17 SEP 21 VVA 989 Day at the Reno Air Races
The Reno Championship Air Races and Air Show was a fantastic event for the VVA / AVVA 989 Members who were able to attend. Friday’s session was Military Appreciation Day, Veterans received a complimentary ball cap from the Reno Air Races. The Flag Trailer and Outreach Booth were surrounded by a variety of military airplanes and recruiters. The Flag Trailer did a Drive-by in front of the grandstands loaded with 989 members during the Opening Ceremonies that included a Tribute to Veterans. What a great moment for 989. Buddy was a hit with the youngsters who were choosing a duck to take home. Once again, Ray and crew had set up the Flag Trailer and Booth by the time gates opened. Members were available to talk to all interested folks who stop by. Members could spend time at the Outreach Booth and had time to roam the Pits and Vendor Areas. It was a Great Day to be a part of 989, a Veteran and an American.
Rest in Peace – SSgt. John S. Leavitt
VVA 989 was saddened to learn of the recent passing of our most recent POW/MIA Honoree at Military Appreciation Night with the Reno Aces.
We were honored to have one hundred and two year old SSgt. John S. Leavitt, US Army Corps of Engineers at our September 5th POW/MIA Chair of Honor re-dedication.
SSgt, Leavitt was captured during the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium and repatriated in May 1945. He was a resident at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home in Sparks.
Rest in Peace, John Leavitt and thank you for your service to our Country.
11 SEP 21 VVA / AVVA 989 Supports TMCC’s Veterans Operation Battle Born Never Forget
Operation Battle Born: Never Forget is a moving Memorial of all those lives lost twenty years ago, as well as homage to those who chose to devote their lives to serve our country.
TMCC’s Veterans Program is honoring the veterans killed since 9/11 with an 11 mile march from the Summit Mall to the Nevada Veterans Memorial Park at the Sparks, Nevada. Veterans call this a “ruck march”, which is when a soldier marches relatively quickly with a loaded pack.
VVA / AVVA 989 was there at the start with support and hospitality and will be at the finish in the Sparks Marina welcoming the finishers.
(Complete story and pictures will be posted soon)
05SEP21 VVA 989 and the Reno Aces
Military Appreciation Night
This evening was a GREAT Day to be a part of VVA/AVVA 989. The POW/MIA Chair was rededicated with our special Guest of Honor former POW 102 year old, SSgt. John Levitte, US Army during the game. (For Full pictures and story please tap on the Red link)
Video by Mike Wells
A Message from the President of VVA Sierra Nevada Chapter 989
As President of the Vietnam Veterans of America – VVA Sierra Nevada Chapter 989, Reno, I am honored to represent more than 240 Members and Associates living in the area and some scattered throughout the country. There are wildly different political views and opinions within the membership and personal politics have no place in this message. To that end, I’m sure we are all deeply saddened by recent events in Afghanistan and pray for all those left behind.
To our brothers and sisters in arms, and who grieve the loss of friends, comrades, innocence and youth…Know that we grieve with you. Know that your sacrifice was not in vain and your service was honorable. “Politics almost always gets in the way of the military mission as many of us found out 50 years ago. Know too, that you come home with honor and your service was not in vain.”
J.R.
VA AGENT ORANGE OnLine Training 30SEP
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
This month is a great time for all of us to eflect on why we need to prioritize suicide prevention. Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death in the State of Nevada. In 2018, 94 Nevada veterans experienced death by suicide.
Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8265, press 1
Veterans, If any of you need to reach out to talk, don’t hesitate to call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8265, press 1.
And yes, be patient as the line is being overwhelmed. Apparently, many of our younger brothers and sisters having been on the ground in Afghanistan are now experiencing feelings that many of us felt long ago.
Image Posted with Permission from “Art by Karla “ Facebook site.
02 SEP 21 Nevada Humane Society support from VVA/AVVA 989
AVVA 989 Regional Representative Brigitte Stafford received an emergency request to help transport Pet food and supplies needed by the displaced Caldor Fire Evacuees and their pets. Donations were received at the Reno Humane Society Building but were needed at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Immediately action was taken to provide the VVA 989 Flag Trailer. Humane Society Volunteers helped load the trailer. Ray Scow at the wheel with copilot J. R. Stafford headed south with their much-needed cargo.
Over the past few years AVVA 989 members have logged in many volunteer hours at the Humane Society. The Humane Society posted this thank you massage about VVA Chapter 989 on Facebook.
Thank you to the amazing volunteers from Vietnam Veterans of America Sierra Nevada Chapter 989 who volunteered their trailer, their time and their support to help transport ALL these supplies to pets in need! These volunteers are also the proud parents of former Nevada Humane Society shelter pets. Ray adopted his beloved #RescueDog Buddy from our Reno Shelter several years ago and the two are inseparable!
The need for the Humane Society support may not be over. Brigitte is keeping track of volunteers who may be needed in the near future on short notice.
Well Done 989!!
VVA 989-AVVA Participation/ Volunteer Opportunities
are Listed on the “MEMBERS ONLY” page
Note: Click or Tap on a Colored Buttons for more information
2021 NAME ADDITIONS ON THE VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL
This year, there were two additions to The Wall, bringing the total number of names on The Wall to 58,281. There were also two service members who were repatriated in 2020 and those service members had their status symbols changed on The Wall. The number of Americans still listed as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War stands at 1,584.
Chapter 989 Color Guard and Flag Trailer
POW/MIA Recognition Day was designated by Congress in 1979 to be the third Friday in September. The day honors the sacrifice made by America’s prisoners of war, those who are still missing in action and their families. While many prisoners of war returned home, thousands still remain missing or unaccounted for.
Event Flyers
Freedom and security are precious gifts that we, as Americans, should never take for granted. We must do all we can to extend our hand in times of need to those who willingly sacrifice each day to provide that freedom and security. While we can never do enough to show gratitude to our nation’s defenders, we can always do a little more. – Gary Sinise
On Going Support
Northern Nevada State Veterans Home (NDVS)
Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza Sparks Marina
Wreaths Across America
Scholarships for Veterans at TMCC and UNR
Homeless Veteran Stand Down
Nevada Veterans Coalition (NVC)
“Adopt a Vet” Dental Program
Military & Family Support Service- Army & Air National Guard
Donations
Donations to VVA 989 are accepted through our website or mail and are tax deductible. All donations received by VVA 989 are spent locally to help local veterans. The Vietnam Veterans of America is a non-profit, veteran services
organization (Tax ID #52-18500908). Donations are tax deductible under IRS regulation 501(c)19 group exemption 3202 for veterans organizations.
Under this group exemption, donations to the VVA, VVA State Councils and VVA Chapters are deductible as provided by Section 170 of the IRS Code.
Get In Touch
vvareno989@gmail.com
or US Mail
Vietnam Veterans of America
Sierra Nevada Chapter 989
P.O. Box 20921
Reno, NV. 89515
989 Chapter Meetings
989 Chapter Meeting is on the Third Thursday of each month, 1800 hours at VFW Post 9211, 255 VFW Historic Lane, Reno, NV
First Friday Brunch Bunch
Meet for brunch at the Gold and Silver Inn, 4th and Vine, Reno NV, the first Friday of each month at 1000 hours for coffee, conversation and comradeship. Presently Group size is limited to 40 customers. Please RSVP Red at E mail Redkittell@gmail.com for a reservation.
