Dear Hall of Famers,

I know I’ve mentioned this previously, but it bears repeating & time is getting short for submitting nominations for the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, Class of 2018.  They must be postmarked by 31 March 2018.  It is important that you submit a professional packet that strictly conforms to the guidelines and is free of misspellings and poor grammar.  nomination form and instructions.    

This issue of the Patriot has important information concerning our 21 April Patriotic Gala, especially regarding registration and room reservation information.  I hope to see many of you at our biggest Society event of the year.  I invite you to see the writeups on some of our Copper awardees for this year – very impressive.

There is still another article herein that contains important dates – that is for ordering Society attire from our Country Store.  Although you can place orders anytime, we only order from our suppliers twice a year.  Check out the article for important ordering dates. 

We hope you all are enjoying the new format of these Patriot newsletters.  You will note that we also are covering local events of interest involving our members.  You are invited to submit articles for possible publication, although we reserve the right to not publish them.  Request submitted articles be copy-ready, and accompanied with good quality pictures, if available.  

Tom Hessler
AVHOFS President
Class of 2007

Fellow members of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. As of February 1 2018 I have assumed the position of Quartermaster for the AVHOFS. Please note that there have been some changes to the order form and it is requested that the order form in the Newsletter and Website after February 15th be used.

As of March 1, 2018 the Country Store is open with the cutoff date is April 14. 2018. You can download the order form then send to the address on the form.  Please insure your order has arrived by that date so I can process the order and get the ordered items to you as soon as possible.                                                          

Recently the society lost a member of the class of 2007 when Medal of Honor recipient Col. Leo Thorsness passed away on May 2, 2017. He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery Feb. 14, 2018. Please read the article on af.mil to learn more about Col. Thorsness’ life and military career.

Lodging Reservations
Lodging Reservations have been setup at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort for the evening of 21 April.  Gala attendees who wish to take advantage of this special group rate must register . The rate includes happy hour and breakfast.  If individuals call the hotel directly to make reservations, they will need to mention the Gala. 480-949-1414

Gala Registration
Have you registered for the Gala? Register online or download the fillable and printable registration form and mail it in with your check. 

YOUR GALA AWARD RECIPIENTS

Copper Eagle Recipient – Snell & Wilmer, L.L.P.
The 2018 Copper Eagle Award will be presented to Snell and Wilmer LLC, a valley business law firm. As a long established and respected firm, they continually demonstrate their commitment to business excellence, philanthropy and veterans. Read More

Copper Shield Recipient – Hon. Steve Smith
The Copper Sheild will be awarded to Senator Steve Smith. He has clearly demonstrated his support for the Veterans in Arizona by sponsoring and supporting legislation meaningful to veterans.  He has established a quantifiable record of bipartisanship regarding veteran’s issues and by engaging with Military leaders and Veterans Administration officials, defining and clarifying, and ultimately by voting for legislation supportive of veterans in committee, and upon the voting floor. Read More

The Copper Star Bucky O’Neil Recipient – Senator Jamescita Mae Peshlakai
The Copper Star Bucky O’Neill Award is presented to a former or serving elected official other than a State Legislator, or a government agency or department thereof for exceptional service to the Arizona veterans’ community. This year’s Eagle is awarded to to Jamescita Mae Peshlakai who is currently serving her first term in the Arizona Senate as the state’s first Native American Woman Senator, representing legislative district 7. Read More

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. Read More

Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society President Tom Hessler (Class of 2007) and Mike Roberts (Class of 2017) were among several who presented special recognitions to Sierra Vista’s newest Veteran of the Year.  President Tom presented an AVHOFS Certificate of Commendation and challenge coin to the Veteran of the Year.  Besides Tom and Mike, ten other AVHOFS members were in attendance as well. Read More

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica Wall and Mobile Education Center spreads healing legacy of The Wall and educates about the impact of the Vietnam War
Tucson, AZ. – The Town of Oro Valley Parks Department and the Bring the Wall Inc (an AZ non-profit corporation) are proud to announce The Wall That Heals will be in Oro Valley March 15 – 18 at River Front Park on Lambert Ln. Read Press Release. See poster.

31 Mar 18        
Postmark deadline for Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame nominations

21 Apr 18         
Patriotic Gala at the Embassy Suites, Scottsdale

10 Oct 18         
General Membership Meeting at the 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