Military briefs around Northern Nevada
All Veteran Honor Guard seeks volunteers
The Northern Nevada All Veteran Honor Guard is the only “All Veteran” Honor Guard Certified by the
Department of Defense in Northern Nevada and is sponsored by the American Legion High Desert Post 56 in Carson City. This is a non-profit organization and all services are provided at no cost to the family.
Qualifications are only that you have served in one of the branches of military service and available on weekdays. We do not provide services on Sundays.
If you are interested in joining this team of dedicated veterans, honoring veterans, and would like to observe what they do, please contact the guard commander, Jim Jackson, at 775-443-8507.
Flag Day at the capitol
The Nevada National Guard is set to host its 26th annual Flag Day ceremony and the U.S. Army’s 249th Birthday celebration at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 14, at the Veterans Memorial on the Capitol Grounds, 101 N. Carson St.
The event is free and open to the public and will include a historical flag presentation by the Nevada Air Guard. This year’s ceremony will feature a speech by Division of Emergency Management Chief David Fogerson and the Army birthday address will be delivered by Brig. Gen. D. Rodger Waters.
The U.S. Flag flown at Fort Ruby in the 1860s will be on display and Army birthday cake will be served to all attendees, compliments of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. Citizens are also welcome to bring their unserviceable U.S. Flags for future proper disposal.
Community 4 Veterans fundraiser
The annual Community 4 Veterans fundraiser for Veterans Helping Veterans has kicked off.
This year’s grand prize is a 2024 29-foot Jayco travel trailer. Second prize consists of three CF Moto CFORCE ATVs, one each of 600, 500 and 110.
Third prize is a Ruger American bolt action rife with scope. Plus, there will be many great door prizes and a free barbecue for ticket holders.
Volunteers are selling raffle tickets in front of The Sportsman’s Warehouse, 3306 Kietzke Lane in Reno.
The drawing will take place on Aug. 24. The barbecue begins at noon.
One ticket is $10 and a book of 10 tickets is $100.
Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery
There will be an American flag retirement ceremony June 22 at 8:30 a.m. at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery [NNVMC].
If you have torn or tattered American Flags that need to be retired, bring them to this ceremony or deposit them at one of the flag retirement bins at one of the following locations: Fitness for 10, Fire Station on Main St, Senior Center, or Raley’s.
The unaccompanied service at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley is July 25 at 9 a.m. It is open to the community and no RSVP required.
NAMI education conference
Registration for the 2024 NAMI Nevada Annual Education Conference is now officially open.
Join them for an enriching experience filled with knowledge, networking, and a touch of furry friendliness. But hurry — seats will fill up fast for the in-person event!
What’s Special This Year?
- We are honoring our heroes: Serving Those Who Have Served
- Meet our Presenters: Some of our presenters have served in different branches of the Military, including the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Navy.
- Learn about the military culture: Learn about the invisible wounds, their sacrifices, trauma, impacts to family, and how we can better serve them!
- Meet and greet therapy dogs: Get ready to meet a team of local certified therapy dogs!
Limited Availability: Secure your spot before it’s too late. The opportunity to connect with professionals and peers in person is rare and invaluable.
Register at https://whova.com/portal/registration/namin_202212/
Summer Military BBQ 2024
Come and join your fellow Veterans from all branches of service for our fun and entertaining annual summer BBQ. Relax and enjoy the day with good food and good people on June 15 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the. Bartley Ranch Regional Park’s Plaza Pavilion in Reno.
Each ticket purchase includes 1/-pound hot dogs, hamburgers with or without cheese, vegetarian option available, baked beans, potato salad, potato & corn chips, dessert and non-alcoholic beverages. Beer and wine will be available for purchase on site.
Space is limited to the first 100 registrants so sign up now to reserve your spot. Registration closes June 8 at 10 p.m. For payment options, go to https://www.battlebornmarines.com/event-details/summer-military-bbq-2024/form
Tickets are $25 if purchased after June 8 (If available).
All net proceeds benefit Marine Corps League 672, Military Officers Association of America Sierra Nevada Chapter & Vietnam Veterans of America 989 equally.
Veterans Transition Reserve Center BBQ
The Veterans Transition Reserve Center is having its 10th annual veterans BBQ party of June 22 beginning at noon. There will be fun, food and music by Whiskey & Wolves.
Special guest is Sgt. Dixie Thompson, one of the first women assigned to a combat Military Police unit.
The event is at the Davis residence, 1191 Manhattan Way in Garnerville. RSVP to D’Nese at 702-343-5642 or d.davis@vtrc.us.
Veterans exposed to toxins, hazards
Individuals may want to see one of the state’s veterans service officers (VSO) following the announcement by the Veterans Administration that all veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military – at home or abroad – are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care.
All veterans who served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, Global War on Terror or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first being ill or applying for VA benefits. Additionally, veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll.
For questions go to https:veterans.nv.gov.
AARP Resources
New AARP resource connects Nevada’s veterans to adapted housing grants from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Nevada’s 215,000 U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members might be missing free financial aid to modify their homes.
According to a new AARP survey, more than half (60%) of veterans ages 45 and older are unaware that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers grant funding to modify their homes. Nearly a quarter (24%) of veterans need financial assistance to make home modifications to continue living in their homes safely and independently.
AARP launched the Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide to help veterans and service members navigate the VA’s $150 million in funding to buy, build or modify a home to meet their long-term needs. These grants can provide eligible veterans with up to $117,000 to pay for renovations such as adding grab bars in bathrooms, installing ramps, or widening doorways to accommodate a wheelchair or walker.
“Now more than ever, veterans need help accessing the housing benefits they earned serving our country,” said Justin Chavez, Marine Corps veteran and AARP Nevada Veterans Outreach coordinator. “This tool simplifies the application process and helps veterans access critical financial support to help them live independently in their homes for as long as they can.”
AARP’s Veterans Home Modification Benefits guide provides veterans, military families, and their caregivers with detailed information on:
Eligibility requirements and how to apply for the VA’s home modification grants and related programs.
How to identify necessary home modifications to meet current and future care needs.
How to get help from certified veterans’ representatives who are experienced and knowledgeable of the VA’s benefit process.
To learn more about eligibility and how to apply for the VA’s Specially Adapted Housing and home modification grant programs, visit AARP.org/VetsHomeBenefits.
VA PACT Act clinic
The VFW Department of Nevada and the VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System is hosting a VA PACT act clinic at the Nugget Casino Resort on the Second Floor on June 6, 2024, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
For information, please contact Kim Donohue at 775-899-2878.
Caregiver Support Program
The Caregiver Support Program (CSP) announces the launch of its innovative “Safe Transfer” series of videos and an accompanying tip sheet designed specifically for caregivers assisting Veterans with body mechanics and transfers.
These videos feature essential tips and skills tailored to aid caregivers in facilitating safe transfers, including transfers for beds, wheelchairs, toilets, and tubs. In addition, caregivers can use the accompanying tip sheet as a comprehensive guide, offering insights into proper transfer techniques, caregiver body mechanics, and key considerations throughout the transfer process.
Developed by a dedicated CSP workgroup, which includes occupational and physical therapists, this comprehensive library of resources aims to enhance the safety of Veterans within the comfort of their homes.
To access these resources, visit CSP’s website, where you’ll find the tip sheet and a dedicated YouTube playlist: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/Tips_Tools.asp.
Veterans Upward Bound
Veterans Upward Bound at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno welcomes veterans. TMCC can help with academic advisement, college applications, educational benefits, academic review and referrals to community resources.
Veterans Upward Bound is a U.S. Department of Education program for veterans. For information call 775-829-9007 or email vub@TMCC.edu. The website is vub.tmcc.edu.
Veterans parents act
The Education Flexibility for Veteran Parents Act will allow veterans with children to access full housing benefits provided through the G.I. Bill regardless of whether that program is in person or online.
The G.I. Bill is an essential tool for many veterans to advance their education. Currently, veterans who are parents and pursuing their education online are only eligible for half of the G.I. Bill’s available housing benefits. This requirement often forces parents to choose between attending in-person classes to receive full benefits or staying at home with their children.
Nevada Guard retiree monthly meetings
- The Nevada Air Guard’s monthly breakfast is on the second Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at the Reno Elks Club.
- The Nevada Army Guard’s breakfast is on the second Monday of the month at 8 a.m. at the Carson City Elks Club.
Military articles and news briefs are compiled by the Nevada News Group.
Questions may be directed to SNMGmilitaryeditor@gmail.com.