It definitely comes down to the training, the constant training.
Derek Giurlani
Storey County is amongst the smallest counties in the state of Nevada at just over 5,000 people. Hulled by the boom and bust of silver mining many years gone, it isn’t as popular as its neighbors, Reno and Carson City—and residents like it that way. The visitors they do get come for an old fashioned experience and all the peace and calm that entails.
One night in mid-August that peace broke, right after dinner. Corporal Eli Kerr of the Story County Sheriff’s Department, working alone that night, was first on scene at the burning garage. Within minutes, Captain Derek St. Clair of the Storey County Sheriff’s Office and Derek Giurlani of Storey County Fire responded to the call and joined him. For the municipality, this was a full response.
“I had my fire extinguisher all ready when I came out of the car and the building was locked so I was able to kick the door in and I deployed my fire extinguisher but there was so much smoke you could barely see anything,” Kerr recalled.
Thinking Fast, Acting Faster
Observing a victim trapped inside the house and armed with the knowledge they had to act fast, the trio breached the building with little more than their service gear. “At that time, we kind of upped the ante and just made entry without pulling a fire hose,” Captain St. Clair said.
Thanks to their quick work, the lone victim was recovered quickly and lifesaving measures like airway treatment began as they transported him to the local hospital, where he made a full recovery from his injury. This April, the three heroes received a pleasant surprise: The Lifesaving Award, the third highest honor the state can bestow.
“It definitely comes down to the training, the constant training” Giurlani said. “Inside there’s, you’re always going to have the duck under water feeling where those feet are kicking a million miles but, on the outside, he’s calm and cool because he’s been here before.”
For me, being a military spouse meant choosing a life full of unknowns, but knowing that I didn’t want any other life.
A Trying Transition
Finding work at this moment in history is as hard as has ever been, and our veterans often face the toughest climb to get back to work after their service. Many service members transition out of the military without so much as a resume. Hire Heroes USA is an organization that works every day to help bridge that gap. They recently celebrated a serious milestone—100,000 veterans placed.
“Every veteran I’ve worked with embodies integrity, adaptability, and determination, traits that not only enrich the companies they join but also drive meaningful, positive change within those organizations.”
In her tenure as the Serving Spouses Program Manager for Hire Heroes, Kelly Grivner-Kelly has personally guided over 1,000 military spouses through their career transitions. As a Transition Specialist, she works military spouses from the beginning of the job search to the end, tirelessly coaching, listening, encouraging and assisting them with anything they need to get back to work. From building resumes to preparing for interviews to perfecting civilian dress, Kelly’s guidance is only a phone call away.
A Passion to Persevere
A military spouse herself, Kelly is proudly married to her own personal hero, Staff Sergeant Jonathan Kelly, who began his service in the United States Air Force in 2012. Staff Sergeant Kelly comes from a long line of servicemen and women. Both of his parents served in the Navy and his great-grandfather was the Navy’s very first Frogman, John P. Spence. Kelly and Jon met cute through mutual friends. One of the first things she said to him was “Hey, my first name is Kelly and your last name is Kelly. We should get married.”
“Working with veterans has deeply shaped my own understanding of resilience. It’s not just about enduring challenges; it’s about adapting, growing, and thriving in the face of adversity. Veterans often face numerous hurdles, from learning how to navigate the civilian job market to overcoming personal and professional obstacles.”
In 2023, Jon and Kelly encountered a serious hurdle of their own—the birth of their daughter. Faced with the realities of raising a child, her husband Jon made the difficult decision to separate from the Air Force after 11 years of service, and Kelly experienced firsthand the stress and disappointment of job seeking as a veteran. Knowing from experience that “it only takes one company to see the value of his military leadership experience” kept her going. After hundreds of tedious applications and difficult rejections, Jon finally secured him a leadership role at a company that understood his value.
This International Women’s Day, we’ll be raising a glass to Kelly for her kindness, resilience, and service.
I like shooting, and I love hunting. But I never did enjoy killing anybody. It's my job.
93 confirmed kills marks a legendary hero. Yet, GySgt Carlos Hathcock’s actual number of kills is said to be much higher. During his time as a sniper, Hathcock relays that his main motivation was to do his duty and protect his friends.
Hathcock once guessed that he’d taken out 300-400 enemies during his time as a U.S. Marine Corps sniper in the Vietnam War.
And he states that throughout it all, he carried one thought in his head: “Take down the enemy.”
THE NICKNAME
Hathcock’s reputation quickly spread among the Viet Cong and NVA, nicknaming him Du kích Lông Trắng (“White Feather Sniper”) because of the white feather he wore tucked into the band of his bush hat. A bold display of confidence.
In one of his most famous encounters, Hathcock faced off against an enemy sniper (said to be known as The Cobra) sent specifically to kill him. With superior observational skill, Hathcock spotted a glint of sunlight reflecting off the enemy’s scope and fired, killing the sniper before he could take the shot.
Patience, cunningness, and instincts all contribute to survival in the Vietnam jungle. Hathcock embodied what it took to get the job done and protect his fellow Marines.
THE 2,500 YARD SHOT
It has since been beaten but Hathcock was the first to make the record-breaking kill from 2,500 yards (over 1.4 miles). He used a .50 caliber Browning M2 machine gun modified with a scope. This feat stood as a world record for decades.
After the war, Hathcock shared much of his knowledge and stories. He continued to educate on the importance of staying focused for the job and keeping an eye on your friends.
What a hero. We’d love to share war stories over some bourbon with this legend.
If I share it, you share it, hopefully someone else shares it, I’ve gotta keep telling the story. That’s the only way.
Ken Dalton is the founder of Our Story, Inc., and has been a civic champion for Northern Nevada for over thirty years. His accomplishments and awards are many. Our Story, Inc. showcases the contributions of African-Americans and persons of color who have made a positive difference in their community.
UNSUNG STORIES
In 1985, Dalton was among a small group of the first African-American firefighters to be hired by the Reno Fire Department. “I thought that was kind of astonishing … we were the first ones,” Dalton said of his groundbreaking hiring.
His own story and the stories of everyday people paving the way for Northern Nevadans of color are what prompted him to start the nonprofit as a way of collecting and preserving the region’s unsung histories.
COMMUNITY MATTERS
Among his many accomplishments, Ken and his wife Demetrice helped open the Northern Nevada African American Firefighter Museum in the historic Black Springs Volunteer Fire Department building. The museum’s mission is to reflect the unity of the community by promoting the cultures & history of local firefighters.
Before his passing, Dalton worked tirelessly preserving history by amassing writings, oral histories and artifacts honoring and remembering the accomplishments of underrepresented community members across the region.
On Your 6 is honored to share in Kenny’s passion for telling the stories of everyday unsung heroes, ensuring future generations can see, and learn, from those who came before them.
Personal info:
Ken was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, and attended and played football at Washington State University from 1978-1981. He has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from TMCC.
Kenny served as a past president of Reno Sparks NAACP, board member for the Lear Theater project, member of the Reno Black Firefighters and Reno Fire Union Local 731 and one of the producers of “Reno Sparks NAACP Today” show.
As for my daughters, I’ll raise them to think they breathe fire.
THE FIGHT FOR EQUALITY
Today marks a significant day in U.S. history. A day that honors Martin Luther King Jr., chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism, racial discrimination, and equality.
In honor of King’s legacy, we’re profiling a present-day hero fighting for similar rights. Chief Ivonne Roman (ret.) of the Newark Police Department is an advocate for equality in the police force.
With her 30 x 30 initiative, Chief Roman is integrating evidence-based practices to improve our policing system across the country.
“Less than 13 percent of police officers in the United States are women,” Chief Roman points out, “despite their proven effectiveness in diffusing violent situations and reducing the use of force.”
TRANSFORMING POLICE CULTURE
Her work incorporates data-driven strategies that reshape policing culture and builds trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Progress often begins with bold leaders who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. Chief Roman shows us what justice and fairness can look like in today’s world. A powerful quote lives in her Instagram bio: “As for my daughters, I’ll raise them to think they breathe fire.”
Chief Roman’s vision and determination mirrors Dr. King’s dream. She continues the fight for a society where equality is not just an ideal but a lived reality.
We celebrate these heroes like Chief Ivonne Roman and Dr. King who fight for a more equitable and inclusive society. You are the true heroes, and we cheers to you.
Get the guys, lay them down. Lay them down until we get them into the boat to get them to the hospital.
REMEMBERING PEARL HARBOR
Many of us remember Pearl Harbor as a fateful day. An unexpected attack that awoke the “sleeping giant,” and claimed thousands of lives.
RADM Samuel Fuqua was a young Lieutenant Commander serving aboard the battleship USS Arizona at anchor in Pearl Harbor. Fuqua was awarded The Medal of Honor for his heroic efforts and selfless disregard of his own safety above and beyond his call of duty.
SURPRISE ATTACK
On that quiet Sunday morning, the sky erupted with bombs from Japanese forces. Within crucial minutes, Fuqua demonstrated outstanding heroism and bravery. He was initially knocked out by the explosion of a bomb that hit the quarterdeck and started a severe fire. As soon as he regained consciousness, Fuqua began to direct the fighting of the fire and the rescue of the wounded aboard.
More explosions came and more severe fires started on the ship.
In the citation of his award it states,
“Lt. Comdr. Fuqua continued to direct the fighting of the fires in order to check them while the wounded and burned could be taken from the ship, and supervised the rescue of these men in such an amazingly calm and cool manner and with such excellent judgment that it inspired everyone who saw him and undoubtedly resulted in the saving of many lives.”
Only once Fuqua realized the ship could not be saved and that he was the senior surviving officer aboard, he directed it to be abandoned. Fuqua remained on the quarterdeck, continuing to fight the fires and direct the rescue of his personnel. Once satisfied that all that could be saved, he then left his ship.
“The conduct of Lt. Comdr. Fuqua was not only in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service but characterizes him as an outstanding leader of men,” reads his award’s citation.
We’re honored to tell Samuel Fuqua’s story after the release of our limited edition USS John F. Kennedy Commemorative Bottle, in partnership with The Navy League, Hampton Roads. We’re donating proceeds from sales to support the commissioning of the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79).
Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction, 'I served in the United States Navy'
President John F. Kennedy, August 1963
In the fall of 1941, with war raging in Europe and ominous rumblings in the Far East, John F. Kennedy applied for the Army’s officer candidate school but was rejected and classified 4-F because of his bad back, ulcers, and asthma. Disappointed, he wrote to a friend, “I am rapidly reaching a point where every one of my peers will be in uniform, and I do not intend to be the only one . . . wearing coward’s tweeds.” He contacted Captain Alan Kirk, who had been his father’s naval attaché when Joseph Kennedy was the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, for assistance. In October 1941, Kennedy was appointed an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve and joined the staff of the Office of Naval Intelligence.
Patrick Henry McMahon, the engineer, was badly burned.
Commanding the Patrol Torpedo Craft, USS PT 109, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, John Kennedy and his crew participated in the early campaigns in the Allies’ long struggle to roll back the Japanese from their conquests throughout the island chains of the Pacific Ocean. The role of the small but fast PT boats was to attack the Japanese shipping known as the “Tokyo Express” that supplied Japanese troops in the islands, and to support the US Army and Marine Corps attacking the Japanese on shore.
On August 2, 1943, as PT 109 was running silent to avoid detection it was struck by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri. Traveling at 40 knots, the destroyer cut PT 109 in two. The entire crew was thrown into the dark waters and engineer Patrick Henry McMahon was badly burned. Kennedy, who had been on the Harvard swimming team, took McMahon in tow and headed 4 miles to a small island to the southeast. It took forty-five minutes to make what had been an easy hundred yards.
On the way in, Harris said, “I can’t go any farther.”
Kennedy, of the Boston Kennedys, replied, “For a guy from Boston, you’re certainly putting up a great exhibition out here, Harris.”
Harris didn’t complain again. All eleven survivors made it to the island after having spent a total of fifteen hours in the water.
With other crewmen on board USS PT-109, 1943
After four days on the island, with the help of a message on a coconut carried by local islanders, Kennedy swam to safety and was greeted by an Australian who was spying on the Japanese. That night, Kennedy waited in a war canoe at an arranged rendezvous for a U.S. PT. Shortly after the moon went down, Kennedy heard the signal he was waiting for—four shots. He then fired four answering shots.
A voice shouted to him, “Hey, Jack!”
Kennedy said, “Where the hell you been?”
The voice said, “We got some food for you.”
Kennedy replied, “No, thanks, I just had a coconut.”
A moment later a PT came alongside. Kennedy jumped onto it and hugged the men aboard—his friends. In the American tradition, Kennedy held under his arm a couple of souvenirs: one of the improvised paddles and the Japanese gas mask.
Kennedy was later awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroics in the rescue of the crew of PT 109, as well as the Purple Heart Medal for injuries sustained in the accident on the night of 1 August 1943. An official account of the entire incident was written by intelligence officers in August 1943 and subsequently declassified in 1959. As President, Kennedy met once again with his rescuers and was toasted by members of the Japanese destroyer crew.
Receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Medal from Captain Frederick L. Conklin, USN MC
Four months after his inauguration, President Kennedy personally delivered a special message to the Congress on 25 May 1961 entitled, “Urgent National Needs.” He declared:
“I am directing the Secretary of Defense to expand rapidly and substantially, in cooperation with our Allies, the orientation of existing forces for the conduct of non-nuclear war, paramilitary operations, and sub-limited or unconventional wars. In addition, our special forces and unconventional warfare units will be increased and reoriented. Throughout the services new emphasis must be placed on the special skills and languages which are required to work with local populations.”
This was the closest he came to actually directing formation of SEAL Teams.
While they began organizing as early as November 1961, two SEAL Teams were officially authorized by the CNO that December, and both units were formally established in January 1962. Their mission: conduct unconventional warfare, counter-guerrilla warfare, and clandestine operations.
Aboard USS Enterprise with Captain Tazewell Sheppard.
SEAL Team ONE was located at the Naval Amphibious Base (NAB), Coronado, California and co-located with UDT-11 and UDT-12. SEAL Team TWO was positioned at NAB, Little Creek, Norfolk, Virginia and co-located with UDT-21. The existing UDTs supplied the manpower to establish the new SEAL Teams. At the time of their establishment, and throughout much of the Vietnam conflict, the existence of these new units remained highly classified.
President John F. Kennedy and Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara on board USS Northampton (CC-1) in 1962.
The things we did, using our language in the war, saved our country, our people, the American people, and all our allies in World War II.
Bill Toledo
KEY PLAYERS IN WWII
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we’re highlighting an important group of heroes in Marine history: the Navajo Code Talkers.
This remarkable group of Marines played a pivotal role in World War II and were crucial in securing victory over Japan. During the Pacific Theater in 1942, allied forces struggled to send messages that the Japanese enemy couldn’t decipher. This proved a huge problem, since secret, effective communication is vital for winning battles during war.
SOLUTION FOUND
The problem was solved by drawing on one of America’s earliest languages. The Marines recruited 29 Native Americans from the Navajo nation and brought them to bootcamp in San Diego.
The fighting spirit and ethos were aligned – by utilizing the Navajo native language, the Navajo Code Talkers created an unbreakable code. Messages that took transmitters 30 minutes to transmit took the Navajo Code Talkers only 20 seconds.
A PATH TO VICTORY
Over the course of the war, 600 code words were developed and the Navajo Code Talkers aided every battle in the Pacific. Their messages provided an unbreakable code necessary to communicate on the battlefield effectively. They turned the course of battle, which ultimately shaped America’s way to glory.
Your life is what you make it, and, if you believe in yourself and you believe in your dream, it doesn’t matter if the path isn’t perfect.
FROM JANITOR TO NURSE PRACTITIONER
Hard work does pay off. Jaines Andrades viral story is a powerful reminder to never give up on your dreams, even when the road seems long and difficult. Jaines began her nursing career as a janitor at Baystate Medical in Springfield, Massachusetts, all the while keeping sight of her passion for patient care and a deep interest in healthcare.
“Even if it was cleaning, as long as I was near patient care I’d be able to observe things.” Janice recounts. She balanced her full-time job, while also studying for a bachelor’s degree in nursing school, and then eventually earning her license as a registered nurse.
A LONG JOURNEY TO SUCCESS
“It’s tough to be the person that cleans. If I had to go back and do it again, I would. It’s so worth it,” Janice says. In a viral photo on social media, Jaines recently posted her three badges, highlighting her 10-year journey: hospital custodian to registered nurse to a nurse practitioner in Trauma Surgery – all at the same hospital.
“Her decade-long path has made her exactly the employee and colleague you’d want: empathetic, grateful, and patient.” a journalist from CBS Boston reports.
Hospitals critically depend on clean, sanitized rooms to provide optimal care. Now as a nurse practitioner, Jaines knows the importance of all sides to a highly-functioning system. “I learned humility,” she says, “now that I’m a provider, I keep that in mind and treat everyone with respect, since I’ve been on both sides.”
We raise a glass to Jaines!
Her story shows us that it doesn’t matter where you start. Perseverance and dedication can take you far – and with a little belief in yourself you can accomplish your dreams.
Don Carano was a great leader, he was a great businessman and he was a very generous man who helped a lot of people. He was just a great friend and a great partner. He’s one of the best guys I’ve ever known in my life, and I’ll miss him sorely.
Former Reno Mayor Bob Cashell
Donald Louis Carano, a native of Reno, Nevada built a powerful legacy in the hospitality industry and was a pillar of the community as a lifelong supporter of enduring philanthropic efforts. A true pioneer in the gaming, law and wine industries, Mr. Carano was an entrepreneur, hotelier, restaurateur, husband and a father who is celebrated as a family-oriented, compassionate leader.
A second-generation Italian-American, he completed an undergraduate degree at the University of San Francisco, followed by two years as an officer in the United States Army. After serving, Mr. Carano graduated with honors from USF’s School of Law where he began his law practice. He proudly maintained an “of counsel” relationship with the firm until his passing in 2017.
An expert in corporate, business and gaming law, he used his knowledge to build the Eldorado Hotel and Casino in 1973. He went on to partner with Mandalay Resorts / MGM Resorts, opening the Silver Legacy in 1993, the first mega themed resort in Reno, Nevada. Later, Eldorado Resorts, Inc. would acquire Caesars Entertainment, Inc. operating over 50 resorts nationwide. Carano became a winery owner with his wife Rhonda in 1981 when he founded Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery, in California.
Throughout his career, he and his wife Rhonda’s business ventures have always been anchored by teamwork and family values. His generosity and support for people in his companies and communities is legendary. His family carries on Don’s legacy of service, community, and teamwork.
The Don Carano Legacy Scholarship was established to provide support for dependents of Caesars Entertainment Team Members who are a graduating high school senior or who are enrolled in a college or advanced learning program.
On Your 6 Bourbon is proud to partner with the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada in support of the Don Carano Legacy Scholarship.
Don Carano Legacy Scholarship info:
The Don Carano Legacy Scholarship is part of Caesars Entertainment’s recently launched “All-in On Education” program, which offers low to no cost education, tuition reimbursement, student loan debt repayment options, 529 college savings plan options and scholarship opportunities.
In partnership with the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, recipients are selected from a diverse pool of applicants whose parents or legal guardians represent a wide range of positions and properties across Caesars Entertainment. Scholarship recipients hail from across the company’s footprint, including students from Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
“At Caesars Entertainment, our primary focus is treating our Team Members and guests like family, something my grandfather started with the launch of Eldorado Resorts in 1973,” said Anthony Carano, President and COO of Caesars Entertainment. “He always considered education a fundamental building block, and I know he would be so proud to help open doors for our Team Members’ families.
