Honor Guard Receives Honors of Its Own

By Chuck N. Baker

Ram Parocua is the Commander of the Disabled America Veterans (DAV) Chapter 12 Honor Guard. Last month, he and several of his fellow Guard members stood before a crowd gathered in the lobby of the Grant Sawyer Building in Las Vegas. It was their turn to receive recognition and honor. The DAV Chapter 12 Honor Guard was named Veteran Supporter of the Month.

The Honor Guard carries out solemn duties for fellow military personnel during burial services at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City.

In his brief remarks, Parocua pointed out that not all the guard members were able to attend the ceremony. But he explained, “The original Honor Guard was one. Myself.” The group currently consists of 18 members, as well as additional occasional volunteers. “We now also have a bagpiper who supports us,” he said. “And I also want to give thanks to the wives that support the men.”

The award was presented by Lieutenant Governor Mark Hutchison on behalf of Governor Brian Sandoval. Hutchinson praised the Governor for his work to support veterans and the military in Nevada. He said “Serving and blessing the lives of other people is in the best interest of the country and the military.” While shaking Parocua’s hand, Hutchinson added, “We recognize your service and your sacrifice.”

The Veteran Supporter of the Month recognizes both active organizations and non-veteran community members that provide exceptional support to Nevada’s veterans, their families and military members.

The program is administered by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS). Anyone can nominate candidates for the award. Submissions are reviewed by members of the Nevada Veterans Service Commission at its quarterly meetings. The VSC’s recommendations are then forwarded to the Governor.

If you would like to nominate someone as Veteran of the Month, go here:

Veteran of the Month Program

Nominations for Veteran Supporter of the Month are here:

Veteran Supporter of the Month