Patriotic Awards Luncheon

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society’s Patriotic Awards Luncheon, formerly known as the Copper Sword Gala & recently the Patriotic Gala, has grown to become one of the most anticipated events of the year and attracts our service men and women, retired military, political, business, civic and philanthropic leaders from around the state to honor leaders who are a voice for those who serve our nation. Event proceeds fund scholarships and a wide variety of veteran projects of both a national and local character. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, all or a portion of any contribution is tax-deductible.

During the annual Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society’s Patriotic Awards Luncheon numerous scholarships and awards are presented. Considering that Arizona is the Copper State, and as such, the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society has determined that the core theme would utilize the term ‘Copper’. The Awards presented include:

The Copper Sword Award: Since 2007, the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society’s coveted Copper Sword Award has been presented annually to exceptional patriots who did not serve in our military forces. Recipients have distinguished themselves by their dedication and humanitarianism and extraordinary support of veteran initiatives. They are spectacular individuals who earned the right to bear the Sword, a revered and distinct symbol of leadership while engaged in the support of our veterans.

The Copper Eagle Award: In 2013, the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society created the Copper Eagle Award to acknowledge patriotic practices of private or public organizations whose actions warrant recognition for services rendered to the Arizona veteran’s community. The recipients of this award are honored for unique initiatives that complement the mission of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society and for their demonstrated leadership and programs that support our veterans.

The Copper Shield Award: Two years after the Copper Sword was established, the Unified Arizona Veterans created a Copper Shield Award to be presented annually to that elected official who has made significant advances to the veterans community. Crafted of copper, a metal native to Arizona, the shield carries symbolism that is not lost on our elected officials who choose to defend veteran issues. Although this award is presented by the Unified Arizona Veterans, the ‘Copper Awards’ are generally presented during the same Gala event each year.

The Copper Star (Bucky O’Neill) Award:  The Copper Star Award was originally awarded first by the UAV in 2013.  In 2015, after the ratification of a MOU between the UAV and the Society, this award was renamed the Copper Star (Bucky O’Neill) Award and presented by the UAV at the 2015 Patriotic Gala.  This award is presented to a former or serving official, other than a State Legislator, or to a government agency, or sub-unit or employee thereof, whose exceptional service rendered to the Arizona veteran’s community warrants special recognition.

The Copper Lamp of Knowledge Scholarships: The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society created the Student Scholarship Program in 2006 to recognize high school students who volunteer their time on the behalf of our veterans. The students we honor are young patriots; they have performed in excess of 500 hours of work at our Veterans Administration facilities and have consistently maintained strong grade-point averages in pursuit of high learning. In 2012, the Society expanded the Scholarship program and formally partnered with the nationally recognized Veterans Heritage Project.

Today, students representing 28 schools are working with hundreds of veterans. Their scholastic endeavors are complemented by learning history directly from those who served. Each student is diligently capturing our veterans’ individual stories and preserving them for all time in the United States Library of Congress.

In addition, honorably discharged Veterans attending institutions of higher learning in the State of Arizona are also eligible to receive a Copper Lamp of Knowledge scholarship .