July, 2024 Newsletter

Unified Arizona Veterans June Newsletter.

NEWSLETTEREVENT WRAP UP

Jhennicea Morrow

7/1/20248 min read

Image of a desert mountain rage, with blue text reading: You're a part of the conversation. On the right side is the UAV Logo
Image of a desert mountain rage, with blue text reading: You're a part of the conversation. On the right side is the UAV Logo

If you have any questions, comments, concerns or would like your event featured in our next newsletter, please reach out to our Director of Communications, Jhennicea Morrow, at Admin@uavnewsletter.net

"The Voice of Arizona's Veterans"

"We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it."

— William Faulkner

Follow us on social media

We have a lot of content for you this month. Resource fairs, coffee with a veteran, a blood drive, a women who lead event, the Annual Veteran Tribute in Tucson, information on parade, Glendale Chambers is seeking nominations for Active Duty, Reservist, Guardsmen or Dependents, new mental health copay exemption, and so much more.

Message From The Chair

Image is of 2 photographs of UAV Chair Travis Burns. On the left is a photo from when the was active
Image is of 2 photographs of UAV Chair Travis Burns. On the left is a photo from when the was active

Hello,
Just an update to let you know that even though UAV is on hiatus for July and August, we are
continuing the work of updating the communications, nominations and administration processes at UAV. The work continues on the migration to Google Non-Profit, which will simplify and streamline workflows, along with increasing access and collaboration across Arizona. We are also continuing the process of migrating all of our forms online, which we hope will make these things more accessible across the entire State of Arizona, and do away with so much mailing of paperwork and packages.

ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME UPDATE:

I’m sure many people are very interested in the progress of the Nomination and Selection Processes for the Class of 2024 of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. By the time this newsletter is published, the names should have been accepted by the Arizona Department of Veterans Services, and on the way to the Governor for approval. UAV would like to thank everyone involved in the process, especially the volunteers for the Selection Panel. Your service is greatly appreciated.

Make sure to save the date for the 2024 Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: November 1st, 2024, at Talking Stick Resort.

And, while all of us at UAV are a team, I want to recognize someone whose hard work has made it possible for the UAV to reach out in this manner. This is the 6th issue of the UAV Newsletter, and it was UAV Communications Director Jhenni Morrow’s dedication to the veteran community and to the UAV that has made this newsletter possible. Thank you, Jhenni.

Thank you,

- Travis Burns
Chair, Unified Arizona Veterans

Onward to the Events

BrickByBrick

Graphic for BrickByBrick gaming.
Graphic for BrickByBrick gaming.

Weekly Esports community stream from Air Force Veteran Eric Gyamfi and Army Veteran Justin DiSantis - building a community of Veterans, active military, families and caregivers to promote mental health, life skills, successful transition out of the military, and fun.

Tune in every Wednesday at 8pm ET on Twitch.

Annual Veteran Tribute

American Patriot Memorial, Honor and Remember
July 4th, 6PM-11PM
1801 S 6th Ave

All Welcome! Veterans with ID will receive a free Hot Dog & Burger.
Food + Beer + Music + Raffles + Fireworks Viewing

All Motorcycles Welcome.
Portion of the proceeds going To Support: CVMA, The Patriot Guard, and ALR

Graphic flyer. Text reads: American Patriot Memorial, Honor and Remember Presents: 2nd Annual Veteran Tribute.  July 4th, 6PM
Graphic flyer. Text reads: American Patriot Memorial, Honor and Remember Presents: 2nd Annual Veteran Tribute.  July 4th, 6PM

Orayvi Mobile VA Health Services and Benefits Event

Learn more about the VA health program and benefits!
When: Jul 9th, 9AM – 3PM
Where:
Orayvi Village Conference Center
Orayvi Village, AZ

Veterans will have a two-day opportunity to receive direct Health Care services from VA medical staff and/or other health resources. Learn more about the VA health program or enroll on-the-spot to begin receiving VA health benefits.

Graphic for Orayvi Mobile VA Health Services and Benefits Event
Graphic for Orayvi Mobile VA Health Services and Benefits Event

Breaking the Mask

Date/Time: Wed. July 10, 2024 7:30AM - 8:30AM

Location:
Fairway Mortgage
20359 N. 59th Ave. Ste. 100
Glendale, AZ 85308

Details:
Also Online via ZOOM.
Feeling like a fraud despite your accomplishments? Many women leaders and veterans do, too.

Graphic for "Imposter Syndrome: Breaking the mask." July 10th, 7:30 am -8:30 am
Graphic for "Imposter Syndrome: Breaking the mask." July 10th, 7:30 am -8:30 am

Village of Tewa Mobile VA Health Services and Benefits Event

When: Wed. Jul 10, 9AM – 3PM

Where: Village of Tewa Community Building
Polacca, AZ

Veterans will have a two-day opportunity to receive direct Health Care services from VA medical staff and/or other health resources. Learn more about the VA health program or enroll on-the-spot to begin receiving VA health benefits.

Graphic for the Village of Tewa Mobile VA Health Services
Graphic for the Village of Tewa Mobile VA Health Services

William's Veteran Resource Fair

The event will include a Veteran resource fair, VA Health Services, and VBA Claims services. Attending will be Claims Specialists, Enrollment Specialists, and more.

For more information, contact Abby Joseph at abigail.joseph@va.gov


Date:
July 11th
Time:
10AM - 2PM
Location: Raptor Ranch
332 AZ-64, Williams, AZ 86046

Graphic for the Veterans Resource Fair. July 11th 10am-2pm. Northern Arizona VA. Location: Raptor Ranch 332AZ-64, Williams,AZ
Graphic for the Veterans Resource Fair. July 11th 10am-2pm. Northern Arizona VA. Location: Raptor Ranch 332AZ-64, Williams,AZ

Coffee with a Veteran

Coffee for Vets is an opportunity for Veterans to socialize, connect with the community, and learn about community resources. This is a monthly event held on the third Friday of the month and is a time for veterans, service-members, and any member of the public to sit down and have a conversation while enjoying a cup of coffee and doughnuts.
Friday, July 19th, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Glassford Hill Room
7401 E Skoog Blvd, Prescott Valley, AZ 928-759-3040

More Information? 928.759.3040

Graphic for Coffee with a Veteran. Third Friday of each month, Glassford Hill Room. 10M-12PM
Graphic for Coffee with a Veteran. Third Friday of each month, Glassford Hill Room. 10M-12PM

Dilkon Veterans Resource Fair

When: Fri. Jul 19, 2024,
9AM – 2PM

Where: Dilkon Medical Center
1 Medical Center Drive
Dilkon, AZ

Veterans will have the opportunity to receive direct Health Care services from VA medical staff and/or other health resources.
Learn more about the VA health program or enroll on-the-spot to begin receiving VA health benefits.

Graphic for the Dilkon Veterans Resource Fair
Graphic for the Dilkon Veterans Resource Fair

Blood Drive

Florence, AZ — Joe Foss American
Legion Post 97 and the Veteran Center are hosting a "Vitalant Neighborhood Blood Drive" event.

Monday, July 29, 2024, from 10AM to 2PM

at the San Tan Valley Veteran Center

located at 5764 E. Hunt Hwy
Florence, Arizona.

Graphic for the Joe Foss American Legion Post 97 Blood Drive depicting a soldier getting their blood drawn
Graphic for the Joe Foss American Legion Post 97 Blood Drive depicting a soldier getting their blood drawn

Glendale Chamber

Is seeking nominations for Active Duty, Reservist, Guardsmen or Dependents from any of the following branches: U.S. Air Force, Space Force, Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Navy, & National Guard.

If you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their service to our country and dedication to community volunteerism, please consider nominating them and/or passing this information along within your circle of influence.

The nomination process is very simple, and the deadline is Friday, September 13.

Graphic for the Glendale Chamber Miliary & Veterans Affairs Military Appreciation Event Nomination Deadline.
Graphic for the Glendale Chamber Miliary & Veterans Affairs Military Appreciation Event Nomination Deadline.

East Valley Veterans Parade

📣It’s official! The East Valley Veterans Parade is back again

🧭Same place - Center Street in Mesa, AZ

⏰same time - 11/11/24 @ 11am

Applications are open at www.evvp.org

Graphic for the East Valley Veterans Parade
Graphic for the East Valley Veterans Parade

Glendale Chamber

Is seeking nominations for Active Duty, Reservist, Guardsmen or Dependents from any of the following branches: U.S. Air Force, Space Force, Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Navy, & National Guard.

If you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their service to our country and dedication to community volunteerism, please consider nominating them and/or passing this information along within your circle of influence.

The nomination process is very simple, and the deadline is Friday, September 13.

Graphic for the Glendale Chamber Miliary & Veterans Affairs Military Appreciation Event Nomination Deadline.
Graphic for the Glendale Chamber Miliary & Veterans Affairs Military Appreciation Event Nomination Deadline.

Projects & Information

Water Needed!

You can drop off water at the Kingman Area Food Bank
Monday to Friday
from 8AM to 11AM
2930 Butler Avenue,
Kingman, AZ 86409

This benefits both clients and volunteers!
Please email us at:
exdir@kingmanareafoodbank.org

with questions or suggestions

Graphic with water bottles which says: We Need Water. You can drop off water  at the Kingman Area Food Bank  Monday to Friday
Graphic with water bottles which says: We Need Water. You can drop off water  at the Kingman Area Food Bank  Monday to Friday

Free Summer Meals for Arizona Kids & Teens

No one should go hungry this summer.

For food assistance now, please contact the

AZ Hunger Hotline at
602-528-3434 or
1-800-445-1914.

Graphic for the Veteran Anti-Hunger Task Force
Graphic for the Veteran Anti-Hunger Task Force

Vet the Vote!

Veterans can receive around $200 per day serving as a county poll worker.

More than 50% of counties report a shortage of poll workers during an election cycle.
It's easy for Veterans to apply to be poll workers.

Dark blue image with white text reading: Vet the Vote
Dark blue image with white text reading: Vet the Vote

Free Tuition and Housing: Learn Defense Manufacturing Skills

In the past two years, 92 Veterans have found renewed purpose and new careers through the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing program.

Read about one Veteran's journey and learn how you can apply.

Photo is of a man working at a machine
Photo is of a man working at a machine

New Mental Health Copayment Exemptions

A new law improves access to care and lowers out-of-pocket costs for Veterans' outpatient mental health and substance use disorder care,
including exempting the first three VA copays each year.

Your mental health is important to you and a priority for us. Section 193A of the Cleland-Dole Act enhances access to care and lowers out-of-pocket costs for outpatient mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) care.

Image of an American flag with the text: Don't be afraid to open up and ask for help!
Image of an American flag with the text: Don't be afraid to open up and ask for help!

Calling all Veterans Affinity Group Leaders!

Do you represent a veterans advocacy group at your company? Honoring America’s Veterans invites you to participate in our HAV Veterans Forum, taking place later this summer. This event will be a unique opportunity to connect with local businesses, share insights, and collaborate on initiatives that support our veterans. By attending, you'll have the chance to:
🔹 Network with fellow advocates and business leaders
🔹 Discuss the latest trends and challenges in veterans advocacy
🔹 Explore new partnerships to enhance support for our veterans
The participation of organizations from across Arizona is crucial in making this forum a success. Together, we can create stronger communities and better support systems for those who have served our country.
Please reach out to Paula Pedene at paula@pedene.com if you are interested in learning more.

Graphic for Honoring America's Veteran's, Veterans Forum
Graphic for Honoring America's Veteran's, Veterans Forum

Event Wrap-Up

Korean War Remembrance

Past Chair Gene Crego met Nancy Bae at this lovely event on June 15th. It was a very sunny Saturday, and had a grant turn-out Nancy Bae was king enough to share a lot of incredible photos with us, and we wanted to share them with all of you.

Did You Know...

Did you know... The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution.
(source)