TMCC Veterans Upward Bound Program

09/02/2026

One of the things we value most at Veterans Upward Bound hosted by Truckee Meadows Community College is community. Our mission is to be a safe space where veterans can figure out their next steps and that extends to the organizations who walk alongside them.

This week, we were honored to host the David J. Drakulich Art Foundation: For Freedom of Expression for their board meeting in our VUB space. Their work is extraordinary using art, creativity, and community connection to support veterans and their families. Their partnership means so much to us, and we’re grateful for the heart they bring to Nevada’s veteran community.

We want to extend that same welcome to any veteran service organization or group that serves veterans. If you need a place to meet, plan, collaborate, or host an event, our VUB space is available to you. Creating strong partnerships is how we build a stronger network of support for the veterans we serve.

If your organization would like to use our space, reach out. We would love to have you here!

Northern Nevada shows up for its veterans. And at VUB, we’re proud to be part of that story.

08/31/2026

Today, Veterans Upward Bound received a generous donation of snacks and water from Kimberly C Weingartner with the Katie Grace Foundation. We are so grateful. These contributions directly support our Feed‑A‑Vet initiative, which ensures veterans have access to snacks while they’re here working with us.

It’s hard to focus on your goals when you’re worrying about being hungry. Something as simple as a snack can make a real difference in helping veterans stay grounded, present, and ready to do the work that moves them toward their next steps.

Our vision for VUB hosted by Truckee Meadows Community College is to be a safe space where veterans can figure out their future whether that’s school, training, a new career path, or simply rebuilding confidence. Support like this helps us create that environment.

Thank you, KT Grace Foundation, for showing up for Nevada’s veterans with heart and generosity. Your partnership strengthens our mission and the community we serve.

08/31/2026

Friday was a full and meaningful day for Veterans Upward Bound hosted by Truckee Meadows Community College. Three events in one day, each celebrating Nevada’s veteran community in a different way. By the time the last one wrapped up late in the evening, we were exhausted in the best possible way… so we’re sharing this one today.

We were honored to attend the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home Art Garden Fundraiser, an event filled with heart, creativity, and community spirit. Envision a captivating outdoor space adorned with kinetic sculptures, interactive art, musical installations, and a stage built for connection and joy. All of it imagined and brought to life by NNSVH residents, staff, supporters, and incredibly generous local artists.

This isn’t just a garden.
It’s a sanctuary.
A retreat from life’s hustle.
A place where families gather.
A whimsical space where veterans rekindle bonds through art and nature.

The goal for the evening was to raise $50,000 to bring this vision to life and thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the goal was met.

We were proud to stand alongside our partners, including one of our favorite residents, Wally Luetje, and the Chair of the NNSVH Independent Advisory Board, Linda Dickinson, as we celebrated this milestone for the Home and the veterans who call it theirs.

Northern Nevada shows up for its veterans and VUB is honored to be part of that story.

08/31/2026

08/28/2026

Today, Veterans Upward Bound hosted by Truckee Meadows Community College also had the honor of celebrating the 105th birthday of an extraordinary American hero. A World War II Army doctor whose life, service, and legacy continue to inspire all of us.

At the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home, we joined residents, staff, family, and community partners to recognize his remarkable journey and the countless lives he touched through his service. Reaching 105 is an incredible milestone, and standing with him today was a powerful reminder of the history, courage, and resilience carried by our veteran community.

We are deeply grateful to the NN Veterans Home team for creating such a meaningful celebration and for the exceptional care they provide every day.

To our WWII doctor, Happy 105th birthday, sir! Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and the example you continue to set for generations.

Veterans Upward Bound is honored to celebrate Nevada’s veterans — past, present, and future.

08/28/2026

With Smiling with Hope Pizza-Good Neighbors serving NY Style Pizza – we just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

08/28/2026

This morning, Veterans Upward Bound had the privilege of attending the ribbon cutting for the new VA Pioneer Clinic in Reno, NV, a much‑needed expansion of services for our veteran community.

Director Thomas Talamante delivered powerful remarks about the responsibility we all share in responding to the needs of homeless and at‑risk veterans. His leadership and commitment to expanding access to care is exactly what Northern Nevada needs, and we are grateful for his vision.

This new clinic represents more than a building. It represents hope, stability, and a stronger safety net for the veterans we serve every day. VUB is proud to stand alongside the VA as a partner in supporting veterans on their path to education, stability, and opportunity.

Congratulations to the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System team on this milestone, and thank you for continuing to invest in Nevada’s veterans.

08/24/2026

Thank you, Smiling with Hope Pizza-Good Neighbors serving NY Style Pizza! This is a wonderful veteran-owned business that supports our community in numerous ways - and here is one example. Please support them -- the pizza and all other menu items are delicious!

Hey there everyone!

We hope everyone is staying safe and we are thinking about all who are impacted by the Hawk fire.

We know firsthand, the stress that these evacuations can cause as well as the stress for first responder families who are out working day in and day out on these fires.

We humbly want to show our appreciation for our first responders and love for our neighbors by providing a Free pie, slices or meals to First responders and for those displaced by evacuations.

Please come by the shop, relax for a little while and let us take care of you.

We are thankful for our many blessings and are hoping, in a small way, to pay it forward.

Huge shoutout to all the other local businesses who have started the trend and are doing the same.

Photo credit: Endter

08/24/2026

Hope all VUB participants and their families are safe - please reach out if you need anything!

TMCC CLOSED MONDAY, AUG. 24

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the Hawk Fire and its extraordinary impact across our region.

All TMCC locations will be closed Monday, Aug. 24. There will be no in-person or online classes and no in-person or remote work, except for emergency services teams and supervisors.

We will continue to closely monitor conditions and share additional information about TMCC operations as it becomes available. Please continue to check your TMCC email for updates.

Hawk Fire resources:

- Evacuation zones, road closures and incident updates: https://perimetermap.com/washoe
- Official emergency updates and alerts: https://www.emergencywashoe.com/
- Evacuation assistance and shelter information: https://www.redcross.org/
- Emergency notifications: https://www.washoecounty.gov/em/regional-alerts/index.php
- For current updates: https://www.facebook.com/HawkFire2026

Please stay safe and continue to follow guidance from local emergency officials. 💚

08/15/2026

Hope you can join us tomorrow morning!