Not Enough Months to Honor Nevada’s Great Veterans and Veteran Supporters

By Chuck N. Baker

(Las Vegas) – Some individuals leave the military with a desire to continue serving their community and their fellow G.I.s. Some transition from active duty to a new designation — volunteer!

In Nevada, those who volunteer on behalf of veterans, going far above and beyond a casual assignment or two, are sought out and honored by Governor Brian Sandoval and the Department of Veterans Services.  Each month, an individual is selected to join an elite few by receiving the designation, “Veteran of the Month."

In March, Marine Corps veteran Robert Jackson was so honored in a special ceremony at the Grant Sawyer Building in Las Vegas. The former Lance Corporal served in Operation Desert Storm. Currently he is a member of the Marine Corps League, the Marine Corps Riders and “Heroes in the Rough."

Jackson works tirelessly to assist service members in transitioning to civilian life. He often provides rehabilitative opportunities. As head of “Heroes in the Rough," he and other volunteers take wounded veterans, at no cost, to enjoy a round of golf.  At the ceremony, he told those attending, “It’s important for younger veterans to get out of the house and to stay active, on their road to leading productive lives." In addition to his work with “Heroes in the Rough," he attends veterans’ funerals at the Boulder City Veterans Cemetery.

Governor Brian Sandoval told the audience the fact Jackson takes the time to attend veteran burials is reflective of his dedication in honoring the veterans’ community. A fan of veterans and military, Sandoval appeared emotionally moved when he made the comment.

In addition to “Veteran of the Month," the State also honors a “Veteran Supporter of the Month" during the same ceremony. VegasPBS received this special honor and designation in March. The organization provides workforce training, economic development, grants and a host of events each month including Coffee & Conversation, Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans, as well as involvement at the Veterans Home in Boulder City, job fairs, recognition ceremonies and more.

Accepting on behalf of the company was Debra Solt, who directs the work force program for VegasPBS. In her comments she harkened back to the recent recession. She said veterans were coming home at the time and needed jobs, with only a limited number of jobs available. “They needed to get into a job NOW!” she explained. Many of them also had families to support. She began to enroll them into specialized online education courses. “We trained them at a rapid pace in such areas as food service, customer service and computer certification. Many were able to find employment soon after graduating," she said.

The selection of “Veteran of the Month" and “Veteran Supporter of the Month" are made quarterly by the Veteran Service Commission.

To nominate a “Veteran of the Month" go here: http://www.veterans.nv.gov/page/veteran-of-the-month-program

To nominate a “Veteran Supporter of the Month" go here:

http://www.veterans.nv.gov/page/Veteran-Supporter-of-the-Month