Northern Nevada military news briefs

Barracuda Championship honors first responders

The Barracuda Championship will host Heroes Hangout from July 18-21.

It is a complimentary hosted suite at the PGA tour event honoring military members and first responders.

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 a valid military, veteran or first responder badge at admission and the venue for free entry.

AARP Resources

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers grant funding to modify homes. Nearly a quarter (24%) of veterans need financial assistance to make home modifications to continue living in their homes safely and independently.

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.

For information, visit AARP.org/VetsHomeBenefits.

Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza Run

The Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza Run is June 29 and benefits the plaza and veterans.

The plaza is located at the Sparks Marina. The event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. includes live music, family fun, show and shine and food.

For information, visit www.nvmp.us.

Holes for Heroes Golf Tournament

The Holes for Heroes Golf Tournament is June 29 at 9 a.m. at the Fallon Golf Course.

Registration and check-in begins at 8 a.m.

This is a four-person, 18-hole scramble. Awards will be for first, second and third places as well as for the men’s/women’s longest drive and closest to the pin.

Sign up for sponsorship or preregister at nevadacommunityalliance.com. For sponsorship questions, call Essie at 775-315-6571.

Proceeds will toward the Cozy Cottages project for veterans and seniors.

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.

Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery

There will be an American flag retirement ceremony June 22 at 8:30 a.m. at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Bring torn or tattered American flags that need to be retired to this ceremony or deposit them at one of the flag retirement bins at Fitness for 10, Fire Station on Main Street, Senior Center, or Raley's.

The unaccompanied service at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley is July 25 at 9 a.m. It is open to the community and no RSVP required.

Veterans Transition Reserve Center barbecue

The Veterans Transition Reserve Center is having its 10th annual veterans barbecue party June 22 at noon. There will be music by Whiskey & Wolves.

Special guest is Sgt. Dixie Thompson, one of the first women assigned to a combat military police unit.

The event is at the Davis residence, 1191 Manhattan Way in Gardnerville. RSVP to D’Nese at 702-343-5642 or d.davis@vtrc.us.

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 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.

Caregiver Support Program

The Caregiver Support Program has a “Safe Transfer” series of videos and an accompanying tip sheet designed specifically for caregivers assisting veterans with body mechanics and transfers.

The 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.

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.

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.

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.

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