May 2022 – Veteran of the Month/Veteran Supporter of the Month Named

We want to congratulate Luke Bialzak for being named Veteran of the Month (VOM) and the Katie Grace Foundation for being recognized as Veteran Supporter for the Month (VSM) for May 2022.  

Bialzak is an Army veteran, who is a founder of the Las Vegas VFW Post 12198 and an active member of numerous other veteran organizations. He became involved in the veteran's community following a reunion of his unit from deployment where he learned his unit had sustained more casualties from suicide than from combat in Iraq. Following that day, he committed himself to ensuring his post would, “Not just be a post, but a family.”  He has been the lead coordinator for the Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike in Las Vegas and helped the post recently adopt the 6th Combat Training Unit. Under his leadership, the post has volunteered in clean-up efforts for the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Toys for Tots, and donation collections for refugees from Afghanistan.  

Kimberly Weingartner and the Katie Grace Foundation have been an invaluable supporter of the veteran's community over many of the past years. The foundation began as a response to the tragic passing of Katie, leading Kimberly to work in support of continuing her daughter’s legacy of selflessness through the Katie Grace Foundation.  

The foundation is behind donations to support homeless veterans, through the VA’s annual Veteran’s Stand Down in Reno as well as veterans within the Veterans in Treatment Courts. Members have also made significant contributions to residents at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home. The generosity of the foundation has also been valuable in helping put on a Halloween event for kids at the National Guard Armory in 2021 and contributed car seats, diapers, wipes, and blankets to the Family Support Center for the National Guard.   

Nominate a Veteran or a Veteran Supporter Today!   

Veteran of the Month – Guidelines and Nomination Forms 

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 Forms 

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.