Vito Valdez and Pahrump Disabled American Veterans Chapter 15 Receive Special Honor

By Chuck N. Baker (PHOTO: Governor Sisolak with Veteran of the Month Vito Valdez)

Congratulations to Army veteran Vito Valdez and the Pahrump Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 15. Valdez was named Veteran of the Month and the Pahrump DAV received the Veteran Supporter of the Month recognition in a special ceremony at the Grant Sawyer Building in Las Vegas in November. Governor Steve Sisolak attended, presenting special certificates signed by him, along with thanks and praise.

The Veteran of the Month recognizes and honors Nevada veterans who have gone beyond the call of duty to help fellow veterans, military members, their families and community. The Veteran Supporter of the Month recognizes groups, individuals, including non-veterans who also have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Governor Sisolak praised Valdez for his hours of selfless volunteer efforts, including work at the USO located at McCarran Airport. The McCarran USO has been named one of the best in the United States. Sisolak noted, “The support work Valdez accomplishes plays a part in that.”
Valdez is involved with Wreaths Across America placing wreaths on veterans’ graves. He shows up each time to welcome home veterans returning from Honor Flights. He also volunteers for the Nevada National Guard Child & Youth Program and to benefit Gold Star families. Additionally, Valdez provides drivers who transport Las Vegas veterans to appointments at VA facilities in Reno, when they have no other way to travel there. After receiving the award, Valdez told the audience, “I accept this on behalf of Gold Star families and military widows. Remember our fallen.” He ended by thanking his wife Myra and said, “I’m very honored and humbled.”

The members of the Pahrump Disabled American Veterans Chapter 15 are not merely chapter members. As a group, they are certified as Veteran Service Officers and are charged with helping veterans fill out claims and file for benefits with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Sisolak said, “In 2018, more than 300 veterans filed claims through the group, which was instrumental in helping advance the quality of life in Pahrump.” He went on to say, “Their pay is a ‘thank you’ from veterans and their families. I’m honored to present the award.” Stepping up to receive the award was Marine Corps veteran Steve Pittman, Air Force veteran Cathy Girard and Marine Corps veteran Steve Chase.

Pittman addressed the audience by thanking the governor saying, “A dollar spent locally goes around nine times.” He credited his father for that bit of financial advice and used the words to illustrate how helping veterans on a local level helps the entire Pahrump community. He reported through the efforts of the Pahrump Veteran Service Officers, $3.5 million dollars was awarded to local veterans in the form of VA compensation.

In addition to filling out benefit claims, the group operates free van transportation to take veterans to appointments at the VA clinic in North Las Vegas.