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Military briefs around Northern Nevada: Week of Nov. 12

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Join the Nevada News Group’s Steve Ranson on KKOH Radio (780 AM) on Nov. 15 at 4:30 p.m. as he discusses veterans’ events in the Reno-Sparks area. 

Wreaths Across America

The annual Wreaths Across America program is less than two months away, but the fundraising to place a wreath on every veteran’s grave is continuing for the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Fernley. The Wreaths Across America remembrance ceremony is planned for Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. at the NNVMC.

To order a wreath for Fernley’s NNVMC event, go to nnvc.org and click on Wreaths Across America for the pdf form, or mail your donation to: Nevada Veterans Coalition; P.O. Box 415; Fernley, NV 89408. If you’re on their mailing list, you’ll soon receive your donation information in the mail to sponsor a wreath or you can go to the Nevada Veterans Coalition website and click on the Wreaths Across America logo with “DONATE” on it to sponsor a wreath.

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. (November will be on the 18th.) The group would really like to increase participation. Currently, the group has about 20-25 regulars. 

There is no charge from the Elks for the breakfast. Each meeting normally features a guest speaker. Guests are welcome.

Adopt a Vet Dental

The Adopt a Vet Dental Program called attention to the current state of affairs in Veterans dental care by releasing a video.  

A shocking 85% of veterans are ineligible to receive dental care through the VA Healthcare system across the country. This means that every year thousands of veterans seek out help for dental abscesses and pain in their jaws. In their pain, they turn inwards and begin to self-isolate from their loved ones. 

Some go as far as pulling their teeth through whatever means are easiest for them. The Adopt a Vet Dental Program asks that you help us create awareness that hope does exist.  

AAVD’s mission is to give free critical and life-saving dental care to impoverished veterans throughout the state of Nevada. AAVD’s over 162 providers have donated more than $9 million in care for the last 14 years. 

Equipped with new smiles, veterans can continue their legacy of service by actively participating in their communities. To learn more about AAVD, visit: https://adoptavetdental.com/about-us/our-story/.

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.

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 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 that 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 new 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 does retain 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. 

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

Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, and family activities to currently serving military members, veterans of all eras, and immediate family of those killed in action. 

Since 2008, Vet Tix has provided over 25 million free event tickets to over two million members. 

In 2018, Vet Tix launched 1st Tix, which provides the same benefit to our nation’s first responders, including current and retired law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 Dispatchers. 

These events help service members, veterans, and first responders reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build lifelong memories and encourage them to stay engaged with American life and their local communities. 

Vet Tix spends over 98% of its revenue on its programs, ensuring we give back to those who have given so much. Visit VetTix.org and 1stTix.org to learn more. 

Military articles and news briefs are compiled by the Nevada News Group. Questions may be directed to [email protected].

Steve Ranson
Steve Ranson
Steve Ranson is Editor Emeritus of the Lahontan Valley News.

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