Message from the Director

Dear Friends, Veteran Advocates and Supporters, 

I hope your summer is going well and this message finds you and your family enjoying this time of the year!  Next month our Veterans Services Commission (VSC) will celebrate its 50th anniversary. My heartfelt congratulations go out to the 11 men and women who serve on this esteemed board. It is an honor to serve alongside them as we share this moment in history. The VSC has spent half a century guiding and making recommendations in support of our veterans, military members and their families. Their work is invaluable, and I can’t thank them enough for all they do in service to Nevada’s heroes!  

Speaking of celebrations, NDVS hosted two other significant ones this month as well. In addition to the gala held at the National Automobile Museum in Reno, NDVS hosted a 250th U.S. Army birthday celebration at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home. We also hosted a grand opening celebration to the Home’s new Veterans Art Garden! My sincere thanks to everyone who participated as well as all the volunteers who helped put these amazing events together!   

In May, it was my privilege and honor to spend time listening to veterans attending our community roundtables in Las Vegas, Mesquite and Pahrump. To follow up on the conversations, we are planning a second round of roundtables in July. If you haven’t registered, I encourage you to save your seat by going HERE to attend the event in North Las Vegas on July 22nd, HERE to attend in Mesquite on July 23rd, and HERE to participate in Pahrump on July 24th. Details on the registration form.   

Finally, I leave you with this new and exciting news. Two important NDVS programs are now positioned to begin rolling! Maria Mandaleni – Orozco has rejoined the department to implement our initiative to support veterans experiencing homelessness. Meanwhile, Samm Warfel has recently joined the team to onboard our opioid recovery program. I can’t wait to share more in the weeks and months ahead as these new programs begin to take shape! Until then, thank you for your continued support and I hope to see you at an upcoming NDVS event soon!  

Best wishes,
Col. Mary Devine (Ret.)
NDVS Director