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By Terri Hendry  
(Reno, NV) – It’s a project that’s been 15 years in the making, but the wait to build the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home is finally over. On Monday, July 17, 2017, more than 400 people turned out for a Groundbreaking Ceremony celebrating the beginning of construction on the project.  
 
The timeline on construction will be aggressive with an anticipated completion date in December, 2018. In his remarks before the crowd, Governor Brian Sandoval gestured toward the dirt and brush saying, “We will go from sagebrush to service in short order.” Governor Sandoval, along with Senator Dean Heller and Sparks Mayor Geno Martini, made remarks during the hour long event, held on the site of the new facility, 2 Kietzke Lane, Sparks, NV. 
 
One of the most memorable and touching moments of the ceremony happened right before the Governor left the stage to move to another area outside the tent, where ceremonial shovels and hard hats stood ready. This moment wasn’t on the program, but Veterans Service Commission President Bill Bauman and United Veterans Legislative Council President Kevin Burns delivered a surprise. They provided thanks, praise and a ceremonial gift from northern Nevada veterans to the Governor for his work and commitment in turning the new State Veterans Home from a need on a wish list, into reality. 
 
Prior to the ceremony, the morning started with many veterans and veteran supporters showing up early in anticipation of a large crowd. Many wanted to get front row seats underneath the towering, giant white tent. Others wanted to socialize while they grabbed a cup of coffee along with a muffin or pastry provided by several area service auxiliaries as well as service organizations.  
 
The ceremony began with the presentation of colors from members of the Nevada Veteran Coalition Honor Guard. Nevada Air National Guard Major Melissa Beauchamp sang the National Anthem a aappella. Five members of the U.S. Army 40th Infantry Division Band, Detachment 1 traveled from Sacramento, California to provide the music. At the end of the ceremony, Retired Air Force Master Sergeant Sandi TenBoer sang, “God Bless America.” The crowd joined in, loudly and eagerly singing along. There were several members of the media attending. They stopped what they were doing to also sing along.  
 
The New Northern Nevada State Veterans Home  
The new facility will be 102,000 square feet. It will be a state-of-the-art facility featuring 96 beds. The new Veterans Home will also include administrative offices, receiving/storage, nursing offices and other support operations. At the core of the home will be an exciting town center with physical therapy, dining hall, conservatory, beauty/barber shop, store, coffee shop, chapel and activity center and parade grounds. 
 
Some Interesting Numbers  
The total cost of the project is $47 million dollars. The State of Nevada anticipates reimbursement of around $32-million from the federal Veterans Administration (VA) as Nevada continues to climb in priority on the VA’s New Nursing Home Construction Project Priority List (Priority List). In 2015, Nevada lawmakers approved a $14.1-million dollar required 35 percent state match to qualify for the repayment grant. Since then the project continues to advance on the VA Priority List. 
 
According to the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), the new facility will create more than 125 permanent jobs and provide an estimated $14.4 million dollar annual boost to the local economy. 
 
Information to get on an “Interest List” 
The skilled care facility will serve eligible military veterans and their spouses, as well as Gold Star Parents living in northern Nevada. For more information or to be placed on the “Interest List” for possible residency, contact simonsw@veterans.nv.gov or call Wendy Simons, Deputy Director of Wellness at 775-825-9751.