Northern Nevada veterans gathered Saturday at the Nevada State Capitol Plaza in Carson City to honor U.S. military veterans who have died in combat operations in the war in Iran.
The “Veterans Speak Out” gathering hosted by Indivisible Carson City and Indivisible Northern Nevada, paid tribute to the fallen U.S. soldiers and also criticized the war in Iran, arguing that it is unconstitutional, citing Article 1 Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress and not the president, the sole power to declare war.
The event brought around 200 or so people who gathered Saturday in the plaza area, mostly away from Carson Street traffic though there were about a dozen or so holding signs along the sidewalks.
Organizers of the event argue the administration has provided no defined objectives, timelines or exit strategy for the war.
“Our service members are being sent into harm’s way, and our veterans are watching their benefits disappear. They deserve our support, not our silence,” said former Nevada State Senator and U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Pat Spearman. “This war is being waged on the backs of our active duty military while the wealthy and powerful bear none of the burden. It’s time to say enough.”
While Carson City has seen Pro Trump counter demonstrators at previous events, Saturday’s didn’t appear have any counter protestors.
Pro Trump backers argue the war against Iran is necessary to stop nuclear threats, stop state-sponsored terrorism and support regional allies.
At least 13 American service members have been killed since Feb. 28, 2026, the start of the war, with 373 wounded. The Indivisible Nevada group noted the number is 14 soldiers who have died if including one who died in a non-combat related medical emergency.
The war in Iran, which is also being fought alongside Israel, has cost $29 billion thus far and rising. Saturday’s gathering noted that some 40,000 VA doctors, nurses and staff have been cut or fired by the administration.
Guest speakers, including veterans, spoke out against the war and cuts to military benefits.
“I’m troubled and concerned about the direction our country is going in right now,” said Scott Maryott, a retired Army Officer and combat veteran who served 22 years. “I think this war has been led by a command team that doesn’t know the gravity of war, first of all, and second they have pursued this war without a good idea or an objective, or a good idea on an exit strategy. More importantly we don’t have our ally support and we don’t have the support of the American people — all critical if you are going to be successful in combat.”
Emceed by Angie Taylor, speakers were:
— Dr. Patrica (Pat) Spearman, a retired Nevada state senator who served as President Pro-Tem from 2022-24. Before her legislative career she served 30 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.
— Scott Maryott, retired Army officer and combat veteran whose assignments included West Point, the 1st Battalion 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) and Professor of Military Science at University of Nevada, Reno. He is also a retired teacher and administrator for the Washoe County School District.
— Dr. Jeanine Packham, a cardiology nurse at the Reno VA Medical Center and President of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2152.
— Farrell Vaughn, a native Northern Nevada who enlisted out of high school and served a tour with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division as a 91B1P Combat Medical Specialist. He retired from the Washoe County School District after 21 years of teaching.
Indivisible Carson City and Indivisible Northern Nevada also notes that veterans nationwide have been speaking out against the war. On April 20, 150-plus veterans held a civil disobedience demonstration at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, resulting in 67 arrests.
Meanwhile, a bipartisan War Power Resolution was introduced in Congress and has yet to pass. The Senate has passed a resolution requiring President Trump to either secure congressional approval or withdraw U.S. forces.
The Indivisible Carson City and Northern Nevada group memorialized the following fallen U.S. Soldiers in the Iran War with handmade crosses created by Carson City artists as a tribute.
Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida
Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska
Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa
Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien, 45, of Waukee, Iowa
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Calif.
Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama
Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington
Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio
Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana
Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky
Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, of Columbus, Ohio
Sgt. Benjamin Noah Pennington, 26
Major Sorffly Davius, 46, died of a non-combat-related medical emergency on March 6, 2026, at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. He was deployed to the region supporting the 42nd Infantry Division during operations.
Indivisible Carson City is a civic engagement organization dedicated to progressive advocacy, community organizing and civic participating through education, outreach and direct action. The organization is a local chapter of the national indivisible movement. Indivisible Northern Nevada is a sister organization serving the broader northern Nevada region.
