Welcome to the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society (AVHOFS) website.

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame (AVHOF) is a program initiated in 2001 by the Unified Arizona Veterans (UAV) to recognize Arizona veterans who have served honorably in our armed forces. Those that continue to serve their communities and fellow Veterans after their service in the military, are considered for induction into the AVHOF by way of nominations. Through a vigorous selection process the UAV annually submits twenty plus recommended inductees to the Governor for approval. Medal of Honor recipients from Arizona are automatically inducted.

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society was formed in 2007 to focus on supporting Arizona Veterans. Upon induction, all inductees automatically become members of the Society. There are no dues attached to being a member.

The mission of the Society is to preserve and perpetuate the traditions of the American military and all who served in it, to undertake charitable and other projects at the state and local levels and to work with Veteran organizations in the attainment of Society objectives and to promote and encourage responsible citizenship among all Americans. Emphasis is placed on supporting Society members.

The Society is an advocate for a variety of patriotic Veteran causes. To achieve these objectives, the Society participates in several programs and projects which include:

Induction Ceremony: A very impressive Induction Ceremony and luncheon is held yearly on the last Friday in October. This is a UAV event with the full support and participation of the Society. This along with the Patriotic Awards Dinner (formerly the Gala), described next, are two annual premiere events. Either the Governor or the Secretary of State attends to present the AVHOF medallion with ribbon to each inductee.

Patriotic Awards Luncheon: The annual Patriotic Awards Luncheon is the Society’s premiere event. Both the UAV and the Society present their “Copper Awards” at this festive event, usually held in the spring.

  • The Society’s Copper Sword award is presented to an exceptional patriot who did not serve in the military; however, distinguished themselves for their support of veterans. The Copper Eagle award is presented to a private or public organization that warrants recognition for exceptional service for veterans.  Scholarships supported through the Societies Century Club donations go to worthy high school students that have volunteered to work at a VA facility, students who have participated in the Veterans Heritage Project  and to discharged Veterans attending institutions of higher learning. A description of these awards can be found on this website under the “Events” tab.
  • The UAV awards their Copper Shield to an Arizona State Legislator who has sponsored or cosponsored significant legislation that benefits our Veterans. Their Copper Star award acknowledges a public department, agency or organization that gives significant support of our Veterans. More information is on their website: azuav.org

Other Programs: 

Promotion and support of the Arizona Veterans Treatment Court system, a program that offers assistance to veterans that have committed misdemeanors.

Support and funding for the Maternity Outreach for Military Families program facilitated through Veterans First.  This program provides military families with moral support and vital supplies needed during pregnancy and after the birth. 

The Society also participates and supports other events such as Stand Downs, Veterans Booth at the State Fair, Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies.

The Veterans State Home Outreach program was created to provide a sense of camaraderie to those Veterans residing in the Arizona State Veterans Homes.  AZVHOFS hosts events as well as encourages members to provide items to their Lending Closets. 

The VA Medical Center Recognition Program which selects a employee at each VAMC to be recognize at the annual Patriotic Awards Luncheon and at their home facility.  

Thank you for visiting our website and we hope you learn more about our Veterans who served their country and continue to serve their communities and fellow Veterans.

Patricia Little-Upah
President, AVHOFS
Class of 2014