Jim Monroe AVHOFS President Class of 2014

As we now enter 2022, we can look back at the recent holiday season just passed. I certainly hope this was an enjoyable and safe time for you, your family, and friends. We can now relax a little as we look forward to the new year. However, your Society is not relaxing. We are looking forward to the Annual Membership Meeting and the Patriotic Awards Luncheon, both coming up soon.

Your Patriot Editor, Tom Hessler, and I took the opportunity to send out a Special edition of the Patriot on December 20th. This edition was targeted at informing all members of the details of the Annual Membership Meeting and encouraging you to attend. We are closing out 2021 and the second year of the pandemic. Let’s all start 2022 on a high note! The specifics and agenda follow:
AVHOFS Annual Business Meeting:

The Annual Business Meeting for members will be held on January 13, 2022, at the Double Tree Resort, 5401 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250.
The meeting will start at 0900 in the Double Tree Resort Ballroom with a Social Hour and Continental Breakfast. The continental breakfast is free for AVHOFS members and $15 for other attendees, payable by cash or check at the meeting.

The Business meeting will be held 1000 – 1200 in the Double Tree Resort Ballroom.

Please RSVP by January 10, 2022, if you are planning to attend. RSVP to Kathy Laurier by calling (602) 909-2121 or by email to aznative1946@gmail.com

AGENDA
January 13, 2022, 1000-1200

1. Call to Order / Board of Directors Roll Call: Jim Monroe
2. Pledge of Allegiance: Roy McClymonds
3. Invocation: Sam Young
4. Welcome and introduction of guests: Jim Monroe
5. Guest Speaker: Dr Alexander B. White, M.D., Schindler’s List Survivor and AVHOFS Member, Class of 2014
6. Treasurers Report: Jerry Wojtas
7. Maternity Outreach 4 Mothers (MOMS) Program Report: Joan Sisco
8. Veterans Court Project Report: Sam Young
9. Scholarship Program Report: Chuck Schluter
10. Strategic Plan Update Report: Pete Kloeber
11. Patriotic Awards Luncheon (PAL) 2022 Status: Pat Upah
12. Special Presentation: Tom Sheets
13. Nominating Committee Report: Gerry Berger
14. Election of Officers: Pat Upah
15. Good of the Order: Comments and questions from the floor
16. Benediction: Kathy Laurier
17. Adjournment: Jim Monroe

For more information, contact Lee Lange; Cell (703) 232-3609, or Email lflange48@gmail.com

I look forward to seeing you there. And please remember to notify Kathy Laurier of your plans to attend.

The Patriotic Awards Luncheon is absolutely the Premier event for the Society, and it is on target for April 1, 2022. Details for the PAL can be found herein from Pat Little-Upah and Karen Craig, Event co-chairs.  Registration will be open on January 5.

AVHOFS Strategic Plan – 2021    FINAL DRAFT V-2

Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society (AVHOFS) Strategic Plan 2022 - 2026
Updated on 14 January 2015
Updated on 14 September 2016
Updated on 13 December 2017
Updated on 10 October 2018
Updated on 8 September 2021

This Strategic Plan was first created by the Committee appointed by the Society President in the spring of 2011. It was presented to all AVHOF Society members during the General Membership meeting conducted in Phoenix on 12 July 2011. This document, with amendments, was approved by the Board of Directors and all members present on 12 July 2011. Since that time, annual progress assessments have been completed. This revised and updated Strategic Plan was completed by the Strategic Plan Committee and approved by the board on 8 September 2021.

This revised Strategic Plan establishes the Society Board’s strategic vision, goals, and objectives
for the long-term improvement of our Society. It is continuously referenced, reviewed, and refreshed to maintain currency and relevance. It outlines the Society’s Vision, Mission, and Introduces Values and five new Strategic Priorities, each with supporting goals and respective objectives.

Introduction

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society (AVHOFS) is a nonprofit organization, operated exclusively for purposes beneficial to the interests of its members, veterans, military personnel, their families and their survivors. The Society is formed to foster a bond of friendship and camaraderie among all Society members (stakeholders) while continuing to serve the community, state and country. The Society always upholds and preserves the dignity and honor of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society (AVHOFS) while providing appropriate aid to persons inducted into the AVHOF (Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame), their widows/widowers or their children. We also foster and perpetuate service and patriotism to our State and nation while helping fellow veterans whenever and wherever possible.

Background

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame recognizes Arizona veterans for significant post-military contributions on a local, state, or national level. These are veterans who have honorably served their country through military service and who have continued to serve and inspire their fellow man with their deeds and accomplishments throughout their lifetime. The AVHOF is not a military hall of fame except for automatic induction of United States Medal of Honor recipients with Arizona ties.

In 1998, Unified Arizona Veterans (UAV), as a consortium committee with representation open to all recognized veterans service organizations throughout the state, began formulating a Hall of Fame to recognize Arizona veteran men and women from all ages, all branches of service, and all walks of life. At the advice of the Director, Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services (ADVS), the UAV followed the footsteps of the established Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame, using the Ohio program as a model for the Arizona program.

In early 2001, the UAV requested and received the support of Governor Jane Dee Hull in recognizing Arizona Veterans nominated for induction into the newly established AVHOF. The inaugural induction ceremony, held on 30 May 2001, recognized 26 Medal of Honor recipients with Arizona ties, 13 of those being prior to Statehood in 1912, and 24 other distinguished Arizona veterans. Since 2001 the program has annually honored selected Arizona veterans with induction into the AVHOF, and each year the Governor has supported the program by approving the nominations and issuing a proclamation proclaiming a day as “Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Day”. Further, in 2016 the Legislature approved Concurrent Resolution 2001, recognizing “the AVHOF and its noble endeavors”.

In 2007, living AVHOF inductees united to establish the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society to provide a forum for AVHOF inductee support and camaraderie and to collectively continue serving local and state community needs. The AVHOFS was incorporated in 2008 as a nonprofit organization and has achieved 501(c) (3) tax exempt status. The AVHOFS currently consists of all living AVHOF honorees and, since its inception, has partnered with the ADVS and UAV to enhance the stature and to perpetuate the traditions of the AVHOF.

Environment

America has undergone a protracted period of conflict, unmatched in its history, that continues today to reflect an unstable international environment. Less than one percent of the population has borne the brunt of this conflict for the rest of the nation. During this protracted period of war, an over extended military supported by repeated mobilizations of National Guard and Reserve forces have placed incredible strain on our forces and touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of families. Many veterans of this conflict suffer severe medical and mental health issues, and veteran unemployment and homeless rates substantially exceed the national averages. While America is more sensitive than it has been in decades to the extraordinary sacrifices of military service, real and substantial national budgetary pressures are causing added strain on our veterans, the military and their families. It is imperative that organizations of veterans such as AVHOFS do everything they can to help relieve the strain and provide quality support to the military and veteran community.

Within Arizona, AVHOFS members are recognized for their outstanding contributions to our state and our country. Members possess a diversity of skills, experiences and professions and represent virtually all regions of Arizona. Many members have also continued to work both individually and with various veteran support organizations for the betterment of society, the veterans and our youth. Therefore, members are a key resource that the Society must leverage through continued dedication, intelligent planning, professional execution, meaningful and focused fundraising activities to continue service to AVHOFS members, veterans, the military, their families and their survivors.

While Society members are its backbone, most of the members are, or are fast approaching, what is referred to as senior citizens. Additionally, most have been very active in various civic activities and/or veteran service organizations for many years. The realization is that many have reached the point where they do not wish to take on new responsibilities. This reality is important when considering a Five-Year Strategic Plan for the Society. 

AVHOFS Strategic Plan (2022 - 2026)

Vision

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society will be recognized as a leading advocate for – and service to – Arizona veterans, military, their families and survivors.

Mission

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society is dedicated to preserving the traditions of the American military and all who served in it through community engagement, and service and support of society members, Arizona veterans and military personnel, and their families and survivors.

Values

Patriotism – Honoring, preserving, and perpetuating the glorious traditions of the American military and our Country.

Honoring those who serve and served – Perpetually honoring the service, sacrifices and accomplishments of our military and veteran communities.

Service – Maintaining an engaged statewide community of support for all who serve or have
served, and their families and survivors.

Strategic Priorities

The following five Strategic Priorities align with the Society’s Vision, Mission, and Values and provide the essential focus and path for the Society to attain and sustain its vision:

Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame – While the Society is a separate and distinct organization from the Hall of Fame, without the Hall of Fame, the Society would not exist. The Society must continue to partner with and support the Hall of Fame to ensure its viable future.

Membership – A main purpose of the Society is to serve, support, and honor its distinguished members who have been inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.

Community – The Society’s Vision and Mission establish a primary objective of the Society is to serve and support the military and veterans’ communities within Arizona.

Resources – In addition to adequate finances, other resources are also of vital importance such as technology, governance and planning documents.

Partnerships – The Society depends on several strategic partnerships to more effectively accomplish its mission and leverage resources (joint funding, reduce costs, increase service impact, increase visibility, and political leverage, etc.). Some of the partners are the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, Unified Arizona Veterans, Veterans Courts, Arizona Veterans StandDown Alliance, Arizona Coalition of Military Families, Be Connected Program, Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce, Veterans Heritage Project, and various Veterans’ Service Organizations, etc.

Each of the above Strategic Priorities has a…

• Primary Goal (why a relevant & important Priority),
• Goals (where we aspire to be), and
• Objectives (what we will do to achieve the Goals).

The below illustration of a structure depicts the relationship of the essential components of this plan. The structure represents the AVOHFS and is supported by three columns representing the Strategic Priorities of AVHOF, Membership, and Community. These columns are in turn supported by the remaining two cross-cutting foundational Strategic Priorities of Resources and Partnerships. The entire structure rests upon the bedrock of the Society’s Vision, Mission, and Values.

Priorities, Goals, and Objectives

AVHOF
Uphold and preserve the dignity and honor of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame

Support the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame (AVHOF) program.

1. Partner with the Unified Arizona Veterans (UAV) and the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services (ADVS) to support the MOU between the UAV and the Society.
2. Monitor and advise the UAV on all aspects of the program including the nomination and selection processes, recognition events and associated heraldry.
3. Encourage participation of UAV leadership in AVHOFS BOD meetings and other activities.

Enhance and promote the image of the AVHOF.

1. Endeavor to have at least one Society member on the AVHOF selection and event planning committees to provide feedback to the AVHOFS BOD.
2. Promote AVHOF nominations from members and their respective VSOs.
3. Assist the UAV in maintaining and improving the AVHOF display at the Capitol Museum.

MEMBERSHIP
Serve, support, and honor the distinguished members of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society

Support and foster a bond of friendship and camaraderie among AVHOFS members.

1. Conduct a survey of Society members and partners to promote alignment of member and partner needs and desires. Frequency should be no less than every five years.
2. Publish a monthly AVHOFS newsletter.
3. Hold at least one Board or membership meeting annually at a location outside the Phoenix area or virtually with notice to all members.
4. Review annually and update as needed the plan for welcoming new members and encouraging participation in Society activities.
5. Select a AFHOF class leader to enhance communications with the Society.
6. Ensure all AVHOFS projects and programs encompass the entire state.
7. Formalize a Buddy Program for the BOD and class leaders to contact members quarterly.

Increase participation of AVHOFS members in Society activities and leadership.

1. Encourage member participation in the society board, committee and leadership opportunities to enhance leadership succession.
2. Maximize use of technology (social media, virtual meetings, emails, etc.) to engage members concerning Society activities and to provide opportunities for participation.
3. Develop formal education/awareness program of AVHOFS programs and leadership positions (e.g., vacant positions, job descriptions, etc.).
4. Develop formal leadership succession plan.
   

COMMUNITY
Enhance the quality of life for military, veterans, and their families and survivors

Serve and support the Arizona military and veteran communities.

1. Promote and support the military/veteran community by holding an annual recognition event to recognize and honor significant contributions made on their behalf by non-veterans.

2. Adopt/review a plan to determine programs, projects and donations (to whom and amount) to support veterans, the military, their families and their survivors.
3. Conduct an annual event in partnership with the UAV to recognize and honor significant contributions to the veteran community such as: individuals, organizations and legislative achievements.
4. Provide academic scholarships to deserving individuals IAW Operating Instruction #5.
5. Provide academic scholarships to Veterans Heritage Projects (VHP) students IAW Operating Instructing #5.
6. Support the Veteran’s Court program IAW Operating Instruction #7.
7. Work with Arizona Stand Down Alliance to expand and prioritize AVHOFS support.
8. Expand Maternity Outreach to Mothers (MOMs) Program beyond Maricopa County.
9. Expand the MOMs program to include fathers.   From Jim Monroe
10. As Be Connected Partner Organization, attend annual ACMF Symposium and establish relationship with Be Connected Navigators state-wide.

Engage the community through website, social media, and community events.

1. Review and update the AVHOFS Brochure as needed, but at least every two years.
2. Maintain and enhance the AVHOFS website, newsletter and other social media.
3. Partner with Arizona VSOs to provide AVHOFS speakers at four VSOs per year.
4. Publish quarterly news releases to highlight AFHOFS activities.

RESOURCES
Through good governance and strategic planning, secure necessary financial and technology elements as a foundation directly supporting the Society’s mission, priorities, and sustainable future

Position the Society for fiscal sustainability.

1. Develop, recommend, and review policies and fiscal measures to ensure the financial health and stability of the Society, to include annual budget and long-term financial planning.
2. Pursue fundraising opportunities which are commensurate with and compliment the Vision, Mission, and goals of the Society as defined by the Society Board.
3. Deconflict overlap within the Society and between the Society and other organizations’ fundraising activities.
4. Maintain a financial reserve for unanticipated contingencies.
5. Develop formal, detailed plan to review, enhance and renew services contract with ADVS IAW Operating Instruction #10.
6. Conduct a financial review of Society funds within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year.
7. Develop and approve annual budget two months/days before start of Fiscal Year.
8. Review annual budget at every regular AVHOFS meeting.

Secure and maintain required technology assets.

1. Assess current assets for functional capability and determine need.
2. Procure necessary assets.

Establish and sustain an effective governance framework and strategic planning procedures.

1. Review and amend as needed Society bylaws at least every two years.
2. Review and amend, as needed, Society Operating Instructions at least every two years.
3. Assess progress on Strategic Plan goals and objectives each quarter.
4. Review and update the Strategic Plan every other year.

PARTNERSHIPS
Leverage relationships to help achieve strategic goals, acquire financial resources, enhance support for the military and veteran community, and ensure a viable Society

Maintain and enhance existing strategic partnerships.

1. Review annually and amend as needed existing MOUs with the UAV, VHP, SW Veterans Chamber of Commerce and Foundation, and the Cochise County AVHOFS Chapter.
2. Investigate/decide if additional MOUs are needed/appropriate for other partners.
3. Review and amend as needed the services contract with the ADVS.
4. Assess progress on Strategic Plan goals and objectives at least annually.
5. Review and update the Strategic Plan every other year.

Develop new strategic partnerships to support new goals and initiatives.

1. Pursue partnering with Veterans First to expand MOMs program.   
2. Investigate opportunities for partnering with additional veterans’ organizations to enhance the Society’s efficiency and effectiveness.

Implementation Plan

The AVHOFS Strategic Plan focuses on the AVHOFS long range vision, mission and goals while leaving the fulfillment of the more detailed and specific objectives needed to accomplish the Strategic Plan to subsequent actions assigned by the President and the Board of Directors (BOD). The AVHOFS Strategic Plan is produced through the Strategic Planning Committee in accordance with Article VIII, Section 9 of the Bylaws (dated 11 October 2014), and is approved by the members at the general membership meeting.

The Strategic Planning Committee will develop, review and periodically modify the Strategic Plan for the continued wellbeing of the Society, the betterment of the members, and its ability to support the veterans’ community. The plan is considered a 5-year plan which will be critically reviewed every other year and updated as appropriate by the committee, and in turn be presented to members for their approval each even numbered year.

Since the Bylaws recognize this as a “special committee” as opposed to a “standing committee”, the President will annually appoint members to the committee to ensure this process proceeds in accordance with AVHOFS Bylaws.

The President and the Board of Directors (BOD) will implement the plan on an annual basis. Through their normal course of business, the President and the BOD will implement operational strategies and plans as required to achieve the more strategic goals contained in the Strategic Plan. To help with this process, the President may ask the Strategic Planning Committee to provide potential broad strategies to meet the goals for consideration by the BOD. The President will implement a planning matrix to include projects, project and committee chairs, and a time phased action plan.

Since the Strategic Plan’s specific objectives are measurable, the annual review will determine if each strategy has been achieved or not. If not, corrective actions will need to be taken or the Strategic Plan will need to be modified as appropriate.

Following the annual assessment process, the Strategic Planning Committee will draft a written summary of findings and recommendations. The committee will brief the President and the BOD on the outcome of the assessment.

Pat Little-Upah AVHOFS Vice President Class of 2014

All AZ Veteran Hall of Fame Society members are encouraged to attend, and we ask that you disseminate this information with others in the community. In addition to recognizing the AVHOFS 2022 Honorees, our special guest speaker for the luncheon will be COL (Ret) Bruce P. Crandall, Medal of Honor Recipient. Bruce Crandall received the Medal of Honor for his actions as a pilot during the Battle of Ia Drang, South Vietnam on November 14, 1965. His service is depicted in the book and movie of the same name, “We Were Soldiers Once...and Young.”

Our website has more details regarding the PAL and find specifics on this year's event on the registration form/flyer. For your convenience, online registration is now open. If you prefer to register by mail, you can download the form and either fill out the pdf on your computer then print or print out the blank form, fill it out by hand. Either way, don't forget to mail with a check for payment. Please register NLT March 10, 2022 to take advantage of our Early Bird pricing. For those coming from out of town, rooms are available at the Doubletree Hilton for $159 per night, plus tax.

Anyone interested in sponsorship for the PAL should contact Gordon James at gjames@gcjpr.com. Download a copy of our Sponsorship Benefits and Opportunities flyer.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Pat Little-Upah and Karen Craig
PAL Committee Co-Chairs

Jerry Wojtas AVHOFS Treasurer Class of 2011

As 2021 comes to a close, we find ourselves halfway through our fiscal year. And we have been fortunate to this point with more than half of our Century Club goal for the year accomplished. As the calendar year is drawing to a close, members have contributed $6,766 towards our yearly fiscal goal of $10,000.

All of you should feel very, very proud to be members of our Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society. There are so many projects that all of us support with Society funds. Last month it was a contribution to Wreaths Across America and also The Fisher House planned for the Phoenix VA. We always support our Veterans Court program with pocket calendars for the enrolled members and graduation coins for those who complete the course. And the Moms Family, now called the Maternal Outreach for Veterans Families program continues to grow as we are now supporting efforts at the Prescott VA, as well as the Phoenix VA. And in January we will again contribute to the StandDown Alliance because we support their efforts across the entire state.

Are you aware that when one of our members passes away, the Society presents the closest of kin with a triangular wooden case containing an Arizona flag and with an engraved plaque with the deceased name and pertinent information? We want the relatives to know that we have valued each and every member of our Society. Be aware that at any one time there are only about 250 living Society members on this earth. Each year we gain some 20+ new members, but unfortunately, we lose about the same number.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all members of our Society. May the upcoming new year bring you health and happiness.

And of course, when mailing anything at all to our Society, PLEASE be sure to use our complete address as shown below.

Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame
4980 S. Alma School Road, Ste. A2-619
Chandler, AZ 85248-5545

CENTURY CLUB DONATIONS (FY Goal is $10,000. Total to date is $6,766)

BLACK- up to $100  GREEN - $101-$199   BLUE - $200-$299   RED - $300 and above GOLD - $400 and above

Listed below are those who have contributed so far in 2021.

Tom Sheets AVHOFS Director Class of 2019

Our Society will again partner with the Southwest Veterans Foundation (SWVF) and Chamber of Commerce (SWVCC) to hold an online fundraising auction to support the Veteran programs and operations of the three organizations.  The last auction raised $4,777 that was divided equally among the three organizations.  The auction will begin at 8:00 am on Saturday March 5th and end at 7:00 pm on Sunday March 13th.  Many of you are familiar with the DoJiggy auction platform used by the SWVF.  Additional instructions will be disseminated closer to the auction.

• Retail and restaurant gift cards
• Gift certificates for activities and recreation such as golf, movies, lake cruises, shooting ranges, and children’s activities
• Organizational memberships
• Wine and spirits
• Home décor

When obtaining items, please check to make sure they do not have near-term expiration dates.  We will also need the Fair Market Value (FMV) of the item, and for items other than gift cards and memberships, we will need a picture of the item to load into the auction platform.  All three organizations will be collecting items with a goal of 80 items. We would like to have all items loaded no later than March 1.

You can bring auction items to the January 13th Membership Meeting at the Doubletree Hotel, or contact Tom Sheets at t.sheets@swvcc.org or 760.213.3705.

PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY 12/7/2021

The Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza by the State Capitol was a moving event attended by many veterans, dignitaries and the general public.  Special guests included World War II veterans brought in by helicopter, including a Rosie the Riveter who worked on aircraft. 

The ceremony began with a flyover by four World War II combat biplanes.  They flew over at 10:55 am, the local time of the attack 80 years ago.   

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame was represented by Pat Little-Upah and Jim Monroe who laid a wreath at a large blue anchor from the USS Arizona that sunk in Pearl Harbor.  The wreath was designed by Kathy Laurier.  Several AVHOF members were in attendance.  After the ceremony, some visited the capital building which displays the plaque with the names of Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame members. 

Gov. Ducey said, “The anchor serves as a symbol for those stationed at Pearl Harbor.  Our maritime Speeches were given by Governor Doug Ducey and Commander Kevin Kahl from the Navy Talent Acquisition Group.  Troops know that a ship cannot function properly without an anchor.  Similarly, our country cannot function without a brave and strong military.”

Your Society has long been a supporter and promoter of Arizona Veterans Treatment Courts.  Sam Young, class 2012, has been the chairman of the Society's effort for a number of years and Judge Don Watts, class 2019, is now leading the courts activities and very active in promoting and expanding Veterans Treatment Courts into more and more counties and municipalities.  Don recently hosted a lunch to further these efforts.  Please see the following:

Judge Donald Watts (Manistee) hosted a picnic recently to celebrate graduates from Veterans Treatment Court.  The event took place at Rio Vista Recreation Center in Peoria... which is amazing, by the way.  Judges Sharron Sauls (Kyrene) and Gerald Williams (North Valley) joined Watts and his leadership team from the VTC.

“Thank you for everything that everybody does here”, Watts said to the 30-some people in attendance.  “Support has been really overwhelming.”

Veterans Treatment Court is more than just a court process. Watts explained that once a defendant is identified as a veteran, VTC can find what benefits they may qualify for through the Department of Veterans Affairs.  He said many times they are not aware of treatment or other counseling that is available. Participation in these services is a requirement for VTC, which Watts sees as a win-win.

“It doesn’t cost anything to get these treatments, so we can all work toward the ultimate goal, which is changing their lifestyle to be better members of society.”

The cookout was an opportunity to honor not only veterans who have entered the program, but all the leaders, mentors, and other volunteers who support the program.

Any justice court in Maricopa County may refer a veteran to the VTC.  For more information, visit and share the web site: https://judgedonaldwatts.com/.

Tom Hessler AVHOFS Cochise County Chapter President Class of 2007

The Canyon Vista Medical Center and the Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona honored four of our members for inclusion on the Veterans Wall at Canyon Vista Medical Center for the year 2021-2022.  They are John Black (Class of 2016), Jose Baeza (Class of 2017), Eric Fowler (Class of 2020), and Joseph Wood (Class of 2021).

Since the inception of the award program in 2015, 19 Society members out of a total of 84 awardees have been selected.

Roy McClymonds AVHOFS Quartermaster Class of 2017

Country Store catalog can be found on the AVHOF Website. If you have a problem finding what you want, please feel free to contact me at (480) 694-2425 or my email at ramnpt@cox.net.

Request you let us know as soon as you know of an inductee’s passing. If available, we would like to know the inductee’s name, date of passing, funeral, and memorial service details, and a copy of the obituary. Send notices to Jim Monroe at j.c.monroe@cox.net.

Known members that passed in 2021.

HARRY BOWEN (Class of 2017)

SIERRA VISTA — Harry Ernest Bowen Sr, a longtime resident of Sierra Vista, passed away on November 22, 2021 after a long battle with cancer.  Harry was born January 31, 1941 in Elmira New York to Ernest Bowen and Julia (Bowen) Strope.  Harry was happiest when surrounded by family or when helping others.

Harry served 22 years in the Army and retired at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer – 3.  After he retired, he continued to epitomize the Army value “Selfless Service” through his extensive volunteer and charity work. For over 18 years Harry volunteered with a multitude of charity and volunteer organizations providing service and support to our military veterans and their families as well as the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life helping to raise awareness and funding for cancer research.  When discussing his motivation during the 2016 Veteran of the Year Luncheon, Harry said “In those 22 years (in the Army), there were so many people who helped me and helped my family, and we all became close friends throughout the years, I just want to give that — to all those vets and anyone else coming up — that same sense of camaraderie and help.  That’s my motivation.”  Some of the organizations Harry supported during the past 18 years include: Cochise Serving Veterans (CSV), Employer Support to the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Greater Sierra Vista United Veterans Council (UVC), Silver Chapter of the Warrant Officer’s Association, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Kiwanis Club, Good Neighbor Alliance, American Legion, and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.  In 2016 Harry was selected as the Veteran of the Year and in 2017 he was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame due to his significant contributions to the Veteran community.

Harry is survived by his wife of 59 years Sandy (Fullerton) Bowen originally from Waltham Massachusetts, his two sisters Helen (Ken) Britton and Joyce Nehring, his two brothers Ray (Kathy) Bowen and Raymond (Gloria) Bowen, his two sons Harry (Cindy) Bowen Jr of Strasburg Virginia, Nick (Bonnie) Bowen of Sierra Vista Arizona, his daughter Vicki (Dave) Briggs of Sierra Vista Arizona, his grandchildren Rose, Anna, Leah, Tina, Chris, Christa, Justin, Troy and Nic, and 16 great-grandchildren.  Harry is preceded in death by his parents Ernest Bowen and Julia (Bowen) Strope.

A funeral service for Harry was held at 1300, 27 November 2021 at Hatfield Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

DON DeMARTE (Class of 2014)
(taken from the AVHOFS webpage)

Born in Tidioute, Pennsylvania in 1936.  Donald entered the US Navy and served 20 years before retiring.  His service to his country and community did not end with his retirement. Donald has made it his mission in life to assist veterans, male and female.  As a member of American Legion Post 128 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12031, both located in Anthem, Arizona, Donald has dedicated his efforts to several community causes and activities: the Maricopa County StandDown for homeless veterans and the annual Anthem Veterans Day Parade.  He is also an advocate for veterans incarcerated in the Phoenix Federal Correctional Institution to assist them with veterans issues.  He participates in the Honor Guard which serves at military funerals. Donald’s support of veterans of all services is inspiring.

JUDY HATCH (Class of 2010)
(part taken from the AVHOFS webpage)

It is with a very sad heart as we report that Judy Hatch, class of 2010, passed away Christmas morning.  Many of us had the pleasure of working with Judy in the past and she was a true Patriot dedicated to serving her fellow veterans.  Join us in thoughts and prayers for her family and many close friends.  A memorial service is planned at Christ’s Church of the Valley  (15025 N. 19th Ave.  -  Phoenix, AZ  85023) on January 26 at 1000.  The Society will present the cased Arizona flag in rememberable of Judy and her many deeds and contributions. Questions regarding the service should be addressed to Jenni Searles at 623-561-3800.

Born in Evergreen Park, Illinois in 1942. Active duty, US Air Force, 1961-1962, and 1981-2000 with Arizona Air National Guard, retired as a Master Sergeant. Set precedent as first female single parent in reserve component. Established a camp scholarship program for children of deployed 161st Air Refueling Wing members. Serves as a volunteer at the VA Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, assisting with various programs to include transportation of veterans to medical appointments, singing in the choir, and helping with Public Affairs Office. Serves with the DAV and American Legion performing Military Honors for fallen comrades. Has served as a Registered Adult for Young Marines, Firebird Chapter. Serves as a foster parent for the Arizona Humane Society, fostering dogs for military members being deployed overseas. Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans and several other veteran organizations. She continues to help veterans and their family members on a daily basis.