Message from the Director – September 2021

Greetings and I hope you are doing well.  

Fires, economic wages, earthquakes, disease, and now deadly attacks on U.S. Service Men and Women.  These are challenging times.   

With the recent turn of events in Afghanistan, I have been asked frequently how Nevada Veterans and their families are feeling.  I cannot speak for every Veteran but speaking purely for myself I have watched the unfolding events with shock and great sadness.  And, having served in Afghanistan, I feel a sense of tremendous futility in trying to help the people of Afghanistan improve their economic situation and establish conditions of security.  Did we just waste 20 years for nothing? While logically I know this is not true—20 years of relative stability has resulted in changes that can never be erased—emotionally, I am reeling. 

In this I am not alone. I know that these events are causing strong emotional reactions among our Nation’s veterans and those currently serving; reactions that range from confusion, betrayal, anger, and helplessness in learning of the ISIS-Khorasan attacks that killed and injured American Servicemembers and hundreds of Afghans.  As the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan is discussed and dissected over the next few months, we must remember above all else that those who served in Afghanistan did their mission with honor, valor, and distinction.  

We must keep those with deployments to the Middle East in our minds and reach out to offer them our support and understanding.  And not just those who served in Afghanistan and Iraq—these recent shocking events are a grim reminder to those who served in Vietnam of their experiences.  Remind them that they are not alone and that collectively we, “have their backs.”   

The need to support each other during challenging times is highlighted this month as we acknowledge September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.  This year, NDVS is proud to have supported initiatives and events designed to raise awareness and offer real solutions to fill gaps and find answers to this complex health problem.  

Our efforts include support for the Nevada National Guard and the nonprofit, Chase Rauchle PTSD Now! by managing funding for mental health professionals who provide counseling services for members of the Nevada National Guard, Veterans, and their families.  We are also honored to support local Mayor’s and Governor’s Challenges to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families.  To oversee these efforts, we recently welcomed aboard our new Suicide Prevention Program Manager, Sarah Hogue.   

Still, despite these advances, we realize there is much more work ahead and you can play a role in helping veterans in crisis.  How? By doing the following: 

• Put the National Crisis Line telephone number in your phone.  Right now.  Pull out your phone and enter this number:  1-800-273-8255.  Share this number widely and know it is a resource available at your fingertips.  
• Become a Nevada Veterans Advocate (NVA) and help provide veterans and their families’ information about resources and benefits that can enrich their lives. While half of all veteran suicides result from mental health illnesses, the other half is attributed to stress associated with life (relationships, finances, illness, grief, etc.).  NVAs can help navigate veterans to these needed resources. Go HERE to learn more.  
• Take the courses offered through the Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention, including safeTALK training.  Click HERE for more information.   
• Or, take the free S.A.V.E. training offered by the PsychArmor Institute by starting  HERE.    

We are living through unique times.  As I mentioned above, between events unfolding in Afghanistan, the pandemic and the never-ending wildfire smoke blanketing parts of Nevada, strong emotions may surface.  If you, or someone you know, is struggling, this newsletter is full of resources.  Check out “Ask. Care. Treat” and “Resources in the Wake of Events in Afghanistan” under Health and Wellness.  If you see someone struggling, grab a cup of coffee with them.  Ask if they are OK.   Listen in a non-judgmental atmosphere.  Surveys of veterans who attempted suicide reveal one common factor:  they felt like no one heard them.  Provide the veteran with reassurance that help is available and that you can and will help them connect with the services needed.  Now is the time to use that phone number.  Ask them to call 1-800-273-8255, Press 1.  Also, follow up with them later, encouraging them to make that call.  

There is never a better time than the present to watch out for each other. This newsletter contains information that helps you do that, for others, as well as for yourself.  

Under Health and Wellness, read about free dental care now available in southern Nevada, as well as a Caregiver Summit provided through the VA.  Under Programs and Services there is an important announcement from the VA Board of Appeals, as well as information on presumptive conditions for post 9/11 veterans.   

I close this newsletter by noting two significant events.  The first is upbeat.  My colleagues from 44 other States and Territories will be attending the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) Annual Training Conference this month.  NDVS is hosting the event in Reno this year. Read more about the NASDVA Conference under News You Can Use.  

The second and last bit of news to share with you hit hard and close to home.  I was deeply saddened to learn of Brett Palmer’s passing, as were so many in the veterans’ community. He was part of the fabric of the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. His work through the Nevada Veterans Coalition, honoring our fallen military and veterans, and their families, was so incredibly important, especially to those laying a loved one to rest. I encourage you to read more about his life under Honoring Our Heroes. I also encourage you to keep Brett and his family in your thoughts and prayers.  

All of us truly are in this together.  I’m grateful for your continued support of our veterans, military members and their families.   

Respectfully,  

Kat Miller