Dear Hall of Famers,

PATRIOTIC GALA
Our Patriotic Gala on 21 April was an unqualified success! There were over two-dozen hard working and dedicated members of the Gala Committee, superbly chaired by Kathleen Laurier (Class of 2012) and co-chaired by Dylan Dalzotto (Class of 2015). The Gala is your Society’s one big annual event.

Kathleen’s and Dylan’s Committee included Steve Borden, Gerry Berger, Scott Essex, Gene Ganssle, Blake Glovitz, Barbara Hatch, Ashley House, Gordon James, Jim Katzenberger, Michelle Lomas, Roy McClymonds, Jim Monroe, Joan Monroe, Brian O’Malley, Paula Pedene, Ron Perkins, Rick Romley, Lea Seago, Chuck Schluter, Jill Shepherd, Rob Welch, Jerry Wojtas, Pam Wojtas, Sue Wudy, and Reggie Yates.

See Kathy’s article reporting on the event.

SURVEY
I ask that you be sure to take the survey being sent to you separately. We are interested in knowing how better to serve you as well as other veterans and what veteran causes we should support.

POLITICS
As the political campaign season heats up, I remind you that since the AVHOFS is non-political, one should avoid wearing AVHOF apparel at political events, rallies, or in political ads.

INDUCTION OF CLASS OF 2018
The nominations for the Class of 2018 for the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame are still being processed. At some point the recommended list will be sent to the Governor’s office for review and approval. Once that occurs, all nominees will be contacted and notified of the results of their individual nomination. After that, the list will be released to the public. The Induction Ceremony for the Class of 2018 will be at a noontime luncheon on 26 October at the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale. Registration for the Induction Ceremony and luncheon, as well as information on resort room reservations, will be forthcoming on the UAV website at www.azuav.org.

HELP WANTED
I mentioned last time that your Society can use your talents. If you have any interest or expertise in the duties of a webmaster, treasurer, historian, editor, fundraiser, or any other areas that you think would benefit the Society, please contact us using the Contact Us tab on the website. In many cases, it is not necessary for folks to come to meetings or live in the greater Phoenix area.

Tom Hessler
AVHOFS President
Class of 2007

WE WANT TO KNOW!
If you or another Society Member is in the hospital, ill or has other difficulties, we want to know so that a friendly phone call or card can be sent.  Please email Gerry Berger via email in a timely manner and contact will be made.

Gerry Berger
AVHOFS Vice President
Class of 2016

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! Read more   See the Gala Gallery

JUDGES, VETS PUSH FOR WEST VALLEY VETERAN’S COURT

A group of veterans participated in an informative session on the benefits of a veteran’s court in the West Valley at an April 13 meeting at Arizona State University West, 4700 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale. The goal of a veteran’s court is to rehabilitate and restore veterans who have gotten into legal trouble as active, contributing members of their community. Read more

As a member of the Arizona Veteran’s Hall of Fame Board of Directors I recently chaired a committee to develop ideas to improve communications with all members. One of our ideas, which was approved by the full board, was to select a Class Coordinator or Class Leader, for each of our most current classes, to act as a liaison between each member and the board. The goal is to encourage more engagement with each individual member, after they are inducted, through a variety of communications techniques throughout the year.

Currently we are in need of a Class Coordinator for the Class of both 2014 and 2016. This assignment does not require a great deal of time once a contact list is developed and I will provide all the training required to perform the assignment.

If interested, please contact me at john.ady80@gmail.com or by phone 480 363-8080.

John Ady
AVHOFS Director
Class of 2015

10 Oct 18         
General Membership Meeting at the State Capitol

26 Oct 18  
Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Inductions at the Talking Stick Resort, Scottsdale

9 Jan 19            
General Membership Meeting at the Arizona State Veteran Home, Phoenix