Veteran's Affairs Plus W/ David L. Washington

This episode spotlights community leaders working to protect families, create opportunity, and preserve Black history in Las Vegas. Dina Neal, recently honored by Nevada Legal Services as a Champion of Justice, shares how she has worked since 2019 to document conditions, organize support, and secure legislation and funding for families in the sinking Windsor Park neighborhood. Construction is in its closing stages, with painting and appliance installation still needed before families can move in, and a UNLV student documentary on the neighborhood, which won a Student Emmy, helped raise awareness. She also outlines her policy priorities, including data-center tax abatements and a moratorium, artificial-intelligence regulation, and lowering auto-insurance costs. Lonnie Wright then discusses programs that helped more than 100 former athletes return to school, trained homeless veterans, homeless residents, and youthful offenders for hospitality careers, and recruited 150 Black workers for the Bellagio opening. He also introduces Legacy 50, a project honoring Black Las Vegas leaders who were first in their fields or made significant contributions to the community, including those remembered in memoriam, with a website and interview platform planned to share their stories. The program also announces upcoming community events, including an October voter-education program honoring Dr. Ruby Duncan, the OGs Black Men’s Health Fair at Doolittle, and the Ivy and Pearls Golf Classic at Rose Ranch.

This episode highlights two community efforts that invest in the next generation and preserve local history. Gwen Walker-Abdullah shares the origins of the Walker African American Museum, its collection of more than 30,000 items, and the work still needed to reopen at 705 Van Buren by Kwanzaa, including flooring, a replacement window, paint touch-ups, and funding for a future 10,000-square-foot facility. Coach Tate then describes his youth program for boys and girls ages 4 to 14, which pairs baseball fundamentals with life skills, educational workshops, and college-campus visits, and has supported participants who went on to law and medical school. He also shares details on the October 19 fundraising golf tournament and how to register or give support. The episode opens with community announcements, including condolences for Fire Chief Robert Osby's family, October birthdays, voter education honoring Dr. Ruby Duncan, and a Black Men's Health Workshop. 

This episode of Veterans Affairs Plus brings together advocates and organization leaders working to improve life for Nevadans with sickle cell disease. Georgene Glass shares the history of Dream Sickle Kids Foundation, founded in 2018 to support children, families, and the broader sickle cell community, while Ingrid Williams reflects on the state's earlier advocacy efforts around newborn sickle cell testing and the ongoing need for medical-community education. Pamela White, of BTG Adult Sickle Cell, describes the day-to-day realities facing patients and caregivers—from pain crises and interrupted employment to insurance barriers and the transportation, food, rent, burial, and prescription assistance her organization provides. The conversation also highlights recent wins, including Nevada's AB 254 and a five-year federal HRSA grant, alongside community fundraising efforts like a golf tournament that has raised over $5,000 and the upcoming ninth annual Las Vegas Sickle Cell Walk at Lorenzi Park. Throughout, guests urge patients and families to seek support and call for greater awareness, funding, and compassionate care across the state. 

In this episode, host Dave Washington focuses on voter education, election-related concerns, and African American men's health, and he shares details on upcoming community events. Guest Nedra explains that Nevada's tabulators operate independently of the internet, and she outlines her opposition to Question 7, which would require voter identification, warning that potential documentation requirements could disproportionately affect women, seniors, Black voters, communities of color, and working-class voters. Dave and Nedra encourage listeners to verify their registration through the Clark County Election Department and to use official ballot drop-off locations, and the conversation flags an open question about the final verified legal details regarding Nevada voter-roll maintenance and Question 7. Dave then turns to health outreach with guest Mel, who discusses the importance of preventive care, mental health, and addressing the stressors that affect African American men, and who shares that the Original Outstanding Gentlemen of Las Vegas hosts its second annual African American Men's Health Summit on October 24, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Doolittle Active Adult Center. The episode closes with a look at upcoming community events, including voter education on October 24 in the Syrian Knight Conference Room and the Armstrong Golf Tournament on October 3.

This program features updates on community voter education, veteran services at American Legion Post Eight, and expert advice on disaster preparedness.

Community Updates

Dave announced the success of a recent voter education project held at the Sarian Apartments and noted that the next session is scheduled for October 24th. He emphasized the importance of verifying voter registration ahead of the November midterms to avoid potential system purges. Additionally, Dave mentioned upcoming golf tournaments, including one hosted by the Armstrong Family Foundation.

Veteran Services

Tony shared his transition to becoming the Commander of American Legion Post Eight, located at 733 Veterans Memorial Drive in downtown Las Vegas. He detailed several upcoming initiatives and events:

• A POW/MI Remembrance ceremony on the 18th at 2:00 p.m.
• Monthly family days featuring online gaming and karaoke on the first Sunday of every month at 2:00 p.m.
• A search for a local youth baseball team for the post to sponsor.
• Expanded operating hours, aiming to be open daily at 10:00 a.m.

Tony also noted that while he has resigned from his VSO position with the VFW, other representatives like Carl Fogg are available to assist with claims in the Henderson area.

Disaster Preparedness

Joseph provided professional guidance on community readiness in response to recent global and local disasters, such as flash flooding at the Grand Canyon. He introduced the concept of a "go bag," which should contain 72 hours of essential supplies tailored to individual needs, such as specific medications or items for the elderly and children.

Joseph highlighted several key resources for further education:

• FEMA (specifically ready.gov)
• NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration)
• Local emergency management apps and news networks

He stressed that "proper prior planning prevents poor performance" and urged families to consider specific needs for those who are visually, hearing, or mobility impaired before an emergency occurs.

Dave Washington hosts Veterans Affairs Plus, discussing voter education and the importance of voting, including Nevada's closed primary system. He highlights the significance of mental health in the workplace, particularly in high-stress professions like firefighting and the military. Dr. I. David Daniels, a retired fire chief and expert in psychosocial safety, emphasizes the need to address mental health issues proactively. He shares his research on the impact of psychosocial hazards on Black workers and the high suicide rates in high-hazard occupations. Daniels advocates for early intervention and support to prevent emotional harm from escalating into physical injuries.

Gene Campbell hosts a special program featuring his son Brandon Campbell and nephew Ruben Campbell, both UNLV alumni. Brandon, a lawyer turned startup founder, discusses his journey from working with Trey Songz to creating Naremi, a global network connecting people with shared interests. Ruben, a writer and associate editor at Melanin Base Camp, highlights his work promoting outdoor activities among people of color. Both emphasize the importance of community, conservation, and maintaining curiosity. They also share their experiences with local and national conservation efforts, urging listeners to engage with nature and support environmental initiatives.

Dave Washington hosts Veterans Affairs Plus, featuring guest Dusti Armstrong, who discusses her father's legacy and the Armstrong Family and Associates Foundation. The foundation hosts an annual golf tournament on October 3 at Aliante Golf Club to raise funds for scholarships. Frank Hawkins, a former NFL player and housing developer, is inducted into the Big Sky Hall of Fame. He shares his football journey and his work on affordable housing projects, including the Windsor Park project, which has erected 93 houses since February. Hawkins emphasizes the use of SIP insulator panels for energy efficiency in housing construction.