Message from the Director – August 2018

Greetings and happy dog days of summer!

If you’re a veteran who honorably served your country, the Nevada Department of Veterans Services has made it a top priority to ensure you are recognized and honored.

As the autumn months approach, the calendar will be packed with events and ceremonies designed to do just that: honor each and every veteran and each and every generation of veteran.

One of the first events I would encourage you to attend is the unveiling of the U.S.S. Corvina (SS 226) Submarine Model on August 6, 2018 at 10:00 AM. The event will be held inside the Nevada State Library and Archives building located at 100 North Stewart Street, Carson City, Nevada. The date is significant as the USS Corvina was commissioned August 6, 1943 following her launch earlier that year in May.

Sadly, the U.S.S. Corvina was the only American submarine to be sunk by a Japanese submarine during WWII. This submarine model unveiling remembers and honors her loss of 82 crew members. Thanks to the diligence and efforts of the United States Submarine Veterans, Corvina Base, Sparks, the Corvina submarine model will be taken from storage in a garage, to a public setting. The display will serve to educate and keep alive the memory and sacrifices of those serving in WWII.

In November, there will be two other very significant events. On November 9, Battle Born: Memorial to Nevada’s Fallen Military will be dedicated. The reception will be at 9:00 AM with the ceremony starting at 10:00 AM at the Nevada State Archives and Library Building, located at 100 North Steward Street in Carson City. (Yes, it is the same address as above!)

We could use your help locating Nevada families who have had loved ones killed in combat. We want to make sure we invite *immediate family members. We also want to provide travel assistance or reimbursement to eligible family members. (*Immediate family members would include a spouse, brother, sister, son, or daughter.) For more information on eligibility or the event, contact David Johnson at johnsond@veterans.nv.gov .

The second event is a commemoration of WWI. The day-long event will be held at the Nevada State Veterans Home on Veterans Day, November 11, 2018. The home is located at 100 Veterans Memorial Drive in Boulder City. The event starts at 9:00 AM with a book signing by New York Times Best Selling author, Patrick O’Donnell. He will be autographing his book, “The Unknowns: The Untold Story of America’s Unknown Soldier and WWI’s Most Decorated Heroes Who Brought Him Home.” The commemoration ceremony will begin at 1:30 PM in front of the home. The day will also include a keepsake program with your own commemoration WWI pin.  There will also be WWI memorabilia displays, a “cantina” serving refreshments, WWI costumes and period music, along with special entertainment and other surprises.

Finally, honoring and remembering every veteran of every generation includes serving those who have served us. That is why we continue to host free workshops designed to train Nevada Veterans Advocates (NVAs). These volunteers help connect veterans and their families to earned benefits, programs and resources. The next free NVA workshop is set for October 20 and 21 at the Red Lion Hotel Casino in Elko. The two-day event will be held both days from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The address of the venue is 2065 Idaho Street, Elko, Nevada. To save your seat, you may register here: http://bit.ly/2NnXQZ3.

We are eager to serve northern Nevada veterans with the long-awaited and greatly anticipated Northern Nevada State Veterans Home in Sparks. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for December 17 at 5:30 PM. (Yes, it will be an evening affair with dressy attire, if you so desire!) The address is 36 Battle Born Way, Sparks, Nevada. (It is near the intersection of Galetti and Kietzke, behind Lake’s Crossing.)

As you can see, the calendar is full in the weeks and months ahead.  Whether you served in combat, provided support, served in the Cold War, during a time of restless peace, you signed your name on the dotted line. Your commitment and selfless sacrifice are greatly appreciated. We remain committed to honoring and recognizing each and every one of you!

Respectfully,
Kat Miller