Nevada: The Most Veteran and Military-Friendly State in the Union

By Josh Loftis

Nevada’s connection with our military and veterans goes all the way back to our induction into the Union in 1864 during the Civil War. President Lincoln was facing a tough reelection battle and needed the extra votes, so he encouraged the adoption of the Nevada Territory to officially become the 36^th State of the Union. Because of our induction into the Union during the Civil War, our motto is “Battle Born” and we have been proud of our military heritage ever since.

It is estimated that around 300,000 veterans call Nevada their home. Our military and veteran population is very important to us. For over 75 years, the Nevada Department of Veterans Services has been dedicated to helping our veterans – as well as their spouses, dependents, and/or survivors – obtain the services, benefits and quality of life they deserve.

We accomplish this goal through several programs: First, we have U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Certified Veterans Service Officers available to assist in filing claims to the VA at no cost. Several veterans may be eligible for a pension or compensation and not know how to navigate the paperwork and system. Our Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) are here to walk veterans through the process. We also maintain two state veteran cemeteries: Our Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City and our Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley. A veteran, or their spouse or dependent, may be eligible for interment in our State Veterans Cemeteries. Eligibility for burial is similar to the criteria used by the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration. However, the cemetery is responsible for verifying eligibility and should be contacted directly for specifics. Veterans are buried at our cemetery at no charge. This includes the cemetery plot, opening and closing, concrete vault, headstone and perpetual care. A $450 fee (subject to change) is charged for the burial of a spouse or eligible dependent. Mortuary fees are not included.  We maintain a State Veterans Home Skilled Nursing Facility in Boulder City, and we are very excited for the completion of the construction on our Northern Nevada State Veterans Home in Sparks expected to open in January or February 2019! We are, also, very encouraged and humbled by the numerous community organizations and partners who are always ready, willing, and able to show their support for, and assist, the veterans of this great State. Our mission is to “Provide vital and efficient service to and advocacy on behalf of veterans, their dependents, and survivors; and provide our community and partners the opportunity to contribute in these endeavors.” And we are honored to have this opportunity to serve Nevada’s Heroes.

We invite you to visit our website at http://veterans.nv.gov/ where you will find more information about our department and what we do, as well as resources – Federal, State, and private – available to cover a multitude of needs on our Benefits and Services page, found here: http://veterans.nv.gov/benefits-and-services/. Lastly, we invite you to join the online veteran community on NV VetNet, where you can post news, conversations, questions, search for jobs, or connect with local community supporters.  You can set up your free registration here: veterans.nv.gov/register/