Veterans Honored at Veteran In Care Ceremony

102-Year-Old Tuskegee Airman Honored

A group of U.S. military veterans, including 102-year-old Lt. Col. Lester McCants who trained with the First Tuskegee Airmen, were honored for their service on Wednesday, March 29, by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS). The ceremony took place at Prestige Assisted Living at Mira Loma in Henderson.  

Each resident veteran at the Veterans in Care ceremony was awarded a pin, certificate, and an American flag as a gesture of thanks for their service. Additionally, the NDVS Outreach Director, Maria Mandaleni-Orozco, attended to explain the benefits afforded to veterans through the Veterans Benefits Administration. Many veterans are unaware of the benefits they have earned through military service like disability compensation, types of pensions for those who qualify for additional income, and more. 

Attendees met Lt. Col (R) McCants, who was one of the first 100 pilots chosen to train with The First Tuskegee Airmen during WWII. After serving in Italy during WWII, McCants subsequently became the Staff Officer for the 3rd U.S. Army Corps during the Korean War. He prides himself in being one of the first Black pilots to fly solo from the U.S. to the Asian ports of Korea. Throughout his long career, McCants received numerous awards from the United States, including personalized notes from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

More than 40 veterans and spouses were recognized at the ceremony. American Legion Spirit of Freedom Post 76 was in attendance to present the colors and assist in awarding the Nevada Heroes Pin.  

If you are interested in scheduling a Veterans in Care Ceremony for a community-based care facility, please reach out to Rachel Jelenic, Healthcare Program Manager, at jelenicr@veterans.nv.gov.  

Click HERE to for News 8 coverage!

Click HERE to for News 13 coverage!