State names veterans of the month

Gov. Brian Sandoval recognized James Babb as Nevada’s August 2014 Veteran of the Month along a presentation at the state capitol on Aug. 26.

“I talk about the Nevada family and how we take of one another,” said Governor Sandoval. “James is a perfect example of that by taking care of fellow veterans as well as serving in his community.”

Babb is a member of the American Legion Post 16 in Fallon, where he has served as the commander, chaplain and many in many other roles at the Post. His volunteerism includes having donated two days a week over the past three years in assisting the Nevada Department of Veterans Services with compiling claims to assist veterans in getting VA benefits and continues to work towards to being certified as a veteran service officer to better assist veterans in the Fallon community.

“I can’t think of anybody who better typifies what the Veteran of the Month is meant to recognize,” said NDVS Director Kat Miller. “Jim has served with the American Legion and other organizations in his community and whenever they need help, Jim has been there.”

Celia Ranson was named Nevada’s July 2014 Veteran of the Month along with friends, family and veteran community leaders during a presentation

“I have always had a profound respect for veterans and those who continue to serve veterans in our state,” said Sandoval. “For me, what Celia has given to our country and continues to give to our communities, I thank you on behalf of everyone in Nevada.”

Ranson’s volunteerism led her to create the Veterans Administration (VA) Women Veterans Color Guard in Nevada, which provides services for the presentation of the colors at events throughout the state. “This is a Color Guard which is in great demand at ceremonies,” said Caleb Cage, Director of Military and Veterans Policy for Sandoval.

The Honors Escort Program is another creation by Ranson which provides an escort at the VA Hospital for veterans who pass and are awaiting final arrangements by family.

“It’s not only me, but there are a number of other people involved in these programs,” said Ranson. “With everyone’s involvement, we hope these programs will grow throughout the state.”

The Veteran of the Month program is managed by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services under the direction of Director Katherine Miller. Board members of the Veterans Services Commission review nominations and choose a recipient during quarterly meetings for the following three month period. The public is invited to submit nominees for consideration by the Veterans Services Commission. Guidelines and a nomination application can be downloaded from the NDVS website at www.veterans.nv.gov and sent to the NDVS Department 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 2014.