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Nevada Department of Veterans Services Newsletter November 2016
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Carson City --The Nevada Department of Veterans Services, in partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service and Nevada Volunteers, successfully launched their Nevada Vet Corps initiative at the Governor's Mansion. Nevada Vet Corps, which is made up Nevada Veteran Advocates, AmeriCorps State Members, and AmeriCorps VISTA Members, is going to be assigned to assist community partners and local veteran populations across Nevada. Nevada Vet Corps was formed to respond to the unique challenges and special needs of this state's veteran population, and to answer the call of Governor Brian Sandoval to "make Nevada the most veteran and military friendly state in the nation."
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NDVS is recruiting now for AmeriCorps members statewide for the Nevada Vet Corps. If you are a veteran or family member and would like more information about how you can become an AmeriCorps member and serve as part of Nevada Vet Corps, click here.
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(FERNLEY, NV) –
The Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery (NNVMC), in cooperation with the State Public Works Department (SPWD), has broken ground on a major construction project as part of the state’s Capital Improvement Program.
This project will affect the main entrance, main parking lot within the cemetery grounds, and the plaza area between the Information Center and Pavilion. New pavement and concrete will replace the old entrance and plaza. The project is expected to be completed before the end of this year.
To ensure the cemetery is accessible through the duration of the project, a second entrance has been opened along the cemetery’s west fence line, just north of the maintenance area. Signage, directing traffic away from the work zone to the new entrance, has been installed.
We ask for understanding and cooperation from the public as the Nevada Department of Veterans Services continues to improve the NNVMC for our veterans and their families.
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By Blake Boles
LAS VEGAS, NV (October 14th, 2016) -- Though he was unable to attend due to the special session of Nevada's state legislature, Governor Brian Sandoval's was certainly there in spirit in his continuing mission to make Nevada "the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation." On the Governor's behalf, Director Kat Miller and the Nevada Department of Veterans Services honored a Purple Heart recipient in Las Vegas on Friday, October 14th, in a packed lobby of the Grant Sawyer Building. Started in 2011, the Veteran of the Month award was established for men and women across Nevada who go above and beyond the call of duty, specifically with respect to volunteer work, in support of veterans and the military. The ceremony is held every month to celebrate the accomplishments of Nevada's heroes that have faithfully served their country, and have gone on to greatly benefit their communities. Honored as the Veteran of the Month for October was long-time volunteer and Marine combat veteran Arthur Ward Cozad III.
Cozad earned a Purple Heart for being wounded in action in Vietnam. He is both a Marine and Air Force veteran, retiring with 33 years of Military service. In 2005 he was instrumental in establishing the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 730 in Henderson, and served as its commander for seven years. He is also an active member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1076, DAV Chapter 12, American Legion Post 60, and VFW Post 3848. He organized a “Purple Heart Day Ceremony” in Boulder City which pays tribute to all of those that were awarded the Purple Heart, and to all veterans that have passed away. He implemented the annual Chapter 730 POW/MIA Fallen Comrade Table Tribute ceremony, and is also a registered friend with the Women Veterans of Nevada, where his wife, Ana Cozad, who is retired Air Force, is currently Vice President.
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By Blake Boles - RENO, NV (October 21st, 2016)
At the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, Marie Holcomb was barely able to lift her eyelids. The Veteran Service Officer for the Nevada Department of Veterans Services had just arrived at 1 AM, with the rest of the VSO's, after their plane was rerouted to Sacramento due to high winds. They had left Las Vegas that morning at 8 AM, and sat for hours on a tarmac. "I still have homework to do after this," said Holcomb. It was amazing she was conscious, let alone working.
Why was it so imperative for the VSOs to be in Reno? Because NDVS had scheduled a two-day Nevada Veteran Advocate (NVA) seminar, something NDVS takes very seriously. The expansion of the NVA program is vital for the plans of its Director, US Army veteran Kat Miller. Miller, upon implementation of Nevada Vet Corps, will utilize NVAs, AmeriCorps State members, and AmeriCorps VISTA members to expand services to Nevada's veterans wherever they may be. At the moment, NDVS has over 200 NVAs to assist with outreach to rural veterans, as well as veterans living in major metropolises like Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno. Miller would ultimately like to see 5,000.
Click here to continue reading.
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On Wednesday, October 12, NDVS and friends were thrilled and humbled to honor our military veterans and their families at Morningstar Assisted Living in Reno, during another touching Veterans In Care (VIC) ceremony. The VIC initiative saw NDVS contact every private assisted living facility in the state, after we suspected there were unknown veterans who weren't receiving benefits. It is possible that up to 4,000 veterans will be discovered, with many of them being thanked for their service on behalf of Governor Brian Sandoval.
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On Monday, October 3rd 2016, TMCC hosted a grand opening for their Veterans Resource Center's new location, in the Red Mountain Building.
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A local cycling program, "Ride 2 Recovery: Project Hero," is gaining speed in growth with the help of a General Electric sponsorship.
The City of Reno is one of four pilot sites chosen to receive funding to support veterans facing health issues. GE purchased $65,000 worth of bikes and accessories. The partnership will help raise awareness and bring healing for service members and veterans.
Click here to read more.
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Minden resident and Miss Nevada 2016 Bailey Gumm, 21, showed support for Western Nevada College student veterans and faculty at the Veterans Resource Center on Tuesday in Carson City.
“Miss Nevada is very grateful to veterans,” Gumm said. “They dedicate so much of themselves for us. I have family and close friends who have served.”
The 2017 Miss American Pageant contestant’s great-great-great grandfather fought and was wounded three times in the Civil War, and other relatives are veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.
Gumm is a 2013 graduate of Douglas High School, who studies at Westminster College in Salt Lake City.
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By KEITH ROGERS
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Disabled veterans will have an open door to participate in recreational programs run by the City of Las Vegas thanks to a $10,000 grant from Nevada’s Department of Veterans Services.
The money will help pay for adaptive sports costs, including outdoor adventure experiences such as fishing clinics, aquatic therapy and golf, as well as wheelchair basketball and tennis, hand cycling and bowling, according to an announcement Wednesday from city officials.
“The grant will be used for program registrations, new programs, equipment and supplies,” the release said. “Injured military will be able to enroll in adaptive activities at no cost until all the funds are exhausted.”
For more information, contact Bernard Preston and inquire about the city of Las Vegas Adaptive Recreation Program for disabled veterans at 702-229-4904.
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By Blake Boles
NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV (October 21st, 2016) -- According to the nonprofit organization BreastCancer.org, "about 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. In 2016, an estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 61,000 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer." And ccording to the American Cancer Society, "Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. A woman's risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1 in 75. Her lifetime chance of dying from ovarian cancer is about 1 in 100." So the efforts of the VA to educate the populace on the dangers of breast and ovarian cancers with a Breast and Ovarian Cancer Summit are certainly welcome and timely.
The well attended event, held in the North Las Vegas VA Hospital, was led by the VA’s Women Veterans Health Program Manager, Jenni Childers. Booths set up in Auditorium Lobby, which included different displays by multiple veteran service organization like the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, VFW, WVON, Soldier Angels, and so forth. Some tables had The VA had a table with replicated breasts with cancer tumors, cysts and other types of conditions. Music filled the auditorium, where a cancer survivor recounted her horrific experience with the disease. Later, in a town hall style meeting, Dr. Faulkner-LaBrecque talked about healthcare, early detection, and took audience questions. A dedication of a Healing Tree allowed guests the opportunity to decorate the white tree with personal notes on how cancer has affected their lives; a pink ornament signified breast cancer, or teal for ovarian cancer. Many women adorned the tree with both. Name of the survivors --or the ones they lost-- were inscribed on the ornament.
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The initial cost for veteran 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. $25 of the initial fee and $20 of the annual renewal fee are used to support outreach programs and services for veterans and their families administered by Nevada Department of Veterans Services.
Availability 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. See How Do I Get These Plates?
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) at 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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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 also currently provides assistance to veterans with wills and powers of attorney.
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.
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.
Click here for the statewide listing.
OMLA workshops scheduled through 2016
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November 5th
Douglas County Community and Senior Center
1329 Waterloo Dr.
Gardnerville, NV
December 3rd
Yerington Public Library
20 Nevin Way
Yerington, NV
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2017 Dates are coming soon!
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This expo will feature the following exhibits:
• Jobs (full time / part time / seasonal)
• Education and Training
• Health
• Housing
• Looking to become a entrepreneur visit the "Start Your Own Business Area"
• LVBNM Chefs Corner - Tasty Food Samples
• And $1,000's in raffle drawing door prizes
Don't forget October 31st - November 4th, 2016 is SBA National Veterans Small Business Week!
Location: Suncoast Hotel & Casino (Grand Ballroom.) 9090 Alta Dr. Las Vegas, NV
For more information, contact
Paula Jackson at 702-639-6964
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The TMCC Veterans Job and Resource Fair will feature employment opportunities and resources for veterans in our community. The deadline to register for this fair is October 31, by 4 PM.
Location: V. James Eardley Student Center, Red Mountain Building. 7000 Dandini Blvd. Reno, NV
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Friends getting together to raise some money for the Northern Nevada Veterans Coalition. Join us for a 45 mile roundtrip, off-road poker run for ATVs, UTVs, jeeps, baja buggies, and dirt bikes.
Location: Fernley 95A Speedway, 1965 S Hwy 95A, Fernley, NV
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Location: Moapa Travel Plaza, Moapa River Paiute Indian Reservation, on Interstate 15, Exit 75 (Valley of Fire)
For more information, call 702-656-6828
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The Derfelt Senior Center is hosting an event from Nov 8th thru Nov 10th to honor those who served our Country.
On the 8th they are having a Card Making/ Letter Writing for veterans that are serving away from home. (Fee waved for Veterans, $1.00 for non-veterans.
On the 9th they are offering free haircuts to all veterans at no charge from 11am to 2 pm. Haircuts will be provided by “A Cut Above Hair Studio”.
On the 10th the is a Veterans Lunch at no cost to Veterans, a $5 fee for non-Veterans, and a Remembrance Table will be displayed at the Center, along with the flags of all services
Location: 3343 W. Washington Ave. Las Vegas, NV
For more information, call 702-229-6601
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VETERANS DAY EVENTS, STATEWIDE
Whitney Peak Hotel 255 N. Virginia St. Reno NV, 5 PM - 12 AM
In 2014 we honored over 20 World War II Veterans and in 2015 we honored over 16 Korean Conflict Veterans as our Grand Marshals. In 2016 we would like to honor our Vietnam Veterans. If you or some you know is a Veteran of Vietnam, please contact the County Manager's Office at 738-5398 so that we can get Veteran on our list.
Dinner served at 6:30 pm
Live Music begins at 7 pm
A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism and willingness to serve for our freedom. Come honor those past and current veterans of our armed forces.
Veteran Service Organizations and Community Organizers, please send
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We warmly invite you to honor our nation’s veterans by attending this donation-based class as part of Veterans Gratitude Week. This is one of hundreds of classes, where thousands of veterans and civilians will come together in cities around the country to breathe, meditate, move, rest, and feel gratitude for all of the men and women who have served to protect our freedom. All proceeds raised will help Veterans Yoga Project support recovery and resilience among our veterans, families, and communities. We are very grateful for your tax-deductible financial contribution.
Location: Zero to Zen Gallery Yoga & Art. 1800 Industrial Rd. 207B, Las Vegas, NV
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Hosted by the Association of the US Army General William C. Westmoreland Chapter, the VA Sierra Nevada Health Center, and the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, this conference theme is: “What it takes to be a leader in today’s world!”
Location: Tahoe Room, VA Sierra Nevada Health Cente. 975 Kirman Ave. Reno, NV
For more information, call Charley Smith at 775-287-5698
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At this career fair, the nation’s fifth-largest school district will attempt to help former servicemen and women get a job while patching Southern Nevada’s chronic teacher shortage.
Location: Eldorado High School. 1139 North Linn Lane, Las Vegas, NV
For more information, contact Jamie Gunderson at 702-799-5305
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Washoe County School District and the Council for Great City Schools are hosting a career expo for current and former military personnel and family about the various employment opportunities within the district. Meet WCSD Human Resources, Department Hiring Managers, University Representatives, and Veteran Service Providers.
Location: Pine Middle School. 4800 Neil Rd. Reno, NV
For more information, contact Kayce Didier at
253-347-1055
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Let Chili’s do the cooking while we support Veterans Guest House at the same time. With each flyer presented on Sunday Chili’s will donate 15% of the event day sales back to this great organization.
Locations:
10340 N. McCarran Blvd. Reno, NV and 5090 Smithridge Dr. Reno, NV
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location:
Bear's Best Las Vegas.
11111 West Flamingo Road.
Las Vegas, NV
To register, for pricing, or for more information, contact Ricardo Ortiz at 702-514-4175
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