Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009 | 2:29 p.m.
Two plaques honoring service to and for veterans were awarded at the Feb. 3 monthly business meeting of American Legion Post 31 in Boulder City.
The first was awarded to the Nevada State Veterans Home Administrator Gary Bermeosolo for the outstanding job he has done bringing the home from a negative rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs to the top rating among the nation's 137 state veterans homes.
Bermeosolo explained in a short thank you address that he had been brought to Boulder City as a consultant after retiring from his job as administrator of a veterans home in Idaho. He was asked to recommend what could be done to bring the Boulder City facility up out of its bad rating. Then he was asked to take over as temporary administrator until one could be found.
Bermeosolo recounted how each Monday he would be flown from Idaho to Boulder City and then flown back on Friday. Finally, he was asked if he would take over permanently as administrator. Meantime, he had become attached to Boulder City and the crew and residents at the local home, and they to him. So he accepted the assignment.
What he did, Bermeosolo said, was to provide leadership and knowledge. It was the team that brought the facility and its 172 residents up from last in the state to first.
"Our mission from the beginning has been, 'Caring for America's Heroes' and we all believe that," Bermeosolo said. "We have a great esprit de corps."
Glenn Nakadate was given an award based on the work he has done not only in helping to establish the Yellow Ribbon Sign program on Veterans Drive, but to continue and maintain it over the past few years. He is a one-man committee to see that the signs are ordered, made, erected and maintained.
"I'm doing what we all want to do," Nakadate said. "Recognize the boys and girls who are serving our country."
Nakadate is undertaking an inventory to see what signs have been mysteriously removed and replacing those honoring men and women currently in service. It is estimated there are up to 25 signs that have been unaccountably removed.
Commander Doug McHam proudly reported that the post is over 100 percent of its membership goal.
Service Officer Nancy Nollette reported that at least four of the eight unmarked veterans graves at the Boulder City cemetery will have a marker in place by Memorial Day. The holdup on the other four is digging out their service records, but she hopes they will also be properly recognized soon.
Nollette has begun her series of presentations and discussions at the Senior Center of Boulder City for all federal and state benefits affecting veterans and dependents. These discussions will be held from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at the Senior Center's Community Room every second Wednesday of the month through June.
Nollette, a qualified veteran benefits counselor, will not only advise veterans and their dependents on what benefits they are entitled to receive, but also assist them in applying for those benefits.
A nominating committee for Post 31 offices of Jack Belleau, Larry Rohlfs and Ruth Taylor was appointed by McHam.
Post 31 meets at Legion Hall the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. All veterans are welcome. The Auxiliary Unit 31 meets the second Thursday of each month at 9 a.m., following the Thursday morning social get-togethers.
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