Message from the Director – November 2022

Dear Veterans and Veteran Advocates,

It is hard to believe that six months have already passed since I was honored to become the Director of Nevada Department of Veterans Services.  I truly feel blessed to be given this opportunity and while I was fairly knowledgeable about NDVS, every day I learn more and more about the issues that face Nevada’s veterans.  I want to thank each and every one of you who have supported me in this role, and I will continue to work as hard as I can to ensure veterans, servicemembers and their families receive all earned benefits.  As you will see in this newsletter, there are a ton of activities coming up and I wish you all the best through the holidays.

In just two short weeks, NDVS will host its Annual Veterans Day Ceremony. The event will be held outside the Grant Sawyer Building located at 555 East Washington Avenue in Las Vegas beginning at 1:30 p.m., making it convenient for you to attend the 10:00 a.m. Las Vegas Annual Veterans Day Parade first. During the ceremony, we will also honor our Veteran of the Month and Veteran Supporter of the Month recipients, so I hope you will lend your support. If you haven’t already registered to save your seat, please take the time to do so now by going HERE.

The Veterans Day Ceremony comes off the heels of a very successful Nevada Veterans Advocate (NV Advocate) Conference held in early October in Las Vegas at the Santa Fe Hotel and Casino. Sixty-five participants spent their Saturday and Sunday learning about a wide range of topics including, VA claims, housing, healthcare, and much more. The NV Advocate Conference provides information from 20 modules that paves the path for participants to receive their certificate as a NV Advocate. As a specially trained volunteer, you are able to assist veterans and their families connect with a Veterans Service Office. This assists these veterans and families in gaining access to earned benefits, resources and programs. If you missed the in-person training, the online NV Advocate course is another option. Start the journey by going HERE. Also, “watch this space,” as they say, for announcements on additional in-person NV Advocate conferences.

While you’re looking over the horizon, you will want to “save the date” for Saturday, December 17, 2022, to participate in the Wreaths Across America event at both our Northern and Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemeteries. This annual event is a terrific family event that honors our veterans and their spouse by placing a wreath on each grave site. The event is also perfect for church, civic, nonprofits, and other groups who want to participate and lend their support. This year, Wreaths Across America at both cemeteries will begin at 9:00 a.m. With your help, we can ensure we have enough wreaths to cover each grave site by making a wreath donation. To do that, click HERE and make sure you select the cemetery location of either Northern or Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery!

Before I close, it is with profound sadness to have to say goodbye to two dear and beloved heroes within Nevada’s veterans’ community. My deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of Dr. Richard Small and Jose Garcia. In life, both were such amazing and unique individuals. Their passion and willingness to serve are already greatly missed. Please take a moment to read more about them and their legacy in this e-newsletter under Honoring Our Heroes.

Please remember to honor veterans on Veterans Day and celebrate what they continue to do for our communities.  I’m honored and proud to be a part of Nevada’s veterans’ community and to share Veterans Day and the upcoming holidays with you. As always, thank you for your continued support and I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event soon.

Respectfully,

Fred Wagar
NDVS Director