Go to main contentsGo to main menu
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 1:52 AM
BREAKING NEWS

Coalition conducts services for unclaimed vets’ remains

  • 09/24/2019 03:48 AM
Coalition conducts services for unclaimed vets’ remains
Soldiers from the Nevada Army National Guard and members of the Nevada Veterans Coalition carry the urns of 15 servicemen to the columbarium wall at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley. Steve Ranson/LVN

By Steve Ranson, Lahontan Valley News Editor Emeritus

The Nevada Veterans Coalition recently honored 15 soldiers and sailors plus one airman at the quarterly Missing in Nevada military service at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley.

Jennifer Kandt, executive director of the Nevada State Board of Funeral and Cemetery Services, commended the sacrifices the veterans performed for their county. Thirteen men honored during the service fought in World War II and two soldiers fought in World War I.

Kandt explained the Missing in Nevada project and said the program identifies military personnel whose remains have never been claimed. Because of a change in state law, the remains can now be identified and released from a funeral home to the NVC to conduct a service.

“The remains have been left at a funeral home or in a storage shed,” Kandt said. “No one comes back to claim them for whatever reason.”

Lisa Howard receives the United States flag from David Riftkin of the Nevada Veterans Coalition after a military service for 15 veterans was conducted at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley. Steve Ranson/LVN

Kandt recited a quote from English author George Eliot that applies to the numerous MIN services.

“Our dead are never dead to us until we have forgotten them,” Kandt said.

Tom Draughon of the NVC conducted the service. He said it’s a sad occasion, but at the same time an honorable occasion to remember the 15 men.

He said the coalition’s work will not stop until all unclaimed veterans are identified and they receive the proper military service.

The NVC will now conduct its monthly unaccompanied services for veterans on Thursday beginning at 3 p.m.at the NNVMC.

Volunteers from the Nevada Army National Guard and the Nevada Veterans Coalition bow their heads during the reading of a prayer at the conclusion of a military service for 15 veterans Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley. Steve Ranson/LVN

The recently honored veterans, which includes two World War I soldiers, were interred in the columbarium by volunteers from the NVC and the Nevada Army National Guard.

  • 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.
Upload date: 09/24/2019 03:48 AM
Share
Rate

Comment

Comments

COMMENTS
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
The-Fernley-Reporter