There's nothing like being home for the holidays, but for people that work to protect our country and community, the job doesn't stop even when Christmas comes around.
Reno resident, Scott Jones said, "There's been plenty of times when I was a kid growing up, Christmas was never on the 25th sometimes. We usually had to celebrate a little early, you know dad being on subs being out on deployment. Yeah, not having my dad around on certain holidays was kind of painful and stressful."
That's why local groups put together an event called Operation: Camo Christmas. Operation: Camo Christmas is a non-profit event created by a voluntary committee and the 501c3 Service-Connected Disabled Veteran Non-Profit, Veteran Development Group, Inc.
It was Operation: Camo Christmas' second year Sunday afternoon at the Greater Nevada Field. Co-founder of Operation: Camo Christmas and veteran Shane Whitecloud said the original idea started last year and was meant to provide a holiday celebration for homeless veterans and their families. However, with roughly 86,000 veterans in Northern Nevada alone according to Operation: Camo Christmas, it decided to include everyone by inviting them to an event all veterans, active-duty military, and first responders can enjoy with their families.
"Maybe somebody's lost somebody over holidays, or maybe they're separated from family over the holidays ,or maybe they're dealing some pretty hard stuff at work. And maybe that transfers down to the children as well, and maybe it was hard for them." said Whitecloud. "So this is really just for showing respect and love for people that put on a uniform every day."
The event included toy giveaways, that were donated. The event also had arts and crafts, pictures with Santa, train rides, and character and mascot appearances. Veterans were also able to learn about resources that are available for them.
"If they're homeless we have table for that. If they're in need they have a table for that. That's really the whole point of this, it's just to take the stress off of them." said Whitecloud.
