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Photo: Director Wagar honors Betty, a NNSVH resident and Korean War veteran during a July 27th Korean War Recognition Ceremony at the NNSVH. Read more on the ceremony in this newsletter. 

 VSC Recommends Recipients for Veteran and

Veteran Supporter of the Month 

Members of the Veterans Services Commission (VSC) have made their final recommendations of 2023 regarding the Veteran of the Month and Veteran Supporter of the Month awards. There were no nominations for the Youth Serving Veterans Award.   

Veteran of the Month Recipients 

Steve Ranson is a U.S. Nevada National Guard veteran. He is a known author and reporter who has extensively covered Nevada’s military and veteran communities.  

Rick Kaufman is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran. He is known for his support of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Sierra Nevada Chapter 989 through his website work and much more.  

Sean Laycox is a U.S. Army/Nevada Army National Guard veteran. He supports activities benefitting residents at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home, is very engaged with the Reno Elks Lodge, volunteers at the Vietnam Helicopter Museum, is a Nevada Veterans Advocate, and is a founding and current member of the Mustang 22 Memorial.     

Desmond Green, U.S. Army veteran, is known for his volunteer work with several nonprofits that benefit veterans including the Wounded Warrior Project and Operation Gratitude. His volunteer work also provides assistance in areas that include housing, food for people and pets, along with employment for veterans in need.      

Veteran Supporter of the Month Recipients  

Tina Drakulich is the founder of the David J. Drakulich Foundation for Freedom of Expression, named after her son who earned many commendations as an Army Airborne Ranger before losing his life in Afghanistan. Her work with residents at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home and veterans within the Reno community is aimed at healing the wounds of war through art and expression.  

Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 989 (AVVA Chapter 989) is deeply engaged in the veteran community throughout northern Nevada. Members support all activities of the VVA #989. The group supports too many activities, ceremonies and events to list here. However, it is safe to say their volunteer work at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home and throughout the community benefit each and every veteran in their path.  

Amanda Schnaible works at the Florancia Rivera Walmart Claims Department in Elko. She supports the teams that put together donated items from the VFW Post 2350 for holiday and seasonal packages that go to veterans and their families. Her volunteer efforts also include work to support children from broken homes, as well as the shelter that supports battered women and abused children.    

Go HERE to nominate a Veteran of the Month! 

Go HERE to nominate a Veteran Supporter of the Month. 

Go HERE to nominate a Youth Serving Veteran Awardee.  

Upcoming Missing in Nevada Service



The Nevada Veterans Coalition will host a “Missing in Nevada” service on Friday, August 4, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley.  

The service will inter the cremated remains of 19 unclaimed veterans so these veterans will not have to make their final walk alone. You are invited to stand-in, as family, to attend the service for these veterans.  

The service is part of the coalition’s mission to locate unclaimed cremated remains of veterans in Nevada and inter them with full military honors.   

Korean War Veterans Honored at NNSVH as Heroes

July 27, 2023, was National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day marking the 70th Anniversary of the end to the Korean War.  

On the anniversary of this day, there were two ceremonies held to honor these heroes with one occurring at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home (NNSVH) and the other at the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home (SNSVH).  

In the north, NDVS Director Fred Wagar was assisted by State Officer Julie Dudley in providing the special recognition to eight Korean War veterans who are also residents of the NNNSVH. Ms. Dudley presented the veterans with a commemorative pin while Director Wagar also presented the veterans with their very own copy of the book, “Korea Reborn, A Grateful Nation Honors War Veterans for 60 Years of Growth.” The book was published and produced in cooperation with the Republic of Korea and the United States as a gift and a “thank you” to these American heroes. 

At the SNSVH, a similar ceremony was held to honor Korean War residents with the same commemorative pins and the Korean War book presented as gifts. Additionally, Bob Garlow, who is with the home’s Independent Advisory Board and the Nevada Veterans Assistance League served as the guest speaker. Patty Powers provided the entertainment. 

Congratulations to these Nevada heroes. 

Photo: NDVS Director Fred Wagar recognizes the eight Korean War era veterans living at the NNSVH. 

Photo: NDVS State Officer Julie Dudley presents Korean War Commemorative Pin to NNSVH resident and Korean War veteran Artie while Director waits to present commemorative book. 

Photo: Bob Garlow serves as guest speaker at Korean War Recognition Ceremony at the SNSVH.

Photo: Guest entertainer Patty Powers at the SNSVH Korean War Recognition Ceremony.  

Reno’s Susan Malone Appointed as Civilian Aide to the

Secretary of the Army  

Congratulations to U.S. Marine Corps Col. (Ret.) Susan Malone. The Reno resident was sworn in at the Pentagon on July 13, 2023, to serve as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA)!  

CASAs are special government employees who are committed to supporting all Department of the Army civilians, soldiers and their families. Their ranks consist of engaged business and community leaders from across the country who are appointed by the Secretary of the Army to advise and support Army leadership. Recruiting is the #1 priority for CASAs. They support the Army’s recruiting mission by using their community connections to link the Army to influencers within the community.  

CASAs also serve as liaisons to the Army Guard and Reserves. Additionally, CASAs partner with the Soldier for Life program to assist soldiers as they transition from the Army. 

Mrs. Malone has received numerous national, regional and local awards including Nevada’s Veteran of the Month for April 2023. She was one of the first of two women to serve as a special agent within the FBI from 1972 to 1979. Following her retirement as a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, Mrs. Malone has been involved in a long list of volunteer efforts that benefit veterans, military members and their families.   

Photo: (L – R) Deborah Gantt, Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army; Susan Malone in Washington D.C. following swearing-in ceremony. 

Sparks City Council Visits NNSVH  



Members of the Sparks City Council and the Sparks City Attorney were honored guests at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home (NNSVH) on July 26, 2023.

The group took a tour of the 96-bed, skilled nursing care facility. They also visited with residents.

The tour included the Home’s Town Hall that features a Coffee Bistro, Sports Bar, Barber/Beauty Shop and Silver State Retail Store. The Home offers private rooms with private bathrooms and showers. For more information on the NNSVH, go HERE.  

Photo: (L – R)  NDVS Director Fred Wagar, Donald Abbott (Ward 1), Kristopher Dahir (Ward 5), Dian VanderWell (Ward 2), Resident “Marvin,” Sparks City Attorney Wes Duncan with his sons, Mayor Ed Lawson, Linda Dickerson, Resident “Maxie,” Paul Anderson (Ward 3).

Transition Assistance and More Provided at NVTAP Summit  

NDVS partners gathered at the Nevada Air National Guard Readiness Center in Las Vegas last month for a two-day Nevada Transition Assistance Program (NVTAP) event with a two-fold focus.  

The first goal was to encourage collaboration among veteran program providers through an innovative "round-robin" approach, fostering valuable conversations and resource-sharing within the community.  

The second was to empower transitioning members of the Nevada National Guard veterans and dependents with state-specific information about benefits and services available through NVTAP as they return to civilian life. This customized program aims to ensure a successful transition for these dedicated servicemen and women. 

This event was held on July 22nd and 23rd. Planning for another NVTAP event is underway. It is set to occur in Reno later this fall. More details will be provided in the weeks ahead. 

 In the meantime, those who missed the event can explore the NDVS online NVTAP program, offering crucial information to support both transitioning members and veteran program providers in their important missions. 

Photo: NDVS Southern Nevada Outreach Director Maria Mandaleni-Orozco meets with participants at the July 2023 NVTAP event.

Photo: Packed exhibitor room at the July 2023 NVTAP event.  

Photo: NDVS Director Wagar addresses participants at the NVTAP event. 

Photo: NVTAP Program Manager Helena Otero handles Q & A at event.

Vegas NV Advocate Conference Coming Up! 

Now is your chance to become a Nevada Veterans Advocate (NV Advocate)! Mark your calendar and attend the October 7-8, 2023, NV Advocate Conference.  

NV Advocates are specially trained volunteers who help connect veterans and their families to earned benefits, resources, and programs. This FREE two-day event at the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas will provide the information and tools that will allow you to receive your certificate as an NV Advocate. 

The program will run from 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. each day with continental breakfast and lunch provided.   



Save your seat and register HERE

 NDVS to Provide Support at Reno and Elko

Homeless Veterans Stand Down



NDVS will provide support to two Homeless Veterans Stand Down events coming up in the weeks ahead.  

The first will be held in Elko on August 25, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at 723 Railroad Street, Main Park Area #8. The event will provide homeless and underserved veterans with a wide array of services. NDVS will have its Northern Nevada Outreach Director on hand to provide information to these veterans to guide them to their earned benefits, resources, and programs.  

In Reno, the Homeless Veterans Stand Down, is hosted by the Reno VA Medical Center. It will be held on September 29, 2023, from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This event will also provide services to veterans in need with NDVS connecting these veterans to earned services through a VSO. To participate in this Stand Down, the primary points of contact are below:

Tanya.Jolley@va.gov 

Annette.Negron@va.gov 

Bryana.Guerra-Carrera@va.gov

Sign Up NOW for Reno’s Military Sports Camp 

Each year, NDVS facilitates VA grant funding for the City of Reno’s Adaptive Sports Program including the September Military Sports Camp 2023! The five-day event includes a wide array of adaptive sports including fly fishing, paddle sports, cycling, rock climbing, hiking as well as networking and more!   

See the flyer below for more information. Registration is now open for veterans to register and participate. For more information contact 775-333-7765

NDVS Lends Support to New Affordable

Housing Complex for Veterans  

A new affordable housing complex for eligible veterans is now under construction in Reno. The 12 brand new units will be called Dick Scott Manor and will provide low-income veterans with permanent supportive housing, along with wrap-around services.  

Once construction is complete, the Reno Housing Authority will provide rental subsidies to eligible veterans through the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers. Case management will be provided by the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System along with other supportive services provided through the Reno Housing Authority.   

The Reno Housing Authority held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 29, 2023, and NDVS Director Fred Wagar attended. The new complex is named in honor of Reno community leader Dick Scott. The new Dick Scott Manor will be located at 1035 East 8th Street in Reno. 

Photo: NDVS Director Fred Wagar addresses the crowd at the Groundbreaking Ceremony.  

Photo: Shovels in action at Groundbreaking Ceremony. 

Reno/Sparks Veterans Sewer Rebate – Get Your Application in NOW! 

The City of Reno and the City of Sparks have once again approved a sewer rebate program for eligible veterans. As in prior years, those receiving VA disability benefits qualify. No percentage rating, no income restrictions are required and, in some cases, renting tenants are eligible. 

The rebate this year is up to $206 for Reno and up to $125.93 for Sparks per household, and is available on a first come, first served basis until funds run out.  

Take these three steps: 

1. Go to the VA’s website to download a VA benefit letter: https://www.va.gov/records/download-va-letters/ 

2. City of Reno Application Click HERE and for City of Sparks click HERE 

3. Then submit your application by August 31, 2023.  

To contact Sewer Service for the City of Reno directly call 775-334-2095, Monday – Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

New Legislation that Benefits YOU!  

NDVS attended bill signing ceremonies regarding two important new laws that will benefit veterans and military members across the Silver State.  

The first bill signing occurred on July 18, 2023, in Las Vegas for Assembly Bill 185. This new legislation allows military families to enroll their children in school once official moving orders are received rather than requiring these families to have a new permanent address before they could enroll their children. This new law ensures there are no delays or missed academic and extracurricular opportunities due to a move. Until now, Nevada had been among only a handful of states that did not allow advanced school enrollment for these children in grades K-12!  

Later in the week, Governor Lombardo signed Assembly Bill 260 in Carson City exempting Nevada’s VA nationally recognized veterans service organizations from having to pay state licensing fees!   

This September, look for a full report on the 82nd Legislative Session from NDVS regarding legislative activity of interest to Nevada’s veteran community! Watch this space! The full report will be listed HERE next month! 

Photo: Bill Signing Ceremony in Las Vegas for AB 185. 

Photo: Bill Signing Ceremony in Carson City for AB 260. 

Send us your upcoming events at 

pio.ndvs@veterans.nv.gov 

to post to our calendar

Dates To Remember in August

August is Anti-Terrorism Awareness Month

August 2 –  

• The Gulf War (Aug 2, 1990 – Feb 28, 1991) 
• Operation Desert Shield (Aug 2, 1990 – Jan 17, 1991) 
• Operation Desert Storm (Jan 17, 1991- Feb 28, 1991).  
• Iraq invaded Kuwait on Aug. 2, 1990.  
• On Aug. 7, 1990, George Herbert Walker Bush ordered the organization of Operation Desert Shield in response. Operation Desert Shield transitioned to Operation Desert Storm on Jan 17, 1991, with the start of the air war.
• The ground assault started on Feb 24, 1991, ending on Feb 28, 1991, with a decisive victory for the coalition forces. 

August 4 – Coast Guard Birthday (1915) 

August 7 – Purple Heart Day (1782)   

August 14 – Navajo Code Talkers Day (Est. 1982) 

August 14 – Congressional Medal of Honor Society Birthday (1863) 

August 16 – National Airborne Day (1940)  

August 29 – Marine Forces Reserve Birthday (1916) 

August 30, 2021 – Marked the end of the Afghanistan War.