Events and news briefs focused on veterans and active duty military compiled by Steve Ranson.
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 event is Nov. 8. 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.
Berry serves as the adjutant general for the State of Nevada. He is the senior uniformed Nevada National Guard officer responsible for formulating, developing, and coordinating all policies, programs, and plans affecting more than 4,700 Nevada Army and Air National Guard personnel.
Appointed by the governor, Berry is the principal adviser on all National Guard issues and is responsible for both the federal and state missions of the Nevada National Guard. Berry has announced his retirement, effective Oct. 31. This is expected to be his first public appearance following his retirement.
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 from beds, wheelchairs, toilets and tubs. 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 work group, 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.
Champagne Luncheon & Fashion Show
Veterans Guest House in Reno is hosting the 2024 Champagne Luncheon & Fashion Show on Friday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. The Guest House is currently accepting applications for models at 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 were 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. 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, support helps veterans gain access to critical health care, 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].
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 on Oct. 14. The group would like to increase participation—currently, there are about 20-25 regular attendees. The November meeting will be on the 18th.
There is no charge from the Elks for the breakfast. Each meeting normally features a guest speaker. Guests are welcome.
Nevada Veterans Coalition
- Oct. 24, 3-3:30 p.m. — Unaccompanied service at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley at 14 Veterans Way.
- Nov. 11, 12 p.m. — BBQ for Veterans Day at Vet Mech Arms. This is a fundraiser for the Nevada Veterans Coalition and other veterans organizations. Stop by their shop or call 775-294-5458 to learn more about this event.
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 at home with their children.
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. The new Carson City station, located within the Office of the Adjutant General at 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 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. 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.
Vet Tix discount tickets to events
Veterans can register for discount tickets to events at vettix.org. Once registered, you can receive emails about available events, including sports, comedy shows and more.
Military articles and news briefs are compiled by the Nevada News Group. Questions may be directed to [email protected].
