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NVC honors 2 veterans at August ceremony

  • 09/06/2019 12:48 AM
NVC honors 2 veterans at August ceremony
The Nevada Veterans Coalition color guard marches past Patriot Guard Rider flag bearers. Steve Ranson/LVN

By Steve Ranson, Lahontan Valley News Editor Emeritus

FERNLEY — The Nevada Veterans Coalition remembered two veterans at its monthly unaccompanied ceremony on Aug. 22 at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley.

Those remembered were U.S. Army Pvt. First Class Kenneth Burgdorf and U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer 3 Cornelius Van Zwaluewenburg.

Narrator and NVC member Sharon Serenko delivered the remarks for Burgdorf and Van Zwaluewenburg. She said it was a privilege to thank the two veterans for their service to their nation.

Patricia Kroll clutches the U.S. flag after receiving it during the August unaccompanied military funeral service for two veterans at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley. Steve Ranson/LVN

On Sept. 13, the NVC will conduct a Missing in Nevada ceremony to recognize 15 veterans in a one-hour service with full military honors that begins at 2 p.m.

This will be the 19th mission at the NNVMC to honor the veterans whose remains have been in the care of a local mortuary, yet remained unclaimed.

The veterans, which includes two World War I soldiers, are as follows:

  • Robert Shields (1905-1986), U.S. Army, January 1943-September 1945, WWII.
  • Samuel Shimkus (1915-1984), U.S. Army, October 1941-September 1945, WWII.
  • Peter Sigrist (1912-1987), U.S. Army, April 1941-December 1942, WWII.
  • Lou Silva (1902-1980), U.S. Army, July 1942-June 1945, WWII.
  • Orville Silvers (1924-1988), U.S. Army February 1943-February 1946, WWII.
  • Maurice Slechta (1912-1979), U.S. Army, December 1942-July 1945, WWII.
  • Albert Smithler (1911-1985), U.S. Navy, April 1944-December 1945, WWII.
  • Henry Stinton (1894-1984), U.S. Army, March 1918-May 1919, WWI.
  • Andrew Stokes (1925-1990), U.S. NAVY, March 1944-December 1945, WWII.
  • Clifford Suits (1895-1985), U.S. Army, June 1917-March 1919, WWI.
  • William Sullivan (1920-1991), U.S. Army, January 1942-September 1952, WWII/Korea
  • Leota Tracy (1919-1987), U.S. Army, September 1943-December 1945, WWII.
  • Phillip Vahey (1914-1979), U.S. Navy, May 1942-May 1947, WWII.
  • Angelo Volpicelli (1911-1983), U.S. Air Force, January 1940-October 1945, WWII.
  • George Wada (1915-1986), U.S. Army, July 1943-August 1965, WWII/Korea/Vietnam.

The service is open to the public.

Upload date: 09/06/2019 12:48 AM
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Comment author: PFB Comment text: Why can't you guys find competent contractors.. For a large municipal facility like the indoor-outdoor Fernley Swimming Pool located at 300 Cottonwood Lane, a complete ground-up commercial build or major structural renovation typically spans 6 to 12 months or longer when factoring in large-scale engineering, public municipal permitting, specialized commercial HVAC/roofing, and health department inspections. The current renovation has been- The Fernley Swimming Pool has been closed for approximately six to seven months since late February 2026 for a major roof replacement and facility renovation. Now you sat October. Soooo 8 months for a new roof. The picture shows no other renovations. Comment publication date: 9/17/26, 7:14 PM Comment source: Electrical problem delays Fernley pool opening Comment author: P Comment text: Relative of the Mayor is to over see this site. Anyone who knows Fernley KNOWS this is more of the who you are related to and know business in this town. VOTE THEM ALL OUT AND THE CALIFORNIA TRANSPLANTS. Comment publication date: 9/16/26, 10:31 PM Comment source: Lift Station Failure Released Untreated Sewage Comment author: Christopher Walsh Comment text: Could you look into the strong recurring smell around Fernley? It smells like sewage and it can be bad enough that people don’t want to be outside or open their windows. It would be helpful to get an investigative journalist help the Fernley residents get a clear answer from the City, NDEP, and any involved facilities. I was really disappointed that the smell was not disclosed by my realtor when I moved here. I enjoy Fernley and am seeing the improvements that are being made. With Appreciation Comment publication date: 9/12/26, 2:49 PM Comment source: Sewage spill near City of Fernley Municipal Well 9 Comment author: Alicia Euresti Comment text: We are all so blessed to have Pastor Matt and Mrs. Regina in this town. They have become a major part of pur family and our children adore them. Thank you both for all you do for qll of us. We love you!!!! Comment publication date: 9/6/26, 9:24 PM Comment source: Fascinating Fernley: Meet Your Neighbors at Living Faith Food Pantry Comment author: R Conley Comment text: Is the deputy receiving any additional training or reinforcing prior training? Comment publication date: 9/5/26, 10:08 AM Comment source: Inmate escapes from Fernley substation Comment author: Kayla Allen Comment text: Suzie was a wonderful woman. I was pleased to call her my "godmother" as she helped me to become a better version of myself. I think about her a lot. Comment publication date: 7/10/26, 8:31 PM Comment source: Susanne Lynn Foster
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