the past two years, he has served as a Nevada Veterans' Advocate (NVA) earning his NVA certification through the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. If you would like to learn more about becoming a NVA, click the link; http://veterans.nv.gov/page/veterans-advocacy.
At least twice a month, Louritt also opens the Senior Center Office in Douglas County helping connect veterans to benefits they've earned. He arranges for ROVER outreach visits by a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to Gardnerville. Louritt also sets up appointments for veterans with the VSO.
Additionally, Louritt has spent time in politics serving on the Douglas County School Board. He has also served his community as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner and as a member on the Senior Advisory Board in Douglas County.
Louritt is a also a member of WAVE, which stands for Welcome All Veterans Everywhere! He also remains active volunteering his time with the state and local chapters of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.
Louritt's recognition happened during the opening ceremony of Veterans and Military at the Legislature on March 15, 2017. He was honored in front of his family, friends, veterans and others, including representatives from Nevada's Senate and Congressional delegation as well as State Senator Aaron Ford and Assembly members Jason Frierson and Paul Anderson. In all, more than 300 people attended the ceremony. Louritt was nominated by James Babb.
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By Terri Hendry
(Carson City, NV) – Jon Yuspa and Jim Forbes have made it their mission to transport Nevada's veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to honor veterans' service and sacrifices. The two are adamant they will help every single veteran, who is willing and able to get on a plane or bus, to be able to see and visit THEIR memorial, at no cost to the veteran.
That mission and passion were celebrated and honored during the opening ceremony of Veterans and Military Day at the Legislature. Gov. Brian Sandoval and Nevada Department of Veterans Services Director Kat Miller awarded Honor Flight Nevada as Veteran Supporter of the Month.
The Veteran Supporter of the Month recognizes both active organizations and non-veteran Nevada community members that provide exceptional support to military members, veterans, and their families. Honor Flight Nevada has done that and then some. According to Danny Waldrop, Tom Spencer and Frank Reynolds, more than 800 veterans have had the privilege of flying to Washington D.C. for a tour of their service and war memorials, thanks to Honor Flight Nevada.
The nominators of Honor Flight Nevada said in their application they noticed on every occasion, the caregivers and Honor Flight volunteers provided for every single need of the traveling the veterans. Some of them are now elderly and have health conditions. The nominators agreed the comradery, feelings of pride, as well as unity of purpose are all re-created during these trips. For the participants, the nominators noted how the trips brought back strong emotions including memories of the bonds from time served in the military.
The nominators pointed out Honor Flight Nevada is also very involved in the Reno/Sparks area. Waldrop writes, "Included in their sphere of influence and assistance are such organizations as Toys for Tots, the Washoe County Sheriff's program 'Christmas on the Corridor,' Blue Star mothers, the Marine Corps League, the Veteran's Guest House, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and the Nevada Veterans' Coalition." He added, "All of these organizations and others not named have benefited from Honor Flight Nevada's influence and assistance."
Honor Flight Nevada's recognition happened during the opening ceremony of Veterans and Military at the Legislature on March 15, 2017. More than 300 people attended the ceremony.
To learn more about Honor Flight Nevada or make a donation, visit; http://www.honorflightnv.org/
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The Nevada Department of Veterans Services would like to highlight, and thank, the many exhibitors who came out to share information with our active military and veterans in the state.
Among the exhibitors were:
Click the links, above, to learn more about each of these organizations and what they are doing to assist active duty military and veterans across the state of Nevada.
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By Terri Hendry
(Elko, NV) --They’re being called “Hidden Heroes” by the Elko Free Press. Reporter Toni Milano at [email protected] captures the sights, sounds and excitement as 28 veterans are recognized and honored for their service at Highland Village through an NDVS program called Veterans in Care (VIC). The program seeks to identify and then recognize veterans living in skilled care nursing homes, long term care facilities or senior care communities. Read more about the program by clicking here; http://veterans.nv.gov/page/Veterans-in-Care
The Elko ceremony was similar to other VIC's held across the state each month. In Elko, certificates and pins were presented to the veterans by representatives of Gov. Brian Sandoval, U.S. Nevada Senator Dean Heller, U.S. Nevada Representative Mark Amodei, Assemblyman John Ellison and State Sen. Pete Goicoechea. Sen. Goicoechea was so touched by the event, he mentioned the Elko VIC during a committee hearing at the Legislature.
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(Washington, D.C.)-- The Department of Veterans Affairs published new regulations on January 13, 2017
establishing a presumption of service connection for eight conditions associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune. The rule became effective March 14, 2017.
The VA says based on evidence from several internationally recognized scientific authorities, including the National Academies of Science, it has been determined there is sufficient scientific and medical evidence to establish a presumption of service connection between exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune and the occurrence of eight health conditions.
The eight presumptive diseases are:
- Adult Leukemia
- Aplastic anemia and other Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Bladder Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Parkinson’s Disease
The VA will not limit entitlement to active duty military. Rather, the VA will also presume exposure for reserve and National Guard members who served at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days (cumulative) between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987.
In addition, the VA will establish a presumption that members of the reserves and the National Guard who served at Camp Lejeune during this period and later develop one of the presumptive diseases became disabled during the relevant period of service for purposes of establishing active military service for benefit purposes.
Presumptive service connection for a disease alleged to have been caused by contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune requires medical evidence of a current disease on the presumptive list and evidence from military records or other official service department records of service at Camp Lejeune during the period of contamination.
Veterans meeting these criteria should file a VA Form 21-526EZ with information showing that they have a current diagnosis and their service information. Visit the Nevada Department of Veterans Services website at
http://www.veterans.nv.gov/page/veterans-service-officers
to set up an appointment to meet with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) who may be able to assist you.
The Veterans Advocacy and Support Team (VAST) Offices can be contacted to help you obtain an appointment with a VSO. The VAST Offices in Nevada are at the following locations:
VAST Rural Outreach Coordinator
(702) 791-9000 x 15518 FAX (702) 224-6927
Veterans can also file a claim electronically through
www.eBenefits.va.gov
. should state on their application that their claim is presumptive due to service at Camp Lejeune.
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By Terri Hendry
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 done with stunning photography. They are valued at $49.99 but will be provided FREE by calling 1-775-525-4674 or by emailing [email protected] 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.
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By Terri Hendry
The Nevada Department of Veterans Services, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, will be hosting a free half-day workshop to help participants learn more about military sexual trauma or MST. The event is for veterans, activity military, Guard and Reserves, service providers and others who want to gain a better understanding of this issue. The workshop will be led by MST experts Dr. Nicole Anders, PsyD. of Las Vegas and Monique Foreman, a LCSW Social Worker for PTSD Clinical Team and Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator in Reno
The workshop will take place on Saturday, May 13 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Registration begins at 8:00 AM. The event will be held at the Reno Vet Center located at 5880 Mill Street, Suite 600 in Reno.
To register click on https://mst-reno.eventbrite.com or call 775-321-4774.
NDVS is planning another MST workshop in Las Vegas sometime in June. We will share more information in next month’s newsletter as more details become available.
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Mark your calendar and “Save the Date!”
The Nevada Department of Veterans Services, in partnership with the VA Office of Tribal Government Relations and Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada, will be hosting a FREE two-day Summit in Reno on Friday, June 23 and Saturday, June 24 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV.
The Nevada Department of Veterans Services is recognizing 2017 as the Year of the Native American Veteran. As such, there is a renewed outreach efforts to Native American veterans in order to provide these men and women with information connecting them to services and benefits earned through military service. According to the VA, per capita, Native American enlistment is the highest of any U.S. ethnic group yet Native American veterans are among the lowest in seeking or receiving earned benefits and services.
The topics for the Summit will be determined by the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada and the Nevada Indian Commission. During the two day event, there will also be an opportunity for participants to participate in a Nevada Veterans Advocate (NVA) workshop. The Nevada Veterans Advocacy program is offered through NDVS. The program educates and provides certification opportunity for participants who complete a required 20 hour online course. Click here to learn more about the NVA program; http://veterans.nv.gov/page/veterans-advocacy
We will share more details about the upcoming Summit and Nevada Veterans Advocacy, VSO Training Workshops in next month’s newsletter when further information is available.
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Are you looking for additional opportunities to serve your country and community? AmeriCorps State and AmeriCorps Vista are looking for you! The programs allow you to serve and learn. The programs also set the stage for you to gain new skills to potentially start a new career. To join us as an AmeriCorps Member with the Nevada Department of Veterans Services click here: http://www.veterans.nv.gov/news/36581/ndvs-and-americorps-want-you
Nevada has almost 300,000 veterans living within its borders, and their number is growing every day. Our goal is to make sure they know about all the benefits that they have earned, and are able to take advantage of them. Many have severe life barriers, and don't even know they're eligible for assistance. In short, your work in the programs can potentially save lives. Sign up now for volunteer opportunities.
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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 website to learn more.
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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.
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April 4 -
Mesquite
840 Hafen Lane
Mesquite, NV
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
_________________________________
April 6 -
Hawthorne
755 Sierra Way,
Hawthorne, NV
11 AM - 2 PM
_________________________________
April 7 - Ely and Elko Interactive Video
Elko Great Basin College
9 AM - 12 PM
_________________________________
April 11 -
Silver Springs
2945 Fort Churchill
Silver Springs, NV
9:30 AM - 3 PM
_________________________________
April 13 -
Beatty
100 A Ave S
Beatty, NV
10 AM - 3 PM
_________________________________
April 14 -
Battle Mountain Interactive Video
Battle Mountain Great Basin College
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April 19 -
Austin
122 Main Street
Austin, NV
8 AM - 12 PM
_________________________________
April 20 -
Winnemucca Interactive Video
8:30 AM - 5 PM
Tonopah
101 Radar Rd.
Tonopah, NV
9 AM - 2 PM
Mesquite
840 Hafen Ln.
Mesquite, NV
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
_________________________________
April 25 -
Gardnerville
1329 Waterloo Ln
Gardnerville, NV
10 AM - 3 PM
Laughlin
1510 Bruce Woodbury Rd.
Laughlin, NV
10 AM -3 PM
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Pahrump every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
VAMC Reno every Wednesday and Thursday
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By NV AG Office
(Carson City, NV)--The Nevada Attorney General’s Office of Military Legal Assistance (OMLA) provides 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 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.
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April 3 (Las Vegas) and 4 (Reno) -
8:15 AM - 12:30 PM
Locations:
(Las Vegas)
Brady Industries
7055 Lindell Rd
Las Vegas
(Reno)
Alzheimer's Association
1301 Cordone Ave
Reno
Contact:
_________________________________
April 5 -
11:30 AM - 3 PM
Location:
400 North Stephanie St. Suite 180 Henderson NV
Contact:
702-791-9100
_________________________________
April 14 -
12 PM - 6 PM
Location:
3000 Joe W Brown Dr Las Vegas
Contact:
Air Force Association of Las Vegas
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Location:
Atlantis Casino Resort 3800 S. Virginia St. Reno
Contact:
Julia Berg
775-849-3365
____________________________________________
April 25-27 -
All Day
Location:
Rio Hotel
3700 West Flamingo Road
Las Vegas
Contact:
Gabby
702-955-4456
_________________________________
April 28
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8:30 AM - 5 PM
Location:
T
ropicana Laughlin
2121 South Casino Drive Laughlin
Contact:
949-502-3434
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