15 JUN 23 Military Summer BBQ
09 APR 24 AVVA Meeting – Mimi’s Café, Reno
Board Chairman, John Ostrander, administrated the Oath of Office at the monthly AVVA meeting Brigitte was reselected to serve for another two years as AVVA Area Rep. for VVA Chapter 989. Two new members were introduced and welcomed with a Pinning Ceremony, the monthly AVVA Meeting are held at Mimi’s Cafe in Reno.
6 APR 23 Nevada Veterans Legislative Symposium Dula Community Center, Las Vegas
The second Nevada Veterans Legislative Symposium for 2024 was held April 6th in Las Vegas. The first meeting was in Reno last Saturday. The symposium is cosponsored by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services and United Veterans Legislative Council. The new NDVS Director was introduced, Mary Devine, and VVA 989er Lt. Andy LePeilbet Co-Chaired the Symposium. The first session was how State Legislation works, the process on how the bills are presented and passed. After a break, the 2nd session determining which issues are important to active service members, veterans and dependents. Many items were suggested and discussed followed by an opportunity for participants to mark priorities on posters in the room. The results will be tabulated and reported to the State Legislature. The State Representatives present and NDVS have a true desire for Nevada to become the most Veteran friendly state in the country.
Tap to Read more about NDVS – Tap to Read more about UVLC –
Tap to Read more about – Don’t Feed The Sharks” – VFW
23 MAR 24 Vietnam War Veterans Remembrance Day
TMÇC was a wonderful venue for the 2024 Vietnam War Veterans Remembrance Day !
Complete Video of The Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day Event at TMCC was provided by Mr. Felipe Gutierrez De Alba- Veterans Program Coordinator TMCC (US Marine Veteran)
This is RENO -Vietnam War Veterans Remembrance Day
Newspaper Article: Service, heroes and sacrifice By: Steve Ranson, ( VVA 989 ) 28 MAR 24
VVA 989 President Stafford addresses the audience.
As usual, AVVA Members were the backbone of operations
29 MAR 2024 National Vietnam War Veterans Day
4 NOV 23 “From Camos to Classrooms” Scholarship Gala
VVA & AVVA Chapter 989 held our third, “From Camos to Classrooms” Scholarship Fundraising Gala this year and we were back at the National Automobile Museum venue where we raised over $20K for future Veteran Scholarships. Chapter 989 presented four $3,000 Veteran Scholarships to deserving University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and Truckee Meadows Community College, (TMCC) students.
President’s 2023 Year End Recap & Message
Ahoy 989ers,
Having recently completed my “year-end” report for the calendar year 2023 and the (Q-2) report for the State’s Veterans Services Commission (VSC), I once again reflected on how much Chapter 989 has accomplished during this past quarter and during the entire year of 2023. I am pleased to provide the following recap for your review. The Chapter’s work (and play) is something that comes with your membership, and it is up to you as to what you choose to contribute.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year.
Semper Paratus,
J. R.
Read Full President’s 2023 Year End Recap & Message ( Tap Here )
16 DEC 23 Wreaths Across America
VVA and AVVA Chapter 989 Members assembled at the Veterans Cemetery in Fallon for the Annual Wreaths Across America Event. President J.R. Stafford accepted an Award for the Chapters continuous support of this great Observance. Once all the Wreaths were placed, the Christmas Spirit came alive and the Fallen were not Forgotten. Well Done – BZ
16 Nov 23 NNS Veterans Home
4 NOV 23 Veteran of the Month
What an amazing Veterans Day Ceremony in Las Vegas today! Congratulations to all the recipients of the Veteran of the Month and Veteran Supporter of the Month Awards! VVA Webmaster for 989 and 1076 Rick Kaufmann received the VOM for October 23. Thank you to Governor Joe Lombardo, Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony, along with Senators Cortez Masto, Rosen and the Congressional delegation of Titus, Horsford and Lee! Most of all, thank you to our veterans, service members and their families! Today was your day!
19NOV23 “Veteran Supporter of The Month” AVVA Associates 989
Carson City, NV- Chapter 989’s AVVA “Associates” were honored at the State Capital in the Old Assembly Chambers as the November 2023 “Veteran Supporter of The Month” by Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony representing Governor Joe Lombardo. In a ceremony also honoring other Veterans Supporters (VSOM) and Veterans of the Month (VOM), Chapter 989’s AVVA “Associates” were lauded for all the work they do “year-round” in support of Chapter activities supporting the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home, The Nevada Army & Air Guard Family Support system including the Holiday Basket Program for Guard Families. The 989 Associates also provide huge support for the Annual Scholarship Gala supporting veteran students at University of Nevada – Reno (UNR), and Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), Memorial and for Wreaths Across America activities at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley. Brigitte, Nancy, Sandy & Ray were invited forward to represent the over 46 members of the AVVA a presented with coins and certificates of recognition.
17 SEP 23 National Championship Air Races
VVA 989 spent our last Reno Air Race Military Appreciation Day at Stead Field, and it was bittersweet. We have been taking part in the activities for some years and this was the last time we’d be handing out 50th year commemorative pins, Chapter membership applications, and information on veteran’s programs to the crowds. We will miss the Military Appreciation Day in the coming years.
This year too, brought out lots of “out of towners” and I personally spoke with an Argentine Naval Veteran and others spoke with visitors and veterans from Austria and Australia. And there were veterans and VVA members from other chapters across the land. I know I spoke with visitors from Minnesota, Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Arkansas and “all points” in between. It was a fun and productive day. Ironically, the races are moving from Reno where they started in 1964 because insurance for the event had jumped from $780K to $1.3M this year and holding the races here has become prohibitive. Sadly, there was a death last year, and there were two more deaths on the final Sunday, the absolute last day of the races in Reno. RIP racing pilots and spectators from previous accidents over the years.
Thanks to all the AVVA & VVA 989ers for your help making our day at the Air Races a great success!
J. R. Stafford
23 AUG 23 “Quilts of Valor” Northern Nevada State Veterans Home
989ers took part in what has turned into a quarterly “Quilts of Valor” and 50th Commemorative Pin presentation at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home (NNSVH). Kudos to AVVA & VVA members (some duel members) for spending their morning with the residents and guests at the NNSVH.
19 AUG 23 Reno Aces Military Appreciation Night
Baseball fans were greeted by an impressive display of vintage military vehicles parked out front which were very well received and appreciated by the fans. Once inside Greater Nevada Field, the Flags around the POW Chair of Honor and new buntings looked great! As always, thank you to our Mr. Color Guard Captain, Ray Scow, for his transport of all the materials and continued attention to detail for the 989ers crew for set-up and take-down. Our photographers, Dianne Glass, and David McNair, grabbed lots of Pictures. Our pal, LtCol. Steve Ranson, US Army, (ret.) was there too with loads of pictures and he is writing a story for The Nevada Appeal. The new “Coining Ceremony” afterward in the stands where the new Sailors, Marines, Coasties, and Army/Army Guard enlistees received Chapter 989 Coins in remembrance of their standing on the field and swearing the Oath of Enlistment in front of the fans was very much appreciated.
When we gathered the fifteen (15) new Enlistees they were told the 15 that the coin they received when coming off the field may have come from a Navy Cross Recipient, of a Combat Infantryman, or A Coastie who served in Vietnam, or an army aircraft mechanic or another army Vietnam Veteran. They were also told they could always remember that our Chapter 989 coin marked what we hoped was a long and distinguished career defending our country. Parents came to Chapter President, J. R. Stafford, afterward and told him how moved there were that many of us “old” Vietnam Vets would come to their child’s enlistment, and they appreciated it.
The POW/MIA Chair of Honor re-dedication went nicely despite the wind and flags blowing J. R.’s script around. The bottom line is that the fans were again reminded the chair is still in place and there at Greater Nevada Field to honor the over 82,000 POW/MIA still out there.
Story covered By Steve Ranson – Member VVA 989
MILITARY NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK
04 AUG 23 Reno Coast Guard Lunch Bunch
VVA 989 Members who are also part of “Reno Coast Guard Lunch Bunch” helped celebrate the Coast Guard 233rd Birthday. The group is open to all Veterans, Active-duty, Reservist and retirees of the Coast Guard. It meets once a month at famous Dave’s to exchange “salty tales”. The cake cutting task was the responsibility of the earliest and latest enlisted members. The group has been meeting for over 10 years. It started with three members and has grown at Friday’s event with 46 members. A few crew members from Small Boat Station Lake Tahoe made the trip to Reno to enjoy the cake. Bravo Zulu
04 AUG 23 Hot August Nights Parade Sparks
Monthly Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza Sparks Clean-up
Volunteers are needed !!
Work party Volunteers are needed to help maintain the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza. Many members of the VVA 989 led by Greg Lezalla have already begun the cleanup process. This involves some sweeping, “SWIFFER” mopping of the highly polished bricks and walls, and some clean-up of trash and debris which accumulates at the Memorial throughout the week. Other civic and veteran(s) groups do the clean-up at the Memorial Plaza during the following weeks so the Plaza gets “polished up” prior to, or on, most weekends. This Community Service activity greatly shows that VVA989 Veterans have pride in the Memorial that is dedicated to Nevada Veterans. Please strongly consider Volunteering and helping out.
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.
The Friday Brunch Bunch of VVA 989 On first FRIDAY OF EACH Month @ 0930 hours for Coffee, Conversation and Comradeship. Just “Come On Down” and enjoy the Bunch at our monthly get-togethers.
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
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 