The 12th annual Patriotic Gala was held on April 21st and according to all reports was a resounding success. It was attended by over 330 guests, including Tuskegee Airmen, original Rosie the Riveters of Sun City, Buffalo Soldiers – Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, as well as WWII, KWV and Vietnam veterans, among other dignitaries. Also present were AVHOFS members representing Induction Classes from 2004 to today.
Our beautiful Master of Ceremonies, Ms. Carey Pena, kept the evening flowing nicely with her wit and humor. Colors were presented by the WAC Vets, Saguaro Chapter 68. The room decorations were exquisite and illuminated the ball room with gentle candle light and beautiful flowers which were donated by White House Design Center in Phoenix. A moving video of “Arlington” by Trace Adkins, began the evening, reminding us of the sacrifices of brothers and sisters in arms. The newly refurbished Embassy Suites Scottsdale, their wait-staff and hotel personnel provided superb service in a beautiful setting.
All in all, a delightful evening!
The Society received more than twice the normal sponsorships than previous years. Our sponsors were Tri-West, SRP, APS, Arizona Lottery, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona, Snell & Wilmer L.L.P., Bashas’ Stores, Gordon James Public Relations, Joe Foss Institute and AVHOF member, Ed Mangan, Class of 2017. And, of course, our AVHOFS Century Club donors too!
Scholarships were presented to three High School students who participated in the nationally recognized Veterans Heritage Project and four veteran students, who are returning to their education after service, one of whom is currently serving in the Reserves.
The crowd was entertained by the Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band and the sound of bagpipes and drums happily filled the room.
The Copper Awards were presented to the four selected honorees. Sen. Jamescita Peshlakai received the Copper Star Award and Sen. Steve Smith received the Copper Shield, presented by the Unified Arizona Veterans. Awards were presented by UAV Past Chairman, Reggie Yates, and the current UAV Chairman, Jim Katzenberger.
Our beautiful Copper Eagle was presented by Vice President Gerry Berger, to Snell & Wilmer L.L.P., for their continued and extraordinary support of veterans and employees currently serving in the military, the STAND DOWN and more.
President Tom Hessler was joined by AVHOFS member, Lew Bradley, KWV, as they presented the prestigious Copper Sword to Ms. Susan Kee. The Copper Sword is the most unique and is also the highest award we present. The Sword represents Leadership and is awarded to one non-veteran annually whose personal actions contributed significantly to the benefit and well-being of our military, our veterans, their families and their survivors. Susan’s words upon receiving the award had a strong and emotional effect on all in the room. Her account of her young life in Korea, her subsequent coming to American and her realization of the great service and ultimate sacrifices of the American Serviceman who fought for and secured the freedom of her home country was extremely moving.
Of course, recognition and thanks must go out to the amazing Gala Committee. Without their energy, ideas, resources and plain hard work, the event would not have been possible.
If you missed it, please plan to attend next year’s event, which will be chaired by Dylan Dalzotto. This is our premier annual event and should be attended by all AVHOFS members. Look for date and more information in your upcoming newsletters.
Nominations for the Copper Awards are now being accepted. You will find the criteria for each award on the AVHOFS website. Please consider nominating a deserving person, company or organization. We are the only veteran service organization in the State that recognizes non-veterans for their service to veterans and your nominations allow us to identify those worthy candidates.
Kathy Laurier
Chair, 2018 Patriotic Gala
Class of 2012