Northern Nevada military news briefs

PACT ACT Town Hall

Did you serve in the military? Vietnam Era, Gulf War Era and Post 911 Era Veterans come and learn about the latest VA benefit for Veterans who might have been exposed to toxic burn pits, agent orange, contaminated water and 20 other presumptive conditions.

Truckee Meadows Community College & VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System will be holding a PACT ACT Town Hall, April 12 from 5-7:30 p.m. at TMCC Campus 7000 Dandini Blvd., Reno — Sierra Building, room 108.

Donate blood

The power of your blood donation affects lives. We urgently need your help to serve local hospital patients. Please book your spot today.

Northern Nevada Veterans Home blood drive is April from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 36 Battle Born Way in Sparks.To book your spot, call Vitalant Blood Center at 775-329-6451.

Free self-defense class

As part of VA Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, there will be free self-defense class taught by U.S. Air Force veteran Gary Grate at Reno Judo Club (1335 Airmotive Way, Reno) on April 27 from 1-3 p.m. This is a class by veterans, for veterans.

 Space is limited and RSVPs are required. Further information, contact Amanda.Turner5@va.gov.

Networking event

The Nevada Veterans Alumni Chapter annual ENGAGE Veteran Professionals Networking Event 2024 is April 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the Joe Crowley Student Union on the University of Nevada, Reno campus.

ENGAGE is dedicated to fostering professional networking and development opportunities for Northern Nevada veterans, companies, veteran service organizations and institutions of higher education. The evening provides a platform for these entities to collaborate with the shared aim of enriching the lives of our regional veterans.

The focus will be on “Success after Service” with distinguished speakers sharing their insights. Our keynote speaker will be Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Peyerl, vice president of Finance and Government Relations at Truckee Meadows Community College.

Peyerl will reflect on his transition from over 20 years of service, discussing the resolve required during such transitions and offering guidance on how veterans can achieve personal and professional success.

Recent Nevada graduate Alexander Silveira will be the student speaker. Mr. Silveira will share his journey transitioning from eight years of service in the U.S. Army, including multiple combat tours, to his current role as an engineer with Lumos and Associates. His story embodies perseverance, self-reflection and leveraging military experience to excel in a second career.

RSVP to allow the alumni chapter to furnish participants. with a parking code a few days prior to the event.  To enroll, go to eventbrite.com and type in engage-veteran professionals.

Dinner and veterans’ town hall

Join Chapter 7 of the Disabled American Veterans in Carson City on May 18 for an evening of spaghetti and a veterans’ town hall. 

There is no charge for the event.  Representatives from various veterans’ groups will be on hnd. They will present their mission and the services they offer to support all veterans.

Veterans will also be able to discuss their VA claims with Veteran Service Officers.

The event will be held at the Calvary Chapel in Carson City at 1635 East Clearview Drive. For information, contact John Hefner at 775-720-6995 or email csmjvh@Hotmail.com.

Sexual Assault / Prevention Month

VA Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month is featuring a Find your Path to Healing event.

No healing journey is the same, and the Veterans Administration is here for support. Join us April 10 to learn about VA resources and services that may benefit you or your loved one.

For information, contact MST Coordinators Amanda Turner and Kelly Dawson at 775-326-2920 or go to www.mentalhealth.va.gov/mst.

Veterans Block Party

Northern Nevada Veterans Block Party invites veterans to a special event designed to celebrate our military community and connect you with resources and support, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

The block party is May 4 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Sparks Marina, 300 Howard Drive. To register, go to https://veterans.nv.gov/veterans-service-organization-registry-form/.

Discover more than 100 programs and services dedicated to the veteran and military community from educational opportunities and employment services to healthcare and legal advice.

This year, the event is placing a particular focus on suicide prevention, offering resources, support networks, and educational materials to promote mental health and well-being among our veterans.

This block party is more than just a gathering; it’s an opportunity to build connections, learn about valuable resources, and support one another in a friendly and engaging environment.

The Moving Wall

The Vietnam Moving Wall Minden Project is coming to Douglas County May 23-28 and is hosted by the Eastside Memorial Park on 1600 Buckeye Road.

Viewing the wall is free and open to the pubic 24 hours a day.

The building of the wall takes place on May 23, and the opening ceremony is May 24. Two events are slated for May 26: a community barbecue and candlelight vigil. The closing ceremony is May 27.

Sponsors and volunteers are need. Contact Nadia Sandoval at 775-782-2215 or 310-991-8694 or email nadia@eastsidememorialpark.com. The website is www.eastsidememorialpark.com.

Fallon Armed Forces Day

Fallon’s Armed Forces Day is May 18 at the Rafter 3C Complex (formerly the fairgrounds).

The Fallon Armed Forces Day will feature a free lunch for military and first responders, crafters and vendors, assorted displays, poker chip run, kids games and live music.

Register online at Nevada community alliance.com and receive a coupon for a free lunch at the event.

A 4D/Pee Wee barrel race will be held in the main arena. For information, call Beth at 702-595-2868. To be a flag bearer on horseback for the opening ceremonies, call Tyrie at 775-437-7403.

VA: Veterans exposed to toxins, hazards can enroll

Individuals may want to see one of the state’s veterans service officers (VSO) following the announcement by the Veterans Administration that all veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military — at home or abroad — are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care.

All veterans who served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, Global War on Terror or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first being ill or applying for VA benefits. Additionally, veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll.

For questions go to https:veterans.nv.gov.

Caregiver Support Program

The Caregiver Support Program (CSP) announces the launch of its innovative “Safe Transfer” series of videos and an accompanying tip sheet designed specifically for caregivers assisting Veterans with body mechanics and transfers.

 These videos feature essential tips and skills tailored to aid caregivers in facilitating safe transfers, including transfers for beds, wheelchairs, toilets, and tubs. In addition, caregivers can use the accompanying tip sheet as a comprehensive guide, offering insights into proper transfer techniques, caregiver body mechanics, and key considerations throughout the transfer process.

Developed by a dedicated CSP workgroup, which includes occupational and physical therapists, this comprehensive library of resources aims to enhance the safety of Veterans within the comfort of their homes.

To access these resources, visit CSP’s website, where you'll find the tip sheet and a dedicated YouTube playlist: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/Tips_Tools.asp.

Veterans Upward Bound

Veterans Upward Bound at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno welcomes veterans. TMCC can help with academic advisement, college applications, educational benefits, academic review and referrals to community resources.

Veterans Upward Bound is a U.S. Department of Education program for veterans. For information call 775-829-9007 or email vub@TMCC.edu. The website is vub.tmcc.edu.

Nevada Guard retiree monthly meetings

• The Nevada Air Guard’s monthly breakfast is on the second Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at the Reno Elks Club.

• The Nevada Army Guard’s breakfast is on the second Monday of the month at 8 a.m. at the Carson City Elks Club.

Military articles and news briefs are compiled by the Nevada News Group. Questions may be directed to SNMGmilitaryeditor@gmail.com.