The goal of the Nevada County Veterans Services Office (VSO) is to connect local veterans with every benefit they are eligible for and link them to the community supports available to them.
“We have a team of folks who are dedicated to working with our veterans, but it takes a village, and there’s something for everyone,” said David West, the County’s veterans services officer.
In recent years, Nevada County’s Veterans Office has developed award-winning programs that go far beyond filing paperwork, connecting veterans to employment, housing, wellness and community support with the help of a network of volunteers, organizations and businesses.
“We want to help in any way possible. We strive to solve all problems,” West said.
Serving Our Veterans
The staff at Nevada County VSO are accredited and receive extra training to serve the over 10,000 veterans in the county.
West and the Board of Supervisors have been advocating to protect veterans from scams that charge for services they can receive for free through the VSO. The Board of Supervisors sent a letter of support for Senate Bill 694 in June, which would prevent these unaccredited businesses from charging veterans for these services.
Last year alone, Nevada County VSO submitted over 1,600 claims to the VA, generating $4.3 million in funding for local veterans.
“It’s important that our veteran community knows that we are here to serve you and can get you connected to those same services and more at no cost,” added West.
Beyond direct services and advocacy, volunteers play a critical role in improving the day-to-day lives of local veterans.
The Power of Volunteers
With veterans representing over 10% of Nevada County residents, support does not come from the County’s VSO alone. Local veterans’ organizations and volunteers are the backbone that help create a whole system of care for local veterans.
“One of the greatest challenges we have is helping veterans get to their VA appointments,” said West. “Telehealth appointments don’t work for everyone, and the closest doctor appointments with the VA are in Sacramento right now.”
Volunteer drivers like Jim Bradshaw, Gary Tanaka and Russ Bravard are helping close that gap.
According to West, it’s more than getting our veterans from point A to B for their appointment, saying, “They are having conversations and making connections when it’s needed.”
Tanaka has been volunteering with Nevada County VSO for the past 8 years. When asked what his favorite part about volunteering was, he said, “Meeting the people and bringing them to a level of calmness about their situation [and] being able to be there for them in some small way when they have these appointments that sometimes they are nervous or stressed about."
“We cannot thank all our volunteers enough for the services they provide. Without our dedicated crew of volunteers, we would not be able to provide free transportation to medical appointments,” said West.
More volunteers are always welcome and needed, from drivers to even offering housing to veterans experiencing homelessness.
A Place to Call Home
For the past three years, the County has had a designated system to help house veterans experiencing homelessness. But it can’t be done without the community’s help.
The County works with AMI Housing to help identify affordable rental housing options by providing guaranteed rent, financial incentives, money for repair costs and appliance replacements and a number to call for next-day assistance for any tenant issues through the Landlord Liaison and Recruitment program.
“Finding housing remains one of the biggest challenges in our community, so we’ve tried to make it as easy as possible. The rental can be a house, granny unit or a room to rent, and you can choose to specifically rent to veterans if you’d like,” said West.
If you have or know of someone that has a rental property and is interested in the program, call (530) 878-5088 or contact AMI housing at HCT@amihousing.org.
Military Appreciation Week: Nov. 8-16
2025 marks the 5th annual Military Appreciation Week in Nevada County, a program that engages community businesses to provide discounts or special offers to active-duty military, reservists, veterans and Gold Star families.
“Over 130 local businesses and organizations have stepped up to honor our veterans and active-duty military. It’s evident that we support our veterans,” said West.
This year, Military Appreciation Week runs from Nov. 8-16, but many businesses run their discounts year-round.
Businesses range from retail to restaurants, and even arts and travel, from Grass Valley to Truckee across the county.
For more information or to sign your business up, visit nevadacountyca.gov/militaryappreciation.
“From our dedicated volunteers to hundreds of local businesses that provide discounted services, it truly is a village serving and honoring our veterans,” added West. “Our work doesn’t
stop here, but I’m beyond honored to do what I get to do every day, which is serving our veterans in a community that values their service too.”
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HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT NEVADA COUNTY VETERANS
VOLUNTEER WITH THE VETERANS SERVICES OFFICE Help local veterans get to medical appointments or connect with essential services. • Volunteer drivers needed: Transport veterans to VA appointments in Sacramento or assist with local outreach. • To volunteer, call (530) 265-1446 or visit nevadacountyca.gov/vso.
OFFER HOUSING OR RENTALS Have a home, ADU (accessory dwelling unit), or room for rent? You can make a difference. • The Landlord Liaison and Recruitment Program offers guaranteed rent, repair funds, and next-day support for landlords who rent to veterans. • Contact AMI Housing at HCT@amihousing.org or (530) 878-5088.
SUPPORT VETERANS THROUGH YOUR BUSINESS Join more than 130 local businesses participating in Military Appreciation Week (Nov. 8–16) and offering year-round discounts for active-duty military, veterans, and Gold Star families. • Sign up or learn more at nevadacountyca.gov/militaryappreciation