September is the time to remind ourselves of the importance of connection, remembrance, and supporting one another. September is Suicide Prevention Month, and I encourage everyone to take a moment to check in with the veterans, family members, friends, and colleagues in your life. A simple, “How are you doing?” can open the door to a meaningful conversation and remind someone that they are not alone. Let’s continue our Buddy Check efforts and look out for one another!
I also want to congratulate everyone who participated in and supported our Third Annual Suicide Prevention Walk/Color Run at the Sparks Memorial Plaza last month. Thank you to all our participants, volunteers, partners, and supporters for helping make this important event a success. We look forward to exploring an opportunity to bring the event to Southern Nevada next year.
I’m also grateful to everyone who supported our Veterans Art Garden fundraiser last month. Your generosity will help us continue creating a meaningful space for veterans to connect, create, and heal.
This month provides us with several opportunities to honor and remember the service and sacrifice of those who have served our country. It was an honor to attend the Dedication Ceremony for the Elko National Cemetery, which marked an important milestone in Northern Nevada. This new national cemetery will provide a lasting place for eligible veterans, their spouse, and dependents to be laid to rest close to home, within their own community, allowing loved ones to honor and remember them without having to travel hundreds of miles.
The evening before the dedication, we also had the opportunity to gather with veterans at the Northeastern Nevada Museum auditorium. We were grateful for the wonderful turnout and for everyone who joined us in an evening of camaraderie and fellowship, including those who continued the evening with us at the Star Restaurant for dinner.
These moments of connection, remembrance, and community are what make our work so meaningful and special.
Thank you to all who support Nevada’s veterans and their families. Together, we will always work to ensure that every veteran knows they are never alone, never forgotten.
Warmest regards,
Col. Mary Devine (Ret.)
NDVS Director
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