Pat Little-Upah AVHOFS President Class of 2014

Thank you to everyone who attended the General Meeting on January 27th.  We had a great crowd and during our social time individuals took the opportunity to reconnect and also to get to know members that they had not previously met.  I want to give a special thank you to Vice President Karen Craig and to Past President Jim Monroe.  Without their help and hard work, we would not have been able to do this meeting.   Also, thanks go to Abe McCann with the City of Tempe who secured this venue free for us;  to our secretary Christine Mahon for arranging the food;  our presentations were stellar and showed the ongoing hard work that the Society is doing to meet our mission.  We apologize to our members who were unable to join us on zoom due to technical difficulties.

Many of our members had not met our Chaplain Othell (Tim) Newbill, a US Army Veteran, who served with the 403rd CSH during Desert Storm.  Chaplain Newbill is available to our members should you need him.   You will see from the Treasurer’s report that we are very financially stable due to the generous legacy and personal gifts from all of you.  I did mention one legacy gift this past year from non-Hall of Fame members Edward and Diane McDowell.  Ed was a US Army Jag officer and Diane a devoted and active Army wife.  They were passionate about helping Veterans get the education they needed to be successful.  We have added a perpetual Scholarship for a Veteran in their name.  Judge Watts updated everyone on the Veterans Courts. He is an amazing man who has worked hard to get the Veterans Courts in the West Valley up and running.  He shared with us how appreciative the Veterans are on completion of their programs to receive a challenge coin which we fund.  We have posted the slides of the presenters on the members only part of the webpage in the business documents section.  This will give those who could not attend a good overview of the speaker's key points.  Please note we need volunteers to help with our events at the State Homes in Yuma and Tucson.   We also need a volunteer to help get our members geographically located in the East Valley Phoenix Area together periodically.  A volunteer is also needed for the Tucson area.  Director Paul Smiley is over-sighting this program and you can learn more from the slide presentation. 

CONGRATULATIONS and WELCOME to our newest Board members, Directors Ron Williams and Clyde Meade.  Also, we are so blessed to have Roy McClymonds sworn in for his second term. 

Your Board works very hard for all of you and the Society, but we need your help as we move forward.  Please send me any ideas you might have to further our mission. 

The Patriotic Awards Committee has been working very hard as you will see in Karen’s article. Early bird tickets are now open and continue to be the “best deal in town.”  Please note the CHANGE IN LOCATION.

Unfortunately, we are going to have to cancel having a table at Luke Days.  We just could not get enough volunteers with the multiple events going on that our membership are involved in that weekend. 

Thank you for all each of you have done for the Society and for our military, veterans, community, and this great nation. 

AVHOFS MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the AVHOFS is to preserve and perpetuate the traditions of the American military and all who served in it, to undertake charitable and other projects at the state and local levels and to work with veteran’s organizations in the attainment of AVHOFS objectives, and to promote and to encourage responsible citizenship among all Americans. Particular emphasis will be placed on supporting AVHOF members.

FROM THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Saturday, March 23, 2024, 3 pm to 6 pm
Madison Center for the Arts
5601 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ

Veterans First Ltd. invites you to join in celebrating and expressing gratitude to Arizona’s military and veteran women. The program starts with a tribute recognizing women who served from World War II through the Global War on Terror, including Rosie the Riveters. Guest speakers include leaders from the Arizona Department of Veterans Services and the Women Veteran Program of the Phoenix VA Medical Center. Universal Music Group / Mi5 Recording Artist Jeff Senour and the Called to Serve band will perform the “Freedom Rock Experience.”

TO OBTAIN TICKETS:

• General admission Tickets ($15): https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/19005F75AF3914BB
• Military and Veteran Women are eligible to register (before Mar 9, 2024) for a FREE complimentary ticket at: https://forms.gle/bqE9wNeWqqmcLgM17
• Sponsorships available (and due by Feb 29, 2024!) Please contact: Darlene Gonzales, USN (ret) at dgonzales@veteransfirstltd.org

This milestone event marks 20 years of Veterans First Ltd.’s impactful work serving the Arizona veteran community. For more information, https://veteransfirstltd.org/news/

Joan Sisco, Founder Veterans First (Class of 2009)

One of the most important programs that the Society provides is our Flags for Families Program.  When a member passes away, we want to honor that person and what he/she has done.  We want to be a support to the family during this difficult time and assist them if needed.  Often, we do not hear about the members passing timely and then have no way of contacting the family to arrange the flag and citation presentation to them. 

The link to the letter below is for your family so they know how to notify and reach us if you pass away.  Please send the filled out form to me as we are starting a file so that we have the information we need to reach your designated person when we learn of your passing.  Families are so grateful when our membership attends the services and deeply moved when the Citation is read and the flag presented.   If you know the deceased or family and would like to be the presenter or assist with the presentation, please contact  Pat Little-Upah (480)226-4454 or patupah@gmail.com. 

LETTER FOR YOUR FAMILY         CONTACT FORM

Please disregard the location that was shown on the “Save the Date” postcard you received in the mail and make a note on your calendar that this year’s event will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton - Phoenix-Mesa, located at 1011 W. Holmes Avenue, Mesa AZ (right off the US-60 at Alma School Road). The Doubletree by Hilton in Mesa was recently renovated, has ample self-parking, and a large reception and banquet area. We’re confident that this venue will provide an outstanding atmosphere and luncheon meal for this premier event.
We’re also proud to announce the updated list of honorees for this year: 

Copper Star:  Abe McCann, City of Tempe
Copper Shield: Representative Stacey Travers
Copper Eagle: Military Assistance Mission AND TriWest Healthcare Alliance
Copper Sword:  Kelly Mills, Veteran Advocate

Please join us on April 19th to recognize all our 2024 Copper Award recipients, as well as the Outstanding VA Employees and AVHOFS and UAV Scholarship recipients, who will be announced later.  An UPDATED PAL

Flyer is shown below.

TICKET SALES: AVHOF members and other attendees can go to our PAL Eventbrite site for all the event details, information on lodging at the Mesa Doubletree, and to purchase your tickets. LINK: 2024 Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Patriotic Awards Luncheon Tickets, Fri, Apr 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite  Early Bird pricing for members is just $40 per person for you and one guest and will be offered through March 31st. Ticket sales will end on April 10th.  A copy of an updated Registration Form can also be downloaded from the Eventbrite site for those who prefer to mail in their payment. 

Sponsorship opportunities for the PAL are also still available and we encourage everyone to share our Sponsor Benefits Flyer with businesses or organizations who might be interested. In addition to higher tier sponsorships, we are also offering a $250 PAL Sponsorship which we hope will provide an opportunity for smaller businesses and individuals to support the event and our Society programs.  The Sponsor Benefits Sheet can be found at: https://avhof.org/donate-2/ Questions regarding PAL Sponsorship should be referred to Gordon James at gjames@gcjpr.com or by phone at 602-274-1988.

We look forward to seeing you at the Patriotic Awards Luncheon where we will recognize these outstanding patriots and scholars!

Thank you!
PAL Co-Chairs:
Pat Little-Upah, patupah@gmail.com
Karen Craig, Kcraig1955@cox.net

SERVICE PROVIDER SIGN UP NOW AVAILABLE FOR MARICOPA COUNTY STANDDOWN

The Arizona Veterans StandDown Alliance, a program of the Arizona Housing Coalition, is pleased to announce the 2024 Maricopa County StandDown will be held Thursday and Friday, March 21-22, at the Arizona State Fairgrounds.  Returning to a two-day format, the event will draw hundreds of veterans seeking housing, supportive services, connections to VA or Social Security benefits, dental services, legal assistance, and more. Organizations wishing to host a booth or provide services at the event are invited to learn more and register online. 
If your business is looking for sponsorship opportunities that benefit veterans in our community, please reach out to us today.  

A special thank you to Gerry Berger who was the only AVHOFS member to sign up for the January 19th event.  We have another opportunity to bring in some extra scholarship revenue from March 22nd to the 24th.  March is a beautiful time of year and so I encourage all of you who have not volunteered to sign up.  Remember you do not have to be a society member your spouses, grown children, friends can also volunteer, just make sure they put that they are doing so for AVHOFS.   Sign up for half a day and the rest of the day you can walk around and enjoy the show for free.  Thank You.

Pat Upah, AVHOFS President 

Volunteer for VHP at the March Carefree Fine Arts & Wine Festival

A special thank you to those who volunteered this past weekend, especially if you braved the rain on Sunday.

The next volunteer opportunity for the Carefree Fine Arts & Wine Festival is March 22 to 24, 2024. We'd love to have you back out again.

Please click on the button below to view the online sign-up sheet and add your name, phone, and email for the day and time that works for you. If you are with a group, such as AVHOFS, Plexus, or Cox, please indicate the group name in the comments section. Thank you! Sign Up 1213 W. Morehead Street, Suite 500, Charlotte, NC 28208 © 2024 SignUpGenius. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe

The first 2023 AVHOFS State Home Outreach Initiative event was held on Wednesday, January 15, from 12-2pm at the Paradise Valley Outback Restaurant.  This event marked the first time this Initiative was able to mingle with the State Home residents outside of the Home.  This setting provided for an environment rich with a sense of comradery for all of the participants.  It was great to sit down together and share our military experiences over great food and drink.  This venue allowed for engagement, laughter, and a true sense of Patriotism.

Participant evaluations collected at the end of the luncheon indicated an overwhelming high satisfaction level and a desire/interest for more such future luncheon outings.  This is duly noted!

A special thanks goes out to Cy Bassett (class of 2022) and his wife, Jacqi.  Both assisted with the transfer of the wheelchair bound Veterans to and from the Home van as well as engaging in conversation with the Veterans. Great news as both Cy and Jacqui have volunteered to be members of this State Home Outreach Initiative Committee.     

Next Event: End of April. Date and place to be determined. Due to popular demand the next Event will be another out of the Home luncheon venue.

Stay tuned! 

Organizer Christeen Verchot (Class of 2021)

Paul Smiley AVHOFS Director Class of 2021

Welcome to the all new West Valley Round-Up.  For AVOHF Society members residing in the west, southwest, and northwest valley, we are asking for your help by being on the look out for news worthy events and Veterans who are impacting our community.  If you are involved in a Veteran related organization such as the Tuskegee Airman, MOAA, or a local VFW lodge, please send the specifics (i.e.,  a couple of sentences describing the event), including any photos. Also, please ask for permission from the person(s) being recognized. Your inputs will be sent to the board for publication in the  monthly AVHOF Society Newsletter.  I'm available to assist AVHOF and  Copper Award nomination packages.  There's more.  I hope to schedule a semi-annual coffee or lunch.  This event will be FREE and optional.  Please feel free to contact me with your articles, photos and ideas at:  pasmiley55@gmail.com or (623) 521-5445. 

DENNIS “DAN” TILLMANS (Class of 2018)

Dennis “Dan” Tillmans (Class of 2018) has passed command of Prescott, AZ's Ernest A. Love American Legion Post 6 Honor Guard.  He has Captained this squad for more than 17 years.  Dan has participated in excess of 5,000 military honors ceremonies and more than 550 Color Guard events.  He has been credited by the VA with more than 16,000 volunteer hours.  Dan has been a member of this squad for 24 years and will remain with the squad and continue to participate in Honor Guard ceremonies.  Dan will remain as an advisor to the Team. 

VETERANS TREATMENT COURT GRADUATION

Lake Havasu City's Veterans Treatment Court was established almost 10 years ago.  249 veterans have successfully completed the treatment program.  This treatment court is one of the most successful in the country.  Currently there are 21 justice-involved veterans receiving services.  The minimum amount of time to complete the process is about 7 months.  Each veteran is assigned a veteran mentor for support throughout the time it takes to meet the requirements to succeed.  

Requirements include targeted counseling, random drug-testing, attendance at hearings 1 or 2 times a month, and completion of a designated amount of hours of community service each month.  If a veteran has housing concerns, needs help to find employment, requires guidance to continue education goals, or needs assistance to access veteran benefits, those issues are addressed during the course of the program.  Veteran care is planned by an interdisciplinary staffing team and carried out by professionals and volunteer service organizations.  A monthly alumni meeting is an integral part of the program.  Veteran graduates are invited to gather with fellow vets, court members, mentors, and family to celebrate holidays, watch sports events, or just share happenings in their lives. 

On January 12, 2024, the court, presided by Judge Mitch Kalauli (Class of 2017) held the first graduation for 5 of its veterans in the city's new municipal courthouse.  To celebrate their success, the courtroom was packed with family and friends, mentors, and community leaders, as well as political and veteran agency leadership.  A short break to enjoy some cake and informally congratulate the successful veterans followed the ceremony.

Submitted by
Joan B. McDermott (Class of 2016)
Lake Havasu City Veterans Treatment Court
Volunteer Mentor Coordinator 

ARIZONA MILITARY ORDER OF DEVEL DOG CHARITIES

In November 2023, Arizona Military Order of Devil Dog Charities, led by Bob Wallace (Class of 2014), Stewart Fraiser (Class  2018) and Pat Connell (Class of 2018) recently provided a contribution of $500 towards enhancements to the main gate flagpole area at the Prescott Northern Arizona Veterans Affairs Healthcare Facility including new retaining walls, rock coverings and memorial bricks for Veterans.

In January 2024, Stewart Fraiser( Class of 2018), Bob Wallace (Class 0f 2014) and Pat Connell (Class of 2015), through their not-for-profit charitable organization, Arizona Military Order  of Devil Dog Charities, recently provided $3,000 to sponsor a “Cattle Drive Retreat” at a remote ranch in Arizona. 

This activity is designed for six military veterans to gain confidence and build resilience during a two-night stay at Bumble Bee Ranch. The retreat is created with the concept of Post Traumatic Growth in mind, to teach veterans skills to grow from the trauma they’ve experienced rather than letting it define them. Working with horses, cattle and other Veterans will result in bonding to create a tight support network.

Activities include trail rides, cattle drives and post-traumatic stress therapy sessions.

HISTORY OF THE ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME SOCIETY

By way of introduction, I am Gary Fredricks AVHOF Class of 2010. I attended the annual meeting of the Society on January 27, 2024.  I left the meeting with a strong feeling that the Society was in very good hands.  The officers and directors of the Society are doing an exceptional job of maintaining the viability of the Society in support of our Arizona veteran community.  Moreover, the participation of new, to me, faces in the Society leadership and their active participation in its mission were most impressive.  Most organizations suffer from issues of viability and leadership succession planning over time.  I am happy to report that none of this is evident in the Society.

At the same time, I was struck with a feeling of nostalgia.   In this article I would like to share a piece of our history at the beginning of the AVHOFS.   

As noted in the history, I was the Chairman of the Unified Arizona Veterans (UAV) when the Society was being invented. Since the UAV has, along with the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, been the principal overseer of the AVHOF from the beginning.  I was consulted frequently to make sure the new initiative didn’t rock the boat too severely and therefore had a good understanding of what was going on.  From my perspective we would likely not have an AVHOF Society if it were not for Frank Schmuck.

• It was Frank who had the vision and foresight to see the AVHOF inductees as the overachievers that they are and that resource could be tapped into to further veterans’ advocacy, while providing the forum for a lifetime of camaraderie and recognition in lieu of a single induction ceremony for the inductees.
• It was Frank who initiated, organized and led the initial organization meetings.
• It was Frank who developed and worked questionaries with the inductees to see what future they aspired to.
• It was Frank who worked with a law firm to establish the first Society Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, and establishment as a 501(c)3 non-profit.
• It was Frank who, as the first elected president of the Society, led it through the first years of its existence to form the basis of what we have today.

As I was reviewing the history it struck me that there is another significant event that needs to be documented somewhere.  In 2015 we were working with the Arizona Capitol Museum to relocate our AVHOF memorabilia somewhere more prominently than the back hallway of the Phoenix Veterans’ Home where it was housed.  AVHOF member Phil Hanson was our lead person in this activity.  During our initial discussions with the museum leadership, they asked if there was any official recognition of the AVHOF at the state level.  Of course, there was not. Since Phil had been an Arizona State Representative, we started an initiative to gain such recognition with the legislature.  That effort culminated with the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 2001 during the Second Regular Session of the Fifty-Second Legislature in 2016.  Both Unified Arizona Veterans and the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society have a rich history that all of our membership needs to be aware of.  

Submitted by Gary Fredricks (CLASS OF 2010)

An integral part of the annual Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Program is updating the Interactive display, including placing the most recently inducted class plaque in the  space provided at  the ACM.  Constructed from 1898-1901, the ACM (1700 W. Washington Street) is located in the restored, 1901 portion of the Arizona Capitol building . This area focuses on showcasing the history, traditions and  culture of State Forty-Eight.

The interactive display consists of a high-resolution electronic monitor which allows visitors to  review the history of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, and to access the alphabetically cataloged  names of the more than 500 members who have been inducted since 2001. Of historical  interest, the Unified Arizona Veterans (UAV), the Arizona Hall of Fame Society and the  Arizona Department of Veterans Services partnered in the concept and development of this unique feature of the ACM.  We are honored to recognize the contributions of  Gary Fredricks (HOF ’10), Phil Hanson ( HOF ’04), Ron Perkins ( HOF ‘12) and Rob Welch (HOF’12) , who were instrumental in the design, approval and installation of  this innovative project. UAV maintains responsibility for continuing monitoring and maintenance of the display.

The ACM (Website: azcapitolmuseum.gov; P: (602) 926.3620) is open from  9:00 AM – 4:00 PM weekdays and 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM on Saturdays. The ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME display is a “must see”  for Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame members, family, friends, and visitors to the  Arizona Capitol Plaza!

Submitted by: Reggie Yates , Class of 2013
(602) 373.0703

Jerry Wojtas AVHOFS Treasurer Class of 2011

Thanks to a number of contributions to our Century Club by Society members, we are on target to reach our $12,000 goal for the year.  Thank you to all who have contributed during this current fiscal year.

Remember that your Society supports a variety of other programs that are paid for through funds other than members contributions.  The Century Club is the only program where we ask our members to accept the costs of the scholarships we award. 

Be aware that each year your Society contributes $2,500 to all ARIZONA StandDowns.  We do that because we want our funds to be used around the state because that is where our members are located and where there are veterans who need help.  Those of you located in the far corners of our state be aware that if a StandDown is being held in your area, you and your Society have helped in a financial way.

Here is a listing of the StandDowns coming up in the next few months.

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

Above is the COMPLETE mailing address that should be used whenever you mail anything to our Society.  If you don’t use the STE. A2-619, which is our P.O. Box, we won’t get your mailing! 

Below are the names of those who have contributed to the Century Club by our December press time.  If your name is missing, please contact me and let’s see if we can straighten out the problem.

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

Roy McClymonds AVHOFS Quartermaster Class of 2017

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society (AVHOF) maintains a Country Store for members who want or need items that are AVHOF specific. The Country Store is normally open 2 times a year, spring and fall. We try to open the fall country store shortly before the Induction ceremony. That way new members can order items that hopefully can be worn shortly after their induction. The spring country store is usually open for those who have wanted either upgrades in their wardrobe or have worn out the older items. In 2024 the Country Store will open February 1, 2024 until March 15, 2024. Please send in your order as soon as possible.

This fall we are opening the Country Store A little early on August 15, 2023. Through September 15, 2023. I am doing this so our vendor can prepare clothing to be able to present the items right after they are inducted.

One last thing: when you complete the catalog PLEASE print clearly. I have had some catalogs that I have made errors on and I don’t want to inconvenience any members.

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
Roy McClymonds

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 Pat Little-Upah at patupah@gmail.com.

Known members that have passed in the past twelve months.

VICENTE SANCHEZ
(Class of 2016)

Vicente A. Sanchez, Sr. passed away on December 30, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Tolleson, Arizona in 1940. Vince Sanchez enlisted in the US Army Reserves in 1959, and retired in 1991 as Command Sergeant Major and Legion of Merit recipient. He retired from Basha's Food Markets in 2005 after 41 years of service. For 8 years he served as a Veterans Benefit Counselor, Department of Veteran's Services. During the 1970's and 1980's he created and promoted Spanish speaking radio and television shows in Arizona. From 1995 to 2007 he volunteered hundreds of hours with the Mesa Police Department's Volunteers in Police Service program, Gang Unit, where he taught classes and counseled parents and teenagers. In 1996 Vince founded the US Army Reserve Retired Members and Associates (USARRMA) Group which schedules activities for retired veterans and their families, such as Annual Christmas Toy Drive.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rafalita Sanchez, his children Vince Sanchez, Jr. (Margie), Alicia Sanchez, Albert Sanchez (Dan), Louie Sanchez (Sylvia), Leonard Sanchez (Carla), Richard Sanchez (Jennette), Mark Guerra, Daniel Noriega, Lisa Noriega-Grady; 27 grandchildren; and 38 great grandchildren. Rebecca Noriega preceded him in death.

A visitation was held on Thursday, January 11, 2024 with a service at 10:30 A.M. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix.

Vicente was laid to his final rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road in Phoenix following the service at 1 P.M.

BERNARD (BERNIE) KAPLAN
(taken from www.avhof.org)
(Class of 2008)

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1929. Entered U.S. Army in 1951, served in Korea, discharged in 1953. Opened a grocery store in New Jersey; served as President of the Chamber of Commerce. Created the Merchantville Christmas Parade to raise money for homeless and needy children. Following the death of his sister, created a Survivors Association in Philadelphia for suicide crisis; brought the program to Arizona in 1994. Active in American Cancer Society and serves food at a local shelter. Past Commander of Scottsdale Jewish War Veterans; serves on national commission to award scholarships. Actively raises funds for the Military Veterans Hospitality Room at Sky Harbor Airport. Collects items for Victory Place for veterans; raised funds for 10 computers. Following convalescence after being struck by a car in 2007; continues to raise funds for a proposed addition to Victory Place.