Peter's mother's brother, Peter Gountanis Jr, in uniform during the Korean War

Family Roots & Military Service

Palivos has great memories regarding both of his parents whom he adored. His mother, Bessie Palivos came from the Gountanis family, which immigrated to the United States in 1895. His father, Angelo Palivos, was a hardworking man, who worked two full jobs to support his family.

In 1895 his great-grandfather Peter Gountanis rode on a donkey from a small town called Nestani, Greece to Athens, Greece where he got on a ship to immigrate to America. When he boarded the boat, Peter Gountanis had no education, no money, and he did not speak English. But he had guts and dreams of living in America. He landed in New York and took a train to Gary, Indianna. He worked in the US Steel Mills of Gary Indiana for many years. But he wanted to relocate because he was a farmer who wanted to live in a warmer climate. It was then that he learned about California, its warm climate, and the many farming opportunities which were available. As a result, he quit his steel job and made his way towards California. He took with him his two oldest sons.

When Peter Gountanis and his two sons got to Salt Lake, Utah (on their way to California) they were told that there were some better job opportunities in Ely, Nevada. These were copper mining jobs, which paid three times more money than California farming jobs. As a result, the family decided to take the job offers and they ended up in Ely, Nevada.

When World War I broke out, the two Gountanis boys were drafted into the US Army in 1917. That was the first generation of family members who served in the US Military. Thereafter, Palivos' great uncles served in World War II, his mother's brother Peter Gountanis Jr served during the Korean War, his cousins served during the Vietnam War, and his cousin Dimitrios Grimes served in the US Navy as an aviator during the Afghanistan War.

Palivos is proud of his family's US military service over five generations. Love of country is in the Palivos family's DNA. This patriotism has resulted in Palivos being active in veteran issues and programs for over 30 years. He has assisted hundreds of veterans as a pro bono attorney and is currently Chairman of Voice of the Veteran.

SUPPORT FOR VETERAN HEROES

A private luncheon to honor Military Veterans

Voice of the Veteran Chairman Peter Palivos and Bella Vita Restaurant owner, Sergio Montegrande, sponsored a private luncheon event to honor Military Veterans.

Honored guests included highly decorated Vietnam War Heroes and Purple Heart recipients.

Dan Peterson, Henderson Purple Heart Chapter 730 Commander
Dick Moyer, Las Vegas Purple Heart Chapter 711 Commander
Len Yelnick, Commander of the State of Nevada Military Order of the Purple Heart

The United Service Organizations (USO)

The USO is famed for their events featuring musicians, comedians, actors and other programs to members of the United States Armed Forces and their families.

Wounded Warriors Project recognizes Peter Palivos

Wounded Warrior Project

When injured Veteran Heroes return home from protecting American freedoms they deserve love and support from all our nation's grateful citizens

Las Vegas Golden Knights Hockey Game

Every year Peter sponsors three American military heroes to attend a Las Vegas Golden Knights hockey game.

Shown left to right: Peter Palivos, Captain Scott, Sergeant Johnson, and Lieutenant Lewis.

Kerry Buboltz, President of the Las Vegas Golden Knights, joined Peter to honor military heroes.

Shown left to right: President Kerry Buboltz, Captain Scott, Lieutenant Lewis, Sergeant Johnson, and Peter Palivos.

$1.8 MILLION DONATED TO VETERANS PART 1

Largest Veteran Giveaway in the history of Nevada

$1.8 MILLION DONATED TO VETERANS PART 2

Highlights of the $1.8 million give away to veterans

Peter was an organizer and financial supporter of the largest veteran and service member philanthropc event in Nevada history.

A VETERAN WAS IN NEED. VOICE OF THE VETERAN ANSWERED THEM.

Peter Is Honored As A National Hero Who Stands For Justice 1

Peter Is Honored As A National Hero Who Stands For Justice 2

Military Order of the Purple Heart Special Recognition Award

On November 4, 2023 Peter was grateful and humbled to be one of three individuals in Nevada to be awarded the Military Order of the Purple Heart Special Recognition Award by the National Order of the Purple Heart for his 30 years of contributions to the veteran and military community.

From left to right: General Troy Armstrong, Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero, Henderson Mayor Pro Tem Dan Stewart, Henderson Councilman Jim Seebock, and Peter Palivos