By Terence Way | Photos by Su Phelps
The Nevada JWV (Jewish War Veterans) State Convention was held at the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort. The outgoing state commander, Stephen Seiden was celebrated and praised, especially for successfully elevating the awareness and recognition of the Nevada’s three chapters to its current state. Between fundraising through their Poppy Drives, partnering and soliciting partnerships and grants with other organizations, and promoting their offshoots, his leadership and organization skills were instrumental in their growth.
To humbly sum up all the successes, Commander Seiden deflected the praise back to the three department commanders, JWV Post 21 Robert Greene, JWV Post 64 Jerry Bootzin, and JWV Post 65 Howard Spanier, saying that it was “down to earth veterans helping veterans”.
About the offshoots, Post 21’s women’s auxiliary was recognized. Post 65’s offshoot Silver State Veteran Assistance Foundation was lauded. And finally, Post 64’s offshoot, the Kline Veterans Fund was praised for their continued support of homeless and at-risk veterans. 100% of the funds donated to these offshoots help veterans in Nevada.
And Fred Wagner from NDVS (Nevada Department of Veteran Services) gave an entertaining speech recounting the 124-year history of JWF and to provide the latest updates from NDVS efforts. Afterward, he presented Commander Seiden with a special coin commemorating his tenure.
And finally, Billy Fischer gave a wonderful singing performance, and was recognized with a certificate of appreciation for his entertainment.
For 2019-2020, these elected officers were sworn in by the former JWV Department Commander of Nevada, Gene Kanofsky:
Jerry Roth – Commander
Jerry Bootzin – Senior Vice Commander
Norman Pres – Junior Vice Commander
Morton Friedlander – Judge Advocate
Jerry Roth – Quartermaster
Morris Dubin – Chaplain
And finally, Billy Fischer gave a wonderful singing performance, and was recognized with a certificate of appreciation for his entertainment.
For further info, please visit:
Silver State Veterans Assistance Foundation
https://www.ssvaf.org/ ,Kline Veterans Fundhttps://www.klineveteransfund.org/
