23 JUN 22 Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza Gala
Members of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA & AVVA) Sierra Nevada Chapter 989 attended the long-awaited return of the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza (NVMP)’s Gala fundraiser at the Grand Sierra Resort. The dinner was the first in several years as COVID had (predictably) restricted large gatherings such as this one was.
Happy 989ers gathered early and placed bids on many silent auction items and purchased raffle tickets for a chance for $500 in SOUTHWEST Airlines Tickets before the night was over. Mr. Dan Mason of KOH Radio fame and Sparks Councilman, Kristopher Dahir emceed proceedings and were instrumental in keeping the evening light and informational.
During dinner, Kristopher Dahir, presented several awards to organizations who have been significant in the development of the NVMP. Councilman Dahir also to surprised members of the Chapter by asking them to come forward and he presented attendees with a beautiful plaque thanking Chapter 989 for our support of the Memorial Plaza over the years.
Chapter 989 President J. R. Stafford accepted the plaque on behalf of the Chapter thanking the NVMP foundation and the City of Sparks for their diligence and continued work on this very worthwhile project. Stafford suggested that one of the first things he is looking forward to upon completion of the plaza was an outdoor movie night, suggesting that “Good morning, Vietnam!” might be a good premier feature for the Plaza.
Eight 989er couples ponied up over $2,200. In sufficient funds to purchase two tables on behalf of Chapter 989 and were equally pleased to present NVMP officials with an additional $1,000 check from 989’s treasury. These funds will be used to complete the actual NVMP construction over the next 4-5 months, and further funding is need for ongoing maintenance on the Plaza. The plan is that “Veterans Organizations” in the area will not pay to use the plaza, and as hosts for the evening they said, “veterans have paid enough!”
As some of you know, Chapter 989 also purchased a $1,000 brick paver for the Memorial Plaza last March which will soon be laid in the plaza.
The evening ended as it began, patriotically, with the Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag. Just a guess, but next year’s NVMP Gala participation by 989ers may even be more once word gets out that it was a wonderful time had by all.
18 JUN 22 VVA 989 ACES Military Appreciation Night
Our efforts to bring in more “military” activities and static displays during Military Appreciation Night which seemed to be well received all around.
Thanks to: the Aces Staff for giving us the opportunity to “partner” with the Aces. The Staff at Northern Nevada State Veterans Home for their transport and care of Captain Raymond Waters as this evening’s POW Honoree. The various recruiters who came representing the various services. The Army Recruit Command for their on field “Oath of Enlistment” for five new soldiers. The Army Guard and vintage Military vehicle owners for their static display out front of the ballpark.
Kimberly Ahrens-Dixon for her always wonderful renditions of both the National Anthem and God Bless America! John & Linda Dickinson who were the face of our “outreach” efforts at the Outreach Table. Ray Scow, our Color Guard Captain and Flag Display Master for his always impressive flag displays for the public. Mel Grotberg, Rick Kaufmann and Frank O’Boyle for work with Flag Display and relief duty at Outreach Table. Brigitte Stafford for being the “Go To” person with questions about any and all aspects of the Event. All things considered, I think we can give ourselves better than a “Passing Grade” on our efforts. THANK YOU ALL for a Great Night!!
MCMC (Master Chief / Master of Ceremonies) J.R. Stafford President Vietnam Veterans of America, Sierra Nevada Chapter 989
“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.
30MAY22 State Veterans Home Car Cruise and Taps
For AVVA- VVA 989 Memorial Day continued with the second event. After the Memorial Day services ended in a Fernley, members coordinated a Car Cruise at the Nevada State’s Veterans Home on Battle Born Way, Sparks. Cars started lining up at 1400. The veterans and participants paused at 1500 for the nationwide “TAPS ACROSS AMERICA“ Tribute. Echo Taps was performed which added a meaningful moment to the Event.
Shortly after the command was given “Start your Engines” and the Cruise began. Residents and flags waved, truly a beautiful and appreciated event for our veterans. A Patriotic Shout- Out to everyone who made this possible. Service to our fellow Veterans at the Veteran Home, what a great way to end the Memorial Day Weekend. Well done!!
28MAY22 OutReach “Summer Salute” Car Show and Shine
2022 Summer Salute Car Show was at beautiful and a very windy Rancho San Rafael Park today. Classic Chevys Plus Car Club with The Veterans Guest House, Honor Flight Nevada, and KKOH AM 780 team up for this charity-focused Memorial Day weekend event. AVVA-VVA 989 members operated our Outreach Booth through it all. J.R. reported over a dozen applications were handed out as well as Vietnam War 50th Anniversary pins. Ducks flew off the table from donations. A few members had double duties with other outreach booths; VVA 989er Monk was seen in the Veterans Guest House booth, Andy LePeilbet was selling raffle tickets for DAV. Many members also had cars displayed. Ray’s 1964 Scout was in “Full Dress” for the occasion. Recent new member retired Navy QMC Robert Planeta’s 1950 Studebaker looked “Great on the Grass”. Well Done!! for all members that help with the setup, crewing and takedown of the Booth.
26MAY22 VVA 989 15th Anniversary Dinner
21MAY22 Armed Forces Day Celebration in Fallon
Armed Forces Day at the Churchill County Fairgrounds, Sierra Nevada Chapter 989 explored new ground today. Members of the Chapter were honored to help with the Armed Forces Day program at the Fairgrounds. Special thanks to all that helped make this outreach very meaningful for at least 25 Vietnam Veterans who had never received or even heard of the DoD’s 50-year Commemorative Pin. Firm handshakes and sometimes even some somber reflection accompanied our encounters with Vietnam Veterans at the Fairgrounds. Organizers loved our Flag Trailer, Pop-up display and just hearing that they were once again being “Welcomed Home” by some of their own. Organizers also provided a free lunch which was also enjoyed by many veterans of all eras who attend the event.
Kudos to Ray & Buddy Scow for rising pretty darn early and bringing the Flag Trailer to the Fairgrounds. Brigitte and I arrived in line just behind the Flag Trailer and helped with trailer and displays set-up. We were later joined by: Susan & George Malone; Sandy & Ralph Theiss; Dan McGee; Norman Allen; and John Ostrander & Kathy Menhan. Thanks to everybody gave up all, or large chunks, of their Saturday to make our first venture into Churchill County a very successful and enjoyable operation.
2021 VVA-AVVA Sierra Nevada Chapter 989 Accomplishments !
Note: Click or Tap on a Colored Buttons for more information
At long last, the Vietnam Veterans of America – Sierra Nevada Chapter 989 Scholarship Gala opened to cocktails and anticipation of the fun to come. Attendees took part in a raffle and silent auction. President Stafford opened the program by thanking all for coming and being part of a very significant milestone in the evolution of the VVA 989 Scholarship Program for veterans at UNR & TMCC. This included the auction and raffle prize contributors and those who’d purchased Diamond and Gold tables.
Please follow the link for complete story and photos of this smashing successful event.
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.
The Friday Brunch Bunch of VVA 989 Meets for breakfast at the GOLD AND SILVER Inn 4th Street and Vine, RENO, NV. 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.
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 