DEERS station opens in Carson City
A new Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) station in Carson City promises to give uniformed service members in the capital city region improved access to the Department of Defense’s database, which includes information for each uniformed service member (including active duty, retired, and reserve component individuals), DOD civilians, and other personnel as directed by the DOD.
The Carson City station, located within the Office of the Adjutant General, 2460 Fairview Drive, replaces the recently closed DEERS station in Reno at the Military Services Support Center, 685 E. Plumb Lane. Reno retains a DEERS station just a short distance from Plumb Lane at the Nevada Air National Guard Base, 1776 National Guard Way.
DEERS enrollment is essential for those seeking a military common access card or a Uniformed Services identification card. DEERS registration is also required for TRICARE eligibility and enrollment.
To make an appointment, go to https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/ (use the location “AG HQ Nevada”). Due to security issues, walk-in appointments are not possible. Toth’s office hours are 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Appointments take about 30 minutes, and she has 13 available time slots each business day. Other contact methods are to call 775-887-7349 or email [email protected]. Individuals with confirmed appointments should bring state or federal identification and their confirmed appointment email to the OTAG security gate at the prescribed time for entry.
To request an appointment at the Reno DEERS station, go to https://airbasescheduler.com/fss/ or call 775-788-4523. For information about identification card processing at Naval Air Station Fallon, call 775-426-2808.
AUSA dinner
The Association of the United States Army Veterans Day dinner speaker is Maj. Gen. Ondra Berry, the adjutant general of Nevada. A social hour begins at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The cost is $58 per person. The dinner will be held at the Tamarack Casino, 13101 S. Virginia St., Reno. For additional information, contact David Sousa at 775-544-8786 or [email protected]. RSVP online at https://www.ausa-westmoreland.org.
Gold Star remembrance
On Sept. 29, a day for remembrance, Nevadans will stand with all the nation’s Gold Star mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, daughters, and sons — all the families grieving a loved one, a patriot who died fighting to defend our country and preserve our freedom. The fifth annual Gold Star Mothers and Family Luminary event will be conducted at the Gold Star Family Memorial Monument on the grounds of the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home, 36 Battle Born Way, Sparks, Nevada 89431. The customary ceremony begins at 6 p.m., along with a reading of the Gold Star Mother and Family Proclamation and Luminary placement. For information, contact David Sousa, Survivor Outreach Services Support coordinator, at 775-384-5838.
AVVA member of the year
Brigitte Stafford, a Sierra Nevada Chapter 989 representative and Nevada state president of the Associates for Vietnam Veterans of America (AVVA), has recently been named member of the year for the national organization. According to Chapter 989, this award is a highly esteemed recognition and symbol of honor bestowed upon an active member who has exhibited exceptional service to veterans, the AVVA, and their local community.
Stafford joined Chapter 989 in 2018 as an event planner and coordinator, and she has been cited as an inspirational leader, expanding its membership threefold while helping the local chapter achieve its outreach and community goals. She has served as chapter representative since 2021 and was named Veteran Supporter of the Month in October 2021 by former Gov. Steve Sisolak.
As the event planner, she has served as the chief lead, helping coordinate participants, locations, and supplies for the multitude of events the chapter has organized. Stafford has increased the number of events honoring all military services.
“Her exemplary performance during the year represents the best of the Vietnam Veterans of America and the AVVA. We are deeply grateful for her continuing service and leadership and encourage her to continue her dedicated work,” said John Ostrander, board chair of VVA Sierra Nevada Chapter 989.
Chapter 989 was established in 2007. The organization invites anyone who would like to support area veterans to join them by volunteering. Individuals do not have to be veterans. For information, visit www.vvareno989.org.
Caregiver Support Program
The Caregiver Support Program (CSP) announces the launch of its “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 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/TipsTools.asp.
Champagne Luncheon & Fashion Show
The Veterans Guest House in Reno is hosting the 2024 Champagne Luncheon & Fashion Show on Friday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. The Guest House is currently accepting applications for models through the following link: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/modelapp24.
For the past 30 years, Veterans Guest House has served as a lifeline for veterans and their families seeking medical care in the Reno/Sparks area. Before VGH was founded, many veterans and their families would be forced to sleep in their cars or forgo care altogether.
With the generosity of community leaders, free overnight accommodations, personal care assistance, transportation, and support with basic needs are readily available for veterans and their families.
Travel costs continue to be a leading barrier to receiving medical care. Your support of VGH is crucial to struggling veterans from surrounding areas who cannot afford a place to stay, have difficulties with transportation, or need a hand to hold during treatment.
Whether visiting for a routine appointment or staying for long-term care, your support helps veterans gain access to critical healthcare, leading to a happier, healthier veteran community.
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.
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 Sept. 9. The group would like to increase participation. The group has about 20 to 25 regulars. There is no charge from the Elks for the breakfast. Each meeting normally features a guest speaker. Guests are welcome.
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 the program is in person or online. The G.I. Bill is an essential tool 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 home with their children.
VFW speech contests
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is now accepting entries for its 78th annual 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen youth scholarship competitions. This year’s themes ask America’s high school students, “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?” while middle school students will have the opportunity to contemplate, “My Voice in America’s Democracy.”
The Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition is open to high school students in grades 9 through 12, with the national first-place prize scholarship totaling $35,000. The first-place department (state) winners receive a special Parade of Winners trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by Twisted X, where they compete for more than $170,000 in national scholarship awards. Nearly 22,000 high school students worldwide compete in the competition each year.
Open to middle school students in sixth through eighth grade, nearly 55,800 students participate annually in the Patriot’s Pen essay competition. Bryant Day, the 2023-2024 Patriot’s Pen first place winner, was sponsored by VFW Post 9943 and its Auxiliary in Mansfield, Ohio. Listen as he delivered his award-winning essay. Student entries may be submitted (along with a completed entry form) to their local participating VFW Post. The deadline for both contests is Oct. 31, 2024. Read more about the contests, or submit your essay and entry form at your local participating VFW Post.
Vet Tix Discount tickets to events
The address is vettix.org. for veterans to register for discount tickets. Once you register, you can receive emails of all the events that they receive tickets and then apply for the tix. There are all kinds of sports events, comedy shows, etc.
Military articles and news briefs are compiled by the Nevada News Group. Questions may be directed to [email protected].
