Mesquite Monthly
This Veterans Day, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Virgin Valley Chapter and the Mesquite Poker Boys will join forces to host a special event to raise funds for the Mesquite Veteran Center.
Although this is the fourth year for the Veterans Party, this is the first year the event will be held at the Mesquite Recreation Center. This is also the first year that the DAR and the Poker Boys are organizing the event.
The DAR, founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, DC, is a non-profit, volunteer women’s service organization whose members must be a direct descendant of an ancestor who fought in the American Revolution.
The Virgin Valley Chapter was founded in 2020 and since that time has conducted a variety of service projects throughout Mesquite.
The Mesquite Poker Boys are a Virgin Valley social club whose membership is based on a love of the game of poker. They meet regularly to play the game they enjoy and to engage in community projects.
They’re also known to conduct whiskey tastings to experience and rate the flavor profiles in unique whiskey brands.
So what brings this unlikely duo together?
The answer is simple, they share a deep appreciation for the U.S. military and a strong desire to support the veterans in our community.
According to Vicki Clift, DAR Virgin Valley Chapter Regent, “Honoring the veterans who have given their all for our country is important. The Veteran Center is so supportive of our veterans in helping them to access military benefits.
“At this time, its especially important to support the Veteran Center because they’re expanding their service area from the Utah border to Moapa Valley. With such an increased area to cover they’ll need more resources and more help with funding.”
Vicki’s son served in the Army in Iraq and is currently in the National Guard. Her husband Wes served four years in the Air Force.
Larry LeMieux, a member of the Mesquite Poker Boys and founder of the Veterans Hangar Dance, shared his feelings on why the Poker Boys came together to organize this year’s Veterans Party.
“We wanted to do something to serve our community and could think of no group more deserving than our veterans,” LeMieux said. “This will be the fourth time and most successful time we have supported our local veterans thanks to the DAR. I have many friends who have served and my eldest son is a soldier.
“Even though I personally didn’t enlist, I want them to know how much they are appreciated.”
Joining the DAR and Poker Boys, the Mesquite Athletics & Leisure Services Department is providing the Recreation Center to hold the event, which was previously held at the Mesquite Airport.
Nick Montoya, department director, said, “I have family members that are veterans, so this is a great opportunity for the city and for me personally to show how important the veterans are to our community. The Veterans Party is a great way to show them our respect and admiration.”
Several local businesses have also given their support to the Veterans Party by making donations to the Veteran Center. Legacy Construction, Nevada Residential Construction (NRC) and Mesquite Gaming are major sponsors of the event.
Anthony Toti, CEO for Mesquite Gaming, said, “Mesquite Gaming and all of our employees benefit everyday from the freedoms we have due to the courage of the men and women who have served in our military.
“Our hope is that every American will follow our lead in recognizing these true heroes”.
Supporting local veterans by supporting the Veterans Center is more than just a community service. It’s about a personal connection to someone close to us who served in the military. Whether its a relative, a friend or neighbor, we know the sacrifices that are made by those in the military and the families they leave behind.
This year on Veterans Day, the two organizations invite Mesquite residents to say “Thank You” to the veterans who have made it possible for us to live, work and play in a city like Mesquite.
Please join on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 2-5:30 p.m. at the Mesquite Recreation Center for “Soldiers & Bobby Soxers,” a veteran tribute and 1950’s sock hop.
Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, children 12 and under free. Tickets are on sale at the Mesquite Fine Arts Center.
