Pat Little-Upah AVHOFS President Class of 2014

On Veterans Day the country has the opportunity to thank Veterans for their service and what they have done for our country.   There are ceremonies, parades and stories of service.  As I reflected on this, it occurred to me that for our membership every day is Veterans Day.  The reason that you were selected for the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame is because you not only served your country in the Military but continued to serve afterwards.  Our membership has been and will continue to be the backbone of service to our Veterans in Arizona through your ongoing work in many different organizations including this Society. 

We welcome our newest members who were inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in October.  The induction was very impactful.  A special thank you to our Vice President Karen Craig and everyone who volunteered to help at the VIP reception breakfast in the morning.  Many of you attended as we recognized the support person of our inductees.  We must never forget the importance of support from family and friends that make this journey we are on to help our veterans possible. 

Our Video about the Society being produced by Gene Ganssle is almost complete. While we were unable to show it at the Induction, this will prove to be an invaluable tool as we move forward and will be available to our membership as they tell the story of the Society.  Each of you are public relations ambassadors for the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society and we want to equip you with the tools you need.  We also have developed a slide show which is available to you.  Currently we have a Society Wreath held by Tom Hessler in Southern Arizona, one in northern Arizona held by Clyde Meade in Prescott and one in our storage unit here in Tempe.  If you would like to lay the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society Wreath at an event, please let us know. We will be laying a wreath at the Pearl Harbor commemoration event here in Phoenix in December.  We plan to show the Video at our annual meeting in January.  Details on that meeting will be announced in the near future. 

We have just completed the first Our Success is Your Success selection process and after contacting the recipients we will be posting those organizations on our website that we are awarding money too and what it will be used for.  The Society has been blessed financially, and we will continue to help other like-minded organizations to be successful and expand their outreach to the Veteran Community. 

It was with profound sadness that I had to announce the unexpected passing of member Christeen Verchot.   Her passing has left a void in our outreach program at the State Veterans Homes.  Christeen stepped up without hesitation several years ago to develop this program.  The outings and activities she put together at both the Phoenix and Yuma facilities made a significant difference to the residents.   We are looking for individuals to continue this work both in Phoenix and in Yuma.  Recently my daughter was admitted to a nursing home.  I see so many of the elderly with military hats on sitting idle rarely seeing family or friends visiting them.  This experience has driven home to me that we have Veterans not only in the State Homes but in facilities across Arizona.  While the Society cannot have programs at every home, I am asking our members to reach out to local facilities and visit a Veteran who may not have anyone.  Please let me know if you are available to help continue our programs at the Phoenix and or Yuma homes.   The Society pays for an in-house activity such as a lecture or bingo and brings in food.   What the residents really have enjoyed though is going out to lunch at a local restaurant.  This may be a rare opportunity for many to go out into the community again.  The Society covers the meal working closely with staff who also attend to help at the outing.   We cannot let this vital program end.  Please let me know if you are willing to help.  

I want to give a shout out to all of the Board members.  While I have had more limited availability this past month because of my daughter's medical situation they have kept the organization on track and moving forward.

As we approach this holiday season, I wish each of you and your family good health, peace and love.   As a Veteran and member of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society you are not alone if you have a need or just want to connect with other members, please reach out to us.  The holidays can be a difficult time for many; we are here to support you. 

Patricia Little-Upah
President, Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society
patupah@gmail.com
(480)226-4454

SAVE THE DATE
2026 PATRIOTIC AWARDS LUNCHEON
FRIDAY MAY 1, 2026

Karen Craig AVHOFS VP Class of 2020

We also want to extend a big “thank you” to those who took the time to submit a Copper Award nomination packet!  We received several more nominations right before the October 31st deadline so there will be some strong competition for each award.  The packets will be in the hands of the selection committee soon and we look forward to announcing the 2026 Copper Award recipients by mid-December.

In addition to presenting the AVHOFS and Unified Arizona Veterans’ 2026 Copper Awards at the luncheon, we also look forward to recognizing the most Outstanding VA Employee from each of the three Arizona VA Medical Centers and will present scholarships to selected Veterans, Veteran family members and High School Seniors participating in the Imprints of Honor Program. 

As you know, the AVHOFS Scholarship Program was one of the first programs developed after establishment of the Society in 2007 and remains one of our major programs today with over $200,000 in unrestricted scholarships awarded to date. Scholarship Committee Chair Christine Mahon (Class of 2017) encourages you to share the attached scholarship flyer with eligible veterans, NG/Reserve members, institutions of higher learning (to include Community Colleges and Trade Schools), and other Veteran Service Organizations. Note the deadline to apply is February 15, 2026.  More information, a PDF copy of the Scholarship Flyer, and the online Application Form can be found on our website HERE.  Information about the UAV’s Scholarship Program can be found on their website at:  www.azuav.org

Additionally, if you know any businesses or organizations who might want to support the Patriotic Awards Luncheon, please let us know.  A copy of our Sponsorship Benefits Flyer can be found HERE.  Feel free to share the flyer or send any leads to Gordon James (Class of 2015), at: gjames@gcjpr.com or by phone at 602.274.1988.  We are fortunate to have Gordon on our team as the PAL Sponsorship and Public Relations Lead.

If you are interested in volunteering your time to help the PAL Planning Committee, please contact Pat Little-Upah at 480-226-4454, or Karen Craig at 480-213-5769.  Working together with our entire committee, we plan to make this one of the most memorable Patriotic Awards Luncheons we’ve ever held.  Hope to see you there! 

ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME SOCIETY BOARD DIRECTOR NOMINATION
BOARD DIRECTOR POSITIONS OPEN

Nancy Fassbender AVHOFS Director Class of 2020

Nominations are currently being accepted until the Committee meeting scheduled for November 24th. The submitted names will then be forwarded for consideration at the Board meeting on December 10th.

All nominees are asked to submit a letter that includes the following:

• A statement expressing their desire to serve on the Board.
• An outline of their experience and skillset, detailing how they can contribute to the Board's success.

During the General Meeting in January, all members will have the opportunity to vote for the two open Director positions. Nominations from the floor will also be accepted at this meeting.

Members interested in serving as a Director on the Board are encouraged to submit their names to Nancy Fassbender, Committee Chair, via email at nfass@hotmail.com.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA REMEMBERANCE DAY EVENT

We are seeking volunteers to assist with event preparations. On December 12th at 3:00 PM, volunteers are needed to help unpack and fluff the wreaths that will be placed during the ceremony. Your help is vital to ensure the event runs smoothly and respectfully.

If you plan to assist, please contact Nancy Fassbender at nfass@hotmail.com and indicate which cemetery you will be attending on December 12th and December 13th.

The Remembrance Day event will begin promptly at 10:00 AM on December 13th. Two distinguished speakers will join us to pay tribute to our veterans:

CSM Rick Kreiberg, U.S. Army (Retired): With a decorated military career, Rick Kreiberg has received honors such as the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and nine Meritorious Service Medals. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and, following his service, founded Veterans Affinity to support senior veterans in accessing housing, healthcare, and benefits. Rick will speak at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park.

Captain Brian Udell, U.S. Air Force (Retired): Brian Udell’s ten-year Air Force career included roles as an Instructor, Mission Commander, and Air to Ground Top Gun winner. He has flown over 100 combat missions in Southwest Asia, accumulating nearly 2,000 hours in the Strike Eagle. His service was recognized with the Air Medal (four oak leaf clusters) and the Aerial Achievement Medal (three oak leaf clusters) for combat missions over Iraq. He will speak at MountainView Cemetery.

Following the placement of wreaths, Texas Roadhouse, along with the VFW Post 7968 and Auxiliary, will host a lunch for all participants and volunteers. We are grateful for their support and the contributions of all our sponsors and volunteers who have made this event a tremendous success.

Wreaths Across America may offer a Buy One, Get One (BOGO) event for 2026, available for one month beginning December 13th. Due to publication timing, advance notice will be limited. If you would like to help make the 2026 event another success, please reach out to Nancy Fassbender at 520-280-4715 or via email at nfass@hotmail.com for more information if this opportunity arises.

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Othell (Tim) Newbill AVHOFS Chaplain Class of 2024

As we move into our holiday season, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas (whether you celebrate them or not) I wish peace to each of you and your families. While some of you or your family members may be struggling with sickness, ailments or limitations; I pray strength, peace of mind, and comfort to each of you.

Thanks, and blessings,
Othell Newbill
Chaplain
AVHOFS

NORTH CENTRAL ROUND-UP

Clyde Meade AVHOFS Director Class of 2020

Greeting from the “almost northern” group of the AVHOFS members. Many events over the last couple of months in our area, unfortunately participation has been a challenge for many of our members.

Tis the season for Veterans Standdowns throughout the North Central area.  Lt Col Bob Wallace, USMC (class of 2014) and I (class of 2020) attended the one at U. S. VETS in Prescott, surprisingly we got rained out halfway through the event! Still, we were able to provide many with assistance prior to the storms.

They say there is a first time for everything! 30 plus years in the Navy and a son who retired from the Marine Corps, my wife and I were invited guests of Lt Col Bob Wallace (Class of 2014) to the 250th Marine Corps Birthday Ball! True to form was outstanding, expect nothing less from the Marines. Also, Bob was part of the Cake cutting ceremony.

Our Military Officers Association Chapter, NACMOAA, had the honor again of participating in this year’s Veterans Day Parade. It was also great to see Kathleen Laurier (class of 2012) out with her local chapter of the Scottish American Military Society (SAMS Post 1314) and she also participated in a flag fold presentation for her community.

Veterans and students celebrated the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) 250th birthday with a traditional cake cutting ceremony at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The ceremony was led by Marine Corp League Copper State Detachment 906. USMC was founded in 1775 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and since then, has shown dedication to its country during the Revolutionary War, World War I, and operations in the Middle East. The cake cutting ceremony is held annually by Marines across the U.S. It uses a Mameluke sword, and the pieces are served beginning with the oldest and youngest Marines. The ceremony concluded with a Hoorah and cake was served. 

Lt Col Bob Wallace (AVHOF Class 2014) and other Marines visited Major Stewart Fraiser (AVHOF Class of 2018) to celebrate the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps and sing the Marines hymn.

COCHISE COUNTY CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

VETERANS DAY IN SIERRA VISTA

Note: Gentleman in top right picture is Glenn Hohman (Class of 2018), incoming UAV Chair, who was the MC of the Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park.

Sheree Bigge AVHOFS Treasurer Class of 2023

For our current fiscal year (FY), the goal amount of donations by Society members is budgeted at $12,000.   Through November 15th, the amount of donations to the Century Club totaled $3625 which included a carryover from last FY of $425.  Please note, the table below only recognizes the donations for the current FY.

We are well below our projected goal.  As AZVHOFS is a 501c3 entity, all donations you make to the Century Club Scholarship fund are tax deductible.  I want to encourage you to make your donation during this season of giving.  It is an honor to be a member of the AZ Veterans Hall of Fame and each member can make a difference to the recipients by your generosity.  Please donate to support this program.

There are several ways in which you can make your donations:   directly on the AZ Hall of Fame Society website, (www.AVHOF.org), by mail (P.O. Box 7650 S McClintock Dr, Ste 103-443, Tempe, 85284) or send via Zelle to Treasurer.AVHOFS@gmail.com .  You will receive confirmation once received.

Thanks for your generosity to the Century Club Scholarship program.  All levels of contribution are appreciated.

If desire to contact me directly, sheree.bigge@gmail.com or 623-680-3016.  The Treasurer email is also active:  Treasurer.AVHOFS@gmail.com

Adam Garrard AVHOFS Quartermaster Class of 2020

Adam Garrard
Quartermaster
Class of 2020

Kenneth (Ken) Symmes
Class of 2009

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1928. Enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946. Commissioned Second Lieutenant in 1947. Honorably discharged in 1979, Brigadier General, US Army, Retired. Former owner/operator, K-Comm Services Company for four years. Former owner/operator, Vista Business Machines, Inc. for nine years. Volunteer Leader in the Sierra Vista community for over 30 years. Former Chairman, Planning and Zoning Commission, Sierra Vista, for three years. Active Life Member of the Huachucans of Sierra Vista, supporting youth activities for over 24 years. Active Director, Cochise County Industrial Development Authority for 24 years. Served eight years as a Public member on the Arizona Supreme Court’s Committee on Probation. Active member, Fort Huachuca Museum Society. Active Life Member, Military Officers Association of America including past President, Coronado Chapter.

Verchot, Christeen B.
Class of 2021

Christeen B. Verchot was born on April 29, 1952 and passed away on October 20, 2025 at the age of 73. Christeen spent her life dedicated to taking care of others and witnessing for her Lord and savior as a Christian.

Christeen was the daughter of the late Patricia and Edward Verchot of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Christeen was born in 1952 and raised in Pittsfield. Christeen attended Catholic Schools and graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in 1970. She attended Worcester Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing where she earned her RN and entered the United States Air Force in 1974 following her graduation. She served as an OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner for 10 years 6 months, and a Clinical Nurse 9 years 10 months. After retiring on January 1, 1995 from the United States Air Force at the rank of Lt. Colonel, she went on to earn her BSN/MSN from SUNY at Syracuse and a Doctorate in Nursing from SUNY Binghamton. Later, she taught nursing at SUNY IT Utica/Rome.

Christeen served her country in the United States Air Force from 1974 to 1995. She was stationed in Wiesbaden Germany, Fort Walton Beach Florida, Griffis Air Force base in Rome NY, and MacDill Air Force Base Florida. Christeen served in support of Operation Desert Storm/Shield from August 2, 1990 to December 21, 1994. She was a flight nurse from January 31, 1991 to June 22, 1991 while deployed to Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Christeen’s career was dedicated to taking care of our Military Personnel and their families as a Clinical Nurse and OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner.

Christeen’s military awards were USAF Commendation Medal with 2 Devices, USAF Outstanding Unit Award with 2 Devices, National Defense Service Medal with Star, USAF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, and USAF Longevity Service Award with 3 Devices. She retired on January 1, 1995 as a Lieutenant Colonel after 21 years of service.

Following her military service, Christeen continued to serve veterans with a relenting passion, as a co-founder of Project Veterans Pride/James Walton Home that served Homeless Male Veterans. She established this home in 2013 with the vision of providing programs and services to assist the veterans in gaining back their pride and dignity, so they could return to society as a self-sufficient and productive member. During the tenure of James Walton Home, she served 974 male veterans with a success rate of 94% in getting them stabilized, with jobs, housing and engagement with VA for benefits, programs and services.

Christeen was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2021 and a member of the AZ Veterans Hall of Fame Society (AVHOFS). Christeen managed the State Veteran Homes Outreach Program for the AVHOFS for Phoenix and Yuma State Veteran Homes. Every quarter, she would do an activity with the residents, which included taking them out to lunch at a nice restaurant, playing bingo or having an ice cream social. She filled their hearts with love, laughter, and never ceased to show kindness, respect and an attitude of gratefulness for their service.

She is survived by her children, Kirsten Getchell and her husband Brian Getchell, and Kyle Liang and his wife Rachel Liang, as well as her grandchildren, Connor and Harper, who brought her tremendous pride and joy and her soon-to-arrive granddaughter, Zoey, whose upcoming birth Christeen learned about shortly before her passing. Christeen leaves behind her sister Maureen Nicklaw (and late brother-in-law Dave Nicklaw), brother Skip Verchot (and his wife Susan), brother Buddy Verchot, sister Patricia, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, godchildren and cousins.

Christeen leaves behind her little dog Missy that was a joy for her, a companion, and a true emotional support for Christeen. Missy is a 7 year old Min Pin full of life, love and brilliance. She is now living with her Uncle Ron, who loves her dearly as Missy loves him, a match made in heaven.

Christeen was an active member of St. Theresa Catholic Church, and a supporting member of organizations such as the CASA Veterans Ministry, Veterans First Limited, Honor House, Military Officers Association of America and Military Women Across America. Christeen donated over 16,000 volunteer hours to worthy causes, projects, and events.

As for hobbies, she loved to volunteer by helping veterans and senior citizens as well as read her bible and participate in daily bible study at her church and home. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends, hiking, taking Missy for walks in the park, and making jewelry.

A celebration of life will be held on January 16, 2026 at 10 am at St. Theresa Catholic Church located at 5045 E Thomas Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018. Christeen will be laid to rest immediately following the celebration of life at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd Phoenix, AZ 85024 with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Christeen Verchot’s name to the Justa Center, a place she loved, respected and visited often. Opened in 2006, Justa Center is the only resource and day center exclusively serving seniors, many who are veterans experiencing homelessness in the Phoenix area. Justa Center provides essential support and services for homeless adults age 55 and over, including benefits assistance, transportation coordination, help finding permanent housing, and more. You can give online at www.justacenter.org/give  

Stuart (Stu) Carter
Class of 2018

Stu Carter was born in Chicago on July 17, 1952, to Arthur and Joan Carter. He enlisted in the US Air Force after high school, serving from January 1971 to February 2001 including 16 years of overseas assignments. Lt Col Carter was a combat veteran of the Gulf War. After his USAF retirement Stu served as a civil servant for both the Air Force and the Army, finally retiring in 2015 as Director, Strategic Initiatives Group and Congressional Affairs for NETCOM at Fort Huachuca, marking 45 years of combined military and federal civil service. He Holds a BA in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkley and a MS Degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle University.

Stu was a cycling enthusiast and the 1992 US National Military Time Trial Champion. He was the founder of the Air Force Cycling Team in 1995 and started VeloVets Sierra Vista in 2016 to help fellow disabled veterans become physically active in bicycling.

Engaged and well known and regarded in the community since his settling in Sierra Vista in 2006, Stu was active on the Board of the Warrior Healing Center. He was a 2018 inductee to the AZ Veterans Hall of Fame and was awarded the 2024 AZ CD6 Veteran Servant Leader Award from Congressman Juan Ciscomani.

Stu tragically passed away on November 5 from cardiac arrest while on a bike ride with his beloved fellow VeloVets. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Anne Carter and daughter Stacey Carter to whom he was an adoring and devoted father. He leaves behind his cherished mini-Schnauzers Misty and Luna and countless friends and fellow cyclists who loved and admired him.

A funeral service was held at the First Church of the Nazarene, 1215 El Camino Real Sierra Vista on Monday, November 17 at 10:00AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Stu's memory to VeloVets Sierra Vista through the website at velovetssierravistaaz.org or the VeloVets Sierra Vista Facebook page.
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