25 MARCH 2023 Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza
16 Mar 23 General Chapter Meeting at The Bunker
Those 989ers who came to the 989 Chapter meeting early on March 16th at the Bunker were treated to a visit by Horsmanship 4 Heroes and one of their outstanding members, Shahan. He and his owner, Scott Hooper, US Army Colonel (ret), will be presenting the “Colors” at our Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Ceremony on Saturday, 25MAR23 at the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza (NVMP) in Sparks at 1400 hours. Shahan was kind enough to pose for pictures with some of the 989ers in the parking lot prior to the meeting and an outstanding update and brief on the H4H program by Karolyn Hooper, US Army Colonel (ret), when the meeting convened in the Bunker.
989ers were also briefed by fellow 989er, Andy Le Peilbet (our man at the 82nd Legislature) on pending legislation and the “process” unfolding in Carson City until the Legislature adjures in June.
We were pleased to have many 989ers from both the VVA & AVVA at the meeting which was “a bit tighter” than normal as we had to meet in the bar area of the Bunker do to a scheduling conflict. Pictures show the closeness of the seating and the closeness of our comradeship.
We welcomed member number 244, US Navy Veteran, Brother Dave Newbry (ink still wet on his application) and a visit from Robert White Past President from Chapter 719.
As always, pizza was eaten, information was passed, and plans made for upcoming Chapter events. This time some who attend may have had some sore butts, …and not from the chairs in the Bunker!
Plan to join us “next time” you never know what to expect.
VVA 989 Important Up Coming Dates !!
Mark your calendar and plan to join us for some or all the upcoming events in the coming weeks and months:
20MAR23, 1000 hours, Service for Capt. Raymond Waters, US Army Air Corps, WWII POW, Honored by VVA 989 at Greater Nevada Field in June 2022, Service at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Fernley, NV
23MAR23 1400 hours, Rehearsal and run through of the program for Saturday, 25MAR23 at Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza.
25MAR23, 1400 hours, Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day, Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza, (NVMP) Sparks Marina
07APR23, 0930 hours, First Friday Brunch at Mimi’s Cafe, 5090 Kietzke Lane, Reno
20APR23, 1800 hours, Chapter Meeting, and Election of Officers for 2023-2024
05MAY23, 0930 hours, First Friday Brunch, Location TBD
18MAY23, 1800 hours, Chapter Meeting
20MAY23, time (TBD), Armed Forces Day, Fallon, NV
27MAY23, time (TBD), Ruck to NNVMC begins in Carson City
29MAY23, 1100 hours, Memorial Day Services at Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, (NNVMC) and Ruck concludes.
Mark your calendar and plan to join us !!!!
“Household Goods for Veterans “Program – a Partnership with the Katie Grace Foundation and AVVA-VVA 989
We’re pleased to have partnered with the Katie Grace Foundation, to assist, and distribute household goods for veterans here in the Reno area who are in need. Please use the “Green” below and review the attached letter and application “form” and let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
15 MAR 23 Veterans And Military Day at Legislature – Carson City, NV
Wednesday, March 15th dawned clear and downright chilly in the Capitol City. Fortunately, plans for inclement weather for this edition of the by-annual Veterans And Military Day At the Legislature (VAMDAL) had us inside. Veteran Service Organizations (VSO) and the Governor’s staff met inside the Library and Archives Building in Carson City which was warm and comfortable. …The latest in the march of (and now very familiar) “Atmospheric Rivers” to hit the area had slipped south earlier and although it wasn’t raining or snowing outside, it was nice to be inside and “toasty” rather than outside in the weather.
VAMDAL is/was a great way for those of us in the veteran and military communities to show the Nevada Legislature that we’re, “Here” and that we represent over 16% of the population of the State.” Naturally, Active duty and Guard personnel were there in uniforms, and veterans were there in “Chapter/Post Shirts” with ball caps and garrison covers showing our various military affiliations.
The strong showing and impressive numbers from our veteran and military community send a message that we appreciate the Legislature and we’re willing to support legislation which lightens the load on today’s military and veterans. And legislation which does not support the needs of our fellow veterans and active personnel is strenuously opposed by those of us veterans who can more actively bring our concerns to our elected officials.
Wednesday was also an opportunity to celebrate three of our very own Chapter 989ers. Both George and Susan Malone were chosen as Nevada Veterans of the Month (VOM) for March and April respectively, and Nancy Grey was chosen Nevada Veteran Supporter of the Month for March by the Veterans Services Commission (VSM) late last year. VAMDAL was the opportunity for Governor Joe Lombardo to present the Malones and Nancy their well-deserved certificates of recognition. Over ten plus 989ers in the audience (many in colorful “spring” colored Chapter Shirts) and colleagues from other VSOs applauded enthusiastically for members of the Chapter when the Governor and members of the Veterans Services Commission (VSC) recognized our members. The applause was well deserved.
The entire day at VAMDAL was masterfully organized (weather considerations included) by members of the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, with Jim Richardson and Terri Hendri orchestrating.
Thanks to all the 989ers who attended VAMDAL and congratulations to Nancy Grey and Susan & George Malone. You ALWAYS make the Chapter and your fellow 989ers very proud.
Semper Paratus,
J. R. Stafford
06 MAR 23 Northern Nevada State Veterans Hospital – VVA 989
The Great Laundry Cart Caper of 2023
As a strong and continuous supporter of the Northern Nevada State Veterans Hospital (NNSVH), since it opened in 2019, VVA 989 was pleased to help resolve another problem recently. We helped connect the housekeeping unit at NNSVH with our friends at The Cart Barn in Reno to solve a big issue. You see, the housekeeping staff was quite miserable trying to move fresh and soiled linens between the various wings of the facility particularly during cold, wet, and snowy weather in the existing overused open-air golf cart.
Enter Mark and Debbie Dinsdale, owners of the Cart Barn in Reno, who took the time to sit with the staff at the home and design a serviceable, comfortable, and WARM new laundry cart which was recently delivered to the home. The cart, complete with a heater and windows and openable windshield for those hot summer days and closeable when wind, rain and snow would have made laundry runs miserable is now in place at the home. The cart is also easily recognizable with its signature American Flag embossed on the hood and customized pick-up style bed in the back for laundry. It’s worth noting that the cart came in well under an initial bid from another entity and was donated by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. VVA 989 and the residents and staff at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home wish to thank the donor of the new custom designed laundry cart and to thank Debbie and Mark Dinsdale for their part in making this all happen for our brothers and sisters at the home.
03 MAR 23 Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza – Sparks
The newly opened Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza (NVMP) in Sparks had requested volunteers from various community organizations throughout the area to help maintain the new NVMP by doing a weekly cleaning. VVA and AVVA 989ers all, have chosen to go to the Memorial Plaza after our monthly First Friday Brunch and clean up the memorial grounds. Other organizations will do “their” weekly cleaning on other weeks during the month, but 989ers have chosen the first Friday of the month as our time. The weather was absolutely beautiful and the work was “knocked out” in short order, making this beautiful location, “Spick & Span” for another week of visitors. It was a great job by all and fun working off the various Gold’n Silver Rancher’s Specials from earlier in the morning…
21 FEB 23 Awards – Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America
AVVA 989 enjoying lunch at Mimi’s Cafe and receiving Awards – Well Done !
10 FEB 23 VVA 989 National Recognition
VVA / AVVA 989 received National Recognition in the VVA Veteran magazine JAN/FEB 23 edition. Page 30 MEMBERSHIP NOTES section “IN SERVICE“ the first story describes the 989 efforts to bring Christmas Cheer to the Veterans Home and VA Guest House. After decorating the VA Guest House 989 showed up with its Flag Trailer at the Sparks Christmas Parade. Congratulations to all the volunteers who make these events possible.
Well Done !!
27 JAN 23 Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery
Thanks to all VVA, AVVA, members and Mike Leone from the Army Guard Family Support Center who made short work of picking up the over 8,000 wreaths on the cemetery grounds. There may have been other 989ers there this morning, but they weren’t there for “picture time.,
21 JAN 23 Rest in Peace Colonel Jack R. Logan
Our brother VVA member, US Army Colonel Jack R. Logan (Ret.) passed away on January 21, 2023, at the age of 92. His decorations include the Combat Infantry Badge, the Silver Star Medal, two Legion of Merit Awards, two Bronze Star Medals for Valor and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star. There will be a Celebration of Life to be held 3:00 pm March 2nd at Mountain View Mortuary, 425 Stoker Avenue, Reno, with a reception to follow. His remains will be interred at West Point at a later date.
17 JAN 23 AVVA and VVA 989 at the Veterans Guest House
VVA 989 President’s 2022 Year End Recap & Message
Ahoy 989ers,
Having recently completed my calendar “Year End” (Q-2) Chapter report for the Governor’s Veterans Services Commission, I once again reflected on how much we have accomplished this past quarter and for the entire year This, despite continued COVID and other challenges in 2022. Last year for my “President’s Recap” I went to bullet items noting accomplishments which is easier to follow. In looking back over 2022, I am pleased to remind everyone what we accomplished.
Meet Us at The Bunker
VVA Chapter 989 meets “The Bunker “which has a “semi-subterranean room “at 255 VFW Historic Lane, Reno. The Bunker has many Military Historical items which tell the story of Nevada Veterans defending our country. VVA is proud to have a showcase for Vietnam Veterans also plaques are displayed with the names of our VVA 989 Fallen Members. Rest in Peace Your – Service is Over.
27 FEB 23 Nevada Appeal – “Northern Nevada vets home benefits from project”
AVVA 989 and VVA 989 Service Activities are often reported by the Northern Nevada News Media and here is a few examples.
10 DEC 22 – This is RENO – “Camos to Classroom awards three scholarships”
10 DEC 12 VVA989 OutReach Table – Crossroads Gun Show
VVA 989’s OutReach Table was well staffed during the Crossroads Gun Show at the Reno Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday.
The Booth is an Excellent way to “Pass the Word” about VVA 989. Many chapters applications were handed out and donations were received for the Ducks.
Thanks to all the Volunteers who helped!
3 DEC 22 Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade
The 2022 Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade celebrated its 35 years tradition, Enthusiastic spectators line the parade route on Victorian Square for their chance to see Santa and celebrate the Christmas season. The cold weather didn’t deter VVA 989s Signature Flag Trailer or crew. The trailer was escorted by a number of classic vehicles driven by VVA989 members. A Great showing by VVA989 Volunteers to End the years Open-air Events. Bravo Zulu and Merry Christmas to all !!
12 NOV 22 – From Camos to Classrooms – Scholarship Gala
A wonderful event hosted by VVA 989 that supports Scholarships available to Veterans from Northern Nevada Collages. Thank you!
If you’ve been discharged from military service, your personnel files are stored here at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). We are the official repository for records of military personnel who have been discharged from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard.
2021 VVA-AVVA Sierra Nevada Chapter 989 Accomplishments !
Note: Click or Tap on a Colored Buttons for more information
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.
VVA 989 Friday Brunch Bunch
The Friday Brunch Bunch of VVA 989 Meets for breakfast. On first FRIDAY OF EACH Month @ 1000 hours for Coffee, Conversation and Comradeship.
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
Vietnam Veterans of America Sierra Nevada Chapter 989 Reno, Nevada 