July – Veteran of the Month/Veteran Supporter of the Month

Rayshawn Williams Named Veteran of the Month and American Legion Post 40 Named Veteran Supporter of the Month – July 2021 

We congratulate Rayshawn Williams for being named Veteran of the Month (VOM) and American Legion Post 40 for being recognized as Veteran Supporter for the Month (VSM) for July 2021. 

Williams is a Marine Corps veteran, who despite being a master’s student, dedicated family man, and working  25 hours per week, volunteers for a number of organizations that support veterans and his community. He is involved in the UNLV Chapter of Student Veterans of America where he serves as the special projects officer working on the next Operation Battle Born event and was elected to be the treasurer.  As a member of the University of Michigan’s Peer Advisors for Veterans Education (PAVE) program, he has helped coordinate the training for the UNLV team, tracks contact with the 500 student veterans they assist per semester, and reports the information back to PAVE.  Williams can also often be found working every UNLV Transfer Student Orientation and National Guard benefit briefing where much of the audience is service members transitioning to student veterans. During these presentations, he details his own transition helping to reduce the anxiety associated with transition from the military. With all of these activities, he still finds ways to volunteer with the Three Square Food Bank, Share Village, Adopt–a-Cop, and the United Way of Southern Nevada.  

American Legion BMI Post 40 is a local veteran service organization in Henderson. Which has been a important center of the southern Nevada veterans community. The Post serves as a central location for veterans to ask and get guidance on where to receive help. As a Post, they share information on the benefits, services, and community resources available to veterans, widows, and their children.  They have taken the initiative to support the Henderson Military Recognition Banner Program that honors currently serving service members along Water Street. The post for many years has brought veterans together for “Legion Baseball,” a tradition rich amateur athletic league that raises money for various local high school athletic programs showcasing it’s commitment to the community. 

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 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.