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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