Pat Little-Upah AVHOFS President Class of 2014

I want to welcome our two newest Board members Denny Bash, Class of 2021 and Adam Garrard, Class of 2020.  You can read more about them in this newsletter.  They join a very dedicated and hardworking board to include Karen Craig your new Vice President, Christine Mahon our new Secretary, Jerry Wojtas Treasurer,  Nancy Fassbender Director, Peter Kloeber Director, Roy McClymond our Sergeant at Arms and of course Jim Monroe our immediate Past President and Ron Perkins our President Emeritus.  This is a group that works very hard for the Society and gives one hundred percent.     

It was with sadness that I had to report on the death of two of our members.  One is James Kolbe, Class of 2016 from Tucson.  I want to acknowledge Jesus David Alegria Class of 2016 who agreed to do the presentation at Jim’s memorial on January 28th.   The second is Lawrence (Larry) Brown Class of 2017 whose Memorial Service will be held on Feb. 13th at 1000 hrs at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W. Bell Rd. Surprise 85374.  The Committal Service will follow at 12:30 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, 85024. A Reception will be held at 1330 Hours at American Legion Post 107 20001 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix.  We were also saddened to learn of the passing of Tom Hessler’s wife Nancy.   Our thoughts and prayers are with all of these families.

One of my main objectives is to continue to move forward and get more of our members actively involved.  We have several ways to do this.  One way is through our newest outreach to the State Homes and by attending the events there.  Please read the report by Christeen Verchot about the great first time event at the Phoenix Home on January 22nd.   The residents and all of the AVHOFS members who attended now know about what the Space Force does.  We also made some new friends talking with many of the residents who really seemed to enjoy our presence there.  Other ways to volunteer include standing beside some of our members who might need support;  helping to organize or volunteer at the Patriotic Awards Luncheon; assisting with Honors at Memorial Services and other events. 

We are a statewide organization so I would like to see members living in different parts of our State come up with ideas on how the Society can give back in their area.  If you have any ideas, please email me at patupah@gmail.com

We are a small group in comparison to most veteran organizations, but we are a very powerful one made up of individuals dedicated to making a difference.  I look forward to getting to know more of you and to serve you as best I can. 

Jim Monroe AVHOFS President Class of 2014

My last duty as your President was to arrange the 2023 Annual Business Meeting for members.  That event was held live and in person on January 11 at the new Phoenix 32nd St. VA Clinic.  We had about thirty members attend, and many took advantage of touring the clinic; it is a fabulous facility that will serve the veteran community for years to come.

I have included the minutes of the meeting for your review.  The last item of business was the installation of your new Officers and Directors.  I am supremely confident that the Society is in good hands, and you may look forward to new opportunities to serve with your fellow veterans through Society activities.  

Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society 2023 Annual Business Meeting
Phoenix 32nd St. VA Clinic - 400 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ  85008
January 11, 2023
Minutes

0900:  Social hour with optional tour provided by Keisha McGaugh, Lead Patient Advocate
Meeting called to order at 1003 by President Jim Monroe
Opening prayer and remarks: Chaplain Daniel Butler
Pledge of Allegiance: Jerry Wojtas
Treasurer’s Report: Jerry Wojtas

• Review of December financial report, explanation of format, finances are in good control. Unanimous approval

Special Presentation: Tom Sheets

• Reported on results of Patriots Ball (raided $56,000), $30,000 will be distributed in grants and scholarships
• Presented $1,000 check to Jim Monroe for HOF scholarships

Election of Officers and Directors:  Jim Monroe 

• Recommendation from the Nomination Committee; Christine Mahon, Director
• President:  Pat Little-Upah
• Vice President:  Karen Craig
• Secretary: Christine Mahon
• Director: Denny Bash
• Director: Nancy Fassbender
• Director: Adam Garrard
• :  Officers / Directors serving 2022 – 2023 term.
• Treasurer: Jerry Wojtas
• Director: Pete Kloeber
• Director: Roy McClymonds
• Call for nominations from the floor: None
• Motion to approve as presented: John Ady, 2nd Jerry Wojtas
• Ballot unanimously approved

Presentation on Veterans Treatment Court: Judge Donald Watts

• Hold veteran accountable while assisting them in return to society
• 98% success rate (no further arrests)
• New 501©3 (VET SIX) will allow private donations. www.vetsixaz.com
• Invited to graduations. Send email to Judge Watts to be on the list for notifications
• Judge Watts’ email: vetsixaz@gmail.com

Veterans Home Outreach: Christeen Verchot

• Event to take place on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at 1400
• Location:  Arizona State Veterans Home – Phoenix, 4141 N S. Herrera Way, Phoenix
• Presentation will be on the Space Force
• Bring items for lending closet
• RSVP by January 18 to Christeen at cverchot@veteransfirstltd.org

2023 Patriotic Awards Luncheon: Pat Little-Upah and Karen Craig

• April 28, 2023, at DoubleTree Resort, 5401 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ
• Registration to open Feb 1
• New ADVS Director, Dana Allmond, will attend. Governor to be invited
• 2023 Copper Sword: Lee Huff
• Copper Eagle (2) award recipients: AZ Coalition for Military Families and Mike Nye instrument repair shop
• UAV Copper Shield: Rep Walter Blackman
• UAV Copper Star: Wanda Wright

2023 VHP Scholarship and Veteran Scholarship activities:  Christine Mahon 

• New scholarship committee members: Pat Stolze and Paul Smiley
• Three VHP scholarships at $2,000 awarded annually
• S goal
• Need applicants for Veterans Scholarship – Due February 28
• Application and info on our website

Veteran Heritage Project Scholarships:  Michelle DiMuro, VHP Executive Director 

• HOF has awarded 30 scholarships for $56, 000
• Provides description of VHP Program
• 2024 will be 20th anniversary and goal is 3,000 th interview. Expanding more chapters in more schools

Maternity Outreach for Military Families (MOMF):  Joan Sisco, Veterans First

• $1,000 donation from HOF monthly provides supplies for Moms and infants age birth to 6 months
• In 2022 provided 125 totes for babies and 125 care packages for Moms
• Families can access other services thru Veterans First
• Now serving Prescott

Report on Fisher House – Phoenix Project:  Reggie Yates

• Provided history of Fisher house – 94 currently operating worldwide
• For more info visit website https://fisherhourse.org
• Land acquisition is major issue – project may take 5 -8 years
• Cost likely $9-10 million

Veterans Administration Recognition Program – Karen Craig

• 2023 will inaugural year
• Will select Employee of the Year from the 12 Employee of the Month as identified by the Phoenix and Prescott VA (Tucson will join in 2024)
• Winners will be our guest at PAL, receive certificate, monetary gift and name on perpetual plaque to be presented at VA site

United Arizona Veterans Presentation – Gene Crego

• Presented plaque to Lea Seago for her service as president of UAV

Installation of 2023-2024 Officers and Directors:  Jim Monroe 
New Business: Pat Little-Upah, President

• Thank you to Jim Monroe
• Welcome Home for Vietnam Veterans – March 25  
• 50th anniversary of end of Vietnam War
• UAV and HOF will share a display table

Good of the Order:

• Official going away for Wanda Wright will be January 28 at American Legion Post 61

Benediction: Jim Monroe
Adjourn – 12:13pm

  Tom Sheets presents $1,000 donation from the Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce to AVHOFS.

New Officers and Directors being sworn into office.  Pat Little-Upah, President /  Christine Mahon, Secretary  /  Karen Craig, Vice President  /  Adam Garrard, Director

Jim hands the gavel to New President, Pat.

If you are not in this photo, you missed a great opportunity to be with fellow AVHOF members and hear about the activities of your Society. 

Jerry Wojtas AVHOFS Treasurer Class of 2011

A new year is upon us, but the same challenges remain.  We continue to promote the various programs that our Society supports.  The money we receive is one thing, certainly important, but we also need members like YOU to step forward and ask about helping.  No matter what part of the state you live in, we can find a job for you. 

Being part of the inner workings of our Society has become much easier since most of the monthly meetings are held via zoom and not in person.  This saves a lot of commuting time for all involved.  And it means that whether you live in Kingman, Stafford or Yuma, you can be actively involved.

And if you detect an error that I’ve made, please bring it to my attention as a member did last month when our colored listing of contributors was using the wrong color.  The correction has been made and the correct color appears this month.

If you haven’t contributed to our Century Club since June 30th, then you’re behind those of us who have.  Below is a listing of contributors as of going to press.

And here is the COMPLETE mailing address that should be used whenever you mail anything to our Society.  Here it is.

ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME SOCIETY
4980 S. ALMA SCHOOL ROAD
STE. A2-619
CHANDLER, AZ 85248-5545

By the way, the last page of the Patriot will give you a listing of upcoming events.  Be aware that 11 StandDowns are scheduled and shown on that page.  And be aware that each year, your Society contributes $2,500 to the StandDown Allaince.  The Alliance is responsible for all StandDowns around the state.  They determine where the money is most needed,

CENTURY CLUB DONATIONS (FY Goal is $10,000.  Total to date is $7,131)

Listed below are those who have contributed so far fiscal year 2022-2023

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

The first State Home Outreach Initiative event was held on Sunday, January 22nd , 2023,  2-4pm  at the Phoenix Arizona State Veteran Home.

TSgt Lindsey Harvey, Southwest Regional Space Force Recruiter, provided a very informative presentation on the origins and present status of the 6th military branch, The United States Space Force. The event opened with the posting of the Colors by the WAC Chapter 67 Honor Guard. Society members present were able to mingle with the State Home residents, enjoying cake, coffee, and many shared personal military experiences.  Participant evaluations collected at the end of the event overwhelmingly indicated satisfaction and a desire/ interest for more such future events. 

MEMBER SELECTED AS THE 2023 SIERRA VISTA VETERAN-OF-THE-YEAR

Clarence “Shorty” Larson (Class of 2015) was selected as the 2023 Veteran-of-the-Year by the Greater Sierra Vista United Veterans Council.  He was honored at a luncheon on 19 January at the VFW in Sierra Vista.  Glenn Hohman (Class of 2018) presented Shorty with a Society certificate and coin.  Shorty will be the Grand Marshal in the 2023 Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony in Sierra Vista.

Roy McClymonds AVHOFS Quartermaster Class of 2017

The country store catalog can be found on the AVHOF website. If you have problems finding what you want, feel free to contact me at (480) 694-2425 or my e mail 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 have passed in the past twelve months.

JAMES KOLBE
Class of 2016
Taken from www.avhof.org

LARRY BROWN
Class of 2007
Taken from www.avhof.org