Veterans Voice

October 2022

Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) Newsletter

Serving Nevada's Heroes since 1943 ~ Donate to NDVS

The Nevada Veterans Benefits Registry

By joining the registry you will discover more about benefits you have earned, and, give us the opportunity to inform you of new benefits as they are developed. Stay connected!

Mark Your Calendar

Events Calendar - Details & Registration

Send us your upcoming events at pio.ndvs@veterans.nv.gov to post to our calendar

Message from Director Fred Wagar

To my fellow veterans, families, and veteran advocates,

It’s hard to believe it’s already in October 2022! There are so many new developments I want to share.

A significant and important change is in NDVS leadership! I’m pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Vivian Ruiz as our new Deputy Director of Healthcare Services. She will be responsible for overseeing our two State Veterans Homes as well as the department’s healthcare, wellness, and suicide prevention programs and initiatives. Read More

Honoring Our Heroes

Special Las Vegas Ceremony Honors Veterans,

Veteran Supporters and Youth Volunteer

Congratulations to the recipients of the Veteran of the Month, Veteran Supporter of the Month and new Youth Serving Veterans Award who were honored and recognized during a special ceremony in Las Vegas in September. Read More

Race to Erase 22

June 2022

Veteran Supporter of the Month

John Heintzelman

October 2022

Veteran of the Month

Dana Surwill

September 2022

Veterans Youth Award

Glow Surrounds Northern Nevada’s Gold Star

Memorial During Luminary Event

The last Sunday in September is set aside by Presidential proclamation as Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day. The National Day of Recognition encourages communities or groups to come together to honor those who have lost a loved one serving in the U.S. military. Read More

Save the Date for Veterans Day 2022!

This year, Veterans Day falls on a Friday. You may want to mark your calendar for the Veterans Day events coming up on November 11, 2022. Read More

Southern Nevada State Veterans Home’s Poppy Helgren

Earns Director of Nursing Services Certification

Congratulations to Poppy Helgren, our Director of Nursing Services at the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home (SNSVH). She may now add another impressive credential behind her name. Read More

Health and Wellness

Welcome Vivian Ruiz

In case you missed it, NDVS Director Fred Wagar appointed Vivian Ruiz as the department’s next Deputy Director of Healthcare Services, effective September 19, 2022. Read More

NDVS and Nevada National Guard Host First Suicide Prevention Forum

September 2022 marked another NDVS “first” and another major milestone. The Nevada National Guard (NVNG) and NDVS hosted the first Suicide Prevention Forum in Las Vegas. The event provided information and raised awareness about the topic to some 300 NVNG members. Read More

Veterans Healthcare Pocket Card Roll-Out in Fallon

The Healthcare Program Manager for NDVS held her second round of hospital presentations for the Veterans Healthcare Pocket Card, an educational initiative for Nevada’s civilian healthcare providers. Read More

Programs & Services

NVTAP Events Planned for Transitioning Military Members in Nevada

Service members in Nevada who are transitioning into civilian life have access to support from NDVS through the Nevada Transition Assistance Program known as NVTAP. Read More

Seating Filled for NV Advocate Conference but

Vendor Opportunities Available

It took less than a week for the upcoming in-person October 8-9th Las Vegas Nevada Veterans Advocate Conference (NV Advocate) to sell out! Read More

Top Six Myths About Women Veterans

When people think of veterans, they may not think about the countless women who have also made the sacrifice to serve. What may be even more shocking is the number of women who have served, but still do not consider themselves a veteran! Read More

NDVS seeking candidates for Key Programs and Services

NDVS is seeking candidates to fill two important positions within the department. As previously mentioned in other sections of this newsletter, our current NDVS Suicide Prevention Program Manager will be moving to a similar position within the U.S. Army. This leaves our Suicide Prevention Program Manager position open. Read More

NDVS Leadership Conference Focuses on Collaboration and Efficiencies

This year has been one of leadership change within the department and this year’s annual NDVS Leadership Conference wasted no time in getting new players oriented and working on one page. Read More

News You Can Use

Skilled Trades Becoming New Go-To Careers

Skilled trades are quickly becoming the go-to careers of the future as the older generation retires or otherwise leaves the workforce. Read More

VSOs set another record!

In August 2022, the VAST team established 2 new records. The first was for the submittal of claims and appeals to the VA and the other was for the number of inquiries and responses to our online service, “Ask a VSO.” Read More

Stockings for our Troops

We are Proud Military Moms because our sons and daughters have made the choice to Defend Our Freedom by serving their country. As mothers we were there to protect our children, but today they’re the ones protecting us in the Global War On Terrorism. Read More

Deadline Approaches for $35,000

1st Place Prize for VFW Youth Contest. VFW Youth Contest Prizes Grow as Deadline Approaches Entries for the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen contests are due by Oct. 31 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

October 2022

Hispanic Heritage Month

October 2 – Reserve Officers Association (RSO) Birthday (1922)

October 7 – Combat operations in Afghanistan begin - Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) (2001)

October 13 – U.S. Navy Birthday (1775)

October 25 – Grenada, Operation Urgent Fury (Oct 25, 1983 – Dec 15, 1983)

October 26 – National Day of the Deployed

October 28 – Nevada Day Observed (1864)

October 31 – Nevada Day (1864)

www.veterans.nv.gov * Donate