March-Veteran of the Month/Veteran Supporter of the Month

We congratulate Willette Gerald of Las Vegas for being named Veteran of the Month (VOM) and the Las Vegas Raiders Foundation for being recognized as Veteran Supporter for the Month (VSM) of March.  

Gerald is a retired Air Force veteran who has been incredibly involved in the Nevada Veterans community since her retirement. She worked tirelessly with the Las Vegas Veterans Memorial Foundation and Nevada State Public Works to ensure the installation of the Nevada State Veterans Memorial at the Grant Sawyer Building, followed it up by planning and executing a tremendous ribbon–cutting ceremony.  She has been an active supporter of the Thunderbird Alumni Association and worked to shepherd legislation authorizing the creation and sale of the Nevada Thunderbird plates in  2013 and 2014. Her support for the community also includes her personal touch.  She has hosted single airmen and local families for  Christmas dinner. She serves as a mentor for junior female airmen,  helping them overcome challenges and take advance of  opportunities  for females in the military. Her personal touch has also been demonstrated when asked to speak at veteran ceremonies for Buffalo Soldiers, women veterans as well as a Vietnam War Commemorative.  

The Las Vegas Raiders Foundation is a recent addition  to southern Nevada but has been an active supporter of the veteran’s community since arriving. . As the charitable arm of the team, the foundation is committed to increasing community and civic health through support of the military, veterans, and youth development. Through this commitment, the foundation donated $10,000 to the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home supporting the Home’s COVID-19 Safe Programs.  In honor of Veteran’s Day the foundation conducted a “homegate”, event for staff and residents of the Home to show their appreciation, while the Raiders played against the Denver Broncos. As part of this “homegate,” the foundation had Raider alumnus Vance Mueller and current player Nevin Lawson offer a virtual welcome before the game; they catered gameday fare as residents had a chance to enjoy the game in a COVID-19 compliant environment.  The foundation has also been an active supporter of currently serving military, who they have honored through the NFL’s Salute to Service event at Allegiant Stadium and have afforded select groups of Airmen from Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases to light the Al Davis Memorial Torch.  

Due to the risk of coronavirus exposure, special ceremonies to honor and recognize the VOM and VSM are postponed until it is safe to resume them once again.

Veteran of the Month – Guidelines and Nomination Form

The Veteran of the Month (VOM) award recognizes Nevada veterans who contribute their time and energy to support veterans, their communities and/or the military. View the VOM guidelines and and nomination form.

Veteran Supporter of the Month – Guidelines and Nomination Form

The Veteran Supporter of the Month (VSM) Award recognizes both active organizations and non-veteran Nevada community members that provide exceptional support to military stationed in Nevada, Nevada veterans, and their families. View for VSM guidelines and nomination form.