Joe Rigsby went out fighting his battle with cancer on January 9, 2021, in the early morning hours at home. He didn’t want to let it beat him but he fought it as long as he could and now is at peace. Joe was born October 6, 1946, in Bernalillo, New Mexico, to Jack and Lula (Vivian) Rigsby. He served in Vietnam in the US Navy. He was into Pro Stock Racing and IMCA (International Motor Contest Association) for many years. He had his own car and was really active in racing his car at that time and traveled to many races across the area. When Joe didn’t race as much anymore, he became involved in the local VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Gasper J Salaz Post 2350 here in Elko and was a Life Member of the Post. He held many offices at the local, District, and State levels. He was State VFW Department Commander in 2012 – 2013 and also All-American Commander that year. He was District 2 All American Commander in 2007 – 2008. During the years following, he served the rest of our Department Commanders in different offices and held many chairmanships. Mostly as Community Activities and Communications System Administrator. He was also one of the VFW members selected to be a host for the 2015 VOD/PP Speech Program for Middle and High School students held in Washington, DC, every year. Joe continued to remain involved in the VFW even while going through all his treatments. Joe is survived by his wife of 30 years, Bonnie, and dog pal Radar. He will be greatly missed by everyone. Services will be held at the Gaspar J Salaz VFW Post 2350, 646 VFW Dr, Elko, Nevada, with full honors, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2021, with reception to follow. Burial will be at the Northeastern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley, Nevada, on Monday, March 15, 2021 at 10:30am.

 

May 1, 2026

Contact: Press@CortezMasto. Senate.gov

 

Cortez Masto, Budd Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Veterans from Fraud

 

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) introduced bipartisan legislation to go after fraudsters who target veterans. The Veterans Protection from Fraud Act would establish a sentencing enhancement of up to ten years in prison for someone convicted of committing or conspiracy to commit fraud that purposefully targeted a veteran.

 

"Every day, our service members risk everything to protect our homeland and defend our freedoms,” said Senator Cortez Masto. "The least we can do when these brave men and women come home is ensure that we protect their financial wellbeing from those bad actors who target them because of their service. With this bill, we can crack down on the fraudsters who try to scam our veterans.”

 

"Our nation’s veterans, who bravely served our country in defense of our freedoms, have become the primary targets of criminal fraud schemes. Those who attempt to defraud our service members must face strict criminal penalties for their actions. I am proud to join Senator Cortez Masto to ensure these criminals are held accountable under federal law,” said Senator Budd.

 

Fraud cost veterans, service members, and their families $477 million in 2023. Federal law already includes a sentencing enhancement for fraud crimes targeting seniors, but no similar enhancement exists for fraudsters who target veterans. The Veterans Protection from Fraud Act would deter criminals from attempting to defraud veterans by strengthening penalties for these crimes. This bill’s sentencing enhancement would cover fraud related to false documents, fraudulent devices, wire fraud, mail fraud, general fraudulent schemes, bank fraud, and health care fraud.

 

Representative Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.-02) is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

 

"Veterans put their lives on the line for us at home and abroad. Our duty is to protect them when they return,” said Congressman Burchett. "I am proud to have introduced this legislation in the House, and I appreciate Senator Cortez Masto and Senator Budd for protecting our veterans in the Senate.”

 

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

 

Senator Cortez Masto is a consistent champion for Nevada’s service members and veterans. She recently introduced sweeping legislation to improve health care for veterans. Cortez Masto helped pass the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which included a 3.8 percent pay raise for veterans. She has worked to support veterans exposed to toxins while serving at the Nevada Test and Training Range. Cortez Masto successfully pushed the Biden administration to approve a new veterans cemetery in Elko, Nevada, and has been continually pushing the VA for transparency in the timeline of its construction. She has fought back against the Navy Federal Credit Union for overcharging service members.