LAS VEGAS — Military veterans’ votes are up for grabs in swing-state Nevada this election year, if the 15,000 vets and their families who packed the Raiders’ home field, Allegiant Stadium, over the weekend are any indication.
Donald Trump lost the Silver State’s six electoral votes in 2016 and 2020 — but by slim margins. His campaign hopes to flip the normally blue state this year, riding a wave of dissatisfaction over inflation and the border crisis under President Biden.
Vets were happy to speak about their service even in the 100-plus-degree heat at Vegas’ annual Day of Gratitude held Saturday, but many weren’t ready to commit to voting Trump or Biden in November.
It’s too early in the process, they said, or they haven’t made up their minds.
One who has is Tom Armstrong, a 22-year Marine Corps vet whose service began in Vietnam in 1968. He said he’d again vote for the ex-president, as he did in 2020, citing Biden’s veracity — or lack thereof.
“Biden hasn’t told the truth yet, and he’s a crook, along with his family,” Armstrong declared.
Len Yelinek, a past state commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and a Vietnam veteran, has also made up his mind — but urged Americans to work across the aisle.
“I just hope our nation will come together,” the former naval public-affairs officer said. “We are so fractured today. You don’t want to talk to a friend and tell someone you’re a Democrat or a Republican because people are so polarized. We need to get together.”
Sen. Jacky Rosen, the Nevada Democrat facing a re-election contest now rated a toss-up, has been good for veterans, Yelinek said. “But I’m sure the other candidates would do an equally good job.”
The Purple Heart recipient’s presidential choice was unambiguous, however: “Personally, I would put my trust in Donald Trump because I believe he would help the economy and the military.”
One attendee checked his ballot for Biden in 2020 but is switching this year. Asked who he’s voting for in November, the black Air Force veteran said, “President Trump. He’s doing more for the economy than what President Biden has done for the economy.”
Recognition for service, the welfare of vets and their families and a good time were the principal goals of the Day of Gratitude.
“Being able to come in and provide resources from the VA at an event like this is huge,” said Zaneta I. Adams, deputy assistant secretary for intergovernmental affairs at the Veterans Affairs department. “When you have over 15,000 veterans and their families and active-duty service members who are looking for ways to access their earned and deserved benefits, this is huge.”
Voice of the Veteran, a local nonprofit, and CityServe, a Christian charity, were primary sponsors. They were aided by Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis, who donated the use of the stadium — and catering — for the event, which took place two days after the 80th anniversary of D-Day’s Normandy landing.
Youngsters frolicked in special play zones on the NFL playing field — each registered child got a pair of Nike sneakers — and parents examined career and health services tailored to their needs.
But few veterans were willing to state a presidential preference.
Several, interviewed as they lined up for refreshments and gifts or sat in the stands awaiting the recognition program and headlining country singer Walker Hayes, told The Post they wished to keep their choices to themselves — and many are still considering their options.
One such was Vietnam-era vet Michael Signorelli, who served at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. He said he’s weighing his choice for the upcoming national ballot.
“I’ve been here 55 years, I have a lot of thoughts,” said Signorelli, now a partner in the Golden Steer Steakhouse. “I just hope we have some people who understand the business environment versus just the individual environment. In order to promote business, we have to be very cautious. We have 50 million visitors a year and only 2.5 million people in town.”
Asked if he had any preferences in the elections, he said, “I’m trying to stay neutral for now, for another few months.”
