Program would aid military families

Dan Kulin

Tuesday, April 1, 2003 | 9:42 a.m.

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., unveiled a new page of his website Monday that will help Nevada's military families get immediate and comprehensive information during the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Web page has a list of emergency contact numbers and information about congressional legislation to support the war effort.

It also has a special section for military veterans and information for Nevadans who are looking for ways to support our troops. The list includes instructions on sending care packages and charities that need volunteers.To reach the Web page, go to http://reid.senate.gov and click on the "Supporting Our Troops" icon in the middle of the home page.

The County Commission was scheduled to vote today on establishing a program that would collect and distribute money for needy military families. The county established a similar program during the first Gulf War 12 years ago.

The money in the "Operation Home Front" trust fund would come from donations from businesses and individuals, county spokesman Erik Pappa said. The county Social Service Department would oversee the fund and be in charge of distributing the money.

The money could be used to help with expenses such as rent, utility bills or child care, Pappa said.

Commission Chairwoman Mary Kincaid-Chauncey, who proposed establishing the trust, said she thinks it can be very successful.

"I've talked to a lot of people who say they want to help but don't know how, and this will give them a way to," Kincaid-Chauncey said. "It's a way we can give something back to those serving over there."

In the first Gulf War the county oversaw the distribution of about $80,000 through a similar program, Kincaid-Chauncey said.

Kincaid-Chauncey said Monday she already has commitments for about $7,000.

If the program is established, the county manager would appoint a committee made up of a representative from the Social Service Department and four citizens to approve families' grant request.

Applications for financial assistance would be available at Nellis Air Force Base and at all Social Service Department offices.

Donors and people seeking aid should call the Social Service Department at 455-4270 or 455-3108 for more information, Pappa said. E-mail can be sent to ssadmin@co.clark.nv.us.

The county would use existing staff to oversee the program, Pappa said.

"There shouldn't be any additional cost," he said.