THEY SAY STEVE SANSON HAS DONE NOTHING FOR VETERANS? THE MILITARY RECORD, NEVADA LAWS, COURT VICTORIES, AND DECADES OF ADVOCACY TELL A DIFFERENT STORY!
From the Battlefields of the Persian Gulf War to the Nevada Legislature and Supreme Court: Four Decades of Military Service, Veterans’ Rights, Political Accountability, and Community Leadership
By Veterans In Politics International, Inc.
Las Vegas, Nevada | October 22, 2026
There are people in our community who have questioned what Steve W. Sanson has ever done for military veterans.
Some have suggested that Sanson and Veterans In Politics International, Inc. have accomplished little or nothing for the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.
Before making those accusations, perhaps they should examine the historical record.
The facts include approximately 12 years of reported military service in two branches of the United States Armed Forces, deployment during the Persian Gulf War, legislative testimony to protect veterans’ disability compensation, years of advocacy for Veterans Treatment Courts, efforts to secure veteran identification on Nevada driver’s licenses, and litigation involving constitutional protections for public speech.
They also include more than two decades of Veterans In Politics broadcasting, public candidate interviews, judicial accountability efforts, veterans’ recognition ceremonies, educational publications, and charitable events.
Not every victory was achieved by Sanson alone. Laws are passed by legislators, courts operate through judges and administrators, and successful organizations depend on volunteers, supporters, and dedicated staff.
But to suggest that Sanson has done nothing for veterans ignores a substantial public record.
This article is written for those who have questioned Sanson’s contributions, and for veterans, voters, and members of the community who deserve to know the history behind Veterans In Politics International.
1. BEFORE CRITICIZING HIS SERVICE, UNDERSTAND HIS MILITARY HISTORY
Steve W. Sanson was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and immigrated to New York City in 1973.
In 1985, he entered the United States Marine Corps.
Sanson became a naturalized American citizen in 1989, during his military career.
According to a December 3, 2004 report in the Las Vegas Sun, Sanson served in the Marine Corps from 1985 through 1991.
His military service included the Persian Gulf War period.
A UNITED STATES MARINE DURING THE PERSIAN GULF WAR
In August 1990, Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait.
The United States responded by deploying military forces to Saudi Arabia under Operation Desert Shield.
Operation Desert Storm followed in January 1991, culminating in the liberation of Kuwait.
Sanson has publicly described serving in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during this conflict.
His Gulf War service is referenced in contemporary newspaper reporting and subsequent published interviews.
Military service during this period placed American troops in demanding operational environments far from home.
Sanson’s specific Marine Corps unit, rank, military occupational specialty, and deployment dates require confirmation from his official military personnel records.
Nevertheless, the historical reporting identifies him as a Desert Storm veteran.
SIX MORE YEARS OF ARMY SERVICE
Following his Marine Corps service, Sanson continued his military career in the United States Army Reserve.
His reported Army service extended from 1992 through 1998.
Together, his Marine Corps and Army Reserve service represent approximately 12 years of military service.
Sanson has also publicly identified himself as a disabled Gulf War veteran.
His reported military recognition includes the Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and a Marine Corps Certificate of Commendation.
These awards are listed in his previously supplied biographical materials and should be authenticated against his official military separation documents and award orders.
The first answer to those who question his commitment to veterans is that Sanson served in uniform himself.
But his military service is only the beginning of the story.
2. VETERANS IN POLITICS INTERNATIONAL: A HISTORY DATING BACK TO 1993
Veterans In Politics International, Inc. traces its organizational history to 1993.
The organization was developed around the principle that veterans and their families deserve to be informed, represented, and heard in government.
After moving to Nevada in 1995, Sanson became increasingly involved in political advocacy and public accountability.
By 2005, he had taken on a prominent leadership role in Veterans In Politics and began expanding its political interview and broadcasting activities.
The organization’s stated mission includes educating voters, examining political candidates, advocating for veterans, and promoting government transparency.
The Nevada Supreme Court independently described Veterans In Politics International as a Nevada nonprofit veterans advocacy organization in a 2020 decision.
Sanson has served in leadership roles involving Veterans In Politics International, the Veterans In Politics Foundation, Nevada Veterans In Politics, and VIPI Consulting LLC.
Through these organizations, he has advocated for veterans and addressed government policies affecting the wider community.
Veterans In Politics International: https://veteransinpolitics.org
3. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DOCUMENTED VETERANS’ VICTORIES: PROTECTING DISABILITY BENEFITS
In 2015, Sanson testified before the Nevada Legislature in support of legislation protecting federal service-connected veterans’ disability benefits.
Assembly Bill 140 addressed how qualifying veterans’ disability compensation could be treated in certain divorce and spousal-support proceedings.
The issue was especially important to disabled veterans whose benefits were intended to compensate them for injuries or disabilities connected to military service.
Sanson argued that such compensation should receive appropriate legal protection.
The Nevada Legislature passed AB 140, and it became Chapter 170 of the 2015 Nevada Statutes.
The enacted law established restrictions concerning the attachment, seizure, assignment, and division of qualifying disability benefits, subject to statutory exceptions.
This was not merely a speech, Facebook post, or political opinion.
It was legislative advocacy documented in official government records.
Sanson personally testified before lawmakers, and the legislation he supported became Nevada law.
The bill was enacted through the work of legislators and other participants, but Sanson’s involvement is established in the legislative record.
Source: Nevada Assembly Judiciary Committee, 2015
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/Session/78th2015/Minutes/Assembly/JUD/Final/330.pdf
For critics asking what Sanson has done for veterans, his participation in the effort to protect disability compensation is a concrete example.
4. YEARS OF ADVOCACY FOR VETERANS TREATMENT COURTS
Veterans returning from military service sometimes face challenges that can intersect with the criminal justice system.
Veterans Treatment Courts offer eligible participants structured programs that may include treatment, counseling, supervision, and rehabilitation.
Sanson has advocated for Veterans Treatment Courts for many years.
During Nevada legislative testimony in April 2015, he described participation in efforts dating back to 2009 to establish a statewide Veterans Court system.
He also raised concerns about how those programs were being implemented and administered.
In a December 2024 interview on The Government Mechanic, Sanson’s advocacy for Veterans Courts was described as a long-running effort spanning approximately two decades.
His work has emphasized the importance of giving eligible veterans access to treatment and support rather than relying exclusively on incarceration.
Veterans Treatment Courts were developed through the work of numerous judges, lawmakers, veterans organizations, and court officials.
Sanson was one of the advocates participating in that broader effort.
Source: Nevada Assembly Ways and Means Committee, April 14, 2015
https://archive.leg.state.nv.us/Session/78th2015/Minutes/Assembly/WM/Final/903.pdf
Source: The Government Mechanic — Veterans Issues and Veterans Court
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/veterans-issues-and-veterans-court/id1618000987?i=1000679871872
5. HELPING VETERANS RECEIVE RECOGNITION ON NEVADA DRIVER’S LICENSES
Sanson has also advocated for recognizing military veterans on Nevada driver’s licenses and identification cards.
This designation can make it easier for veterans to demonstrate their military status when accessing certain programs, services, and benefits.
Nevada law provides for qualifying veterans to receive the designation.
Sanson’s 2024 published interviews identify this issue among the veterans-related legislative matters he supported.
His broader advocacy has also included veterans’ cemeteries, opposition to nuclear waste storage in Nevada, and improved law-enforcement responses to veterans experiencing military-related crises.
These efforts demonstrate that his work has not been limited to political endorsements or judicial criticism.
Veterans’ benefits, identification, treatment, and public recognition have been recurring subjects of his advocacy.
6. STEPHANIE PHILLIPS: A KEY LEADER IN VETERANS IN POLITICS INTERNATIONAL
An account of Veterans In Politics International would be incomplete without recognizing Stephanie Phillips, whose work has helped support the organization’s political, broadcasting, and community activities.
Phillips serves as Political Affairs Director of Veterans In Politics International, is a host of the Veterans In Politics Talk Show, and serves as an organizer of the Veterans In Politics Valentine’s Day Biennial Gala.
Her responsibilities include supporting political outreach, candidate participation, event coordination, and the organization’s public engagement activities.
Veterans In Politics’ published announcements have identified Phillips in political and public affairs leadership roles, including as a contact for the organization’s eighth biennial gala.
POLITICAL AFFAIRS AND CANDIDATE OUTREACH
The Veterans In Politics candidate interview process requires significant organization.
Candidates must be contacted, schedules arranged, interview panels coordinated, and information communicated to participants and the public.
Phillips’ role in political affairs supports these activities and helps maintain the organization’s presence in Nevada elections.
HOST OF THE VETERANS IN POLITICS TALK SHOW
Phillips also serves as a host of the Veterans In Politics Talk Show.
Her participation contributes to the program’s political discussions, interviews, and public education mission.
The show provides a platform for candidates, veterans, public officials, and community members to discuss issues affecting Nevada.
VALENTINE’S DAY BIENNIAL GALA ORGANIZER
Phillips has also helped organize the Veterans In Politics Valentine’s Day Biennial Gala.
The gala brings together veterans, elected officials, community leaders, volunteers, and supporters.
Organizing such an event requires coordinating guests, sponsors, programming, communications, and event logistics.
Veterans In Politics is not the work of one individual. Stephanie Phillips, its volunteers, panelists, donors, and supporters are important contributors to the organization’s continuing activities.
Her leadership deserves recognition as part of the organization’s history.
7. THE VETERANS IN POLITICS TALK SHOW: APPROXIMATELY 21 YEARS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION
Since 2005, Sanson has hosted the Veterans In Politics Talk Show.
By 2026, the program’s reported history spans approximately 21 years.
The show has featured veterans, political candidates, elected officials, judges, attorneys, and community advocates.
Its subjects include veterans’ benefits, political elections, government accountability, judicial procedures, public policy, and the conduct of public officials.
Stephanie Phillips also serves as a host, contributing to the show’s continuing mission.
Unlike programs that focus primarily on national politics, Veterans In Politics has devoted substantial attention to local and state elections.
The organization has interviewed candidates for congressional offices, the Nevada Legislature, county government, city councils, school boards, university regent positions, and the judiciary.
These interviews give voters opportunities to hear directly from individuals seeking public office.
The organization reports that its endorsement interviews are conducted in person, that candidates are not provided the panel’s questions in advance, and that candidates do not pay to participate.
Sanson has stated that he does not serve on the endorsement panels and that sponsorship does not guarantee an endorsement.
Veterans In Politics YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@stevewsanson/videos
For those who dismiss the organization as doing nothing, more than two decades of political broadcasting and voter education are part of the record.
8. JUDICIAL ACCOUNTABILITY: STANDING UP FOR VETERANS AND FAMILIES
Sanson’s advocacy has also focused on Nevada’s judicial system, particularly the Eighth Judicial District Court’s Family Division.
His concerns have included the treatment of veterans’ disability benefits, fairness in court proceedings, protections for deployed military personnel, judicial transparency, and public access to information.
Veterans In Politics established a Court Observation Program through which volunteers attended public proceedings and reported their observations.
The program sought to encourage transparency and accountability in courtrooms where decisions can profoundly affect families.
A 2020 VIPI publication reported participation by more than 350 individuals in the initiative, although that figure has not been independently audited.
Sanson’s courtroom advocacy has sometimes generated controversy and disagreement.
A 2019 Nevada Public Radio investigation documented both his influence and criticism of his methods.
Nevertheless, his participation in judicial accountability efforts is well established.
Veterans can face legal disputes involving family relationships, custody, financial obligations, and military benefits.
Sanson has argued that veterans should receive fair treatment in these proceedings and that judicial decisions should be subject to lawful public scrutiny.
9. TAKING LEGAL BATTLES TO THE NEVADA SUPREME COURT
Sanson’s public criticism of judicial proceedings and attorneys led to litigation that reached the Nevada Supreme Court.
These proceedings involved Nevada’s anti-SLAPP law, which protects qualifying speech and petitioning activity concerning matters of public interest.
VETERANS IN POLITICS INTERNATIONAL v. WILLICK — DOCKET 72778
On February 21, 2020, the Nevada Supreme Court reversed a district court order denying an anti-SLAPP motion filed by Veterans In Politics and Sanson.
The court recognized the public-interest context of the challenged statements and remanded the case.
ABRAMS v. SANSON — DOCKETS 73838 AND 75834
On March 5, 2020, the Nevada Supreme Court affirmed anti-SLAPP protection for challenged statements concerning Family Court proceedings made in public forums.
The court reversed part of the ruling involving private telephone statements, making the appellate outcome a substantial but partial victory.
WILLICK v. EIGHTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT — DOCKET 82524
On March 31, 2022, the Nevada Supreme Court denied a petition challenging a district court order involving a notice of voluntary dismissal.
This decision addressed additional procedural issues arising from anti-SLAPP litigation.
REPORTED SETTLEMENTS OF APPROXIMATELY $330,000
Sanson has reported approximately $175,000 associated with the Willick litigation and approximately $155,000 associated with the Abrams litigation.
The combined reported amount is approximately $330,000.
The court decisions are public records. The reported settlement figures require verification against the agreements or payment records.
These cases illustrate the legal disputes arising from Sanson’s public advocacy and the importance of distinguishing protected public-interest speech from other communications.
Nevada Supreme Court decisions:
https://law.justia.com/cases/nevada/supreme-court/2020/73838.html
https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/nv-supreme-court/2049660.html
https://nvcourts.gov/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/41357/138_Nevada_Reports_pages_133-169.pdf
10. LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY AND A REPORTED $20,000 SETTLEMENT
Sanson has also reported challenging the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department over an encounter on March 22, 2019.
According to Sanson’s account, the incident involved Officer Raul Fidel Pinal Jr. and a disputed vehicle search following disclosure that firearms were present.
Sanson alleges that the search occurred without his consent.
He reports that the matter resulted in a $20,000 settlement approximately five months after a federal lawsuit was filed.
The settlement amount and timeline have not been independently authenticated through the federal case file.
A settlement does not establish a judicial finding of misconduct.
Nevertheless, the reported dispute reflects another area in which Sanson has challenged what he believes to be improper government conduct.
11. AUTHOR OF TWO BOOKS TO HELP THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND THE LEGAL SYSTEM
Sanson’s educational work also includes two reported publications.
HOW TO COLLECT ON YOUR BAD DEBT ACCOUNTS IN CLARK COUNTY NEVADA
This publication addresses debt collection and related legal procedures.
The book was discussed in early newspaper coverage of Sanson’s activities, and a 2024 author biography identified a 2005 edition.
Find How to Collect on Your Bad Debt Accounts in Clark County Nevada on Amazon
HOW TO NAVIGATE NEVADA’S FAMILY COURT SYSTEM
Reportedly published in 2024, this book is designed to help individuals understand Nevada’s Family Court system.
It reflects Sanson’s longstanding interest in court procedures, public education, and helping people navigate complicated legal processes.
Find How to Navigate Nevada’s Family Court System by Steve Sanson on Amazon
The links above are Amazon searches for the books, rather than independently verified individual product pages.
Both books were identified in Sanson’s December 2024 appearance on The Government Mechanic podcast.
12. THE VETERANS IN POLITICS FOUNDATION AND VALENTINE’S DAY BIENNIAL GALA
The Veterans In Politics Foundation is described in its organizational materials as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Its work includes fundraising, veterans recognition, community events, and activities supporting the organization’s public-service mission.
The Valentine’s Day Biennial Gala has become one of its signature events.
The first gala was held in 2012 at the Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas.
Subsequent events brought together veterans, elected officials, judges, community leaders, volunteers, and supporters.
THE EIGHTH BIENNIAL GALA — FEBRUARY 7, 2026
The eighth biennial gala took place at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Organizational records identify approximately 152 attendees.
The program included retired United States Air Force Brigadier General Robert G. Novotny as keynote speaker, along with Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, Boulder City Mayor Joe Hardy, and retired Nevada Supreme Court Justice Michael Cherry.
The event also recognized volunteers, donors, and individuals contributing to the community.
Dr. Robert Medoff served as event coordinator, and Stephanie Phillips helped organize the gala through her leadership role in Veterans In Politics.
The Foundation’s published announcements also described opportunities for supporters to sponsor tickets for veterans who might otherwise be unable to attend.
These events are intended to honor service, encourage community participation, and generate support for the Foundation’s activities.
Official gala announcement:
https://veteransinpolitics.org/2025/11/%F0%9F%8E%96%EF%B8%8F-the-8th-biennial-veterans-in-politics-valentines-day-ball-gala/
13. SUPPORTING VETERANS THROUGH POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
Veterans In Politics has emphasized that veterans’ issues are connected to decisions made at every level of government.
Members of Congress influence federal veterans’ benefits and military policy.
State legislators determine laws affecting veterans’ services, courts, identification, and local programs.
County commissioners and city councils make decisions concerning housing, public safety, and community resources.
Judges interpret and apply laws affecting veterans and their families.
For that reason, the organization has invested significant effort in interviewing candidates and encouraging voters to examine their qualifications.
During the 2026 election cycle, Veterans In Politics and its veterans partners conducted endorsement activities involving federal, state, county, municipal, school board, regent, and judicial candidates.
The organization has endorsed candidates from different political parties.
Sanson has repeatedly argued that evaluating an individual’s record and qualifications should matter more than party loyalty.
That position has sometimes generated criticism from political leaders, including individuals within his own party.
But the organization’s stated mission remains centered on voter education and public accountability.
14. WHAT HAS STEVE SANSON ACTUALLY DONE FOR VETERANS?
For those in the community who continue to ask that question, consider the documented record.
Military service: Sanson served approximately 12 years in the United States Marine Corps and Army Reserve, according to published accounts, including service during the Persian Gulf War.
Veterans’ disability compensation: He testified before Nevada lawmakers in support of legislation protecting qualifying federal service-connected disability benefits. AB 140 became Nevada law.
Veterans Treatment Courts: He participated in legislative advocacy concerning specialized court programs intended to provide eligible veterans with treatment and structured support.
Veteran identification: He advocated for recognition of military veterans on Nevada driver’s licenses and identification cards.
Veterans’ cemeteries and other issues: His published interviews describe legislative advocacy involving veterans’ cemeteries, nuclear waste policy, and police interactions with veterans.
Judicial accountability: He helped develop Veterans In Politics’ Court Observation Program and advocated for transparency in proceedings affecting veterans and families.
Political education: He has hosted the Veterans In Politics Talk Show since 2005 and helped maintain a platform for candidate interviews and public debate.
First Amendment litigation: He participated in significant Nevada Supreme Court cases concerning public-interest speech and anti-SLAPP protections.
Educational publications: He authored two reported books intended to help individuals understand legal procedures.
Veterans recognition: Through the Veterans In Politics Foundation, he has supported charitable events and ceremonies honoring military veterans and community members.
Organizational leadership: Together with Stephanie Phillips, volunteers, panelists, and supporters, he has helped sustain a veterans advocacy and political education organization for decades.
These are activities that can be examined through news reports, legislative records, published court opinions, organizational archives, and recorded interviews.
Some claimed accomplishments require further verification, and the record should not attribute every legislative or judicial outcome solely to Sanson.
But the evidence establishes that his involvement has been extensive and sustained.
15. PUBLIC SERVICE DOES NOT REQUIRE UNIVERSAL APPROVAL
People are entitled to disagree with Sanson.
They may disagree with his political endorsements, his criticism of public officials, his approach to judicial accountability, or his views concerning Nevada politics.
Public debate is part of the democratic process.
But disagreement with a person’s political views is different from denying the existence of documented service and advocacy.
Sanson’s critics can examine his legislative testimony.
They can read the Nevada Supreme Court decisions.
They can review his military-service history as reported in contemporary journalism.
They can watch Veterans In Politics interviews, examine its candidate endorsement history, and review its public events.
Those records provide a stronger basis for judgment than unsupported assertions that he has done nothing for veterans.
The work of Veterans In Politics has involved more than one person, and Stephanie Phillips and other contributors deserve recognition for their roles.
The organization has also attracted controversy, and its history should be evaluated with the same accountability it demands of others.
But criticism does not erase documented participation in veterans’ legislation, military service, court proceedings, and public education.
16. A LEGACY OF MILITARY SERVICE, VETERANS ADVOCACY, AND POLITICAL ACCOUNTABILITY
From his reported Marine Corps service beginning in 1985 to his continued activities in 2026, Steve W. Sanson’s public history spans more than four decades.
His record includes service in two military branches, participation in veterans-related legislative efforts, political broadcasting, legal disputes over public-interest speech, judicial accountability activities, and organizational leadership.
Veterans In Politics International has also benefited from the contributions of Stephanie Phillips, who serves as Political Affairs Director, talk show host, and Valentine’s Day Biennial Gala organizer.
Together with the organization’s volunteers, panelists, donors, and supporters, their work has helped sustain a continuing platform for veterans’ issues and public accountability.
Sanson’s accomplishments do not depend on every member of the community agreeing with his political views.
They can be evaluated through records.
And those records show that he has participated in meaningful efforts involving veterans’ benefits, Veterans Treatment Courts, public education, and government accountability.
THE FINAL QUESTION FOR THE CRITICS
Before declaring that Steve Sanson has done nothing for veterans, consider the following:
How many years of military service, legislative hearings, veterans’ advocacy efforts, candidate interviews, court proceedings, educational programs, and community events must be ignored to make that accusation?
No advocate is above criticism, and no individual deserves credit for accomplishments that cannot be supported by evidence.
But the documented history of Sanson’s work deserves to be acknowledged.
You do not have to agree with Steve Sanson. You do not have to support his political endorsements. You do not have to like his approach to public accountability.
But saying he has done nothing for veterans is contradicted by the public record.
SOURCES AND DOCUMENTATION
-
Las Vegas Sun — December 3, 2004. Sanson’s early biography, military service, and political involvement.
https://lasvegassun.com/news/2004/dec/03/another-candidate-announces-for-macks-council-seat/ -
Nevada Legislature — Assembly Judiciary Committee, 2015. Testimony concerning veterans’ disability compensation.
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/Session/78th2015/Minutes/Assembly/JUD/Final/330.pdf -
Nevada Legislature — Assembly Ways and Means Committee, 2015. Veterans Treatment Court testimony.
https://archive.leg.state.nv.us/Session/78th2015/Minutes/Assembly/WM/Final/903.pdf -
Nevada Statutes — Assembly Bill 140, 2015. Veterans’ disability-benefits protections.
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/Division/Legal/Lawlibrary/Statutes/78th2015/Stats201508.html -
Nevada Supreme Court — Abrams v. Sanson (2020). Anti-SLAPP appellate ruling.
https://law.justia.com/cases/nevada/supreme-court/2020/73838.html -
Nevada Supreme Court — Veterans In Politics International v. Willick (2020). Anti-SLAPP proceedings.
https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/nv-supreme-court/2049660.html -
Nevada Supreme Court — Willick v. Eighth Judicial District Court (2022). Additional published decision.
https://nvcourts.gov/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/41357/138_Nevada_Reports_pages_133-169.pdf -
Nevada Public Radio — Desert Companion, Family Circus (2019). Independent reporting on Sanson’s Family Court advocacy.
https://www.knpr.org/magazine-desert-companion/2019-10-01/family-circus -
The Government Mechanic — Veterans Issues and Veterans Court (December 2024). Military history, veterans advocacy, and books.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/veterans-issues-and-veterans-court/id1618000987?i=1000679871872 -
Veterans In Politics International — Official website. Organizational activities, interviews, and public announcements.
https://veteransinpolitics.org -
Veterans In Politics — Eighth Biennial Valentine’s Day Gala Announcement. Gala details and organizational leadership.
https://veteransinpolitics.org/2025/11/%F0%9F%8E%96%EF%B8%8F-the-8th-biennial-veterans-in-politics-valentines-day-ball-gala/ -
Veterans In Politics — YouTube Archive. Public interviews and political programming.
https://www.youtube.com/@stevewsanson/videos








