South Lake Tahoe’s John Louritt is named Veteran of the Month

By Terri Hendry

(Carson City, NV) — U.S. Marine Corps veteran John Louritt was all smiles as he shook Gov. Brian Sandoval’s hand. Louritt had reason to smile. He had just received recognition from the governor, surrounded by other dignitaries, his family and friends, after being named Nevada’s Veteran of the Month. The Veteran of the Month recognizes Nevada veterans who contribute their time and energy to support other veterans, their communities and/or the military.

Louritt’s recognition is well earned. He has a long history of service. The decorated Vietnam veteran made a career of serving his community as a police officer with the South Lake Tahoe Police Department. He retired after 32 years of service but is not spending a lot of “down time" on the couch as he continues his passion of helping others.

For the past two years, he has served as a Nevada Veterans’ Advocate (NVA) earning his NVA certification through the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. If you would like to learn more about becoming a NVA, click the link; http://veterans.nv.gov/page/veterans-advocacy.

At least twice a month, Louritt also opens the Senior Center Office in Douglas County helping connect veterans to benefits they’ve earned. He arranges for ROVER outreach visits by a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to Gardnerville. Louritt also sets up appointments for veterans with the VSO.

Additionally, Louritt has spent time in politics serving on the Douglas County School Board. He has also served his community as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner and as a member on the Senior Advisory Board in Douglas County.

Louritt is a also a member of WAVE, which stands for Welcome All Veterans Everywhere! He also remains active volunteering his time with the state and local chapters of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.

Louritt’s recognition happened during the opening ceremony of Veterans and Military at the Legislature on March 15, 2017. He was honored in front of his family, friends, veterans and others, including representatives from Nevada’s Senate and Congressional delegation as well as State Senator Aaron Ford and Assembly members Jason Frierson and Paul Anderson. In all, more than 300 people attended the ceremony. Louritt was nominated by James Babb.