Fellow Arizona Veterans, we are rapidly approaching the 100th Anniversary (November 11, 2018) of the conclusion of WWI, a conflict in which our fledgling state lost 127 service members. The Arizona World War I Memorial which honors our fallen heroes is located in Wesley Bolin Plaza near the State Capitol in Phoenix. Since its dedication in 1969, the WWI Memorial has been repeatedly vandalized and marred by disrepair. Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society (AVHOFS) members beginning with Terry Araman (Class of ‘16) and David Lucier (’09) have been active in raising awareness and advocating plans for restoration ahead of the November 11, 2018 centennial.

In response to a call for action by the Arizona Department of Veterans Services, the Department of Administration and Unified Arizona Veterans, we are pleased to announce that recommendations and donations from the veterans community totaling $1,800 have been received as of February 16, 2018. Our thanks to AVHOFS members Sam Young (‘12), Tom Hessler (‘07), Ron Perkins (‘12) Judi Beischel (‘12), Andy Jaime (‘15), Joan Sisco (‘09), Lea Seago (’13) and their governing boards for support of this effort. We are aware that there are other organizations and individuals who are interested in contributing (we need $1,200 to meet the minimum goal) to the project.

Please keep these important considerations in mind:

1. The GOAL of this effort is to raise three to five thousand dollars ($3,000 – $5,000), supplementing state/federal contributions.

2. Unified Arizona Veterans (UAV) has agreed to assist in accountability of funds. Donations (cash or check) can be accepted after the UAV meetings on Saturday, March 3rd and April 7th. Please see UAV treasurer Jim Denzien, or, Director Lea Seago AFTER THE MEETINGS, to make your contributions. Mail in donations should be addressed to Unified Arizona Veterans, ATTN: Treasurer P.O. Box 34338, Phoenix, AZ 85067 Checks should be made payable to “Unified Arizona Veterans”,or “UAV”.  The “For” line on the face of the check should read “AZ WWI Memorial”.

3. Donations will not be attributable, therefore, there should be no expectation that names of organizations or individuals will be included based upon a monetary donation.

4. Excess funds, if any, from this initiative will be used for the maintenance and security of the WWI memorial.

We respectfully request that you provide input to Reggie Yates (’13) at RY173ABN@COX.NET or telephone 602.373.0703 should you have questions or need additional information. As is the case with this and a great many initiatives in our community, the men and women of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society continue to lead and contribute in substantive and important ways. Thank you.

Contributed by Reggie Yates
Immediate Past Chair
Unified Arizona Veterans