(Reno, Nev.) – The Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) has been awarded its fifth ‘Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award’ by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for its veteran hiring initiative, the Patriot Employer Program.
The Patriot Employer Program targets Nevada businesses, both large and small, providing them with information and education about the benefits of recruiting, hiring, and retaining veterans in their workforce. Through the program, Nevada businesses receive knowledge on where to find veterans to hire, how to retain them, the tax credits available, as well as the other benefits to hiring the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Once a participating business completes the Patriot Employer training, a certificate and decal are awarded, so the business may proudly display their veteran-friendly status. Currently, there are 69 Nevada businesses that have completed the training and are Patriot Employers.
“We are so very honored to receive this award. Since the start of the pandemic, employment has become center stage with many businesses scrambling to find good employees and many Nevadans, including veterans, looking for work,” said Kat Miller, NDVS Director. “The Patriot Employer Program fills an important void because it provides a path for businesses to find and hire veterans. It also helps veterans in their search for a business that appreciates their service, skill set, and work ethic.”
“Our Veterans Services Department continues to demonstrate excellence and innovation in serving our servicemembers, veterans and their families and we could not be prouder of our talented NDVS team,” said Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak. “Employment is so critical to the health and wellbeing of Nevadans, our communities, and our State. This program supports everyone by connecting businesses to good employees and veterans to good companies.”
The national award recognizes excellence and innovation by honoring outstanding state programs that support veterans. The award was presented during the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) Midwinter Conference in Alexandria, Virginia held February 21-23, 2022. The Honorable Denis McDonough, Secretary of the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs was on hand to present the award to NDVS and seven other states.
“It is very humbling to be amongst your peers and receive a fifth ‘Pillars of Excellence Award,’ for an NDVS program,” said Kat Miller, NDVS Director. “This award serves as testament to the tremendous work, done every day, by our NDVS team. I’m very proud of them and the work they do in service to Nevada’s veterans, military members and their families.”
About the Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS)
NDVS is dedicated to helping Nevada veterans obtain the services and benefits they have earned through military service in the U.S. Armed Forces. In addition to offering benefits counseling and assistance, which includes assistance with filing VA claims at no cost, NDVS manages the Northern and Southern Nevada State Veterans Homes and the Northern and Southern Veterans Memorial Cemeteries. To learn more about NDVS programs or services visit veterans.nv.gov and follow us on Twitter @NVDeptVeterans and on Facebook @NevadaDepartmentofVeteransServices.
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