Message from the Director

How time flies!! It was one year ago, May 1, 2022, when I was appointed as Director of Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS). I’ve am honored by Governor Lombardo’s trust in me to continue to serve Nevada’s veterans, service members and their dependents. I appreciate the support I’ve received from all of you. If there is anything I can do for any of you, please feel free to reach out.

NDVS continues to work on our programs and initiatives. This includes Memorial Day which is fast approaching, and the Nevada Legislature is kicking into high gear before the session ends on June 5th. There is a lot of information to relay to you this month, including news about our NDVS 80th Anniversary Party!

Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 29th. You can find all the details in this newsletter under the Save the Date for Memorial Day Events story, including our annual Flag-In ceremonies, Operation Battle Born Ruck to Remember, Memorial Day ceremonies and much more.

In 1943, our department began with just one person in Reno submitting claims to the VA on behalf of veterans! Our department turned 80-years-old on March 29, 2023. Due to the legislature being in session as well as Vietnam War Veterans Day being the same day, we postponed the celebration of this milestone. We are planning an 80th Anniversary Celebration Party on Tuesday, August 22nd in Carson City. We are ironing out the details of this upcoming party and will share more with you in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned! A special thank you to all the employees that make NDVS a premier department!

The legislature is kicking into high gear as we near the end of this legislative session. We still have another month to go before the legislative session ends. I can’t say enough about the support veterans and military members have received from Nevada lawmakers and our Governor. Our requests regarding bills aimed at strengthening our department and housekeeping to clean up outdated language in NRS have been well received. We are confident that all will run smoothly as we cross the finish line next month!

I’m very fortunate to be able to attend various events for veterans and military events. I was honored to be able to provide an NDVS and legislative update to attendees of the U.S. Marine Corps League Convention in Reno last month and received an honorary membership. Thank you to the MCL for the wonderful honor.

I was also pleased to speak at the Association of the United States Army 6th Region Conference in Sparks to update them on NDVS activities throughout the state. Thank you to David Sousa, SFC (R) for the invitation.

The same weekend I spoke at these two events, NDVS hosted a Nevada Veterans Advocate (NV Advocate) Conference in Reno. Our NV Advocate Conference was a tremendous success with nearly 70 participants receiving their certification to become an NV Advocate following the two-day event. Our amazing staff is to be congratulated for doing such a tremendous job!

2023 Service Academy Day in Reno and Academy Night in Las Vegas was held last Saturday, April 22nd. This important event provides students with the chance to meet with representatives from the different Service Academies, ROTC Programs, as well as the Nevada Congressional Delegation Offices to discuss education opportunities, admissions, and the nomination process. It was heartwarming to see such strong support and investment in the success of some of our brightest, young Nevadans and I know we have great up and coming leaders in Nevada!

As we head into the summer months, please know you are making a huge difference in the lives of those we are honored to serve, and I know we can count on you for your continued participation and support!  Thank you for all you do!

Respectfully,
Fred Wagar
NDVS Director