December – Veteran of the Month/Veteran Supporter of the Month

We congratulate John Dickinson for being named Veteran of the Month (VOM) and CAMO-RNO for being recognized as Veteran Supporters for the Month (VSM) of December 2021.

Dickinson is a Vietnam Air Force who was an at large member of the Vietnam Veterans of American until his arrival to northern Nevada in 2011 where he would join chapter 989 and with his easy-going nature develop a reputation for being extremely involved in the community. He was a founding member of the Chapter’s Color Guard where he and other members would help ensure live events throughout Washoe county have a color guard present for the national anthem. He also been a pillar of the organization often volunteering to be a cook, being “Sarge” in doing phone call reminders for events and meetings, and being an active member working to stabilize funding for VVA’s annual scholarships. In past years he was also an active volunteer with Washoe County’s HASTY Rescue Team and a volunteer firefighter and deputy. Through it all he has maintained an endearing personality inviting all to talk whether it be at an outreach event, fundraising at local gun shows, and or supporting VVA’s First Friday Brunch.

CAMO-RNO is a 12-18 month court treatment program initiated for high risk/ high need offenders who are Veterans or currently serving service members. The program is modeled after other problem-solving courts from around the country where participants remain under the courts supervision and are connected with a mentor and connected to services and resources that alleviate the underlying issues. The basis of the court is predicated on the enactment of legislation from the 2017 Nevada Legislature allowing for the diversion and sealing of criminal records for serious misdemeanors for veterans upon successful completion of treatment program. Since its launch, CAMO-RNO has been able to help 35 to 40 individuals move through its four-phase program enabling 30 individuals to graduate.

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 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.