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.