Message from the Director – May 2021

To my fellow veterans, families, and veteran advocates: 

As more Nevadans receive full protection from the COVID-19 vaccine, we are beginning to see some of the pandemic restrictions begin to ease. Still, it may be a while before we completely return to normal. With this in mind, I’m pleased to make three announcements.   

Throughout the pandemic our VSOs never stopped supporting veterans and their families, but we know that many prefer an in-person experience and we are currently planning the process to safely offer these types of appointments.  In the meanwhile, we are still assisting with claims virtually.  To contact a VSO for assistance, please call (702) 830-2000 or click here 

Next, we are honored to once again host in-person Flag-In and Memorial Day ceremonies at both the Northern and Southern Veterans Memorial Cemeteries this month. These events, conducted by the Southern Nevada Cemetery Volunteer Group at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery (SNVMC) in Boulder City and the Nevada Veterans Coalition at the  Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley. We are asking participants to be mindful of social distancing and follow CDC, state, and county guidelines.  Specifically, if you are not vaccinated, please wear a face covering at both Flag-In and Memorial Day events.  If you are vaccinated, please wear a face covering when in you are in crowds/large gatherings and cannot maintain social distancing.  Here are some details:  

Flag-In is on Saturday, May 29th. As participants arrive, we will assign them to sections of the cemeteries for flag placement.  Flag-In at the NNVMC (Fernley) will begin at 9:00 a.m. The flag placement event at the SNVMC (Boulder City) begins at 7:00 a.m.   

Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 31st. The in-person ceremonies at both cemeteries will be abbreviated to ensure COVID-19 protocols, mandated by local jurisdictions, are followed. The ceremony at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley will begin at 11:00 a.m. In Boulder City, the ceremony at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery will begin at 1:00 p.m.   

Finally, NDVS was the recipient of several very generous donations that will directly benefit the Nevada National Guard as well as our residents at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home (NNSVH). Stories on the donations are highlighted in this newsletter. I speak for all of us by extending our thanks and appreciation to the organizations: Chase Rauchle PTSD NOW!, Southwest Gas, Nevada Military Support Alliance, and Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 989, Reno.    

And speaking of NNSVH, congratulations are in order, as last month the Home received the Pinnacle Customer Experience Award™ for achieving best-in-class in customer satisfaction standards in 14 different areas!  I can also proudly report that the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home (SNSVH) was once again designated as a 5-Star facility—the highest rating possible on the CMS Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reporting (CASPER) scale.  I’m thrilled to be able to end this message on such a positive note.   

We have much to look forward to as we approach summer.  Take care, and I hope to see you soon!   

Respectfully,  

Kat Miller