Richard Dickerson Honored as Veteran of the Month

United States Air Force and Army National Guard veteran Richard Dickerson was honored and recognized as Veteran of the Month during a special ceremony held in the Old Assembly Chambers in Carson City last month.

Attorney General Aaron Ford attended on behalf of Governor Sisolak. He told attendees this special recognition is near and dear to him as his brother, TJ, is serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Ford said, “I have seen firsthand the sacrifices my brother has made to protect all of our freedoms,” adding, “Honoring you and your family is the very least we can do to say, ‘thank you’ for your service.”

After 38 years of service in the military, Dickerson continues to serve his community. His volunteer work is extensive. He completed three years as the Commander of the American Legion (AL) Post 1 in Reno, he was responsible for the support and welfare of approximately 400 military veterans residing in the Reno and Sparks area. As Commander, he organized and participated in numerous fundraising efforts to feed or support fellow veterans and families of veterans. He organized efforts to ensure Christmas and Thanksgiving meals were provided to the needy. He also made sure school supplies were available to families in need as well.

Dickerson was also appointed a Veteran Service Officer at the AL Post.  There were many times that he and the VSO paid for meals, gas, or food for veterans in need who were passing through the area. Dickerson has also worked in support of Blue Star Moms, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts as well as the Washoe County School District.

Dickerson also attends monthly ceremonies for the unaccompanied at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery to make sure these veterans never make their final walk alone.

There are many annual events in the Reno area where Dickerson’s volunteer work comes into play. These events include Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Wreaths Across America, and St. Patrick’s Day.    

His hobby of fly fishing got him involved in clean-up projects along the Truckee River. It also drew him to the Project Healing Waters, a program designed to help veterans’ transition from military life to being a civilian through fly fishing and fly tying.  

If you know of veteran deserving of the honor and recognition as Veteran of the Month, nomination information may be obtained by going here: https://veterans.nv.gov/benefits-and-services/veteran-of-the-month-program/