Tag: veterans

Why Veterans Make Good Employees and Why More Companies Should Hire Them

When people talk about hiring veterans, too many of them treat it like charity work. It is not. Hiring veterans is a smart business decision. Veterans bring discipline, accountability, teamwork, adaptability, and mission focus into the workplace. Those are not empty phrases. Those are the kinds of traits that help organizations stay steady, solve problems, and keep moving when things get hard. That matters in government, nonprofits, small businesses, and major companies. The data supports that point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 3.0 percent unemployment rate for veterans in 2024, and in February 2026 the rate for veterans was 3.9 percent compared with 4.3 percent for nonveterans.

One of the biggest reasons veterans make strong employees is because they already understand responsibility. In the military, showing up late, missing details, or failing to communicate can have real consequences. That mindset does not just disappear when the uniform comes off. Veterans are used to working as part of a team, operating under pressure, and figuring things out without needing constant hand holding. They also tend to bring leadership, resilience, and follow through into civilian roles. That matters in any workplace that says it wants dependable people who can adapt and perform. The VA continues to highlight leadership, teamwork, resilience, and mission focus as key strengths veterans bring into the workforce.

Credit: Military.com Network.

Another thing employers still get wrong is assuming veterans only fit certain jobs. That is outdated. Veterans work in operations, logistics, administration, healthcare, information technology, project management, public service, and leadership positions across the board. What they often bring is the ability to learn fast, adjust to change, and stay calm when things are not going according to plan. That is one reason Nevada should continue pushing veteran employment in a serious way. The State of Nevada has an actual veteran hiring preference process, and the Nevada Division of Human Resource Management states that veteran related preferences are applied by recruiters when proper documentation is provided. The state also runs a veteran hiring program to help veterans navigate state employment opportunities. You can read more through the State of Nevada Veteran Hiring Preference page and the State Veteran Hiring Program.

Companies should also understand that hiring veterans is not just good for the individual veteran. It can improve the culture of the organization. Veterans often strengthen standards, reliability, and trust inside a team. They know how to work with people from different backgrounds, respect the chain of command, and stay focused on the mission without always needing recognition. That does not mean every veteran is the same, and it does not mean every transition is easy. But it does mean companies should stop overlooking a talent pool that has already been tested in real environments. If employers say they want people who can lead, follow through, and perform under pressure, then they should be taking veteran hiring a lot more seriously. Nevada’s own employment resources and NDVS employment pages make that point clearly and encourage veterans to pursue state service.

At the end of the day, veterans do not need special treatment. They need fair consideration and a real opportunity. If you are an employer, take a hard look at your hiring practices and ask whether you are actually making space for veteran talent or just saying the right things. If you are in Nevada, learn how veteran hiring preference works and make sure qualified veterans are not being overlooked. If you are a veteran, do not undersell what you bring to the table. Your experience matters. Your leadership matters. Your ability to adapt, serve, and get the job done matters.

Call to action: If you are an employer, review your hiring practices and make a real effort to recruit veterans. Also, look into the NDVS Patriot Employer Program to show that commitment in a meaningful way. If you are a veteran in Nevada, check out the State of Nevada jobs site and the NDVS employment resources, then share this post with someone who needs to hear it.

Credit: Nevada Department of Veterans Services

Why a Nevada Veteran License Plate Matters

A Nevada veteran license plate is more than just something that looks good on your vehicle. It is a simple way to show pride in your service or your family’s connection to service, while also helping support veterans across our state. On the Nevada DMV Veteran License Plates page, veteran plates are available for veterans, their families, and active duty members of the Nevada National Guard, and any veteran or their spouse, parent, or child may purchase a veteran license plate.

“A Nevada veteran license plate is more than a symbol of service. It is also one more way to support veterans and their families across our state.” Credit: NDVS

What makes these plates even more meaningful is where part of the money goes. The Nevada DMV explains that $25 of the initial fee and $20 of the annual renewal supports outreach programs and services for veterans and their families administered by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. NDVS also explains that these fees help provide community outreach and service support to veterans in Nevada. That means when someone chooses a veteran plate, they are not just recognizing military service, they are helping support work that reaches veterans and families in real ways.

I think that matters because sometimes people want to help veterans, but they are not always sure how. This is one of those easy, practical ways to do it. A veteran plate shows pride, starts conversations, and helps support services for veterans and their families here in Nevada. It is a small choice, but it can still make a difference. And when more people understand that these plates help support veterans, it becomes more than just a specialty plate. It becomes one more way to give back. The DMV says these plates must be ordered in person at a DMV office, so it is a good idea to review the plate options and requirements before you go.

At the end of the day, Nevada veterans deserve support that is visible, practical, and community driven. Something as simple as a license plate may not seem like much at first, but it is one more way to stand behind those who served.

Call to Action: If you are eligible for a Nevada veteran plate, consider getting one the next time you register or renew your vehicle. And even if you are not, share this post so more people understand that choosing a veteran plate is one more way to support Nevada veterans and their families.

Why Nevada Needs More Accredited Veterans Service Officers

Nevada’s veterans deserve more than good intentions. They deserve real access to real help from trusted, accredited professionals who know how to guide them through the VA claims process the right way. That is exactly what Veterans Service Officers do. VSOs help veterans and their families access earned benefits by preparing, filing, and tracking VA claims, assisting with appeals, and connecting them to the right resources along the way. NDVS VSOs

The problem is simple. There are too many veterans who need help, and not enough accredited VSOs across the state to meet that need the way we should. When veterans cannot get timely access to a trusted VSO, some of them may end up turning to the wrong people out of frustration, confusion, or desperation. That is where claim predators come in. VA has warned veterans to stay away from unaccredited individuals and companies that try to profit off disability claims, and VA makes clear that accredited representatives are the right and trusted path.

“Nevada veterans can get free help from accredited VSOs and should never have to pay claim sharks to access earned benefits.” Credit: Beware: Claims predators want to prey on your benefits

This matters because accredited help is not just better, it is how the system is supposed to work. VA states that accredited VSO representatives can help gather evidence, file claims, request decision reviews, and communicate with VA on a veteran’s behalf, and those services are FREE. VA also states that without accreditation, a person may not independently assist claimants in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of VA benefit claims. That means when we invest in more VSOs, we are not just expanding staffing. We are expanding lawful, ethical, no cost access to benefits assistance for Nevada’s veterans and families.

If Nevada is serious about serving its heroes, then we need to fund more Veterans Service Officers across this state. We need more accredited help in our communities, more access for rural veterans, more support for families, and fewer opportunities for claim predators to take advantage of people who have already sacrificed enough. Our veterans earned these benefits through service, and they deserve the chance to access them the right way.

Call to Action: if you believe in that mission, speak up. Share this post, talk to your local leaders, and urge community partners and legislators to fund more VSOs across Nevada. Our veterans deserve it.

Peace of Mind for Nevada’s Veterans: State Cemeteries and Veterans Homes

Nevada takes care of its veterans in more ways than most people realize, and two of the biggest examples are NDVS’s state veterans cemeteries and state veterans homes. These are not just facilities, they are long term promises of dignity, honor, care, and peace of mind for veterans and their families. When families know there is a trusted place for final honors, and a trusted place for skilled long term care if life requires it, it removes a lot of uncertainty. That is why I think these resources deserve more attention, because they are part of how Nevada truly “shows up” for its heroes.

Nevada operates two state veterans cemeteries, one in Fernley and one in Boulder City, and both exist to ensure veterans receive a respectful, permanent resting place and earned military honors. These cemeteries also support families through a difficult time by providing structure, guidance, and a clear process when things feel overwhelming. Just as important, NDVS offers pre registration, which lets eligibility be determined ahead of time, so families are not scrambling later. If you want to learn more or pre register, start here: Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Fernley) https://veterans.nv.gov/benefits-and-services/northern-nevada-veterans-memorial-cemetery/ and the Online Cemetery Registration Form https://veterans.nv.gov/online-cemetery-registration-form/.

On the care side, NDVS also operates two state veterans homes, which provide skilled nursing and supportive services for eligible veterans (and in some cases eligible family members), with the goal of quality of life, safety, and dignity. In Northern Nevada, the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home in Sparks offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation in a setting designed to feel like home, not an institution. In Southern Nevada, the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City provides skilled nursing, programs, and specialized care options, including support for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia needs. You can read more about each here: Northern Nevada State Veterans Home (Sparks) https://veterans.nv.gov/benefits-and-services/northern-nevada-state-veterans-home-sparks-nv/ and Southern Nevada State Veterans Home (Boulder City) https://veterans.nv.gov/benefits-and-services/southern-nevada-state-veterans-home-boulder-city-nv/.

What I appreciate most about these resources is the peace of mind they create. Families do not have to guess where to turn, and veterans do not have to wonder if they will be cared for with respect when they need help the most. These services also reinforce something I believe strongly: veteran support is not only about benefits claims, it is about building systems that protect people across every stage of life. If you want a simple “hub” page to share with someone, NDVS lists both homes here as well: https://veterans.nv.gov/state-veterans-homes/.

Call to action: take 10 minutes this week and pre register for cemetery eligibility, then tell your spouse, adult children, or a trusted friend where you saved the confirmation and documents. Share these links with a veteran you know, because most people only learn about these resources when they are already in crisis mode. If you see a veteran, start the conversation, and help them plan with confidence instead of waiting for a hard day to force the issue.

What Veterans Should Know Before Filing a Claim

Filing a VA disability claim is not just filling out a form. The way you prepare before you file can shape how smooth the process goes and how strong your claim is from day one. Most denials and long delays are not because a veteran “didn’t deserve the benefit” they happen because the claim was missing key pieces or the story was not clearly supported. A little preparation up front saves months of frustration on the back end.

Before you submit anything, get clear on what you are claiming and what evidence supports it. You want records that show a diagnosis, the history of treatment, and how the condition impacts your life and ability to function. If your records are scattered, organize them by condition and date so the picture is easy to follow. VA lays out the basics of the process (and the options for filing) here: How to file a VA disability claim.

Just as important: who you let touch your claim. No veteran should ever pay an unaccredited “claim shark” to help file, coach, or package a claim. If they are not accredited, they are not accountable, and you are the one who pays the price when something is filed wrong, evidence is mishandled, or your claim gets dragged into a mess. Real help exists, and in Nevada it is local and accessible.

If you are in Nevada and you want this done the right way, contact an accredited Veterans Service Officer through NDVS and get connected based on your location and needs. You can also contact other accredited community partners like DAV, VFW, and American Legion. Use the NDVS link here: Ask a VSO (Nevada Department of Veterans Services). A good VSO helps you build the claim correctly, protect your benefits, and avoid the traps that predators count on.

Call to action: If you are thinking about filing, do not go it alone and do not pay a claim shark. Click the NDVS “Ask a VSO” link, get connected with an accredited VSO, and share this post with one veteran who might be getting targeted right now.

Other additional resources:

https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp

https://www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/find-rep/