Merry Christmas, and for the First Time Ever… Hanukkah Starts on Christmas Day.
Hoping and Praying for a Safe & Blessed New Year for ALL!
A Veteran Hero and Brother – Gone But Not Forgotten
Dan Peterson: U.S. Army Veteran, War Hero, and Community Leader
Who Was Dan Peterson?
Dan Peterson, a beloved U.S. Army Veteran and war hero, was a man defined by courage, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to serving his nation and his community. Born and raised in Essexville, Michigan, Dan joined the U.S. Army at the age of 21, embarking on a distinguished military career that spanned 24 years. He served with valor from September 1968 until his retirement in June 1992, operating as a skilled helicopter and fixed-wing pilot. His legacy of service extended beyond the battlefield, leaving an indelible mark on the Veteran community in Nevada and beyond.
Dan’s Military Service and Heroism
Dan Peterson’s military service was marked by extraordinary bravery and dedication. As a Master Warrant Officer 4 (CW4), he flew numerous combat missions in both the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. Despite facing harrowing dangers, including being shot down twice, Dan’s resilience and courage never wavered. Each time, he returned to the skies to continue protecting his fellow soldiers and his country.
During his deployment to Vietnam in 1970 with the 9th Infantry Division, Dan demonstrated exceptional heroism. In one particularly perilous visual reconnaissance mission, his helicopter came under heavy fire. Dan sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his chest, right bicep, and arm, as well as shrapnel injuries to his lower right arm. For his valor, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism.
In 1991, during Operation Desert Storm with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Dan again exhibited extraordinary courage under fire. While piloting his aircraft in combat, he successfully engaged and destroyed vehicles of the feared Iraqi Republican Guard, protecting American troops on the ground. For these actions, he received the Army Air Medal for Valor.
Throughout his distinguished military career, Dan earned an impressive array of honors, including:
- Legion of Merit
- Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism
- Bronze Star
- Purple Heart
- Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster)
- Air Medal (27 awards)
- Air Medal with “V” for Valor
- Army Commendation Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster)
- Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars
- Army Good Conduct Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Vietnam Service Ribbon with 3 Campaign Stars
- Vietnamese Air Service Medal
- Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
- Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia and Kuwait)
- Korean Defense Service Medal
- Master Aviator Badge
Dan’s heroism not only earned him these accolades but also saved countless American lives, a testament to his selflessness and dedication to duty.
Dedication to Veterans and Community Service
After retiring in 1992, Dan continued his mission of service. He moved to Nevada in 1994, where his passion for supporting Veterans and his community flourished. His leadership roles included serving as:
- Chapter Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) Chapter 730 in Henderson
- Senior Vice Commander for the MOPH Department of Nevada
- Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1076
- Member of American Legion Post 40
Dan’s advocacy for Veterans was tireless. He successfully petitioned city officials in Henderson, Boulder City, and Pahrump to designate each as a Purple Heart City, raising public awareness about the sacrifices of Veterans. His collaboration with the City of Henderson led to the creation of the Purple Heart Plaza, where personalized pavers honor Veterans from various organizations, including the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, law enforcement, and private companies.
In his role as Chapter Commander, Dan established a Veterans Service Officer program to assist Veterans and their families with essential services. He also spearheaded the creation of a Veterans Handbook, which received widespread acclaim and was funded by a grant from the Nevada Department of Veterans Services.
Dan’s dedication was formally recognized through numerous awards, including:
- Nevada Governor’s Patriot of the Month (July 2017)
- Governor’s Volunteer Service Award (2021)
He was also appointed to the City of Henderson’s Veteran Advisory Committee, further exemplifying his commitment to the community.
A Lasting Legacy
Dan Peterson’s life was a remarkable journey of bravery, leadership, and service. He was deeply respected and loved by all who knew him. His unwavering dedication to his fellow Veterans and his community has left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. Though he has passed, his spirit lives on in the lives he touched and the countless people who benefited from his service.
Dan Peterson will forever be remembered as a war hero, a Veteran leader, and a great man whose legacy of honor, courage, and service will never be forgotten.
Thank You Shirley E. Noland Foundation
Voice of the Veteran is proud to announce a generous grant from the Shirley E. Noland Foundation in support of our Domestic Violence Program. This transformative funding will enable us to expand and enhance the program under the leadership of Dr. Mario DeSouza (Retired Air Force Veteran). With these additional resources, we are committed to providing innovative, impactful services for survivors of domestic violence and the youth affected by it, while actively working toward ending this epidemic. This grant strengthens our ability to create meaningful change and foster safer, more supportive communities for those who need it most.
Stay tuned for more about Shirley E. Noland and the amazing Board that is making a difference with this great Foundation.
Historic Military Event at Allegiant Stadium,
A Huge Success!
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In the Veteran and Military communities, three names stand out for their unwavering commitment and action-driven results: Peter Palivos, Chairman of Voice of the Veteran, Bob Maxwell, Founder and CEO of Voice of the Veteran, and Dave Donaldson, Co-Founder and CEO of CityServe. Their vision and heartfelt dedication to supporting Veterans, Military personnel, and their families culminated in an extraordinary event that many believed was impossible. What began as a simple idea from Peter Palivos blossomed into a grand celebration attended by over 17,000 Veterans, Military members and their families, featuring $4 million worth of gifts from renowned brands like Amazon, Nike, Disney, EveryLife Diapers, and Earth Breeze laundry detergent to name only a few.
The success of this monumental event was a collaborative effort between Voice of the Veteran, CityServe, and ChurchLV. ChurchLV took the lead in coordinating over 500 volunteers. The volunteers played a crucial role, ensuring that the event ran smoothly and that every attendee felt the support, love, and appreciation they deserved. CityServe’s Bethany Miller, Tamryn Foley and Crissy Cochran oversaw numerous aspects of the event and assured that all points were covered to make the event enjoyable and successful. The event was not just about gifts; it offered attendees the unique opportunity to engage with a diverse array of organizations and companies at over 80 vendor booths. These booths featured representatives from the Veterans Administration of Nevada, various Veterans Organizations, and a multitude of service providers. The offerings spanned critical areas such as Mental Health Support, Employment opportunities, Job Training programs, and Educational resources, among many others. This comprehensive setup ensured that attendees could access a wealth of information and support tailored to their needs, fostering a community of care and empowerment for Veterans and their families. |
The presence of distinguished guests added to the event’s significance. Among them were Raiders Owner Mark Davis and Team President Sandra Morgan, whose support was invaluable. Dignitaries also included Nevada Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, Assistant Secretary of the VA Zaneta Adams from the VA in Washington, D.C., His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, former Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, Congresswoman Dina Titus, Congressman Steven Horsford, Adjutant General of the Nevada National Guard Major General Ondra L. Berry, Assistant Adjutant General of the Nevada Army National Guard Brigadier General Troy E. Armstrong, Nevada National Guard Command Chief Master Sergeant Cameron M. Pieters, Nellis Air Force Base Commander of the 57th Wing Brigadier General Richard Goodman, Senior Pastor of ChurchLV Benny Perez, and U.S. Marine Recon Veteran Dan Kamanao (retired after 26 years) who spent 49 months in Vietnam and survived 48 surgeries to this day, are some of the dignitaries that graced the event with their presence and speeches on stage.
The event also featured the presentation of Bronze Star Medals to U.S. Air Force members Capt. Connor Reilly, Sgt. William Leonard, and Sgt. Manuel Terrazas. The Army Combat Award was presented to Sgt. First Class Frank Digiovanni of the Nevada National Guard. These four heroes were recognized for their bravery and sacrifices in combat situations. A rarity for these ceremonies to be seen in a public setting. Peter Palivos also presented these four heroes with an autographed Robert Spillane Raider’s jersey.
Reflecting on the day’s activities brings a flood of heartwarming images: the smiles on the attendees faces, the tears of happiness, and the overwhelming joy, especially from the children as they received their toys and were able to play on the Raiders football field as they interacted with players like Raiders Captain Robert Spillane. The event was a testament to the power of community and the profound impact of collective effort. It underscored the importance of gratitude and support for those who have given so much for our country.
The Day of Gratitude was further enlivened by an impressive lineup of live entertainment. Attendees were treated to the soulful performances of Danny Gokey, renowned for his rise to fame on American Idol, and the energetic tunes of country music artist Walker Hayes. Adding a touch of enchantment to the day, the magical duo of Garry and Janine Carson captivated the audience with their spellbinding acts.
The event also featured heartfelt video messages that played on the jumbotron, amplifying the celebration. The iconic band Journey congratulated all the Veterans, Military members, and their families, sending their best wishes. Mike Rowe, beloved host of “Dirty Jobs,” also shared a special message of love and support, expressing his deep appreciation for our heroes and their families. These messages, along with the live performances, created a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere, making the Day of Gratitude an unforgettable experience.
The Raiders went above and beyond to ensure attendees were well-nourished and energized throughout this historic event. They generously provided free hotdogs or hamburgers, accompanied by chips and drinks. This thoughtful gesture not only satisfied hunger but also added to the overall festive atmosphere, enabling everyone to fully enjoy and participate in the day’s historic activities.
Voice of the Veteran CEO Bob Maxwell having some fun as he was introduced to the crowd. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford enjoy Bob’s playful antics.
This remarkable event would not have been possible without the extreme efforts of CityServe, ChurchLV, and the amazing volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to making it a success. Their contributions ensured that every detail was meticulously planned and executed, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Major General Ondra Berry stated “I am touched and moved because I have never seen anything like this in my life. I am very grateful to Voice of the Veteran and CityServe for putting on this historic event”.
Brigadier General Richard Goodman stated, “In my 31 years of service, this is the most beautiful and patriotic event I have ever attended”.
A flood of accolades and thanks are pouring in from Veterans who attended the event and those who watched it online from around the world. “This was a family appreciation event that you just don’t see, until now. You could feel the gratitude and love and it was real”. Ben Zvenia, US Army Veteran, Commander of American Legion Post 14.
Ben Harmsen, Army Veteran also stated “For me, it was the best Veteran appreciation event I have ever been to. 100% genuine”.
Voice of the Veteran Chairman Peter Palivos who was the emcee for the on stage presentations summed up the day by saying, “My friends, no Americans have sacrificed more or given more to our country than our brave Service Members and Veterans. So we, through our actions today, honor and show gratitude to these American Heroes!” Palivos continued by stating, “Please remember that we are not here as red Americans. We are not here as blue Americans. We are here as Red, White and Blue Americans”.
As we pause to appreciate the smiles and tears of joy, we are reminded of the enduring spirit of gratitude that binds us together. This Day of Gratitude was more than an event; it was a celebration of unity, service, and the unwavering commitment to honor and support our Veterans, our Military and their families.
Thank you, Peter Palivos and Dave Donaldson, for your vision and dedication, and to everyone who played a part in making this Day of Gratitude a resounding success.
 Partial View of some of the “Day of Gratitude” Crowd |
 L to R: Nevada Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony, Raiders Owner Mark Davis,Voice of the Veteran Chairman Peter Palivos, CityServe CEO Dave Donaldson |
 Major General Ondra L. Berry, Brigadier General Troy E. Armstrong,Command Chief Master Sergeant Cameron M. Pieters |
 U.S. Air Force Bronze Star HonoreesL to R: Capt. Connor Reilly, Sgt. William Leonard, and Sgt. Manuel Terrazas |
 Dave Donaldson, CEO CityServe and Bob Maxwell CEO andFounder of Voice of the Veteran pictured with Zaneta I. Adams Deputy Assistant Secretary, Intergovernmental Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington D.C. |
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 Dan Kamanao, Su “The Queen” Phelps, Bob Maxwell
This 2 page spread is in the “Veterans Reporter News” Click on each page to see them in larger size. |
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Voice of the Veteran. “Giving Veterans a Voice”
Mission Statement“Voice of the Veteran is dedicated to transforming the lives of Veterans and their families by amplifying their voices, providing essential support, and fostering understanding between civilian and military communities. We strive to deliver the highest quality of service with integrity, honesty, compassion, and a never quit attitude. Our mission is to ensure that every Veteran and their families receives the recognition, resources, and respect they deserve, honoring their sacrifices, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives.” |
Who is Voice of the Veteran
The Voice of the Veteran stands as a symbol of advocacy, support, and empowerment for those who have served their country with valor. As a non-profit organization, it is unwavering in its mission to amplify the voices of Veterans, providing them with an essential platform to share their unique stories and experiences and grown from its forward forging programs. Founded on the principle of fostering a deeper understanding and connection between the civilian and military worlds, Voice of the Veteran is more than an organization; it is a movement towards inclusivity and mutual respect.
At the heart of its endeavors, Voice of the Veteran offers a comprehensive suite of services aimed at addressing the multifaceted needs of Veterans and their families. From resources that offer a 24/7 support line, mental health, to job training, placement services, and financial assistance, the organization is a pillar of support for those transitioning from military to civilian life. It stands as a testament to the power of community and the strength found in shared experiences.
By giving Veterans the opportunity to narrate their journeys, Voice of the Veteran not only aids in their healing process but also educates and enlightens the broader society about the sacrifices and challenges faced by those who have served. This initiative is pivotal in bridging societal gaps and fostering a culture of empathy, awareness, and support for Veterans.
Moreover, Voice of the Veteran is at the forefront of advocating for Veteran rights and issues. Through active participation in events as Co-Founders of the largest Veterans and Military “Day of Gratitude” event in the history of Nevada, strategic partnerships, and leveraging social media platforms, it champions the causes of Veterans, ensuring their voices resonate in the halls of policy and change.
Beyond advocacy, the organization is deeply committed to the empowerment of Veterans, encouraging their active involvement in community service and entrepreneurship. By offering resources and support for Veterans aspiring to make a meaningful impact through business or non-profit ventures, Voice of the Veteran cultivates a spirit of self-reliance and contribution. Combine this with the existing Voice of the Veteran programs and you have a winning combination that enhances the lives of Veterans and their families.
In essence, Voice of the Veteran is a dynamic force for change, dedicated to the well-being and advancement of Veterans and their families. Its comprehensive approach to support, advocacy, and empowerment not only uplifts the Veteran community but also contributes to building a more inclusive and understanding society. Voice of the Veteran remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the Voices of Veterans are not only heard but heeded, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all who have served.
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