NVDS announces veteran, supporter of the month

Carmen Rank, a federal contractor to the Skyline Transition Assistance Advisor Program, is most recently known for her work in connecting Nevada National Guard and reserve members to resources as well as benefits earned through military service.

She’s also known for doing so much more to help military members, veterans and their families which is why she received the Governor’s Veteran of the Month honor and award.

Gov. Brian Sandoval presented the award at a Friday ceremony.

The ceremony also honored the Scottish American Military Society Honor Guard Post 1864 as Veteran Supporter of the Month.

The awards recognize Nevada’s men, women or organizations that have gone above and beyond in volunteer work supporting military members, veterans and their families. The award puts a spotlight on the work and service veterans and others do for those who have served the country.

Rank began her military career by initially serving two years in the Nevada Army National Guard before becoming Active Guard Reserve (Active Duty Army). She retired in 2006 as a sergeant first class after 21 years of service, of which she spent the majority of her time in Carson City.

Today she serves as a Nevada transition adviser fulfilling a wide range of needs for all reserve components in the state.

She’s also involved in a long list of volunteer work that includes a wide range of activities for numerous veteran organizations and activities involving family programs, the American Legion, the Veterans Guest House, suicide prevention programs and more. She organizes and promotes the military retiree breakfast in Carson City. She’s also the driving force behind a newsletter keeping about 145 retirees from all branches of service informed.

The Scottish American Military Society Honor Guard post 1864 is well known in the veterans’ community. Members have donated countless hours supporting the Veterans-in-Care program and Wreaths Across America each December.

The 10-man color guard is among those who place wreaths on every grave at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley. Last year volunteers placed more than 5,000 wreaths on each grave site.

The color guard has supported more than 78 different veteran events this year alone including ceremonies, celebrations, wakes and funerals.