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By Terri Hendry  
 
(Carson City, NV) – The Office of Governor Brian Sandoval and the Nevada Department of Veterans Services are pleased to announce the Adopt a Vet Dental Program as the “Veteran Supporter of the Month” award and recognition for May 2017.  
 
The ceremony took place in Capitol Building/Old Assembly Chambers.  
 
Since 2010, the Adopt a Vet Dental Program has provided no-to-low cost dental care to northern Nevada’s low income veterans who are in critical need of such care. To date, the Adopt a Vet Dental Program has provided dental care to 710 veterans at a value of $2.8 million dollars. Many of these veterans received complete dental treatment. The program is afforded to veterans who are at-or-below 150% of the federal poverty level. They must also be under the care of a primary care physician and be a Nevada resident.  
 
The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 388 has been actively involved for the past four years in the program with a volunteer member assigned as a Carson Area Representative for the program resulting in dental services being provided to 85 veterans using 29 dentists. The area of coverage includes veterans in Carson City, Gardnerville, Minden, Stateline, Dayton, Silver Springs, Lovelock, Winnemucca and Hawthorne. The Chapter holds an annual Poker Run as a fund-raiser to support this vital program.  
 
VVA 388 President Tomas Spencer made the nomination. The “Veteran of the Month” and “Veteran Supporter of the Month” awards are provided through the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. The awards are part of the Governor’s commitment to make Nevada the “friendliest State in the nation” to its military community and veterans. The “Veteran Supporter of the Month” 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. This program expands the “Nevada Veteran of the Month” award by shining a bright light on individuals who, while not serving in uniform, help veterans with no expectation of recognition or award. It also serves to recognize the contributions of organizations who donate their time and energy to improve the life of our veterans.