When I first moved to the Truckee Meadows in 2008, I wasn't familiar with the Veterans Guest House…read more My introduction to VGH was by my daughter's friend who attended Orvis School of Nursing. As a military brat, this organization holds a special place in my heart. I have donated to this cause for fifteen years, including posting a reminder daily on my Facebook page to vote for VGH to win a large donation from Home Depot years ago. And, yes, they won! Finally, I visited their wonderful facility at their annual open house on December 9, 2023. I am so pleased to see that we are helping our Veterans and their families with lodging while the Veteran receives medical attention at no cost to them! Many companies and other groups provide dinner nightly for those staying there! If you have a minute, you might want to take a quick tour to see how VGH "spends" our donations and I believe you will also be impressed. Please keep in mind that VGH operates solely on the donations of our local community! There are reading areas, a laundry room, TV rooms, and bedrooms from single beds to family-sized all with bathrooms, large open community areas like the kitchen and dining area. Please remember that our Veterans signed a blank check when they served our country and now we can help them!

I'm not a veteran, so I have never used this facility…read more But it's one of my favorite organizations to contribute to. Several times a year I drop off various greeting cards for the guests to use, as well as various dental items. They also accept cash and gift cards to several area stores. Throughout the year VGH has a few fund raisers. October is Boots to Fashion. A fabulous event at a Reno casino ballroom that includes a champagne three course lunch, raffle and auction items and of course a fashion show. Women veterans of all ages and branches donate their time walk the runway and show off the latest trends in women's clothing from local shops. A fabulous event that honors the many women in the military. Why are fund raisers needed ? Because VGH provides US military service veterans and their families a place to stay in Reno while they are receiving medical treatment at the VA Center or other area facilities. The House is like a small hotel with a common area living room and kitchen. It is not associated the Veterans Administration. Guests are suggested a $25 a night donation to help defray costs, but no one is refused for lack of funds. The house, located across the street from the VA Hospital, is a non-profit, and receives no state or federal money for its day to day operations. Huge kudos for everything the VGH does for the veterans. Thank you sir and mam for your service. For more info - veteransguesthouse.org

November is National Veterans & Military Family Month…read more An army marches on its stomach so I attended the Sun Valley Nevada Annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast held here because none more cherished in a Veteran's life than those who lighten the burdens of Veterans from Veterans military Service. The place was clean; tablecloths, patriotic centerpieces and mints were placed; coffee, milk, orange juice, pancakes, butter and syrup, sausage, and some mighty delicious perfectly cooked bacon was served. Red, white or blue bags filled with valuable information and gifts for Veterans were distributed. Pins with the Nevada flag and US flag were given away. The breakfast was opened with Pledge of Allegiance. Here's my Shout Out to those who were there to serve Veterans: The Girl Scouts who graciously and courteously and lovingly served we Veterans. The three women from Catholic Charities who patiently provided valuable information for a wide variety of services for Veterans. The Sun Valley General Improvement District Board of Trustees Vice-Chair Susan Severt, Chair Sandra Ainsworth, Treasurer Carmen Ortiz, Secretary Reverend Joseph Barstow, and Trustee Michael Rider who all graciously and courteously and lovingly and unpretentiously attended to we Veterans. It is organization such as Sun Valley General Improvement District Board of Trustees that are on the front lines of fighting to reduce the staggering and horrifying number of Veterans who daily succumb to suicide at the rate of more than twice that of non-Veterans. The politicians and candidates and the representative from Washoe County Sheriffs' Office who attended. The politicians and candidates who did attend graciously put aside their political differences and made the breakfast only all about the Veterans. I saw that a couple Veterans who are unable to drive received rides home from a couple of the candidates. Next week I'm sure some oaf will disappoint me at some self-proclaimed 5-Star business with the fact that they have no clue what a Veteran is after I inquire as to their Veterans Discount, then insult me with their cavalier reason why they don't is respect is earned. For this moment though, the love and respect and support for Veterans here was so palpable that I was buoyed up by it and remained so for the rest of the day. Here this event was publicized as for Veterans and Veterans were placed front and center throughout the whole event by the hosts and attendees. The Veterans event I was at the day before, see https://www.yelp.com/biz/nevada-veterans-memorial-plaza-sparks, well, when it came time to cut the ribbon to formally open the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza, an ostentatious gaggle of overweening public officials, the vast majority of whom are NOT a Veteran (we Veterans are an extraordinarily rare 7% of the population), all rushed up and crowded together to get their pictures taken and to cut that ribbon all the while clearly doing their best to make it about themselves and how important they believe they are over the importance of Veterans. I strongly felt that ribbon cutting to formally open the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza was the role of ONLY Veterans, and definitely NOT any non-Veterans. There were certainly plenty of Veterans there who could have and should have been the ONLY ones to have cut that ribbon. Those public officials from the day before Veterans event at Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza can stand to learn a lot from the humble public officials who hosted today's Veterans Appreciation Breakfast who went out of their way to make it NOT about the public officials and only about and for Veterans. I've attended several of the past years breakfasts and this years was, as are so many organizations and businesses, struggling to overcome the ravages of Covid-19, so was a far pared-down event. I particularly enjoyed a past year's Veterans Appreciation Breakfast where the Washoe County Sheriff, who'd chosen NOT to Serve in America's Armed Forces, served me my breakfast. I hope next year's event brings back the local public officials and politicians with a stern warning to the politicians and public officials that the event is only about serving the Veterans, and brings back the couple dozen Veterans organizations and community resource groups that in years past completely lined the room's walls with their tables and volunteers. I also hope the future Veterans Appreciation Breakfasts brings back the press from previous years as the press also was missing from this year's Veterans Appreciation Breakfast. This Veterans Appreciation Breakfast is held every year about this time so check back for exactly what date and see you there next year. Dyk that Nevada's motto is All For Our Country?

The American Legion Hall offers a nice space to hold events. It has several rooms to separate…read moreareas. Theres also a space outside A kitchen is available too and it's great to support our Vets!

We gave our today that you might have your tomorrow…read more "The Sparks American Legion Post was named for Lauren "Duby" Gilbert Reid who was killed in action on October 8, 1918. Lauren Gilbert Reid was born in Gold Hill, Storey County, Nevada on March 28th 1896. Although reared on the Comstock, he was well known in other western Nevada counties where he had a legion of friends. When the call to the colors came Reid entered military service on June 24, 1918. After training he was sent to France to serve with Company G, 308th Infantry of the 77th Division. The unit entered the fight of the Argonne forest on the extreme left end of the line in September 1918. It was the fate of this young soldier to be one of the men in the famous "Lost Battalion". He was wounded by shrapnel and died the next day of his wounds on October 8, 1918. On the gateway of a little cemetery in France is written these words: "We gave our today that you might have your tomorrow." The current Post building was built in 1980." The Duby Reid Sparks American Legion Post 30 is an active Veterans organization of some 160 members. Their goal is to provide important services to Veterans and our community. American Legion Post 30 members support the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, High School Junior ROTC, Operation Comfort Warrior, Honor Flight, and many more local and national charitable programs. They also have a Legion Riders affiliate. The building is available to American Legion members and the public for special events including wedding receptions, memorial services, celebration of life services, anniversary parties and more. They have tables, chairs, a kitchen and approximately 3500 square feet of usable space. Regular meetings are 7 pm the second Wednesday of each month. As an American Legion member, I treasure the American Legion as it is another valuable Veterans service organization.

This is a very special place for helping veterans and their loved ones…read moreTara Norman as well as the rest of the staff are truly awesome. We had struggles and she went out the way to help and show us new things. Tara provided ways for us to get on our feet as well as helping me to better my resume and find a job. Nation's Finest goes out the way to help Veterans with food and clothing as well as toiletries. It is really great support place as well. Thank You Tara at Nations Finest as well as Nathan for looking out for Veterans.

We Veterans were left behind by Nation's Finest and Nation's Finest does NOT have our Six…read more I DON'T recommend because this business is clearly NOT for Veterans and ONLY exists to pay the salaries of those there who are NOT helping Veterans. One of my several Veteran friends who lives in Reno came upon some hard times, including losing his job due to his military Service connected disabilities and he was worried about being evicted from his apartment. I told him about this place, we arranged an appointment for him on Wednesday, 1 November 2023 at 0900, and for him to drive us to and from then. The person who answered the phone at this Nation's Finest location wouldn't tell us their name, nor the name of the person they made the appointment with. We showed up for the appointment only to be told we had no appointment and they couldn't help us. They made another appointment for us Wednesday, 15 November 2023 at 1000, but wouldn't tell us the name of the person they made the appointment with. We asked to use the bathroom and the person pointed to a sign "No Public Bathrooms". We said we were NOT public, that we were there for an appointment. We were still denied the use of the bathroom. Having ready access to clean, safe public restrooms is vital part of personal and public health. Adequate public restrooms are fundamental to human dignity, and are especially critical for people like my husband, a Veteran (and other Veterans, especially the elderly ones like me) with military Service-connected Agent Orange-related prostate damage requiring him to have frequent access to a bathroom. The place was dirty. We went downstairs to the advertised Pantry and Resource Center, which also has signs "No Public Bathrooms" posted. A woman barked at us demanding to see our Veterans ids. There were six spaghetti squash and NO other food. We were told we could only take one squash. We asked about cooking utensils and winter clothes, gloves, hats, and boots and were told none are available. The place was dirty. We showed up for the next appointment only to be told the person we had an appointment with was not available and that AGAIN they couldn't help us. There were still signs stating "No Public Bathrooms". The place was still dirty. We went downstairs to the advertised Pantry and Resource Center, which also has signs "No Public Bathrooms" posted. A woman again barked at us demanding to see our Veterans ids. There were a very limited supply of some canned goods and NO other food. We were told we could only take one can of each item letting us take only four cans. We again asked about cooking utensils and winter clothes, gloves, hats, and boots and again were told none are available. The place was still dirty.

Friendliness and camaraderie rules at the VFW's Reno Battle Born Bunker. The Canteen is open each…read moreTuesday through Saturday from 4 pm - 8 pm. Originally founded in 1899, as the American Veterans of Foreign Service, the Veterans of Foreign Wars continues to be a voice and haven for Veterans, returning and currently deployed U.S. Armed Forces service members, and their families.

My neighbor invited me to join her in viewing a play at this venue. I thought it would be…read moreinteresting to watch a war themed play in an underground military bunker. It was already dark when we arrived, so I didn't notice much about the outside other than the gravel parking lot. We walked down a ramp and entered a fair sized gathering room that included walls decked out with posters from all of the various wars in which the veterans had fought, card tables with plain padded chairs, and a bar, and the room was clouded with smoke. I am no fan of cigarette smoke, so this was a disappointing discovery. After the lights and sounds were checked properly, we were invited back to the bunker area for the performance, where we sat in scattered folding chairs. The air was much fresher and cooler than the gathering room, and no smoking was allowed in this area, thank goodness. The play, appropriately named "Wounded", was an intense drama about wounded soldiers from the war in Iraq. It was performed well, and the bunker was a great aesthetic to the setting. It was put on by Merry War Theater Group, who presented themselves as a pop-up ensemble whose acts can be followed on Facebook or through their e-mail list, as they do not perform in just one arena. My heart and gratitude go out to our Veterans. However, I would like to preserve my lungs from the wretches of second hand smoke.

Wow, what a gem! This place reminded me of the early 90's…read more. I felt younger visiting this place! The ceilings are lower and the place is huge . The staff was amazing.everyone knew me by first name. We stopped in Virginia City which was ok and Reno was packed!

I have been going to the Nugget for about 40 years. I love the Oyster Bar…read more But the issue is that the Nugget started charging for parking to attend the Brooks and Dunn concert, $20! We had to park on the top floor, the elevator was packed. My husband and I walked five flights of stairs! Outrageous!

Do you want to learn what it feels like to be spit on like your family members did in 1968 when…read morecoming back from fighting for your country? Do you want to remember the PTSD of a grandparent who hit every island in Japan? Then go and reach out for help with Maria Ruvalcaba | National Area Supervisor - Area 9. She will make sure you have the worst of worst experiences while working with the VA. She is located in Reno Nevada.

the services here far surpass the services in California, the individuals here are SO much nicer…read more And the listen to your concerns. My representative was SO nice and so helpful, I got nowhere fast in California, I pray these people are much more helpful! As a veteran, you expect satisfaction!

I was recently here to assist with an event. Listen the bad review is solely based on what…read morehappened. This is actually a large venue and really nice on the inside. BUT that does not excuse what took place. No one was at the venue until 15mins before it started so we couldn't setup. The Phone number we had kept going to voicemail and if it wasn't for someone who stopped by to speak to the owner about working together we would have never gotten inside to setup for the event. IDK what the story was as to why no one was there but really. Luckily it was still good. and luckily the food caterer was able to get the food out in time.

Looking for fellowship and a sense of purpose?…read more Well this is the place for you. They have a great time, help children and treat each other like family. I am proud to be a Shriner and invite you to be one also. www.beashrinernow.com

Nice hotel. Stayed here few times. This trip had a horrible view. Just the parking lot. Little view…read moreof the mountains. The sink had low pressure and the shower was full of pressure. Always my go to hotel in Reno Nevada

We've been coming here for years and have multiple Diamond members in our family, but our latest…read morestay was a massive disappointment due to the service at the VIP desk. While most of the staff is wonderful, the VIP receptionist, Christine, was unprofessional and dismissive. She made several billing errors when we tried to extend our stay--effectively overcharging us for both past and future nights. When confronted with the mistakes, she was rude and unapologetic, even deactivating our keys before our scheduled late checkout. It's a shame because we love the arcades and the location, but we actually cut our trip short and moved to a different hotel because of this interaction. If you're staying here, I recommend double-checking your bill and working with the other receptionists who are far more helpful.

Visited Pokher Knights during a blizzard - cozy and welcoming crowd, but the vibe is more basement…read moreparty than upscale club. Staff crossing boundaries (yes, security joined the fun) felt off, and the space lacked polish. We had an okay night, but between the lowbrow feel and loose rules, it's not a must-repeat for us. Fun in a pinch, but not our top pick. See our full review here: https://www.vanillaswingers.com/renos-pokher-nights-review-snowed-in-stripped-down-and-shocked/

It was our first time visiting PK's in late Sept of this year. My wife and I were very much looking…read moreforward to just hanging out and meeting new friends. It was a bit clickish at first, but all places are when your the newby. We got over that right away and as it turned out everyone was quite friendly. The menbership for one year is $80 per couple and the enterance fee was $40 for both of us, however that got you in for both Friday and Saturday nights. There was a good mix of single men which happens to be what my wife likes so we were very excited and looking forward to our night out. We were not disappionted at all. The place could use a good updating but it didn't hinder our time at all. The staff was friendly and we always felt safe. We will definately come back to visit this place when we are in the area.