Timothy Hall, a Hawthorne soldier who lost his legs in Afghanistan is scheduled to fly home for Christmas on December 18th.  This is a great and heartwarming holiday story.  

Go to the Nevada Appeal, here, to read the whole thing.  

Here is a press release from the VA Medical Center about an event tomorrow morning.  Should be great!

8:00 a.m.  Kirman Street Entrance of the VA Medical Center (1000 Kirman)

Please join us for a special salute and ceremony to honor veterans and Nevadans in uniform deployed all over the world during the holiday season.

We take great pride in our service to veterans. As such we recognized that during this busy and hectic holiday season it was important for us and the community to take a few small moments to remember that there are those around the world who would much rather be dealing with crowds at the mall or lines at the post office. However, they volunteered to leave home and go into harm’s way in order to ensure that we all enjoy a peaceful holiday season.

On Tuesday morning, December 14th, at 8:00 a.m. the VA Medical Center in Reno will host a special ceremony at the morning’s official flag raising. The medical center’s all-volunteer, all-female color guard will post the official colors (The American Flag and the POW/MIA Flag.) Following this will be the presentation of a symbolic holiday wreath dedicated to the soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen deployed around the world, and away from their families, during the holidays. The wreath will be presented by the medical center’s director, Dr. Kurt Schlegelmilch and an honored WWII veteran. 

Michael Daugherty, the Staff Attorney to the Department of Veterans Affairs, has announced a warning to all veterans.  Information below:

An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is providing benefit and general information on VA and gathering personal information on veterans.  This organization is not affiliated with VA in any way.

VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close resemblance to the VA name and seal.  Our Legal Counsel has requested that we coordinate with DoD to inform military installations, particularly mobilization sites, of this group and their lack of affiliation or endorsement by VA to provide any services.

In addition, GC requests that if you have any examples of VAS acts that violate chapter 59 of Title 38 United States Code, such as VAS employees assisting veterans in the preparation and presentation of claims for benefits, please pass any additional information to Mr.Daugherty at the address below.

This is reminiscent of so many other scams and alleged scams out there, like the funding drive for the veterans and active military radio program several years ago.  In case they are still out there trying to make money off of veterans, you can read about the alleged case involving Rick Senninger and Trip Bellard here.  A previous scam alert posting here.

Just got the word that the DAV Chapter 1 will be hosting a series of town hall meetings tonight (October 18, 2010) regarding veterans issues.

Representatives from Senator Reid, Sharron Angle, Brian Sandoval, and Rory Reid's campaigns have been invited. 

The event will be held at the American Legion at 730 4th Street, Sparks, NV, which is behind the Post Office on 4th and Prater.  The schedule for the event is below: 

1)  6 to 7 PM for US Senate Candidates or their representatives

2)  7:00 to 7:30 PM will be a break for refreshments, provided by DAV, and an opportunity for individuals to speak one-on-one with the candidates or their representatives

3)  7:30 to 8:30 PM for Nevada Governor Candidates or their representatives

4)  8:30 to 9:30 there will be additional time for the veterans to have an opportunity to speak one-on-one with the candidates or their representatives

Anyone interested in veterans issues is invited.

The 2010 Annual Campaign for the Veterans Guest House in Reno will kick off on Saturday, September 11.  Each year they hold this fundraiser as a way to support the home.  Anyone interested can purchase a raffle ticket for $100.00, with prizes ranging from $500.00 to $7,500.00 for the winners.  It really is a great cause and well worth the money if you can help them out.  If you don't know anything about the amazing work they do at the Veterans Guest House, you should take a look at their mission and their services here.