Northern Nevada military news briefs

Community 4 Veterans fundraiser

The annual Community 4 Veterans fundraiser for Veterans Helping Veterans has kicked off.

This year’s grand prize is a 2024 29-foot Jayco travel trailer. Second prize consists of three CF Moto CFORCE ATVs, one each of 600, 500 and 110. Third prize is a Ruger American bolt action rife with scope. Plus, there will be many great door prizes and a free barbecue for ticket holders.

Volunteers are selling raffle tickets in front of The Sportsman’s Warehouse, 3306 Kietzke Lane in Reno.

The drawing will take place on Aug. 24. The barbecue begins at noon.

One ticket is $10 and a book of 10 tickets is $100.

Unaccompanied service

The Nevada Veterans Coalition will be conducting an unaccompanied service July 25 at 9 a.m.

This event is open to the community, and no RSVP required.

The service will be conducted at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley.

Heroes Hangout July 18–21.

The Barracuda Championship will honors first responders with a complimentary, hosted suite at the PGA Tour tournament.

The championship is at the Tahoe Mountain Club's Old Greenwood golf course in Truckee, Calif.

All military members and first responders will enjoy complimentary food and drinks. Show your valid military, veteran or first responder badge for free entry.

Gold Star remembrance

The fifth annual Gold Star Mothers and Family Luminary event will be conducted Sept. 29 at the Gold Star Family Memorial Monument on the grounds of the Northern Nevada State Veterans home, 36 Battle Born Way, Sparks Nevada 89431.

The ceremony begins at 6 p.m., along with a reading of the Gold Star Mother and Family Proclamation and Luminary placement.

For information, contact David Sousa, Survivor Outreach Services Support coordinator, at 775-384-5838.

American Legion Post 16 luau

The American Legion Post 16 at 90 N. Ada St., in Fallon is having a luau on July 27 at 2 p.m.

Join the Legion for a Hawaiian inspired buffet. The cost is $18 adults and $12 children 12 and under. There will be luau games like hula hoops, limbo and more.

Volunteers are for needed the event.

The Sons of the American Legion are having an $8 fish fry on Aug.2 and $8 smash burgers on Aug. 9.

The Legion Riders are doing $8 chicken tender dinner on July 19 and Aug. 16.

The American Legion Auxiliary is having an $8 spaghetti feed on July 26 and Aug 23.

Update: For veterans exposed to toxins, hazards

Individuals may want to see one of the state’s veterans service officers following the announcement by the Veterans Administration that all veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military – at home or abroad – are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care.

All veterans who served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, Global War on Terror or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first being ill or applying for VA benefits. Additionally, veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll.

For questions go to https: veterans.nv.gov.

AARP Resources

AARP launched the Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide to help veterans and service members navigate the VA’s $150 million in funding to buy, build or modify a home to meet their long-term needs. These grants can provide eligible veterans with up to $117,000 to pay for renovations such as adding grab bars in bathrooms, installing ramps, or widening doorways to accommodate a wheelchair or walker.

To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, visit AARP.org/VetsHomeBenefits.

Caregiver Support Program

The Caregiver Support Program announces the launch of its innovative “Safe Transfer” series of videos and an accompanying tip sheet designed specifically for caregivers assisting Veterans with body mechanics and transfers.

These videos feature essential tips and skills tailored to aid caregivers in facilitating safe transfers, including transfers for beds, wheelchairs, toilets, and tubs. In addition, caregivers can use the accompanying tip sheet as a comprehensive guide, offering insights into proper transfer techniques, caregiver body mechanics, and key considerations throughout the transfer process.

Developed by a dedicated CSP workgroup, which includes occupational and physical therapists, this comprehensive library of resources aims to enhance the safety of Veterans within the comfort of their homes.

To access these resources, visit CSP’s website, where you'll find the tip sheet and a dedicated YouTube playlist: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/Tips_Tools.asp.

Veterans Upward Bound

Veterans Upward Bound at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno can help with academic advisement, college applications, educational benefits, academic review and referrals to community resources.

For information call 775-829-9007 or email vub@TMCC.edu. The website is vub.tmcc.edu.

Veterans parents act

The Education Flexibility for Veteran Parents Act will allow veterans with children to access full housing benefits provided through the G.I. Bill regardless of whether that program is in person or online.

The G.I. Bill is an essential tool for many veterans to advance their education. Currently, veterans who are parents and pursuing their education online are only eligible for half of the G.I. Bill’s available housing benefits. This requirement often forces parents to choose between attending in-person classes to receive full benefits or staying at home with their children.

Nevada Guard retiree monthly meetings

• The Nevada Air Guard’s monthly breakfast is on the second Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at the Reno Elks Club.

• The Nevada Army Guard’s breakfast is on the second Monday of the month at 8 a.m. at the Carson City Elks Club. The next breakfast is Aug.12. The group would really like to increase participation. Currently, the group has about 20-25 regulars.

Hopefully, you will consider joining us in August. Remember there is no charge from the Elks for the breakfast. At the next meeting we will have the University of Nevada, Reno ROTC representatives speaking to the retirees about their program.

Each meeting normally features a guest speaker. Guests are welcome.

Military articles and news briefs are compiled by the Nevada News Group. Questions may be directed to SNMGmilitaryeditor@gmail.com.