Retired Army Captain Sam Brown is the leading GOP U.S. Senate candidate for Nevada. The Purple Heart recipient is also keenly aware of the importance of Memorial Day.
"It's a day of remembrance," said Brown. "It's a day of bitterness and sorrow for those families, and so all of us as Americans need to take some time to remember that sacrifice."
While serving in Afghanistan in 2008, Brown and his soldiers were wounded by an improvised explosive device.
He would meet his wife, an Army dietician, over the course of a multi-year recovery process.
Eventually Brown would start a business in Reno that endeavors to help veterans get access to same-day medication when it is urgently needed.
"We're all here familiar with the VA Hospital in Reno, but we have outlying clinics across the state that don't have a hospital and pharmacy on site, and so my company kind of filled this niche role of helping veterans get access to that medication," said Brown.
One issue Brown personally faced as a veteran was a lack of continuity of care.
"When so many veterans are dealing with crisis moments, whether it's in their own personal care or mental health, it's troubling that we have such a high turnover, and veterans don't have that continuity of care," said Brown.
U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, who Brown will be running against if he gains the GOP nomination, provided 2 News Nevada with a statement on the importance of Memorial Day as well.
"As we come together to honor their selflessness, bravery, and dedication, we also honor their families' service and sacrifice," said Rosen. "As the daughter of a World War II veteran, I'm thankful to the men and women who serve our nation – protecting our freedoms and keeping us safe."
Both candidates attended a Memorial Day ceremony at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley to pay respect to our nation’s fallen servicemembers and their families.
