Nevada’s Heroes Honored in August

By Chuck N. Baker

Navy veteran Peggy Randle and the Work for Warriors program were selected in August 2018 to receive a special award and recognition by Governor Brian Sandoval. In a special ceremony hosted by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS), Peggy Randle was named Veteran of the Month and Work for Warriors received the Veteran Supporter of the Month award and honor.

Peggy Randle served in the Navy from 1955 to 1957 and in the Naval Reserve until 1968. She is a member of the Veterans Cemetery Committee and a supporter of the Patriot Guard Riders. She also donates many hours of her time with Nevada Veterans Assistance League. NDVS Deputy Director Wendy Simons said Randle’s volunteerism at the Nevada State Veterans Home is invaluable, noting Randle also volunteers to visit smaller private assisted living homes around the State. Randle assists in Veteran in Care ceremonies, which are designed to recognize and honor veterans living in skilled care or assisted living facilities. Randle helps present certificates to veterans who reside in those facilities. “She is a giving, caring, wonderful person,” said Simons.

Work For Warriors is a free, federally-funded employment program open to all National Guardsmen, Reservists and their immediate families, as well as Gold Star families and veterans in need. When it comes to employment assistance, candidates are taken through an entire employment process, from beginning to end. The organization has coordinators located in four offices in both the Las Vegas and Reno metro areas. The group was nominated by Juan Rangel, the veterans advocate at Las Vegas PBS. The two organizations often work together to find employment for veterans. To contact Work for Warriors, go to: workforwarriorsNV.org.

Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske attended the ceremony and assisted in the presentations. Blake Boles, the veterans’ representative for Congresswoman Jackie Rosen, presented a certificate to Randle on Rosen’s behalf. He prefaced his presentation by noting that as nice as kind words and certificates are, they pale in comparison to all the great work done by Randle and Work for Warriors. Bruno Moya, the regional representative for Senator Dean Heller, also presented a certificate to Randle and Work for Warriors on behalf of the Senator.

Today, being in the military is a choice. It means that men and women who want to do right by their country enlist in one of the services and stay for one hitch or for 20 years or more. It means that once they become civilians again they can go where they please and do what they want, keeping the military in the distance, never again to think about saluting or reciting “Yes Sir!” or “Yes Ma’m!” That is, unless they care to do so. And the fact is, veterans by the thousands care to do so.

These unselfish veterans continue their service as volunteers for the military and for other charities. And those who never were in the military, but who also want to help where they can, proudly give of themselves to veterans organizations. They offer their time, their efforts and, in many cases, their treasure. Together both groups number in the thousands nationwide. Their work is appreciated in all cases. But in Nevada the Silver State feels it is only fitting that in addition to saying “Thank you,” and maybe taking them to lunch or giving them a frosted cupcake, when more recognition is called for. Since the awards were established in 2011, they have focused a bright light on those who go the extra mile to help veterans and their families.

To nominate a Veteran of the Month, go here: https://veterans.nv.gov/benefits-and-services/veteran-of-the-month-program/

To nominate a Veteran Supporter of the Month, go here: https://veterans.nv.gov/benefits-and-services/veteran-supporter-of-the-month/