Local nonprofits pitch events and services at North Las Vegas veterans public forum

A broad cross section of Southern Nevada veterans organizations and community groups used the commission’s public forum to announce events, recruit volunteers and describe services they provide.

Speakers included Leo Garcia of Concerned Veterans for America, who announced a March 15 tailgate at NASCAR; David Hollander and Sherry Killian Kuzmanovich, who described the Armed Forces/Military Veterans/First Responders Appreciation Day scheduled for Oct. 17 at Craig Ranch Regional Park; and Kevin Panett, state coordinator for Team Red, White & Blue, who invited veterans to local hikes, runs and outdoor activities aimed at reducing isolation.

Chelsea Patterson reported that Adopt A Vet Dental has partnered with 184 dentists statewide to provide free, comprehensive dental care to low‑income veterans and that the program has completed almost 400 veterans this fiscal year and recorded $494,000 in donated dental services last quarter. Levi Schultz said the Nevada Veterans Fund has delivered 527 meals and used micro‑grants (currently $100 each) to avert 13 utility shutoffs in North Las Vegas.

Other groups — including Horses for Heroes, Battle Born Veterans Hockey and Rec Therapy Barbecue for Mental Health — described therapeutic or recreational programs that organizers say help reduce veteran isolation and provide peer support. Several speakers emphasized volunteer needs and ways for organizations to partner with the North Las Vegas Veterans and Community Resource Center.

Speakers were primarily presenting or recruiting; the commission did not adopt policy changes during the public forum. Staff reiterated that groups should contact the Resource Center to schedule service offerings and be added to the calendar.