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VFW speech, essay contest
The annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay competitions are open to eligible high school and middle school students. Entries must be received at a local participating VFW Post by Oct. 31.
The Voice of Democracy program has more than $1 million in educational scholarships and incentives, and a top national first place prize of $35,000, up for grabs. This year’s theme challenges students to answer the question, “What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?”
Open to eligible sixth- through eighth-grade students, nearly 68,800 students compete in the Patriot’s Pen essay competition each year to win their slice of nearly $1 million in state and national awards. The top individual VFW Department (state) winners are vying for the top prize of $5,000. This year’s Patriot’s Pen theme asks “How Are You Inspired by America?”
For information on the VFW’s youth essay competitions and how to enter, visit vfw.org/Youth Scholarships.
Veterans Day breakfast
The Carson City Elks Lodge 2177 and RSVP are having their third annual Veterans Pancake Breakfast on Nov. 11 from 9-11 a.m.
The breakfast is free for senior veterans.
The lodge is located at 515 N. Nevada St., in Carson City.
Women Veterans social change
A women veterans fall social slated for Oct. 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. has changed locations to South 40, 1445 South Meadows Parkway in Reno.
To RSVP or inquire, contact Ortiz.barbara2013@gmai.com.
Wreaths Across America
The annual Wreaths Across America program is two months away, but the fundraising to place a wreath on every veteran’s grave is continuing for both the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Fernley and the Churchill County Cemetery.
The Wreaths Across America remembrance ceremony is planned for Dec. 16 at 9 a.m. at the NNVMC and noon at Fallon. Although the nation places wreaths at the same time around the world, the delayed time at Fallon allows the Fernley participants to attend the local event. Veterans will be recognized in all 50 states and territories and at overseas cemeteries.
To order a wreath for Fernley’s NNVMC event, go to nnvc.org and click on Wreaths Across America for the pdf form, or mail your donation to: Nevada Veterans Coalition; P.O. Box 415; Fernley, NV 89408.
To order for Fallon, go to http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.com. The group ID is NV0063, and the location ID is NVCHCC. Local organizers said it’s important to enter the group and location IDs so the wreaths may be earmarked for Fallon.
Veterans Day lunch
The Fallon Elks Lodge at 93 W. Center St., is having its Veterans Day lunch on Nov. 11 from 1-3 p.m.
The cost is free for veterans with military identification. Donations are accepted by Elks and guests.
VVA Camos to Classrooms
From Camos to Classrooms, the Veterans Scholarship Gala for the University of Nevada, Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College is Nov. 4 at the National Automobile Museum in Reno.
Featured guest speaker is Col. John Kruger, chief of staff for the Nevada Army National Guard.
Tickets are $125 per person for general seating. There are also table sponsor opportunities.
For questions and sponsor opportunities, contact the events coordinator at 650-888-1564.
This is a nonpolitical event sponsored by the Sierra Nevada Chapter 989 Vietnam Veterans of America.
Veterans Day parade
The annual Veterans Day Parade in Virginia City is Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. on C Street.
To participate, complete the online event form by going to https://visitvirginiacitynv.com/parade-entry-form/.
Care Partner workshop
The Parkinson Support Center of Northern Nevada and the Northern Nevada Alzheimer's Association have joined together to offer a special workshop for Care Partners. This event on Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Atlantis Casino Resort will feature Rosalys Peel, nurse educator and acclaimed author of the book "Mike & Me.” Peel will lead discussions about forming circles of support, staying in love and other topics.
In addition, Claire Day of the Alzheimer's Association will speak on current research in brain health. Admission price includes a nice lunch, an autographed copy of the book "Mike & Me" and access to information from a limited number of select sponsors.
This workshop is all about bringing loving care partners together to share experiences, learn from experts, and support one another.
For information go to pscnn.org
Healthy Teaching Kitchen
The Healthy Teaching Kitchen (HTK) program at the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System, 955 Kirman Ave., in Reno, provides veterans with nutrition knowledge, cooking skills, and guided practice to build confidence in cooking at home with healthy, minimally processed foods.
This monthly in person and virtual teaching kitchen program has been created to support Veterans with healthy meal planning, preparation, cooking, and nutrition education. Classes occur the first Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. and you can participate either in-person at the VA or virtually.
Veteran/Supporter of the Month
The next Veteran of the Month/ Veteran Supporter of the Month ceremony is Oct. 18 at 9 a.m. at the Old Assembly Chambers, Nevada State Capitol Building.
The Nevada Department of Veterans Services conducts the ceremony.
Veterans Upward Bound
Veterans Upward Bound at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno welcomes veterans. TMCC can help with academic advisement, college applications, educational benefits, academic review and referrals to community resources.
Veterans Upward Bound is a U.S. Department of Education program for veterans. For information call 775-829-9007 or email vub@TMCC.edu. The website is vub.tmcc.edu.
AUSA dinner
You are invited to the Association of the United States Army William C. Westmoreland Veterans Day dinner on Nov. 10 at the Tamarack Junction in Reno.
The guest speaker will be Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith, USA retired, the AUSA vice president of Leadership and Education. Smith received his commission from Georgia Southern University (GSU) in 1983 as a Field Artillery officer. In 1985, he graduated from GSU with a bachelor's degree in accounting and as a distinguished military graduate. He branched as a chemical officer.
For information contact vfwsousa@gmail.com
Nevada Guard monthly meetings
• The Nevada Air Guard’s monthly breakfast is on the second Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at the Reno Elks Club. Cost is $10. For information or to confirm, email cindylsullivan@hotmail.com. There will be no breakfast in December.
• The Nevada Army Guard’s breakfast is on the second Monday of the month at 8 a.m. at the Carson City Elks Club. Cost is $8. For information or to confirm, email csmjvh@hotmail.com. There will be no breakfast in December.
Military articles and news briefs are compiled by the Nevada News Group. Questions may be directed to SNMGmilitaryeditor@gmail.com.