GINA B. GOOD / PVT Jose Telles received a certificate of appreciation from the town and citizens for his many years of volunteerism and all he achieved with the Pahrump Veteran's Memorial Advisory Board. Advertisement

Jose Telles was recognized at the Pahrump Town Board meeting recently for his work to help establish the Veteran's Memorial at Chief Tecopa Cemetery.

Telles was in the Marine Corps. for 25 years. Then, after a stint with the telephone company in Victorville, Calif., he and his wife became full time RVers, touring the United States for 13 years before settling in Pahrump in 2000.

"This is a beautiful country," Telles said. "It's beautiful from coast to coast and everywhere in the middle."

Telles retired from his position on the Pahrump Veteran's Memorial Advisory Board (PVMAB) to make room for "fresh people with new ideas."

Telles is leaving behind a legacy for those that follow him. The advisory board started working on the veteran's memorial in 2004 and it was completed in 2007.

"Marines don't say 'I don't know,' he said. "We just go for it. I don't want to get stale, and I found a person who is very seriously involved and has good ideas to take my place," said Telles, referring to Nye County Dep. James Scott.

Telles said Scott will continue to work on beautifying the memorial and take on new projects.

"He's a go-getter because Marines are always go-getters," said Telles. "We have a saying in the Marines that if you are going to be a bear, be a grizzly."

Terry Choyce was also awarded a certificate but was not at the meeting.

Dr. Tom Waters was approved by the town board to fill one of the vacant positions on the PVMAB.