Veterans facility touted for homey feel

Veterans and civilian residents of Boulder City gathered July 10 for a celebration of the Nevada State Veterans Home’s 14th birthday.

It was a night of appetizers and good conversation as guests and veterans paid tribute to a home that takes care of many of them.

“It is a great event for a great place,” Army veteran Ron Michalski said. “Veterans are always a cause to celebrate.”

Michalski is a regular at the Nevada State Veterans Home birthday mixer presented by the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce and said the event is a great place to mingle and catch up with friends.

“Everybody is so close during the home’s birthday,” Michalski said. “Everyone talks and enjoys each others’ company.”

Throughout the night the facility was lauded with praise for the kindness and care it has shown to veterans.

Boulder City Chamber of Commerce CEO Jill Rowland-Lagan said the commitment of the home’s staff changes people’s perspective on how a veterans home is supposed to run.

“I always enjoy going to this mixer and thanking this staff for the commitment they have for these hometown heroes,” Rowland-Lagan said. “Their work and dedication are why we call this place a home and not a house, because it feels like a home here.”

Administrator of the veterans home Linda Gelinger said the success of the organization could not have been achieved without her staff.

“I want to thank my staff who have worked so hard to make this place as successful as it is,” she said. “They are the ones that make this place feel like a home.”

State and national legislators sent representatives to pay respects and congratulate the home on 14 years of service.

Ryan Butrel came on behalf of United States Sen. Dean Heller.

“(Sen.) Heller wanted me to come here to thank the staff for all the care they give to these veterans,” Butrel said. “We look forward to coming here again next year to congratulate you on another year of great service.”

U.S. Rep. Joe Heck also had representation at the event.

Air Force veteran Bobi Oates said if any veterans home deserves to celebrate a birthday, it was this one in Boulder City.

“I think this anniversary has been wonderful,” Oates said. “The home takes really good care of the veterans here. They watch out for them a keep the place clean. The whole place really does feel like a home environment.”

Contact reporter Max Lancaster at mlancaster @bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9401. Follow him on Twitter @MLancasterBCR.