Community 4 Veterans fundraiser
The annual Community 4 Veterans fundraiser for Veterans Helping Veterans has kicked off. This year’s grand prize is a 2024 29-foot Jayco travel trailer. The second prize consists of three CF Moto CFORCE ATVs, one each of 600, 500 and 110. The third prize is a Ruger American bolt action rifle with scope. Plus, there will be many great door prizes and a free barbecue for ticket holders. Volunteers are selling raffle tickets in front of The Sportsman’s Warehouse, 3306 Kietzke Lane in Reno. The drawing will take place on Aug. 24. The barbecue begins at noon. One ticket is $10, and a book of 10 tickets is $100.
Unaccompanied service
The Nevada Veterans Coalition will conduct an unaccompanied service on July 25 at 9 a.m. This event is open to the community, and no RSVP is required. The service will be conducted at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley.
Barracuda Championship honors first responders
A complimentary, hosted suite will be at the PGA tour’s Barracuda Championship, honors military members and first responders from July 18-21. The championship is at the Tahoe Mountain Club’s Old Greenwood golf course in Truckee, Calif. Join us at this exclusive viewing area on the 17th green, where they will celebrate local heroes. All military members and first responders will enjoy complimentary food and drinks while watching the action at the Barracuda Championship. Just show your valid military, veteran or first responder badge at admission and the venue for free entry.
Gold Star remembrance
On Sept. 29, a day for solemn remembrance, Nevadans will stand with all the nation’s Gold Star mothers and fathers, wives and husbands, and daughters and sons — all the families who are grieving a loved one, a patriot, who died fighting to defend the country and preserve freedom.
The fifth annual Gold Star Mothers and Family Luminary event will be conducted at the Gold Star Family Memorial Monument on the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home grounds, located at 36 Battle Born Way, Sparks, Nevada 89431. The customary ceremony begins at 6 p.m. with a reading of the Gold Star Mother and Family Proclamation and placement of the luminary. Contact David Sousa at 775-384-5838 for information.
American Legion Post 16 luau
The American Legion Post 16, 90 N. Ada St., Fallon, is holding a luau on July 27 at 2 p.m. Join the Legion for a Hawaiian-inspired buffet. The cost is $18 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under. There will be luau games like hula hoops, limbo and more. Volunteers are needed for the event. The Sons of the American Legion are having an $8 fish fry on Aug.2 and $8 smash burgers on Aug. 9. The Legion Riders are doing a $8 chicken tender dinner on July 19 and Aug. 16. The American Legion Auxiliary is having an $8 spaghetti feed on July 26 and Aug 23.
Veterans exposed to toxins, hazards
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.
AARP resources
A new AARP resource connects Nevada’s veterans to adapted housing grants from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Nevada’s 215,000 U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members might be missing free financial aid to modify their homes. AARP launched the Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide to help veterans and service members navigate the VA’s $150 million in funding to buy, build or modify a home to meet their long-term needs. These grants can provide eligible veterans up to $117,000 to pay for renovations such as adding bathroom grab bars, installing ramps, or widening doorways to accommodate a wheelchair or walker. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply for the VA’s Specially Adapted Housing and home modification grant programs, visit AARP.org/VetsHomeBenefits.
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 for caregivers assisting Veterans with body mechanics and transfers. 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 [email protected]. The website is vub.tmcc.edu.
Veterans Parents Act
The Education Flexibility for Veteran Parents Act will allow veterans with children to access full housing benefits provided through the G.I. Bill, regardless of whether that program is in person or online. The G.I. Bill is essential for many veterans to advance their education. Currently, veterans who are parents and pursuing their education online are only eligible for half of the G.I. Bill’s available housing benefits. This requirement often forces parents to choose between attending in-person classes to receive full benefits or staying at home with their children.
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. The next breakfast is Aug.12. The group wants to increase participation. Currently, the group has about 20-25 regulars. At the next meeting, the University of Nevada, Reno ROTC representatives will speak to the retirees about their program. Each meeting normally features a guest speaker. Guests are welcome.
The Nevada News Group compiles military articles and news briefs. Questions may be directed to [email protected].
