Area veterans take notice, the Nevada Department of Veterans Services is heading to town to host its first-ever Pahrump Veterans Forum from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 29 at the Bob Ruud Community Center, 150 N. Highway 160.
An informational evening is planned for former military service members and their families and attendees will be able to learn all about the many services, benefits and resources available to them. The event will include a formal presentation, after which there will be a conversation regarding topics of interest to Pahrump’s veteran population.
“This is the first forum of this type conducted by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) in Pahrump,” NDVS Communications Director Terri Hendry explained. “It is designed to provide information about what NDVS offers as well as the services, benefits, programs and resources available to veterans and their family members.
“NDVS also wants feedback on where we can continue to raise the bar in serving veterans in the community,” Hendry said. “There will also be food and beverage provided courtesy of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter #15 and the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary. Those members have graciously agreed to make sure no one walks away hungry.”
Hendry was quick to point out that the Pahrump Veterans Forum is in no way a political function. However, with the Nevada Legislature set to enter the 2019 Legislative Session in just a few months, there will be discussion regarding the bills and subjects of interest that will be put before Nevada lawmakers as well.
“Earlier this year, in March 2018, NDVS, in conjunction with the United Veterans Legislative Council, received input from the veteran community during two veteran legislative symposia. One symposium was held in Reno. The other was held in North Las Vegas,” Hendry detailed. “During the symposia, participants identified and then ranked in priority items or issues that could be legislatively addressed. One of the items was a full-time veteran service officer in Pahrump and Fallon.”
A veterans service officer assists veterans in filing claims and appeals with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in an effort to ensure all former service members are connected to the benefits and services they earned through their service to America.
“Assemblyman James Oscarson has let us know he plans to attend,” Hendry stated. “The idea came about through NDVS Director Kat Miller and the work of NDVS Deputy Director Fred Wagar. Wagar oversees community outreach and envisions more of these forums if there is interest.”
NDVS Director Kat Miller invited all area veterans to make their way to the Bob Ruud Community center next Aug. 29.
“We encourage all veterans who live in Pahrump or Nye County to attend this forum. It provides the opportunity for those attending to speak up and be heard. This event also provides NDVS with the input necessary to best serve veterans and their families who live in Pahrump and the surrounding Nye County area. Governor Brian Sandoval has made it his goal to make Nevada the friendliest state in the nation to veterans, military members and their families. This event falls in line with the governor’s vision and mission,” Miller said.
The evening will include a presentation and afterward, it will involve conversation. For more information on the Pahrump Veterans Forum contact Janel Gibson at gibsonj@veterans.nv.gov or call 702-486-5627.
Contact reporter Robin Hebrock at rhebrock@pvtimes.com