Jim Monroe AVHOFS President Class of 2014

Fellow Society members.  Many of us had an unusually busy month with two major events just completed. 

On October 14th we welcomed and inducted the 2022 Class into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.  Fourteen stellar veterans were selected for Induction this year and upon being inducted, they immediately became members of the AVHOFS.  Welcome Class of 2022.  This takes our Society membership to 267 living and 217 deceased for a total number of Arizona veterans inducted into the AVHOF of 484.  You will find an article submitted by Reggie Yates on the Induction herein; it gives you some very pertinent information on this event. 

On October 22 the Southwest Veterans Foundation presented its Patriot Ball.  Joan and I attended this event along with quite a few Society members.  The theme this year was “A Salute to Women Veterans”.  Several Society members were recognized, and Joan Sisco of Veterans First was presented the prestigious Lincoln Award.  Gerry Berger submitted an excellent article on this event; be sure to check it out.

Please be reminded that we have the Annual Business meeting coming up on January 11, 2023.  Plans are to hold the meeting LIVE and IN PERSON at the new 32nd St. VA Clinic.  Pat Little-Upah and I are working out details and we will send an invitation to each of you in the next few weeks.  In the interim, please mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 11th.  I look forward to seeing many of you there.

In just a few days, on November 10, many of us will be attending the Veterans Medical Leadership Council 20th Annual Heroes Patriotic Luncheon at the Arizona Biltmore.  I personally look forward to this each year and again, many Society members will be there.

Founded in 1999 to support Veteran advocacy, the VMLC’s mission is to ensure quality medical & mental health care for Maricopa County Veterans and to encourage initiatives that honor the contributions made to the city, state & nation by Veterans and the men and women serving in the U.S. military forces. The VMLC is strongly committed to providing a much-needed financial safety net for those Veterans needing a hand up, not a handout, during their difficult transition back into society.  This assistance helps keep a roof over their heads, puts food on the table, and have transportation to medical appointments, rehabilitation, job training, and interviews.  This is all made possible by donations from caring patriots who love our country and acknowledge the sacrifice of our Veterans!

I will get photos and submit an article for next month’s Patriot.

On a point of personal interest, David Althoff, class of 2005, passed away this past March 8th.  David was interned at Arlington National Cemetery on October 5th.  It was reported to be a beautiful service and a tremendous send off for Dave, his family and friends.  A few photos follow:

Jerry Wojtas AVHOFS Treasurer Class of 2011

First, let me offer my congratulations to all of the members of the class of 2022!  Our members extend you our welcome to our Society.  And don’t forget to pay your dues!  Just kidding…. There are no dues in the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fall Society!

The other day I was talking with a Society member.  He made the statement that he always counts on me to let him know when it is time to donate to the Century Club!  There is no way I can do that or even want to do that!  Everyone’s financial situation is their own.  Last year you may have given $200, but because of the cost of living effecting your lifestyle, you may find that this year you better pass on giving anything.  Your decision is a personal thing and one that I will stay away from.

I don’t think I have ever mentioned the people that get one of our scholarships based on the money you donate.  Here is the write up that appeared in the program of just one recipient of our April 1, 2022 presentation.

“Jacqueline Ortizis a Tucson University High School student and a volunteer with the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System where she transports veterans, equipment and patient comfort items.  Her official title is a VA Ambassador; unofficially she is known by the veterans and staff as “Smiley”.  She is President of the U.S. History Study Help Club and President of the University High School Cyber Patriot Team and works part time at a local addiction rehabilitation center.  Jacqueline earned her Certificate of Arizona Technical Skills Standards in Software Development.  She plans to attend Vanderbilt University and aspires to be a U.S. Air Force Cyber Security Analyst.”

This young lady is an example of the wonderful people that are being helped through all of our efforts.  She will make our country a better place for all of us.

At this point our Century Club is lacking in contributors and is behind the $10,000 goal we have set for this fiscal year.  Please, review your position and see if you can add your name to the list of people you see mentioned below.

Below are those members and supporters who have donated since 1 July when we started our current champaign.

And remember to always use our COMPLETE address when mailing anything to us.  Here it is.

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

Listed below are those members who have contributed to our Century Club since July 1.

CENTURY CLUB DONATIONS (FY Goal is $10,000. Total to date is $2,451)

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.

For illustration only. Plaque for 2022 has not been made yet.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Unified Arizona Veterans (UAV), Lea Seago Chair and Jim Monroe, President, Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society (AVHOFS) congratulations to the Class of 2022!  Our thanks and sincere appreciation to the 425 participants who gathered at the Talking Stick Resort amid the ambience of a Four-Star Resort to celebrate the twenty -second (22nd) annual ceremony on October 14, 2022.  For our newest members, it was a delight to meet each of you and we extend an invitation to leverage your talent and skills in support of the many leadership and service opportunities available right now at UAV and the AVHOFS.  We offer these highlights for your consideration:
                 

COMING ATTRACTIONS!!  (PROJECTED) November 2022
1 Nov -- 2022 Induction Photos Posted to UAV FACEBOOK Page   
5 Nov --- UAV Monthly Meeting (ZOOM)
30 Nov—Class of 2022 Plaque and Interactive Display updated/posted at the
Arizona Capitol Museum (South Wing, First Floor) 1700 Washington Street, Phoenix

Volume II of the History Book made its “soft” debut at the 2022 Induction.  This new volume includes a three-ring binder, UAV historical information, recognition of UAV Chairs, plus photos and bios of the Class of 2021 and Class of 2022.  Annual tabs through 2025 are included in your purchase.  Some new members have already purchased Vol II as one item has been set aside for each member of the Class of 2022. AVHOFS members may purchase a copy of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame History Book Vol II by sending a check or money order ($35.00 each) to: Treasurer, Unified Arizona Veterans, POB 34338, Phoenix, AZ 85067.  Please enter “History Book Vol II” in the “For” line.  A limited quantity of the History Books are available as well as “inserts” for the Class of 2021 and 2022 ($15.00 each) so please act fast.

Again, we at UAV and AVHOFS extend a warm welcome to our new members.  We encourage you to seek out and nominate those Veterans in the community who continue to serve at an outstanding level for the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2023!  Please feel free to contact our members for additional information or should you have questions. Much appreciated.

Submitted  by : Reggie Yates (Class of 2013) Director, Event & Past Chair Unified Arizona Veterans ryates173abn@gmail.com, 602-373-0703

The theme of this year’s Patriots Ball was “A Salute to Women Veterans.” Tom Sheets (Class of 2019) did an outstanding job of coordinating the event which had the largest number of participants to date. The Uptown Angels entertained us as pictures of female veterans were shown on the big screens; many were members of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society. Pat Upah (Class of 2014) was among the six female veterans spotlighted in the program, as well as Fannie Griffin McClendon, Carole Litten, Lori Piestewa, Sonia Carrasco and Wanda Wright the Director of the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services. Veterans First was awarded the Lincoln Award which was accepted by founder Joan Sisco (Class of 2009). The Patriots Shield Award went to Delta Diversified. The Mark Ashby Memorial Award was presented to Margie Bons, founder of the Military Assistance Mission. VIPs in attendance included Jim Monroe (Class of 2014) the President of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society and Lea Seago (Class of 2013) the Chairwomen of Unified Arizona Veterans.

AWARD TO VETERANS FIRST, LTD

On the 22nd of October, at the 7th Annual Patriots Ball, “A Salute to Women Veterans” the Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce presented the Lincoln Award to Veterans First, Ltd.  Joan Sisco (Class of 2009), founder of Veterans First, Ltd, accepted the award on behalf of the VFL Team, community supporters, collaborating partners and volunteers that assist us in accomplishing our mission to provide advocacy, programs and service that enhance the lives of Arizona Veterans and their families.  The Lincoln Award is presented each year to a veterans advocacy organization making outstanding contributions to the support of veterans and families in Arizona. 

I would like to ask Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society members and their families who would like to get together for a trip to Hawaii to visit the Arizona Memorial and maybe more of the memorials there in 2023.  My wife and I have been contemplating a trip for some time in 2023, most likely in the last half of the year.  Would you prefer to take a plane or a cruise where we may have other get togethers during the trip?  If you know other members locally, you might ask them in case they do not see this Patriot.  We may want to add other Veterans that we know who might be interested.  This is the first thought on this, and things would be discussed as time goes along.  If there is enough response to this, then we can look into costs.

Please respond to me at ramnpt@cox.net with the subject “Hawaii trip.”

Roy McClymonds
Class of 2017

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 2022.

Edmund (Ed) Mangan (Class of 2017)
(Dignity Memorial)

Edmund “Ed” Louis Mangan III, BSEE, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on October 17, 2022, days after celebrating his 79th birthday in Mesa, Arizona.  He was born in Chicago, Illinois to Edmund Louis Mangan II and Genevieve Mardell (Green) Mangan on October 13, 1943.  The fourth of eight children, Ed graduated from Joliet Catholic High School in 1961.

Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Air Force where he excelled in his career as an aircraft maintenance technician, communications electronics engineer, and an Air Force recruiting officer.  He also proudly served during the Vietnam conflict being stationed in Thailand.  After an 18-year career, Ed was honorably discharged from the USAF in 1979 with the rank of Captain.

Ed met his former wife, LaNora Pruett, while stationed at George Air Force Base in Victorville, California.  They were married July 22, 1967, and immediately moved as he had orders to be stationed in Germany.  On June 17, 1968, they welcomed their first daughter, Lisa Marie Mangan at Hahn AFB, “West” Germany.  On October 13, 1972, Ed and LaNora were delighted to welcome their second daughter, Laura Lynne Mangan in Phoenix, Arizona.  They moved to several states while Ed was with the Air Force but the family finally settled in Mesa, Arizona when he was stationed at Williams AFB.  Ed and LaNora later divorced in February 1986.

Following his military career, Ed worked as an energy management consultant and eventually started his own company, Energy Design and Consulting, “EDC.”  He specialized in saving schools on their electric costs so their funds could be allocated elsewhere.

Growing up, Ed loved to dance; he would attend dances with his sisters Edna (Mangan) Smedley and Margaret “Marge” Mangan, and his cousin Betty Hamer.  His favorite dance was the Swing, the upbeat music and fast-paced steps truly reflected his out-going and jovial personality.  On a few occasions, Ed and his niece, Katie (Jeralds) Stockle were swing dance partners for Katie’s competitions and special events in Marion, Illinois.

Professionally, Ed later taught ballroom dance at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Phoenix, Arizona.  When he was a new instructor, Ed was introduced to a new student, Ann Schminke, when the two were paired together for a few dances. They loved to dance together and eventually taught dance lessons to other couples at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center.  They were life partners for about 20 years before his passing.

Ed fully enjoyed volunteering for several military organizations and causes.  He was a long-time member of the American Legion Post 64 and served as Commander from 2016-2018.  He was also very active in the Military Officers Association of America, MOAA.  In December of 2012, Ed was inducted as the local chapter President for the first time.  In addition, he volunteered with ESGR, working with local employers to support Reserve and National Guard members’ service commitments.  In October 2017, Ed was proudly inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.  He enjoyed participating in multiple parades, flag ceremonies, and supporting local JROTC programs.

Ed enthusiastically attended countless Arizona Diamondbacks games over the years.  He and Ann had Sunday tickets for a few seasons directly behind home plate.  Ed also loved going to Spring Training and regular season games with his daughters Lisa and Laura.  He organized a couple fundraising games for his military organizations; Ed was also part of the color guard with his American Legion post when they presented the colors behind home plate.  And, he loved going to games when family members would travel to Arizona.  He thoroughly enjoyed the last game he attended in July of this year with his youngest sister, Joann, and daughters, Lisa and Laura.

Edmund was predeceased by his parents Edmund and Genevieve Mangan, sisters Rosemary Gross and Edna Smedley, and brother Patrick Mangan.

Edmund is survived by a large family including his sisters Margaret “Marge” Mangan and Joann (Scott) Jeralds both of Marion, Illinois, brothers Michael “Mick” (Barb) Mangan and Larry (Lesa) Mangan, both of Marion, Illinois, daughters Lisa M. Mangan and Laura Lynne Mangan both of Gilbert, Arizona, and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, November 7, 2022 at Resthaven/Carr-Tenney Mortuary located at 4310 E Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042.  Services begin at 11:30 a.m. A graveside ceremony will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery located at 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85024.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in Edmund’s honor to either The American Heart Association or The American Legion.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavencarrtenney.com for the Mangan family.

Robert (Bob) Strain (Class of 2017)

Robert B. Strain, better known as Mayor Bob, died at the age of 89 on October 29, 2022, at Canyon Vista Medical Center. Born In Galesburg, Illinois, July 15, 1933, he was the son of George Bradley Strain and Margaret Bruce Strain. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Georgia.

Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1954 with duty in Vietnam and retired in 1984 as a Colonel. In 1988, Bob relocated to Sierra Vista. After retiring from the military, Bob worked for Science Applications International Corporation, retiring in 2001. In 2001 Bob was elected to the Sierra Vista city council, served six years, and was then elected mayor serving four years before retiring in 2011.

During the years following Bob’s retirement from the City, Bob was actively engaged in many worthwhile community organizations and endeavors such as: President of Sierra Vista Rotary 2004-2005, Cochise College Foundation board, President Sierra Vista Economic Development Foundation, Cochise Community Foundation, Air Force Association, and Military Officers Association of America. He is a founding member of the Huachuca 50, served on the Sierra Vista Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, and was active in the United Veterans Council. Bob’s chairmanship of the Upper San Pedro Partnership was instrumental in organizing a diverse group of people to protect the environment and at the same time protect the future of Ft. Huachuca.

Bob is survived by wife of twenty-three years, Jane C. Livingston-Strain, his three children: Diane Menday (Jeff), Janet Nichting (Tom), Rob Strain (Melodye); the mother of his children, Josephine Strain; and five step-children: Ally Hadfield, David York, Julie Pexioto; and Jane’s two sons Brian Livingston, and Rob Livingston (Jen). Bob leaves many grandchildren: Jeff Menday Jr (Becky), Dan Menday (Erin), Janelle Menday, Kate Nichting, Mark Nichting, Wade Strain, Carter Strain, Owen Livingston, Emily Livingston along with many dear friends as well as his beloved community.

Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by Hatfield Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 12, at 10:00 A.M. at Sierra Evangelical Lutheran Church, 101 N. Lenzner, Sierra Vista, Arizona followed by a lunch reception at Cochise Community College, Community Room, 901 N. Colombo Ave., Sierra Vista, Arizona. Private interment at Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cochise College Foundation, Attn: Bob and Jane Strain Scholarship, 4190 W. Hwy 80, Douglas, AZ 85607 or Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center, 6799 E. Highway 90, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Marc Kaplan and staff, Prestige Assisted Living, Canyon Vista Medical Center and Cochise Community College.