NDVS Newsletter - September 2023

Message from Director Wagar

Dear Friends and Veteran Supporters,

I’m pleased to announce that as of today, the 2023 Report to the Veteran Community on the 82nd Legislative Session is public and ready for your review. Click HERE to read the report.

In summary, Nevada’s veteran community had an extremely successful legislative session. Sixty-six percent of the veteran-and-military-friendly bills before lawmakers passed and were signed into law by Governor Lombardo as well as one favorable Joint Resolution sent on to the Secretary of State. In all, four of the five state-wide themes identified in the 2022 Legislative Symposia were approved. I want to give a big shout-out to United Veterans Legislative Council President Andy LePeilbet and NDVS staff. I cannot thank them enough for their assistance in ensuring a successful session and their support in helping draft this report.

This wonderful news comes on the heels of two major milestones for NDVS. We celebrated our 80th anniversary at the Governor’s Mansion a few nights ago. It was an honor to share the department’s changes and accomplishments over the decades. There were too many dignitaries in attendance to name here, but I wanted to single out Governor Lombardo for his attendance and continued support. In December, we will host 80th anniversary celebrations for NDVS team members across Nevada, so they too may share in this major milestone for our department.

The week prior we also celebrated the 21st anniversary of the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City! It was heartwarming to see such an outpouring of support from the Boulder City community, including Mayor Joe Hardy, Chamber CEO Jill Rowland-Lagan, Police Chief Timothy Shea and so many others. Thank you also to Sonia Joya with the Governor’s Office for the kind words and warm embrace of our home!

Please don’t think all this great news means we are going to sit back on our laurels. In this newsletter, take note of all the NDVS events coming up this fall and I hope to see soon at one or more of those events!

Respectfully,

Fred Wagar

Photo: (L-R) SNSVH Leadership: Amanda Kehrer (Volunteer Coordinator), Corine Watson (Acting Director of Nursing), Fred Wagar (Director), Kelly Morris (Falconer Nurse Manager), Steven Pavlow (Administrator), Kathy Steffen (Mariner/Cove Nurse Manager), Elain Beltran (MDS Coordinator), Robert Sims (Sidewinder Nurse Manager).

NDVS Website

NDVS Celebrates 80th Anniversary at Governor’s Mansion

The Nevada Veterans Commission opened its doors for business in 1943 after its creation by the Nevada Legislature the previous year. At the time, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was President. World War II was underway, and America was in the fight!

Fast forward to a beautiful late summer evening in Carson City to August 29, 2023, as the Nevada Department of Veterans Services celebrated its 80th anniversary at the Governor’s

Mansion. Governor Lombardo and a room full of dignitaries including Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony, Assemblymembers Daniele Monroe-Moreno and Ken Gray, Congressman Mark Amodei and many more were in attendance.

Director Fred Wagar provided an overview of the history and accomplishments of the department over the decades before honoring former Directors Caleb Cage and Kat Miller with an NDVS Pillar of Leadership Award for their contributions to the department during their tenures.

Special thanks go out to the state directors, state commanders, and representatives who are key partners in Nevada’s veteran community for their attendance and continued support.

NDVS will host additional 80th anniversary celebrations in December for its team members to mark this important milestone.

Click HERE for more photos of the celebration!

Photo Caption:

(L-R) Director Fred Wagar, former Directors Kat Miller, Caleb Cage, Governor Joe Lombardo

VA Shares Design Elements of Elko National Cemetery

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration (NCA) continues to move forward with its plans to build a National Cemetery in Elko. Last month, the NCA presented its plans to the City of Elko in preparation of the projected construction award date and administrative start of the project. When complete, the 15.37-acre Elko National Cemetery will become the first national cemetery in Nevada.

The cemetery will be master planned and constructed in multiple phases with each phase proving up to 15 years of burial service. The cemetery will include space to accommodate casket burials, in-ground creation burials, and urn placement in columbarium niches.

Director Wagar spoke during the presentation to the Elko Planning Commission. He noted, “While this is not a State Veterans Cemetery, it’s important for the Commission to know just how important this National Cemetery will be for the veterans, spouses and Gold Star Parents in Eastern Nevada.”

Click HERE to review the VA presentation that includes a look at the project location and proposed design elements.

SNSVH 21st Anniversary Open House Celebration

The Southern Nevada State Veterans Home (SNSVH) in Boulder City marked its 21st anniversary with a celebration that included an Open House and Boulder City Chamber of Commerce mixer.

Director Fred Wagar shared stories of success and accomplishments at the home to an enthusiastic crowd. He also shared a few design elements surrounding the planned renovation of the home.

The home recently retained its 5-Star Quality Rating marking the fifth time the home has received the highest rating possible from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare. Additionally, the home received its highest rating ever from health inspectors with the federal VA.

Please click HERE to enjoy photos from the celebration.

Photo: (L-R) Director Fred Wagar surprises Boulder City Chamber of Commerce CEO Jill Rowland-Lagan and Vice Chair Taryn Troll with NDVS challenge coins.

102-Year-Old WWII/Korean War Veteran Honored

WWII/Korean War veteran and Reno resident Anthony (Tony) Bruno, MD received special honors when he celebrated his 102nd birthday last month. His centennial (plus two) celebration included a visit from NDVS Director Fred Wagar who honored and recognized the physician with a special certificate and an NDVS coin in recognition of his birthday, and especially for his military service.

Director Wagar stated, “Dr. Bruno is one of the most interesting veterans I’ve met from the WWII era. It’s great to be able to listen to stories from someone with such an interesting military history!”

Dr. Bruno resides at Promenade on the River, which provides assisted living care. Dr. Bruno served in the U.S. Army in both wars as a surgeon. Our congratulations go out to him, along with a heartfelt HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Thank you for your service, Dr. Bruno!

Photo: (L – R) WWII/Korean War veteran and Reno resident Anthony (Tony) Bruno, MD and Director Fred Wagar presenting recognition award.

Vegas NV Advocate Conference Coming Up!

You are encouraged to register now for the upcoming Nevada Veterans Advocate Conference in North Las Vegas.

The FREE two-day event will be held on Saturday and Sunday of October 7th – 8th at the Las Vegas Culinary Union located at 710 West Lake Mead Boulevard in North Las Vegas. The event runs from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day.

You will learn about the earned benefits, resources and programs available to Nevada veterans and how you can help connect veterans and their families to these resources.

Seating is limited! Register today to save your seat by going HERE.

Exhibitors may register by going HERE.

NVTAP Event Coming to Sparks

NDVS will be hosting a Nevada Transition Assistance Program (NVTAP) event at the American Legion Hall Duby Reid Post 30 in Sparks on Saturday, September 30th from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This event is for all veterans, service members, military families and anyone interested in learning about the benefits earned by those who served. The FREE two-day event will allow you to learn about the state and local benefits that are available to ensure success for those who are navigating significant transitions in life, including life as a civilian!

Exhibitors only, register HERE.

Now Accepting Applications for Youth Serving Veterans Award

NDVS is now accepting applications for the Youth Serving Veterans Award. If you know someone, age 19 or younger, or a group of young people (same age requirements) who are making a difference in the lives of veterans or the veterans’ community, now is the time to speak up and shine the light on this amazing these young individuals!

Whether they nominee is a Boy Scout, Girl Scout, member of a nonprofit, church, school or civic group, this award provides the perfect opportunity to recognize the contributions of young people who are supporting veterans, military members and families of veterans or service members.

To learn more about this award opportunity, or to make a nomination, go HERE.

Mark Your Calendar for Gold Star Luminary Event at NNSVH

The details are being discussed and ironed out for the upcoming September 24, 2023, Luminary event at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home (NNSVH) in Sparks.

The event will be held in conjunction with National Gold Star Families Day, which recognizes and honors the families of service men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the U.S. military.

The Northern Nevada Gold Star Memorial is located in front of the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home at 36 Battle Born Way in Sparks.

Jon Yupsa with Gold Star Foundation will be announcing details in the weeks ahead and NDVS will share the information. You are encouraged to mark your calendar and save the date to attend the Luminary event set around 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, 2023.

9/11 Ceremony Planned in Fernley

The Nevada Veterans Coalition and the North Lyon County Fire Department are hosting the 22nd Annual 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony on Monday, September 11 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

The event will be held at the Main Fire Station, located at 195 E. Main Street in Fernley.

Everyone is encouraged to attend to honor and remember those lost in the September 11th attacks.