March, 2024 Newsletter
Unified Arizona Veterans February newsletter.
NEWSLETTEREVENT WRAP UP
Jhennicea Morrow
3/1/202418 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](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=812,h=291,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/uavformbanner-1-m5K2aVloe8cw8ppb.png)
![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](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/uavformbanner-1-m5K2aVloe8cw8ppb.png)
"The Voice of Arizona's Veterans"
"Every cold and dark phase ends and hence begins a beautiful phase of warmth and vibrance. Don’t believe? Just notice March."
~Anamika Mishra
Onward to the Event
Announcing Navy Week Phoenix, February 26 – March 3, 2024:
LT Caroline Ready
The U.S. Navy is preparing to bring a Navy Week to Phoenix, Arizona, during the week of Feb. 26- Mar. 3, as the second Navy Week of the calendar year.
Any veteran is welcome, but the Vietnam Veterans will receive a lapel pin. Navy Weeks are the service’s signature outreach program, designed to allow the citizens of Phoenix to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity.
For more information on Phoenix Navy Week contact Lt. Caroline Ready at (910) 915-6386 or caroline.e.ready.mil@us.navy.mil.
March 1, 2024
8:00am - 12:00pm Vietnam War Commemoration Pinning
8:15am - 2:15pm Arizona Capitol Museum - Naval History & Heritage Display
9:00am - 12:00pm Society of St. Vincent de Paul Volunteer lunch service
4:30pm - 5:00pm Navy Band Southwest performance - Spring Training Dodgers vs. Reds
5:00pm - 7:00pm Community Meeting with PCU Arizona Crew
5:30pm - 8:30pm Spring Training Game - Reds vs Diamondbacks
6:00pm - 6:30pm Navy Band Southwest National Anthem performance - Spring Training Dodgers vs. Reds
March 2, 2024
11:30am - 12:00pm Navy Band Southwest performance - Spring Training Royals vs. Guardians
1:00pm - 1:30pm Navy Band Southwest National Anthem performance - Spring Training Royals vs. Guardians
March 3, 2024
1:00pm - 2:00pm Navy Band Performance - Scottish Highlands game
![Unified Arizona Veterans logo. A copper soldier saluting infront of the state of Arizona, with the AZ flag as the background.](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=336,h=336,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/uav-color-logo-2018-30.5d22149a57a754.91442391-depositphotos-bgremover-AzG8WqjqM5i2eGR7.png)
![Unified Arizona Veterans logo. A copper soldier saluting infront of the state of Arizona, with the AZ flag as the background.](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/uav-color-logo-2018-30.5d22149a57a754.91442391-depositphotos-bgremover-AzG8WqjqM5i2eGR7.png)
U.A.V. Members Zoom Call
U.A.V. Membership Meetings are open to all veterans and the public.
Come and chat, voice your opinion, listen to what's coming up and enjoy yourself.
Date: Saturday, March 2nd, 2024
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85868781989?pwd=UzBRUFpvMER4bmRiaG03YTNFZmFNUT09
Meeting ID: 858 6878 1989
Passcode: 254282
A link to the zoom call will be sent out before the meeting begins to all members.
If you need assistance in joining or would like to participate, please contact: caroleenculbertson@earthlink.net
The 5th Annual Saluting Stories of Service Gala
Join Veterans Heritage Project on March 2nd, 2024 for an evening to recognize the impact and legacy of our veterans' service and their inspiration to our next generation.
The event will honor Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Rose Mattie with the Storyteller Award. Rose made history as one of the first women to train and embed with special forces, and went on to become a Blackhawk helicopter pilot.
Mark McCullough, one of the first students in the program, will receive the Alumni Service Award. A history teacher for the past 12 years, Mark brings veterans into his classroom to share the stories, morals, and lessons that were once impressed upon him.
Gala guests will hear from the honorees, as well as enjoy mystery boxes, a live auction, and the opportunity to win $10,000 through the At-TEN-tion Pays Raffle sponsored by Sanderson Lincoln. The proceeds from the event will help VHP serve expanded numbers of students, veterans, schools, and Arizona communities by funding program technology, publishing, veteran recognition, teacher training, and school outreach expenses.
To learn more about the Saluting Stories of Service Gala or purchase tickets, visit gala.veteransheritage.org.
Salt River Project is the Presenting Sponsors. Additional event sponsors include TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Sanderson Lincoln, Plexus Worldwide, Kiwanis Club of Carefree, and Wells Fargo.
![Ballroom full of people acting as a flyer for the Saluting Stories of Service Fundraising Gala](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=480,h=480,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/sss-2024-social-media-graphic_gala-attendance---michelle-dimuro-YrDXZ1rG8nSVwXwb.jpg)
![Ballroom full of people acting as a flyer for the Saluting Stories of Service Fundraising Gala](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/sss-2024-social-media-graphic_gala-attendance---michelle-dimuro-YrDXZ1rG8nSVwXwb.jpg)
The 5th Annual Saluting Stories of Service Gala
Chateau Luxe
1175 E Lone Cactus Drive, Phoenix, AZ
Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 5pm
Black Tie Options/Mess Dress
$250 individual ticket
$2,000 table for 10 (savings of $50 per person)
Deadline for registration is February 23, 2024
![Sam Baker with Bob Dalpe, Dave Rosenfeld, Mitch Wentzel - Michelle DiMuro](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=480,h=600,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/sam-baker-with-bob-dalpe-dave-rosenfeld-mitch-wentzel---michelle-dimuro-dJoNLeRXq1i4Gx99.jpg)
![Sam Baker with Bob Dalpe, Dave Rosenfeld, Mitch Wentzel - Michelle DiMuro](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/sam-baker-with-bob-dalpe-dave-rosenfeld-mitch-wentzel---michelle-dimuro-dJoNLeRXq1i4Gx99.jpg)
Sam Baker with Bob Dalpe, Dave Rosenfeld, Mitch Wentzel - Michelle DiMuro
![Lauren Quinlan with student volunteers - Michelle DiMuro](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=480,h=600,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/lauren-quinlan-with-student-volunteers---michelle-dimuro-mp87D3QNbvSVQQOJ.jpg)
![Lauren Quinlan with student volunteers - Michelle DiMuro](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/lauren-quinlan-with-student-volunteers---michelle-dimuro-mp87D3QNbvSVQQOJ.jpg)
Lauren Quinlan with student volunteers - Michelle DiMuro
![Cocktail Reception - Michelle DiMuro](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=480,h=270,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/cocktail-reception---michelle-dimuro-Aq2NMeEnwkilkga3.jpg)
![Cocktail Reception - Michelle DiMuro](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/cocktail-reception---michelle-dimuro-Aq2NMeEnwkilkga3.jpg)
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![](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/ballroom-during-dinner---michelle-dimuro-A85rz2o6VxSw5KB2.jpg)
Cocktail Reception - Michelle DiMuro
Ballroom during dinner - Michelle DiMuro
Family Hope Fest
![Family Hope Fest Logo which has a hand-drawn Sun on a teal background](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=480,h=280,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/family-hope-fest-1-mP4Nz79zG4cOWgjm.png)
![Family Hope Fest Logo which has a hand-drawn Sun on a teal background](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/family-hope-fest-1-mP4Nz79zG4cOWgjm.png)
Date: Saturday, March 2nd, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Summit Community Church, 20555 W Roosevelt St, Buckeye
Join in a day filled with family fun and community service at the Family Hope Fest! This event welcomes all ages to engage in activities that strengthen our community. Enjoy bounce houses, check out police and fire vehicles, explore local vendors, and savor delicious food from food trucks. Participate in the bed build service project with Sleep in Heavenly Peace and support our local veterans through the Veteran Lift Up event. Admission is free, and there are opportunities to volunteer, sponsor, and showcase your business as a vendor. Don’t forget to bring your donations of new twin sheets, blankets, pillows, children’s bibles, and stuffed animals.
The American Legion, Department of Arizona
The "General Membership Meeting" will be on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
The meeting will be held at the Foundation Building at 14465 RH Johnson Blvd, SCW. In the Quail/Coyote Room, doors open at 9:30, meeting starts at 10:00. Be sure to bring your membership card. If you have not paid your 2024 membership dues, your membership has expired. Bring your $40 dues to the next meeting; if you pay by check, make it to American Legion Post 94.
Our Guest Speaker will be Mark Wells from the M.I.A.P. (Missing In America Project). This organization gives Unclaimed Veterans a memorial service for their final resting place.
![](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=480,h=621,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/spring-pancake-breakfast-mv0lBDpx75TEpNNb.png)
![](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/spring-pancake-breakfast-mv0lBDpx75TEpNNb.png)
Spring Pancake Breakfast
Date: Tuesday, March 5th, 2024
Time: 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
🥞 ALL YOU CAN EAT! 🥞
ADVANCE TICKETS $6, $7 AT THE DOOR
Sun City West Foundation Building
Powell/Webb Room
14465 RH Johnson
2024 StandDown Events
Stand Downs are typically one- to three-day events during which VA staff and volunteers provide food, clothing and health screenings to homeless and at-risk Veterans. In addition, Veterans also receive referrals for health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment, mental health counseling and other essential services. In many instances, haircuts, hygiene assistance, and even pet supplies may be provided.
Be sure to contact the event host to find out more about what will be offered at each event.
![](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=480,h=480,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/bullhead-city-az-d95rqKRK13fwGw6L.png)
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Bullhead City StandDown
Date: Friday, March 1st
Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
Location: Bullhead City Chamber of Commerce
1252 Hwy 95
Bullhead City,
AZ 86429
For questions or more information contact: events@javc.org, president@javc.org, or helen.ekholt@va.gov
Tucson Veterans StandDown & Career Fair
Dates / Times: Wednesday, March 13, 9am - 3pm (StandDown)
Thursday, March 14, 10am - 3pm (Career Fair)
Location: Ramada Inn
777 W Cushing
Tucson, AZ 85745
For questions or more information contact: jennifer.premer@va.gov or lori.kiefer@va.gov
![Parker AZ Veterans Resource Fair Image, displaying the same text as below](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=480,h=480,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/parker-AMqpElaVDeU1b1e9.png)
![Parker AZ Veterans Resource Fair Image, displaying the same text as below](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/parker-AMqpElaVDeU1b1e9.png)
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Parker StandDown
Date: Friday, March 15st
Time: 9 AM - 3 PM
Location: VFW Post 7061
516 S. Hopi Ave.
Parker, AZ 85344
For questions or more information
call: 928.323.4401
Phoenix StandDown
Dates: March 21 & 22nd
Times: 6:30 AM - 3 PM & 7 AM - 2 PM
Location: Arizona State Fairgrounds
For questions or more information contact:
george@azhousingcoalition.org or
ashleigh@azhousingcoalition.org
![](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=480,h=480,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/sedona-az-mP4Nz2B7L7SBgDWQ.png)
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Sedona StandDown
Date: Wednesday, March 27
Time: 9 AM - 2 PM
Location: Sedona Elks Lodge No. 2291
110 Airport Road
For questions or more information, call 928-286-7446 or email nazveteranstanddowns@aol.com
Kingman StandDown
Date: Friday, May 3
Time: 10am - 2pm
Location: Mohave County Fairgrounds
2600 Fairgrounds Blvd
Kingman, AZ 86401
For questions or more information contact: events@javc.org
![](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=480,h=480,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/flagstaff-az-Yg25vjB5y6SEWGpb.png)
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Flagstaff StandDown
Date: Wednesday, May 15
Time: 9am - 1pm
Location: Flagstaff Armory
320 N Thorpe Rd
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
For questions or more information contact:
or call 928-286-7446
![](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=1018,h=320,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/the-southern-arizona-va-health-care-system-AwvPa4j4gJfrKMk7.jpg)
![](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/the-southern-arizona-va-health-care-system-AwvPa4j4gJfrKMk7.jpg)
The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
SAVHCS has quite a few events this month.
![Veteran Stand Down Event Flyer](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=480,h=621,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/2024_stand_down_event_flier-A85rzeekKDCDy5W1.jpg)
![Veteran Stand Down Event Flyer](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/2024_stand_down_event_flier-A85rzeekKDCDy5W1.jpg)
![Fisher House Anniversary Celebration](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=480,h=621,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/savahcs-fisher-house-dOqNvavlb6CDwagr.jpg)
![Fisher House Anniversary Celebration](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/savahcs-fisher-house-dOqNvavlb6CDwagr.jpg)
Tucson Vets Serving Vets Stand Down & Career Fair
Date: March 13 - 14, 2024
Time: 9 AM - 3 PM
Location: Ramada Inn
777 West Cushing Street
Tucson, Arizona
SAVAHCS Fisher House 8th Anniversary Celebration & Open House
Date: March 15, 2024
Time: 11 AM - 1 PM
Location: 3601 S 6th Ave 9-135fh building
Tucson, AZ 85723
![Mental Health Monthly Meeting Flyer](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=480,h=621,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/mentalhealthquarterly-A0xrOl5zwPTgP9Z4.jpg)
![Mental Health Monthly Meeting Flyer](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/mentalhealthquarterly-A0xrOl5zwPTgP9Z4.jpg)
Mental Health Quarterly Open House
Date: March 27, 2024
Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Location: Virtual &
3601 South 6th Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85723-0001
![Resource Fair Flyer](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=480,h=621,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/nationalvietnamveteransday-AR0VNLw97WF3ye5K.jpg)
![Resource Fair Flyer](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/nationalvietnamveteransday-AR0VNLw97WF3ye5K.jpg)
National Vietnam Veterans Day Event & Resource Fair
Date: March 29, 2024
Time: 11 AM - 1 PM
Location: Rose Garden Courtyard
![ASU Veteran Recreation Fair Flyer. Text is the same as the text on the right.](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=480,h=621,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/veterarecreationfair-A0xrOlBXBRfBjPrb.jpg)
![ASU Veteran Recreation Fair Flyer. Text is the same as the text on the right.](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/veterarecreationfair-A0xrOlBXBRfBjPrb.jpg)
Veteran Recreation and Resource Fair
Arizona State University Office for Veteran and Military Academic Engagement (OVMAE) is excited to share news of our collaboration with Phoenix College to host a Recreation Fair dedicated to supporting the well-being
of our veteran community.
Join us for a Veteran Recreation and Resource Fair!
Discover a range of activities, from art and equine pursuits to exercise, wilderness adventures, and more. The Arizona Elk Society will be there to showcase their hunting and fishing programs geared toward veterans. All veterans are encouraged to attend.
Exciting news! We are pleased to share that the U.S. Forest Service will be present at the recreation fair, distributing America the Beautiful Lifetime National Park passes to military personnel and veterans. Don't forget to bring your VA or military ID or your DD-214 for verification.
Also, enjoy the music of Aaron White, of Northern Ute/Dine descent, who is a Grammy award-winning Native American Flute maker.
We will have breakout sessions every 30 minutes:
- Ability 360-pickleball clinic
- The Mission Continues-community gardening
- Heal Her Art-mini art session
- Soldiers Best Friend-service dog demonstration
- Merging Vets and Players (MVP)-community workout
Where: Phoenix College, 1202 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85013
When: Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Thank you,
Stacey Eastwood (she/her/hers)
Coordinator
Office for Veteran and Military Academic Engagement-OVMAE
Arizona State University
Mail Code 0520
Arizona Center, Suite 360 455 N. 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
p: 602-543-6911
email: sdeastwo@asu.edu
web: https://vetengagement.asu.edu/
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Called To Serve Band
Ceremony & Concert Honoring Military Women & Veterans Featuring Universal Music Group / Mi5 Recording Artist Jeff Senour
Bring your children and grandchildren! Learn about the exceptional contributions of women to the US Armed Forces from World War II thru the Global War.
Date: March 23, 2024
Time: 3pm – 6pm
Location: Madison Center for the Arts
5601 N 16th St
Phoenix, AZ
General Admission for Veterans, Family, Friends, Public
🎟⭐ Tickets $15 ⭐🎟
Available at Ticketmaster or Box Office www.ticketmaster.com/event/19005F75AF3914BB
INFO at veteransfirstltd.org/
Military & Veteran WOMEN Eligible for One Complimentary
FREE Ticket
⭐⭐⭐
Register at Google Forms for FREE ticket Available until March 9, 2024
https://forms.gle/bqE9wNeWqqmcLgM17
Pick up your FREE ticket
at Box Office day of concert.
Hosted by Veterans First Ltd.
“Celebrating 20 Years Serving Arizona Veterans 2003–2023”
Need more info?
Contact: Darlene Gonzales, US Navy Res (ret.) dgonzales@veteransfirstltd.org
![](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=297,h=309,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/azseal-mxB8Oar1PgfBxVag.png)
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Arizona House of Representatives
Date: Monday March 25th
Time: 11:15 - 1:00 PM
Location: 1700 West Washington, Suite H
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2844
Representative Stacey Travers
Office (602) 926-3917
Representative John Gillette
Office (602) 926-4100
Remember to "Save the Date” for our next House Veterans Caucus meeting that will take place on Monday, March 25th, 2024, from 11:15 AM to 01:00 PM in the House Copper Conference Room (Basement).
![](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=480,h=621,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/veteransserviceopenhouse-Y4Lp5MD2XlubJ2z5.jpg)
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Veterans Services Open House!
Date: Wednesday, March 27th, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: White Mountain Apache Housing Authority – Development Building
50 West Chinatown Street,
Whiteriver, AZ 85941
Phoenix VA will address the “PACT Act”
The PACT Act is a new law that expands the VA Health care and benefits for veterans exposed to Burn Pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Two nurses from the VA will be onsite to do Toxic Exposure Screenings.
VA Health Care Benefits and Enrollment
PACT Act Claims
Social Work
Veteran Readiness & Employment
AZ@Work DES Workforce Development
Updates on WMAHA / VA HUD-VASH-Tribal Program
Transportation Available, call Housing Authority to make arrangements.
For more information regarding the Veteran Services Open House, call WMA Housing Authority Veteran Coordinator at 928-338-4831 ext. 105
Honoring/Hiring/Helping our Heroes of Pinal County
![HOHP flyer, displaying the HOHP Eagle logo and the text "Memorial Poker Run" for SSGT IIKEN-MO90/MWD](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=1018,h=1317,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/hohp-AzGDLxLOlLSLQqy0.webp)
![HOHP flyer, displaying the HOHP Eagle logo and the text "Memorial Poker Run" for SSGT IIKEN-MO90/MWD](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=328,h=320,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/hohp-AzGDLxLOlLSLQqy0.webp)
Coming up 30 March the HOHP Eagle Shadow Riders will be hosting the first Annual SSGT Iken MWD/M090 Memorial Poker Run!!
Date: March 30th, 2024
Time: 9AM -7PM
Location: The Airport Tavern
1801 N Pinal Ave,
Casa Grande,
AZ 85122
SSGT Iikens Story: SSD Iiken M090 Military ServiceUS Army (April 2008 to August 2011)US Marine Corps (August 2011 to 2016) Lackland AFB, TXFt. Drum, NY - Fort Drum’s 91st Military Police BattalionMWD Competition in Missouri (placed 2nd in Detection & Explosives) Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan 2009 (wounded in action when vehicle ran over IED) 29 Palms, CAOkinawaSSD Certification (05/06/2013 – 06/28/2013) Camp Mujuk, KoreaPOTUS Mission (President of the United States) Yuma Proving Grounds Army Air Station, AZInter-Service Advanced Skills K9 (IASK) Course (2-22 March 2014) Camp Lejeune, NCPhilippinesUNGA Mission in NY (General Assembly of the United Nations)
An amazing dog being honored for his service to OUR COUNTRY! If you are unable to attend and would like to donate, you can make that donation on the HOHP website - hohp4heroes.org
Join us in honoring this amazing Veteran who loved his job!
2024 National Veterans Day Poster Contest open for submissions
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a budding painter, here’s your opportunity to show off your talent and use your artwork to honor Veterans.
VA and the Veterans Day National Committee are now accepting submissions for the 2024 Veterans Day Poster Contest.
Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on April 1, 2024.
This contest is open to all. Your unique art should reflect this year’s theme:
“A Legacy of Loyalty and Service.”
Eugene Russell, creator of the winning 2023 design, shared his thoughts, “My goal was to link the sight, sound and feeling of how we served our country. The pole and American flag in this image are the ones currently flying over VA headquarters in Washington, D.C. It flies for each of us and those Veterans to come.”
The winning poster will be distributed to VA facilities and military installations worldwide and across cities and towns in our nation. It will also serve as the cover of the official program for the Veterans Day National Observance at Arlington National Cemetery, scheduled for Nov. 11, 2024.
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The 17th Annual Patriotic Awards Luncheon
hosted by the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society, will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024.
Please note that there's been a change of venue — the event will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton - Phoenix - Mesa, located at 1011 W. Holmes Avenue, Mesa, AZ (US 60 & Alma School Rd)
We are also pleased to announce this year's Copper Award honorees which
include:
UAV Copper Star - Abe McCann, City of Tempe
UAV Copper Shield - Representative Stacey Travers
AVHOFS Copper Eagle - Military Assistance Mission and TriWest Healthcare Alliance
AVHOFS Copper Sword - Kelly Mills, Veteran Advocate
Tickets are on sale now. Please check the AVHOFS website at www.avhof.org or our social media pages for the registration link and more info!
![Veterans Legacy Program - Student Awards graphic](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=400,h=400,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/vlp-award-A85rzb9gjpc48Lpv.png)
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Veterans Legacy Program - Student Awards
Hello,
My name is Dara McGuinness, and I am a Program Manager for the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. GLI is excited to work with the US Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Legacy Project to commemorate Veterans and service members interred in VA national cemeteries and VA grant-funded state, territorial, and tribal Veterans cemeteries through the
discovery and sharing of their stories. As a part of this grant, we are launching the 2024 War II: Portraits of Service Awards.
According to the National WWII Museum, only 167,284 WWII veterans were still alive at the end of 2022, just one percent of the sixteen million Americans who served during the defining military conflict of the twentieth century. As the WWII generation recedes into history, GLI
believes that it is essential to instill in younger generations a deeper understanding of their service and sacrifice. The Portraits of Service contest aims to encourage students to commemorate their stories.
Students will create a biographical portrait of a WWII veteran. Portraits could include written reports, eulogies, videos, podcasts, poems, or songs. A teacher or guardian can submit student work on their behalf. GLI will offer ten $500 awards to top submissions, and winners will be featured on our website. The deadline to submit is Friday, May 3, at 8:00 am EST.
We are reaching out to you in an effort to involve the students in your network in this commemoration of Veteran history in the United States. Please help us in our mission by spreading the word and sharing the award info:
https://www.gilderlehrman.org/veterans-legacy-program/student-contest
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or wish to learn more about the program.
Thank you!
Best regards,
Dara McGuinness | Program Manager
mcguinness@gilderlehrman.org | 646.366.9666 ext. 155
Honoring America's Veterans
Honoring America's Veterans Expands Commitment by adding Memorial Day Activities
Honoring America's Veterans is thrilled to announce the growth of our organization's involvement in honoring our nation's heroes. We've steadily expanded our reach from humble beginnings with parades and events like Honor Our Heroes Veterans Grand Marshal and High School Essay Competitions. The State Department of Veterans Services recently entrusted us with Commemorating Pearl Harbor.
We're excited to share that we have signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the VA National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona (NMCA) to host Memorial Day activities.
Our activities are as follows:
-7 AM Saturday, May 25, NMCA. We invite you to join us for our Flag Placement ceremony. Over 95,000 small flags will be placed on internment sites, creating a touching tribute to our fallen heroes.
-8 AM, Monday, May 27, NMCA. Our Memorial Day Program will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. In addition to volunteers, we will need wreath layers and color guards. You can register by emailing HAV Executive Director Paula Pedene at paula.pedene@honoringamericasveterans.org.
-7 AM, Saturday, June 1, NMCA. Flag Retrieval activities include sorting the suitable flags from the bad, rolling them up, and placing them in storage for use next year.
The cemetery grounds, unique with their acres of dirt, require special efforts to create holes for the flags. However, we are prepared to make this process seamless, providing instructions and necessary supplies.
Finally, we need sponsors to help us support these activities. You can sponsor our event online at https://honoringamericasveterans.org/wp-content/uploads/2024...
Your support is crucial to the success of these events, and we encourage individuals, families, friends, colleagues, and organizations to register as volunteers.
Join us in this meaningful endeavor to honor and remember our service members, veterans, and their families. You can check out all the information for these activities on our webpage: https://honoringamericasveterans.org/memorial-day-ceremony/.
Thank you
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Job Fairs - From the US Department of Veterans Affairs
(Online) Solar Energy Hiring Fair – Mar 6
(Online) Heroes Connect: Military to Manufacturing – Mar 6
(Online) Military Spouse Hiring Event – Mar 7
(Online) Financial Services Hiring Fair – Mar 13
Community Events - From the US Department of Veterans Affairs
(Online) Women Veterans Fireside Chat Series: Session 1 – Mar 7
(Online) Women Veterans Outreach Symposium – Mar 7
Creative Events - From the US Department of Veterans Affairs
Projects & Information
USS PHOENIX (SSN 702) Cold War Monument
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USS PHOENIX Former Nuclear Attack Submarine to Become a Phoenix Point of Pride Honoring Arizona Cold War Veterans Defending Our Nation, 1946-1991.
For the past 32 years, a small group of Arizona Cold War veterans and other volunteers has been planning and raising funds to honor all Arizona Cold War veterans by preserving the Sail, diving planes, and rudder of USS PHOENIX SSN-702 named after the City of Phoenix to represent nuclear deterrence which led to the end of the Cold War in 1991.
USS PHOENIX was commissioned in 1981, and homeported in Norfolk, VA, to shadow Soviet submarines in the Atlantic Ocean. A strong bond was forged between Arizonans and the sub crews where crew members visited veteran patients at the Phoenix VA Medical Center, and engaged in information sessions with middle and high school students. In 1998 USS PHOENIX was decommissioned. Recycling was scheduled for 2002 but did not happen until 2016. In March 2016, the Monument site was dedicated at Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, adjacent to the State Veteran Home Phoenix and the Phoenix VA Medical Center. In August 2016, four flatbed trucks and drivers dispatched from Glendale, AZ to Bremerton, WA brought back 65 tons of steel to temporary storage and free public display at Papago Park Military Reservation/Arizona National Guard. In 2023, the City of Phoenix budgeted $3.5 million to build the Monument in the next two years; construction planning has started!
To learn more, visit website: www.ussphoenixmonument.org
Event Wrap-Ups
Accessibility Ramp for a Vietnam Veteran
Arizona Vietnam Veterans of America and American Legion Post 94 Sun City West identified the need for an Accessibility Ramp for a Vietnam Veteran. The veteran is a VVA member, the Chief VSO of the VVA Arizona State Council and a Legionnaire. Michael Laing’s home entrance is 30+ inches above ground level and negotiating the metal steps was impossible. He uses a wheelchair, as did his wife Vickie after hospitalization and coming home in a wheelchair.
VVA Chapter President Reichenbach secured $2000 in donations from AZ VVA chapters 106 Tucson, chapter 1011 Mesa and the State Council and Legion Post 94 Commander, Jack Coyle, appointed Vice Commander Doug Miller to spearhead the building project.
Post 94 secured permits, plans and donations of material and cash, and Legionnaires constructed the ADA-compliant ramp. Much of the special lumber required was donated by Alliance Lumber of Phoenix. The finished wheelchair ramp is ADA-compliant and sincerely appreciated by the veteran and his wife.
The cooperative endeavor of the Arizona Vietnam Veterans of America and the American Legion Post 94 Sun City West embodies the spirit of “No veteran left behind."
Details submitted by: Paul Reichenbach, Vietnam Veterans of America Arizona Chapter 432 and Secretary/Treasurer of AZ VVA State Council.
![Pictured (left to right): Post 94 Legionnaires Tom Metzger, Charlie Fridinger, Larry Leighton, Brian](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=480,h=397,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/finished-ramp---paul-reichenbach-mP4N16LlEqSwg312.jpg)
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Pictured (left to right): Post 94 Legionnaires Tom Metzger, Charlie Fridinger, Larry Leighton, Brian Novinger, Doug Miller, Steve Kovach, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 432 President Paul Reichenbach, Mike Laing, and Post 94 Commander Jack Coyle.
Workers not pictured: Bob Begley, Roy Scioli, John Mount, Jim McComb, Larry Pettit and Joe Kaufman.
![Image shows three gentlemen on a freshly constructed wheelchair ramp](https://assets.zyrosite.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,w=480,h=397,fit=crop/YZ97vnPxlwszW88k/mike-jack-paul---paul-reichenbach-m5KrGOgXG1UxDBqV.jpg)
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Pictured (left to right): Chapter 432 President Paul Reichenbach, VVA member Michael Laing, American Legion Post 94 Commander Jack Coyle
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Graduation of veterans and their
service dogs
U.A.V. Chair Travis Burns was honored to attend the graduation of veterans and their service dogs from the training program, and U.A.V. Member, Soldier's Best Friends (SBF). Their incredible program conducts service dog training at multiple locations all across Arizona, such as Peoria, Sierra Vista, and Prescott. Be sure to check out their website for more information on their training schedule and details, how you can participate, and how you can help them achieve their worthwhile goals.
SBF provided video testimonials from the veterans across Arizona who graduated tonight. Their stories were very moving, and it was great to see the work done by SBF, along with the effects upon the lives of the veterans in their program.
Interested in more? They are also having a Sporting Clay Event on March 23rd, that sounds like a fun time! Every participant is eligible for prizes.
Did You Know...
Did you know... March is Women's History Month! You can find out all about special days, events, and holidays on our calendar. You can even share events to your own Google calendar from ours, and can even submit your own events to be added to the calendar via our submission form or contact page.
Did you know... March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!
Did you know... K-9 Veterans Day is observed annually on March 13 to honor the service and sacrifices of military working dogs and their handlers. The day commemorates the first official use of dogs in the U.S. military during World War II. Today, dogs continue to play an essential role in the military, serving in a variety of functions, including detection, patrol, and search and rescue. K-9 Veterans Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and show appreciation for the dedication, loyalty, and bravery of these furry heroes who have helped to protect and defend our country. It is also a day to honor the special bond between military working dogs and their handlers, who often develop a deep and unbreakable connection as they work together in dangerous and high-pressure situations.
https://connectveterans.org/event/k-9-veterans-day-2/
Did you know... Last year alone, veterans and active duty members lost
$267 million to scams. AI is making it even easier for unethical people to scam veterans, using your own photos and family photos to fool people by sending them photos of family members in distress, and even faking phone calls using voice recognition. Learn more about the top scams here: https://www.aura.com/learn/veteran-scams and always remember, no one needs your payment details, and no company will ever ask for gift cards unless they're a scam.
We care for each other, in sickness and distress
Sue Crego
Sue Crego, wife of Gene Crego, could use some love and support. Cards and letters may be sent to Sue at:
2357 W Naranja Ave
Mesa, AZ 85202
Sue Crego
George Cushing is recovering at home from a stroke.
Cards and letters may be sent to George at
20089 N. Pinewish Court
Surprise, AZ
85374-4625
Newsletter Info
On the website, you'll be able to see past newsletters (archive) that have gone out as well as see submissions that didn't quite make it in time, and view the calendar which has all the dates. There is also a form where you can submit entries such as veteran-focused groups, events and dates, news, event wrap ups, membership focus, projects, and even questions you might want answered by other veterans and veteran groups.
Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-U.A.V. information does not constitute an endorsement of products or services.
Entries are due the 22nd of every month.
© 2023-2024 Jhennicea Morrow
Director of Communication | U.A.V
Newsletter Editor
Scholarship Chair
Admin@uavnewsletter.net
Site design by Ravyn Crescent
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