As grilling season approaches, a vibrant community event is set to showcase culinary talent while supporting veterans. Organizers invite grilling aficionados to clean up their grills and prepare for the competition among teams such as “No Swine Without Wine,” “Meal Team Six,” and “Sugarbear BBQ Team.” Interested participants can sign up to compete by visiting https://forms.gle/DwfM2wCcxtNqGYqKA.

In addition to grilling competitions, the event will feature a tantalizing array of smoked barbecues, providing attendees with a chance to sample various flavors while contributing to a worthy cause. All proceeds will support veterans, active duty service members, and reservists. Tickets for this flavorful experience are available at https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/2025-bbq-smoke-off-competition.

The event is also extending an invitation to businesses wanting to showcase their services or products. Vendors and sponsors can take advantage of the built-in audience by signing up at https://forms.gle/KH6zENv7dGDvK8vE6.

In related news, advocates for veterans’ rights are rallying around a proposed law in Nevada, the “Pets for Heroes Act,” introduced by Senator Fabian Donate (D). The act aims to assist veterans and first responders in Nevada who have pets, emphasizing the positive impact these animals have on their lives. Community members are encouraged to share their stories and support this initiative during a hearing set for March 31st at the Nevada Legislature. The hearing, aimed at amplifying veteran voices, will take place in Room 4 of the Nevada Legislature Hearing Rooms on Amigo Street in Las Vegas, starting at 3:30 pm. Participants are advised to arrive early to secure seating and prepare their testimonies. More information about the hearing can be found at https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/83rd2025/Meetings.

In an ongoing commitment to provide veterans and their families with essential items, one local organization is emphasizing the importance of choice. Through its “Promise of Choice” program, veterans, active duty members, and reservists are allowed to select items they need from a warehouse filled with donated home goods and furnishings. This initiative ensures that service members can make their spaces feel like home.

To request items, individuals are encouraged to visit patriotsandpaws.org/resources. This promise of choice is made possible by generous donors who contribute gently used items. With the help of mobile warehouses, the organization has already assisted over 418 soldiers at Fort Irwin and Marines at both 29 Palms and Camp Pendleton this year.

Community members are invited to tour the warehouse during public events or drop by any Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday between 10 am and 2:30 pm.

This initiative stands as a testament to the power of community support and the positive impact it can have on the lives of those who have served.