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Governor Steve Sisolak is pleased to announce the Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) was awarded two prestigious Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Awards from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on February 25, 2019. This award recognizes excellence and innovation by honoring outstanding state programs that support veterans within their states.

The 2019 awards were announced by Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie during a ceremony held in conjunction with the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) winter conference in Alexandria, Virginia.

Seven awards were presented to six states with Nevada being the only state to receive more than one award.

NDVS received one award for the creation of a web-based portal that rapidly connects veterans to service officers who answer their questions and help them navigate a complex benefits network. The second award was for NDVS’ “Veterans Legislative Program,” that, in partnership with the Nevada United Veterans Legislative Council, helps veterans and their families across Nevada have a strong voice in the legislative process.

“This recognition is a credit to the amazing and innovative staff at NDVS, as well as to our partners in the UVLC,” said NDVS Director Kat Miller.

Governor Steve Sisolak said, “I’m proud of the work of NDVS staff and of Nevada’s commitment to supporting our veterans. My administration remains dedicated to serving and honoring our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our state and nation.”

The Pillars of Excellence Award was established by the VA in 2012. NDVS is received its first Pillars award in 2015 for the creation of the Nevada Veterans Advocate Program.