Photo: U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez-Masto of Nevada shakes hands with U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jay Ireland, commander of 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, supporting the 4th Infantry Division, at Forward Operating Site Pabrade, Lithuania, 2023, by Daniel Yarnall, Wikimedia
This November, as we celebrate both Native American Heritage Month and Veterans Month, I want to highlight the Indigenous veterans across Nevada and thank them for their service to our nation. In the Senate, I remain committed to ensuring they receive the support they’ve earned.
More Native Americans per capita serve in the United States Armed Forces than any other demographic. Here in Nevada, members of all 28 federally recognized Tribes have proudly worn the uniform in major conflicts from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan. Their courage, sacrifice, and deep connection to community embody the very best of our state and our country.
Unfortunately, for too long, Native veterans have faced barriers like systemic underfunding and limited internet access, which have made it a challenge to access the benefits and recognition they’ve earned.
I’ve made it a priority to work closely with Nevada’s Tribal leaders to close those gaps. I’ve helped secure millions in federal funding for veteran housing and services, co-sponsored the bipartisan National American Indian Veterans Charter Bill to formally recognize a Native American veteran’s service organization, and supported legislation like the Veterans’ COLA Act and the Fred Hamilton Veterans’ Lost Records Act to make sure every veteran can access the benefits they earned through service.
This month, and every month, let’s honor our Indigenous veterans not just with words, but with action. The sacrifices they made to defend our freedoms have strengthened Nevada and our nation. They deserve nothing less than our deepest gratitude and full support.
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