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Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 2:23 AM

Final unaccompanied service of year conducted

Final unaccompanied service of year conducted
Sgt. Christina Aguilar, right, of the Nevada Army National Guard presents the U.S. flag to Mickey Diffenderfer. Steve Ranson/LVN

Nevada News Group

FERNLEY — The Nevada Veterans Coalition conducted on Oct. 27 its final unaccompanied funeral service of the year for seven individuals at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley.

The first unaccompanied service resumes in January.

The services represented were three each from the U.S. Army and Navy and one from the U.S. Marine Corps.

Sharon Serenko, the narrator and a member of the NVC, offered remarks on each veteran and thanked each one several times for their military service to their country.

“We have been given the privilege to render the honors and to remember each of these men interred in this hollow place,” she said.

Serenko said every gravestone at NNVMC tells a story to the thousands of visitors who visit the cemetery during the year.

Each ceremony also includes a 3-round volley and the playing of Taps. The Patriot Guard Riders paraded the colors from the columbarium wall to the pavilion to begin each service.

Those recognized included the following: Army — Pvt. 2 Matthew Chenevert, Tech 5 Albert Bauder and Cpl. John Stafford. Navy — Edward Rapacki, Lt. Cmdr. Charles Walter and Cmdr. James Gaines. USMC — Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Hise.

Hannah Little of the Nevada Veterans Coalition plays Taps. Steve Ranson/LVN
The Patriot Guard Riders march the colors to the pavilion. Steve Ranson/LVN
The ceremonial team incudes members from the Nevada Veterans Coalition and the Nevada Army National Guard. Steve Ranson/LVN

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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 Comment author: Sheena Nash Comment text: After the trivia night is over, I would love for you to print the questions. I grew up in Fernley and would be interested to see how many answers I know. The coin is beautiful. Congrats on 25 years as a city! Comment publication date: 6/22/26, 1:38 PM Comment source: City of Fernley planning 25th anniversary celebration with three days of community events C Comment author: Carl C. Hagen Comment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion. Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AM Comment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-ramp