NEW YORK, NY – GNUSA –
Peter Palivos, chairman of the Las Vegas-based nonprofit Voice of the Veteran, will receive the U.S. Army Distinguished Civilian Service Medal on November 22 in Henderson, becoming the first Nevadan honored with the Army’s highest civilian distinction. Secretary of the Army Daniel P. Driscoll approved the award, to be presented by Gen. Andrew Poppas.
The Distinguished Civilian Service Medal is reserved for individuals whose extraordinary service and leadership have made substantial and lasting effects on the Army’s mission and the lives of service members and their families.
Palivos (pictured with wife Vicky, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Elpidophoros) has spent 30 years advocating for veterans, beginning with “glad you made it home safely” banquets for returning service members. His nonprofit organized the Day of Gratitude in June 2024, which drew 17,000 veterans and families to Allegiant Stadium for the largest veteran gathering in US history. The event distributed $4 million in gifts and services, featured concerts, Bronze Star ceremonies, and support booths ranging from health screenings to VA enrollment.
Though he never served himself, five generations of Palivos’ family wore the uniform. “The whole event was based on love of country”, he said. “We are a divided country, and that is unacceptable. We are not a red America. We are not a blue America. We are a red, white and blue America”, he continued.
Retired Maj. Gen. Ondra Berry praised Palivos as “a leader who champions our military community with relentless passion.” Bob Maxwell, founder of Voice of the Veteran, called the award “an affirmation of steadfast advocacy and compassionate leadership.”
Looking ahead, Palivos plans the Nevada Veteran Project 5000, building 5,000 affordable homes for veteran families. His next major event, set for June 6, 2026, will honor all living World War II veterans at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, Palivos said, is scheduled to attend.
“Having all of the World War II heroes at Allegiant Stadium so we can honor them will be magical”, he added. “These events bring us together. We are all Americans, and we all love our country”.
