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By Blake Boles 
 
LAS VEGAS, NV (October 14th, 2016) — Though he was unable to attend due to the special session of Nevada’s state legislature, Governor Brian Sandoval was certainly there in spirit in his continuing mission to make Nevada “the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation.” On the Governor’s behalf, Director Kat Miller and the Nevada Department of Veterans Services honored a Purple Heart recipient in Las Vegas on Friday, October 14th, in a packed lobby of the Grant Sawyer Building. Started in 2011, the Veteran of the Month award was established for men and women across Nevada who go above and beyond the call of duty, specifically with respect to volunteer work, in support of veterans and the military. The ceremony is held every month to celebrate the accomplishments of Nevada’s heroes that have faithfully served their country, and have gone on to greatly benefit their communities. Honored as the Veteran of the Month for October was long-time volunteer and Marine combat veteran Arthur Ward Cozad III.  
 
Cozad earned a Purple Heart for being wounded in action in Vietnam. He is both a Marine and Air Force veteran, retiring with 33 years of Military service. In 2005 he was instrumental in establishing the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 730 in Henderson, and served as its commander for seven years. He is also an active member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1076, DAV Chapter 12, American Legion Post 60, and VFW Post 3848. He organized a “Purple Heart Day Ceremony” in Boulder City which pays tribute to all of those that were awarded the Purple Heart, and to all veterans that have passed away. He implemented the annual Chapter 730 POW/MIA Fallen Comrade Table Tribute ceremony, and is also a registered friend with the Women Veterans of Nevada, where his wife, Ana Cozad, who is retired Air Force, is currently Vice President.  
 
“It was reported that he has volunteered over 300 hours per month supporting different veteran causes,” said NDVS Executive Assistant Eadward Dixon, who emceed the event. “We did the math, and that averages out to 75 hours a week. We think Mr. Cozad should get an award just for being awake.”  
 
The ceremony, as all Veteran of the Month events, was open to the public and free to attend. As a result, many of Cozad’s compatriots from various veteran service organization were in attendance and gave him a warm round of applause. A visibly emotional Cozad wept at the honor, though it was uncertain who was honored more: Cozad, or NDVS for the privilege of having him attend.  
 
“(Cozad) continues to be active in the veteran community,” Dixon said. “We are honored by his presence, and thank him for his service.” 
 
For more information on outreach efforts and available programs for veterans, visit http://veterans.nv.gov/benefits-and-services/veteran-of-the-month-program/, or call (702) 486-3830.