Superintendent of vets cemetery to retire

Wes Block is retiring as superintendent of the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery (NNVMC) in Fernley effective Feb. 3, according to the Nevada Department of Veterans Services.

“Wes has magnificently served the veteran community in his role since 1995 with distinction,” said Kat Miller, director of NDVS. “He has assisted thousands of veteran families ensure each and every one who served were laid to rest with dignity in a place of honor.”

Block began working at the NNVMC in 1993, three years after its opening as an equipment operator. After two years, Block was offered and accepted the superintendent position. At that time, the veterans cemetery had only three acres developed with approximately 750 interments.

“Wes Block will be missed by all of us here in Fernley. He has dedicated a tremendous amount of his life toward making NNVC the finest veteran cemetery anywhere. We wish him all the best in his retirement,” said Fernley Mayor LeRoy Goodman.

During the 20 years of Block’s management, the NNVMC has seen three VA/NCA cemetery expansion and improvement projects that have improved the esthetics as well as adding needed capacity to the cemetery.

During his tenure, Block and his staff have placed almost 8,000 interments with the cemetery spanning more than 14 developed acres. In 1995, the first veteran memorial was built and since that 14 memorials honoring veterans and their service have been built with the help of veterans organizations in cooperation with NNVMC.

“The many fine veterans, friends and/or family of veterans that have assisted or provided me with the support needed to get the job done over the years are far too numerous to list,” said Block. “It is with deep appreciation that I offer a special thanks to my friends/co-workers at the cemetery. They have always put forth their very best. Working together we made this cemetery one of the finest honorable resting places for our nation’s heroes earning the Excellence In Appearance award from the National Cemetery Administration in 2013. I will miss working with them each day and wish them all the best.”

With mission-focused employees, NDVS is responsible for the administration of two state Veterans Memorial Cemeteries, a state veterans home, and a state-wide Veterans Service Department program. NDVS is instrumental in connecting Nevada’s veterans and their families with benefits and assistance from both the state and federal government. For information, call 866-630-VETS or visit www.veterans.nv.gov.