Established in 2014 to carry out its mission of support and assistance for veterans and those currently serving in military service
Laura Coleman
President
Laura moved to Las Vegas with her parents in the late 1960s. Laura became a dealer at the Poker Palace in North Las Vegas, where she met her husband, Mickey, who owned the casino. In the 1990’s Laura produced a television program focusing on positive people and businesses in North Las Vegas.
Laura has volunteered with Nathan Adelson Hospice for more than 30 years. She started as a homecare volunteer, but after the birth of her grandson, Madison, she started chairing the Wine and Food Tasting Extravaganza. Now in its 21st year, this event has raised over $1 million for programs at Nathan Adelson Hospice. Laura is also the Founder of the Armed Forces, Military Veterans, & First Responders Appreciation Day event that is annually held in North Las Vegas. Laura and a group of volunteers host this event free of charge to all Military, Veterans and First Responders. For the past 18 years, Laura has held a monthly birthday party at the James Boys and Girls Club in North Las Vegas for school-age children who may not normally have a birthday party, complete with games, cake, and gifts.
Laura has a strong belief in doing what is right for our community.
Sherrie Kuzmanovic
Volunteer Coordinator
Sherrie has been a Realtor® for over 20 years, representing buyers and sellers in North Las Vegas, Las Vegas, and Henderson. She has been involved with the Military, Veterans, and First Responders Appreciation Day since 2015 and became the Volunteer Coordinator in 2020.
Toni Stuart
Treasurer
Toni Stuart has dedicated her life to supporting military and veteran communities, including serving as a Navy Wife and Ombudsman. She has raised nearly $100,000 for Polycystic Kidney Disease research and is the Treasurer for the Military, Veterans, and First Responders Appreciation Day organization. Toni and her husband, Dennis, enjoy life with their two successful sons and new grandson.
David Hollander
Vendor Coordinator/Ambassador
David Hollander has been married for 44 years, with 4 grandchildren. He also has over 30 years of aerospace experience, starting in 1977 and serving in the U.S. Air Force, specializing in KC-135 refueling tankers. He later worked in defense and commercial space industries, contributing to projects like the Atlas Rocket and suborbital test flight systems. David has volunteered with organizations such as the Red Cross, Sun City Aliante Veteran’s Club where he served as the Chairman, to name a few.
Sy Nielson
Opening Ceremony Coordinator
Sy Nielson, originally from Brooklyn, NY, and New Jersey, moved to California in 1967 and later retired to Las Vegas in 2006. A former 101st Airborne Division paratrooper, he and his wife Lois have celebrated 62 years of marriage, raising two children and enjoying five grandchildren. Retired from his business, Sy Nielson Service, Inc., he has been actively involved with the Military, Veterans, and First Responders organization, proudly leading Opening Ceremonies since its inception.
John Wulf
Transportation Coordinator
My responsibilities include directing traffic for the entire event, operating the golf carts for vendors. I also am responsible for the courtesy carts that bring our guests in and out of the parking lot as well as driving our disabled guests around the event.
I have owned a technology company in Las Vegas for the last 23 years. I am a husband and proud father to three children.
Ylonda Dickerson
Kid Zone Coordinator
Ylonda Dickerson, a North Las Vegas native, is a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. With degrees in Education and Social Work from UNLV, she founded Valley View Community Cares (VVCC) in 1999 to address youth challenges like drug abuse and school dropouts. Now a nonprofit with 14 programs and 50 volunteers, VVCC provides mentoring and resources to empower at-risk youth and strengthen the community.