North Las Vegas Continues to Celebrate Veterans

By Chuck N. Baker
(North Las Vegas) — Geographically speaking, the city of North Las Vegas is much smaller than Las Vegas, its big brother to the south. But when it comes to honoring veterans and other deserving groups, it takes a back seat to no one. For the past five years, the city has produced the annual Armed Forces, Military Veterans & First Responders Appreciation Day. It’s a celebration of those who reside not only in North Las Vegas, but of all individuals who provide services to the entire region. And the organizers make it abundantly clear that any and all who want to come and have a wonderful day of fun are welcome. Their presence alone is a way of honoring  those who serve the public.

Two individuals are the backbone of the event. North Las Vegas businesswoman  Laura Coleman and North Las Vegas City Councilman Richard Cherchio felt it was only right that their city should honor those who serve. Coleman said that regarding veterans, “We wanted to carry out a mission of support and assistance, and provide help in areas of job connection, education, relocation and transition from active duty to civilian life.” As an outgrowth of that original mission, in 2016 the council adopted a resolution that honors those not only active duty, but also those who have lost their lives in service to the nation.

Located each year at Craig Ranch Regional Park, 160,000 square feet of the park is set aside for the appreciation event. Veterans, active duty and first responders with appropriate I.D., and their immediate families were treated to free lunches. Each year dozens of local businesses and large corporations donate goods and services, and several of them provide entertainment. This year Tusi Alston and her female dance group Heart of Polynesia provided cultural entertainment along with Grupo Folkrico Liberated de Las Vegas, Phil-Am Cultural Dance Group Philippines and Santana tribute band Reflejo de Santana. An unexpected highlight was an introduction of local Girl Scout Abigail Panariso. When she learned that many veterans are often unable to afford needed wheelchairs, she took it upon herself to sell a large number of Girl Scout cookies and used the funds to purchase as many chairs as she could. City Councilman Isaac E. Barron introduced Panariso to the receptive crowd and presented her with an award of appreciation.

Numerous veterans organizations set up displays and handed out information. While there are too many to mention here, two of the most poignant were Honor Flight Southern Nevada, where volunteers signed up eligible veterans for its next visit to Washington, D.C., that will take them on a three day trip to see the memorials dedicated to the sacrifices of those who served. Director Belinda Morse explained that the flights are supported through donations, and receive no government funding. She was aided by volunteers Mary Ann Tisdale and Phil Krieger. Applications for flights can be downloaded at www.honorflightsouthernnevada.org. And another group taking part in the event was the local chapter of Race to Erase 22, a non-profit formed to provide and create awareness of the number of military suicides that occur in the nation. A spokesman said that “VA statistics report that every day 22 military veterans are killed by suicide. No matter what the number is, we believe that even one is too many.” To volunteer, or for more information, go to www.racetoerase22.org.

Also on hand to greet the public was Judge Chris Lee, who heads the Veterans’ Court section of the North Las Vegas Justice Court. A veteran of the Air Force Reserves JAG Corps, he said he is acutely aware of the needs of military members and veterans. His court does not receive specific funding. He volunteers and must carve out time from his normal schedule to handle veterans cases.

Work is already being planned for the 2020 Appreciation Day event. Those who wish to volunteer or provide assistance are encouraged to go to www.nlvevents4military.org.