The Nevada Department of Veterans Services, in partnership with Carson Valley Senior Living and Brookdale Gardnerville Senior Community, held two recognition ceremonies last week to honor resident veterans for their military service. These recognition ceremonies formally launch a new NDVS initiative: “Veterans In Care”.
The Veterans In Care mission seeks to reach Nevada’s veterans residing in and receiving care and services in skilled care facilities, residential care, and assisted living facilities. It represents an outreach to over 400 providers across Nevada.
Veterans honored last week were:
James Mefford: A WWII Army Air Corps Captain and flight trainer. During the war his plane was shot down and he was presumed to be dead. A letter advising his wife of his death was sent, which he still has the letter today. He trained multiple pilots in numerous aircrafts such as B-15, B-25 bomber. In 1964 he flew for the summer Olympics in Japan.
Russell Rogers: A WWII Infantryman who served in Europe in the 101st Airborne Division, 52nd Parachute Infantry Regiment. He was just honored this year as a recipient of the Purple Heart.
Lionel Blankenship: A WWII sailor, who also served in the Army and Merchant Marines, with wartime duty in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 15 and fought in 5 battles.
Jess Marler: A soldier who served as an Engineer/truck driver and was wounded in action during the Korean War. During his career he also served in Germany and in the United States.
Desmond G. Machen: A WWII Army Air Corps radio operator and gunner who served with the 13th Army Air Force in New Guinea, China and the Philippines.