VETERAN NON-PROFITS IN LAS VEGAS
By Jon Ovando
Las Vegas is a rich city. Rich in history, art, music, events, resources, and rich in community. It has some of the best communities on the west side of our nation. 1 of these amazing communities is the veteran community. There are many veteran non-profits in Las Vegas that feel like just that.
1 of these non-profits is the Concerned Veterans for America
A 501 (c)(3) 501(c)(4) grassroots nonpartisan veterans advocacy group with a simple mission statement
“TO PRESERVE THE FREEDOM & PROSPERITY WE
& OUR FAMILIES FOUGHT & SACRIFICED TO DEFEND”
Comprised of thousands of veterans, armed service members, patriots, and activists, encompassing 36 states. They are the largest grassroots non-profit with the largest and fastest growing leadership training in the nation. Volunteer-based.
At CVA (Concerned Veterans for America) we advocate for principled policy regarding VA (Veterans Affairs) reform with more health care options for veterans, endless wars and rebalance of the constitution war powers, and pursue responsible spending at the Department of Veterans Affairs. We educate the public on these policies. We activate our volunteers to help us fight for these policies. We hold our representatives accountable regarding these policies.
We do it by legislation, speaking engagements (educational opportunities and training), door knocking, phone calls, surveying, meeting with representatives here and in D.C.through a movement of hundreds of thousands of volunteers. If you want to know more about the issues facing veterans and want to join our grassroots army, visit www.cv4a.org and make an appt to come to the new office with the new Community Engagement Director, Jon Ovando at jovando@cv4a.org. 2310 Paseo Del Prado, Building A,#A207, Las Vegas, NV 89102, behind Bank of Nevada.
Another amazing veteran nonprofit is Merging Vets and Players, founded by Nate Boyer and Jay Glazer with their mission statement:
“MVP empowers combat veterans and former professional athletes by connecting them after the uniform comes off; providing them with a new team to assist with transition, promote personal development, and show them they are never alone.”
That statement hits close to home. With many of my brothers and sisters going through similar issues with PTSD(Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and losing that community they once had. Coming back from having a mission to having to try and transfer skills that do not really transfer over to the civilian world. Being looked at like there is something wrong with us and not having anyone to speak to who would understand.
Through MVP’s peer-to-peer support and physical activity, us veterans find a new mission. That mission is creating an environment where combat veterans and professional athletes can share each other’s strengths and experiences to grow together and help each other live fulfilling lives. The Las Vegas chapter has saved many of my friends’ lives. Including my own.
If you are a combat veteran and want to work out at the famous Randy Couture’s gym, bring your dd214 to Xtreme Couture at 4055 W Sunset Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89118. Workout starts at 1700 and the huddle starts at 1800and ends at 1900.
Warriors Suicide Prevention Foundation (WSP Foundation) is a Nevada Non-Profit Organization focused on Veteran and 1st Responder Suicide Prevention based in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Formerly The 22 Warrior Foundation) and is all volunteer based.
Founded by my friend with a heart of gold, Bill Emmel. The mission statement is as clear as it gets: “Until 22 becomes zero”
WSP Foundation along with its divisions and subsidiaries use FoundationProjects such as Veteran Service DogTraining Sponsorship, EmergencyFinancial Assistance, VeteransMartial Arts Program, Ruck Marches, and Nuero-Feedback Treatment to include outpatient and inpatient services at the Brain Health WarriorsMountain Retreat, to assist those in crisis or prevent them from heading into a crisis. This is also achieved as well through partnerships with and referrals to partnership organizations that also have committed to take action to eliminate Veteran, FirstResponder and family member suicides. Warriors Suicide Prevention Foundation, Suicide PreventionNevada, 22 Warriors Foundation, Brain Health Warriors, Vegas Veterans Hockey Foundation, American War Mothers, to name a few of their partners.
If veteran suicide prevention is important to you. You can visit WSPFOUNDATION.ORG to donate and attend their event at The Las Vegas Distillery at 7330 Eastgate Rd. Ste. #100, Henderson NV 89011every 2nd Tuesday from 1730 to 1930. Dinner and drinks are provided with a $10donation which you can sign up for in advance online.
One of the best things we can do for ourselves is getting outside and getting active. I recently found a new affinity for golf, thanks to Heroes in the Rough, which is a disabled veteran athletic program with their mission statement:
Our mission is to provide rehabilitative experiences through golf, bowling, and other activities for wounded veterans and their families. Our efforts aim to improve the quality of life for these American heroes by providing opportunities for healing of the mind, body, and soul through athletics, mentorship, and most importantly, friendship. Please join us in supporting a cause that works tirelessly to show these heroes that they are valued, appreciated, and simply not forgotten. Also, an all-volunteer-based organization. They put on many events monthly so that everyone gets to play at least once a month at one of their golf outings. They are truly a great group that likes to give to the veteran community in a fun and engaging manner.
Any donations they receive go to providing specialty golf lift chairs so that amputees and those suffering from paraplegia can hit the ball and play with everyone, and for other important equipment.
If you are rated at 60% or more and would like to join, or if you want to donate. Go to: HEROESINTHEROUGH.ORG. On the website, hit the more tab on the top right and click the applicant tab to sign up.
