Fallon man recognized as Veteran of the Month

Mike Mader was recognized as Nevada’s June Veteran of the Month during a presentation at the Nevada Office of Veterans Services (NOVS) in Reno on May 29.

Though Mader currently works as Veteran Service Officer (VSO) with the NOVS, it is his service outside of his daily duties which helped distinguish him to the Veterans Service Commission and selecting him as a Veteran of the Month.

“Mike serves in a number of capacities with organizations which assist and help veterans on a daily basis,” said Executive Director Caleb Cage. “And though he works with veterans everyday in his VSO capacity, it is his volunteerism which shows his ongoing dedication and commitment to serve the needs of fellow veterans which makes me proud to be able to recognize him on behalf of Gov. Brian Sandoval.”

Actively involved with the American Legion, Mader serves as the American Legion Department Service Officer and is very involved with the state’s Kiwanis Club having recently served as its lieutenant governor.

He has been the coordinator and sponsor of military appreciation fairs, retirement events and numerous veterans outreach programs during his last 20 years in the Fallon area, and serves as an ombudsman for the Employment Support for the Guard and Reserves.

Mader’s influence on veterans issues have impacted the Veteran Administration’s regional office as well. Ed Russell, VA regional office director, added his appreciation of Mader’s efforts which have positively impacted local veterans.

“When we were addressing fully developed claims last November, it was Mike who came forward and asked for more training to assist in helping us move these claims forward,” said Russell. “With Mike’s dedicated focus, we’ve been able to increase the processing of fully developed claims by over 300 percent and, in a large part, it’s due to Mike’s role.”

Senator Dean Heller and Congressman Mark Amodie sent their representatives to recognize Mike’s service in the community with certificates of Senatorial and Congressional Recognition. “Mike is one of those VSOs that is always there to answer a question at a moment’s notice and that makes it easier for me to assist veterans I’m working with,” said Glenna Smith, Senator Heller’s Military and Veterans Regional Representative. Ken Gray, Senior Field Representative for Congressman Amodei, echoed her remarks. “Mike simply makes it easy. He’s accessible regardless of when you call to ask any question and always has helpful information when we need answers,” said Gray.

The Veteran of the Month program is managed by the Nevada Office of Veterans Services under the direction of Executive Director Caleb Cage. “Board members of the Veterans Services Commission review nominations and choose a recipient during quarterly meetings for the following three month period,” stated Cage. “Our office is very proud to staff this project on behalf of Governor Sandoval.” The public is invited to submit nominees for consideration by the Veterans Services Commission. Guidelines and a nomination application can be downloaded from the NOVS website at www.veterans.nv.gov and sent to the NOVS office in Reno. Candidates for the next quarter will be reviewed for their volunteer service and recipients will be chosen at the next Veterans Services Commission meeting in June 20, 2013.

Photo: L-R, Caleb Cage, Glenna Smith, Mike Mader, Ed Russell, Ken Gray.

Video of the presentation and remarks can be seen at. http://www.veterans.nv.gov/VOM_June_2013.html