Congresswoman Shelley Berkley
Conversation with a Living Legend

I had the honor of interviewing Congresswoman Shelley Berkley at the event for her son Max Berkley as he gained even more support for his quest to become the next Justice of the Peace in the Las Vegas Justice Court.

Congresswoman Berkley served seven terms (14 years) as the Representative from Las Vegas.  During her historic career, she was and still is a champion for Veterans.  “Before I was elected to congress, the Veterans kind of took me under their wing and they were explaining all the issues the Veterans were facing”.   When she got to Congress, she requested to be on the Veterans Affairs Committee, and it was granted.  Freshman Congresswoman Berkley hit the ground running and quickly acted on behalf of the Veterans and their multitude of issues.

Still as a freshman Congresswoman, she was approached by women Veterans who asked for a Women’s Veterans Committee to help meet the needs of women Veterans.  Congresswoman Berkley knew the importance of this issue and immediately started the “Lady Vets” committee.  The first issue was the need for a mammogram machine because one did not exist for the women Veterans in Las Vegas.  She acquired the mammogram machine for the old VA Clinic, but she was not done.

Knowing the growing need for all Veterans when they get sick and must go to Long Beach, CA for help because Las Vegas did not have a VA Hospital, Congresswoman Berkley led the charge to get a VA Hospital built in Las Vegas.  What we have now on North Pecos and the 215, is a state-of-the-art VA Hospital that cares for the needs of Veterans and all because Congresswoman Berkley stood up for the Veterans.

These are just a few examples of the incredible work and legacy of a great lady and a true champion to all Veterans, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley.  She is not done working her magic, not just for Veterans, but for all citizens, because she never stops looking for opportunities to make Las Vegas a great place to live and work.