100°F
weather icon Clear

Society assists military widows

Elected officials or their representatives can be found attending many of the meetings and gatherings of veterans throughout Nevada. But when they attend a gathering not of actual veterans, but of individuals who were once related to veterans, you might wonder what it’s all about. And what it is all about is an organization made up of widows of those who served: the Society of Military Widows. It’s an important group.

At a recent holiday gathering of Chapter 34 of the SMW, several representatives of elected officials stumbled over themselves to hand out literature and business cards. They couldn’t get to every attendee fast enough to let everyone know their bosses supported veterans as well as widows of deceased veterans. Daniel Carranza was there on behalf of Rep. Dina Titus, Brendan Vargus was there representing Sen. Jacky Rosen and Larry Hamm was there to represent Rep. Steven Horsford. I have no doubt other representatives of elected officials would have been there had schedules permitted as SMW is a solid organization worthy of support.

The SMW is a national group. It was founded in 1968 by Theresa (Tess) Alexander to serve the interests of women whose husbands died while on active military duty, of a service-connected illness, or during a disability or regular retirement from the U.S. armed forces. Janet Snyder, founding president of Nevada Chapter 34, said that all eligible women should consider becoming members, even if they can’t always attend monthly meetings.

The group gains political leverage based on total membership. On a national level, legislative members “walk the halls of Congress” to deliver their messages, one of which is to protect hard-earned benefits that these widows have obtained.

Locally, the chapter donates time and gifts to several organizations and needy individuals. Recently, Midge Sparlin gave away her handmade blankets to homeless veterans and to Falynn’s Wings, a group that supports children with numskull conditions. Last month, SMW members helped place wreaths at the veterans’ cemetery located here in our city.

The organization asks the question, “After the casualty officer and the caseworker have gone home and the paperwork is completed, how does one get through the lonely hours?” As a military survivor, one often faces problems a civilian counterpart does not. The SMW offers a support network, provides help to get through a difficult time and sometimes simply offers a shoulder cry on.

For more information, go to www.militarywidowsnevada.org.

Chuck N. Baker is an award-winning journalist and a Vietnam War Purple Heart veteran. He can be heard at 8:30 a.m. each Sunday on KKVV-AM hosting “That’s America to Me” and occasionally on KUNV-FM hosting “America’s Veterans, Today and Tomorrow.”

MOST READ
THE LATEST
Summer is a time to be safe

It’s a safe bet that the one thing we all have in common every summer is managing the extreme heat and our body’s reaction to the excessive temperature prevalent in our geographic location.

Free fishing fun

Logan Davis, along with his kids Winter and Maverick, tried their best to catch a fish Saturday, along with all the many others who enjoyed the city’s free fishing day at the pond at Veterans Memorial Park.

Ordinance promotes cleanliness, accessibility of public places

Individuals camping in public spaces has increased dramatically in the past few years across the nation. On May 27 the city of Boulder City joined the cities of Reno, Las Vegas, Henderson, and Sparks, along with Clark, Washoe, and Nye counties in passing a measure to expand the prohibition on camping in public places within city limits. The new ordinance goes into effect on June 19, 2025.

And all that jazz (in the park)

A relatively small but appreciative crowd turned out Saturday evening for Jazz in the Park, sponsored by the Boulder City Parks and Recreation Department and the Las Vegas Jazz Society. The evening featured the Marlane Coker Quintet and guest at Bicentennial Park.

Flushing faux pas may lead to clogs, costly repairs

When it comes to plumbing clogs, we can definitely apply the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”…or in this case, a quart of Liquid Plumr.

Art exhibition to showcase work of Connie Ferraro

Connie Ferraro has worn many hats in her life. They have included Broadway dancer, actress, wife of longtime Boulder City Mayor Bob Ferraro and these days, artist.

Year ending on high note at Mitchell Elementary

From the first day to the last, it takes a great deal of energy to get through a school year. The students, staff, and families are ceaseless in their efforts to ensure that we have a great year from beginning to end. We are successful because we are supported by our community.

Mental health in an aging population

The American Psychiatric Association defines mental illness as health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking, and behaviors.

Sunflower Breakfast celebrates King’s parent volunteers

Boulder City’s commitment to community was on full display at this year’s annual Sunflower Breakfast, a heartwarming event dedicated to honoring the incredible volunteers who help our school thrive.

Reframing language in mental health

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of.