Pat Little-Upah AVHOFS President Class of 2014

It has been a busy year thus far for the Society and our members. We had another great Patriotic Awards Luncheon (PAL) May 1st where we were again honored to be able to present Scholarships, our Copper Awards and recognition to our outstanding VA Medical Center employees. Each year the PAL has grown, and so Karen and I are already exploring larger venues for the 2027 PAL. 

Our membership continues to be engaged in our State and beyond. Thank you to Chuck Byers Class of 2018 for the informative articles he wrote on the importance of PSA testing and also the new AI platform RANGER which is already helping many of our Veterans and their families. Thank you to Paul Smiley Class of 2021, one of our Board members, for the article on Luke Days. For most Veterans Memorial Day is often a difficult holiday as we remember the passing and sacrifices of friends and families in service to our country. I have included an interview that member Rick Romley Class of 2007. I think his words resonate with all of us. To everyone who attended and assisted with Memorial Day observances across the State thank you. We are having additional memorial wreaths made for the Society which members can then request for events. Our members continue to give back and we welcome your stories for the newsletter. 

We want to give special recognition to Clyde Meade Class of 2020 who has moved to Texas causing his resignation from the Board of Directors. Clyde served as our liaison in Prescott and much of the surrounding areas. He was a strong advocate for the Society speaking to local groups and helping to facilitate the Flags for Families program in that area. He will be missed but will forever be a AVHOF member. 

It was with great sadness that I had to send out the notice of a passing of a true hero and recipient of the Medal of Honor Bruce Crandall. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Internment waits can be 8-10 months. We will inform you as we hear more. Past President Jim Monroe, a friend of Bruce, has been in touch with the family. We will forever remember when Bruce spoke at the Patriotic Awards Luncheon with his beloved dog Huey. 

Sheree Bigge our Treasurer outlined that we have not met our Century Club goal. I know that we have been very transparent with our membership about being blessed with the large McDowell Trust legacy gift and several other legacy gifts. You may think “why does the Society continue to ask for money when they are financially stable now.” When people hear that a nonprofit is financially stable, they often assume its fundraising needs have disappeared. In reality, financial stability is not the finish line—it is the foundation that allows an organization to continue fulfilling its mission, responding to community needs, and planning for the future. 

A healthy nonprofit must continue raising funds even during times of financial strength. Here’s why:

Meeting Growing Community Needs
The challenges facing our Veteran community are very real. As needs evolve, we must expand our programs, reach more people, and develop new solutions. This was why we created the “Our Success is Your Success” program using interest from our investments. The resources that support today’s programs may not be enough to meet tomorrow’s demands. Continued fundraising ensures that we can respond quickly and effectively as circumstances change. 

Preparing for the Unexpected
Economic downturns, natural disasters, public health crises, and changes in government funding, wars and conflicts can occur without warning. Organizations that maintain strong fundraising efforts are better positioned to weather unexpected challenges without reducing critical services. Building financial reserves today helps protect the mission tomorrow. 

Sustaining Long-Term Impact
Financial stability today does not guarantee financial stability next year. The Society was on the brink of bankruptcy at one point. Nonprofits like AVHOFS rely on diverse revenue streams to remain resilient. Annual giving to support our grants, sponsorships, and special events help create a balanced funding model that reduces dependence on any single source of income. 

Building a Legacy
Successful nonprofits think beyond immediate needs. They plan for future generations by creating sustainable programs, developing leadership, and establishing endowment funds. If you would like to leave a legacy gift please let us know. Ongoing fundraising helps ensure that the organization’s impact will continue long into the future. 

Looking Ahead
Financial stability is something to celebrate. It reflects responsible stewardship, strong leadership, and the generosity of supporters. But stability is not a reason to stop fundraising—it is a reason to continue building on success. 

Every gift, regardless of size, helps ensure that our organization can remain strong, responsive, and effective in serving our community. Together, we are not just funding today’s programs; we are investing in a future where our mission continues to thrive. 

Thank you to everyone who has supported the Society over the years with your time, talents and dollars. Because of you the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society will continue to grow and serve for many generations to come. 

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

PATRIOTIC AWARDS LUNCHEON

Karen Craig AVHOFS VP Class of 2020

Governor Hobbs was unable to attend; however, ADVS Director John Scott was in attendance and shared a personal video from the Governor who recognized and congratulated each of the AVHOFS and UAV’s honorees by name.  We were also very fortunate to have two special guests in attendance at the luncheon this year – Major Fannie McClendon, WWII veteran, member of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion, and recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal and Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and Military Advisor to the President & CEO of TriWest. We also had a number of other legislative leaders and dignitaries in attendance which included former U.S. Representative John Shadegg, the Mayor of Kingman Ken Watkins, and eight previous Copper Award honorees.

Once again, the Society was honored to recognize three Copper Award recipients and three VAMC employees and awarded eight scholarships to some very deserving high school students, veterans, and family members of veterans. The Unified Arizona Veterans also presented their Copper Star award and presented three additional scholarships. Each awardee and scholarship recipient is an outstanding citizen and very deserving of the recognition they received. Of note, including the scholarships given this year, the Society has given over $250,000 in scholarships since inception of the program in 2008.  We want to extend our appreciation to each of the Century Club Scholarship Program donors who help fund these scholarships along with the legacy funds we received from the McDowell Estate. We also appreciate the Military Order of the Purple Heart Department of Arizona who have funded the Robert J Puskar Veteran Scholarship for the last four years. 

A copy of this year’s Patriotic Awards Luncheon Program is posted on the Events/PAL page of our website at the link below, where you can read the personal narrative about each honoree – click here: https://avhof.org/patrioticawardsluncheon/

You can see a few photos from the luncheon, below. All event photos have been posted on the Society’s social media sites and selected photos are also posted on our website here:  https://avhof.org/galleries/   Video highlights of each Copper Award honoree, expertly prepared by Gene Ganssle of G2Pro, were also shared on our Facebook and Instagram pages over the last month. 

We would also like to extend our since appreciation to members of the PAL Committee who continue to work tirelessly to make the luncheon a success, all the other Society and USAA volunteers, our special guests and program participants, as well as our sponsors who continue to support us each year.  

Please join us in congratulating each of the 2026 honorees!  We look forward to seeing you next year for our 20th Anniversary Patriotic Awards Luncheon!

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

ARIZONA VETERANS HONOR TOUR
www.arizonaveteranshonortour.org

Nancy Fassbender AVHOFS Director Class of 2020

Some of you are new volunteers so just a short paragraph of what we do.  I have two cemeteries where which I make sure all our interred Veterans are honored.  The cemeteries are Mariposa Gardens and Mountain View Cemeteries.  Last year, because of all my volunteers generosity, I was able to also send 2,000 more wreaths up to the Arizona Veterans National cemetery in Phoenix.  Because of all of you, they were able to do more and announced because of us, they broke their own record of honoring more interred veterans!!  I would love to do that again this year!

Also, Wreaths Across America will donate to us $5 for every wreath sponsored so we can use it for veterans in our own community!  What a great offer!  So it is very important that if you go online, you must type in the complete website address as www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/az0316p  

This year our wreaths are only $17 each!  If you want to send us a check, please make it out to Wreaths Across America and send to Wreaths Across America    4657 S Desert Dawn   Gold Canyon, AZ  85118.  If you have any questions, please call me at 520-280-4715.  I can help you even if you would like to send a wreath to a different cemetery and WAA is involved with that cemetery.

On July 1st we are having our 2nd annual Christmas In July online auction!  (see flyer attached). Once again, we have gift cards, show passes and some very interesting items for you to bid on.  It will run until 6pm on July 31st! You can keep bidding on an item if someone out bids you.  So keep an eye on the auction.  All monies will be going to sponsor more wreaths.

One more update:… Many of you participated in the fundraising survey.  Thank you so much!  We made over $6,000!!  Also, at the end of April, we encouraged you to go out to eat at a Red Robin Restaurant… Wow… you all stepped up at the last moment and we made $772!  I do have another Red Robin day on October 29th… so mark your calendars!!!!  This time, all of the Red Robin Restaurants in Arizona will be participating!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.  You all have been fantastic volunteers and I appreciate all the help you have been able to help give.  Let’s make this another year to break another record of honoring more interred Veterans…

“A Soldier never dies until he is forgotten”

Nancy Fassbender
Class of 2020

FORMER MARICOPA COUNTY ATTORNEY REFLECTS ON TIME IN VIETNAM

Vietnam veteran Rick Romley overcame life-altering injuries to become a symbol
of resilience and service.
Author: Mark Curtis

Rick Romley Class of 2007

PHOENIX — The 1960s — a time of social change and idealism. It was also a time of war. America was embroiled in the meat grinder of Vietnam, and a young Rick Romley, just a few months out of high school, walked into a Tucson Marine recruiting station and signed up. It was 1968.

"I joined the Marine Corps with my best friend, David Schaefer, and just a short time after I was wounded, he was killed in Vietnam. It touched me very, very, very personally. I named my first son after him, and so I think of that sacrifice — and not just them," Romley said. It was a landmine that nearly cost Romley his life. Both legs were gone, and he had a ton of shrapnel in his gut. He endured surgery after surgery, and that same dogged determination would one day make him a fierce Maricopa County Attorney.

"I actually think I'm stronger because of those war injuries," Romley said. "It forced me to recognize the good — sometimes the limitations that you might have — but you become stronger, and you realize that you have a strength inside of you, and hopefully it pushes you to the good side."

Vietnam left its mark on Romley, as it did on so many others. But instead of succumbing to the injuries that no one could see, he instead found purpose.

"I could have been one of those veterans that committed suicide — too many veterans do nowadays because of war injuries. But when you find that there's something greater than yourself — for me, I had to raise my boys, I was a single parent — you begin to realize that that can be the most gratifying thing in your entire life," Romley said.
And that's the message Rick Romley wants America to hear as we near our 250th birthday. Service and sacrifice can be life-changing. He wants his fellow Americans to listen to their hearts — and not the noise.

"I think, take a moment and remember and reflect upon that service and sacrifice. Don't lose it. Don't give it up for the craziness of today's politics — that's not who we are as Americans. We just aren't that way. We are a giving country; we've always been that way," Romley said. "Just take a moment to reflect and honor those that gave so much. And if you disagree with them, okay, disagree with them — but don't hate them. Don't hate them."

VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA — HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE

Don’t Wait — Why PSA Screening After 70 Could Save Your Life
Especially If You Served, and Especially If You Were Exposed

What Is a PSA Test and Why Does It Matter?
The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a routine blood draw that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in your bloodstream. Elevated levels can be an early signal of prostate cancer — often long before any symptoms appear. Prostate cancer is frequently first detected with a PSA blood test or digital rectal exam, and many men have no symptoms at all in the early stages.

That silent nature is exactly what makes it so dangerous — and why screening matters so much.

Age Is the #1 Risk Factor — But It’s Not the Only One
The greatest risk factor for prostate cancer is increasing age. Other significant risk factors include having a father or brother with the disease and being African American. But for veterans, there is an additional and critically important risk factor: toxic exposure during military service.

Veterans are about twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than men who have never served in the military. Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in veterans, diagnosed in approximately 11,000 men in the VA system every year.

The Agent Orange Connection
If you served in Vietnam or in areas where herbicides were used, your risk profile is different — and demands more vigilance. Vietnam and Korean War veterans with exposure to chemicals like Agent Orange have a higher occurrence of prostate cancer. A landmark study conducted at the Portland VA Medical Center and Oregon Health and Science University found that veterans exposed to Agent Orange are not only at higher risk for prostate cancer, but they are more likely to develop aggressive, fast-moving forms of the disease.

That last point cannot be overstated. It isn’t just about getting cancer — it’s about getting a faster-moving, harder-to-treat form of it.

The VA recognizes this reality. Veterans who develop prostate cancer and were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service do not have to prove a connection between their prostate cancer and their service to be eligible for VA health care and disability compensation.

So Why Screen After Age 70?
Some general guidelines suggest tapering screenings after 70, but those recommendations are built for average-risk men. If you carry multiple risk factors — age, family history, military service, toxic exposure, or African American heritage — you are not an average-risk patient.

Research on nearly a million veterans found that PSA values from ages 65 to 69 were the strongest predictors of 10-year prostate cancer-specific mortality and metastatic disease, regardless of race or other health conditions. Continuing PSA screening after age 70 can meaningfully benefit men who are at elevated risk. Your PSA history tells a story — and your doctor needs that story to protect you.

Early Detection Is Everything
When prostate cancer is caught early — while it’s still confined to the prostate — treatment options are broader, outcomes are far better, and the chance of a full recovery is significantly higher. Waiting until symptoms appear, such as urinary difficulty, pain, or fatigue, often means the cancer has already progressed to a more dangerous stage.
Men at increased risk — including those with a family history of prostate cancer, those exposed to Agent Orange or other toxins, Black male veterans, and men with known genetic variants — should have an open conversation with their health care provider about their individual risk and whether continued screening is right for them.

The Bottom Line
If you are over 70, served in the military, and were exposed to Agent Orange or other toxic substances, please talk to your doctor about PSA screening. Don’t assume your age means the window has closed. Don’t assume no symptoms means no problem.

You served this country. You deserve to fight for your health with every tool available — and right now, that tool is a simple blood test.

Talk to your VA provider or primary care physician today. Early detection saves lives.

THE ORIGIN OF RANGER

By CHARLES BYERS

HealthProAssist (HPA) was founded with a mission to support veterans, seniors, and the families who care for them through practical guidance and trusted information. RANGER was not created simply as a technology platform—it was built from real-world experience and from a deeply personal question raised by a veteran and accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO):

“When I’m gone, will my wife know what to do?”

That question became the driving force behind RANGER.

For many veterans and

their families, navigating VA benefits, healthcare systems, disability claims, survivor benefits, and long-term planning can be overwhelming. In many households, one person becomes the family’s navigator—the individual who understands the system and knows where to turn. But when that person is no longer able to help, families are often left uncertain about where to begin.

RANGER was developed to bridge that gap and provide continuity of support.

Unlike many open artificial intelligence platforms that rely solely on broad internet data, RANGER was designed as a rules-based AI system built around trusted and authoritative information. Its guidance is structured using information and references derived from VA.gov, VA regulations, benefits guidance, and established veteran support resources. This approach helps ensure that the information being provided remains focused on veterans’ needs and grounded in recognized sources.

RANGER also reflects more than twenty years of real-world experience from an Accredited Veterans Service Officer—experience gained by working directly with veterans and their families through claims, appeals, healthcare challenges, survivor benefits, and navigating barriers that often prevent veterans from receiving the care and compensation they have earned.

That experience taught an important lesson: veterans often do not simply need information—they need guidance, context, and direction.

For veterans and families, RANGER serves as a 24/7 virtual assistant and guide, helping them understand benefits, identify potential resources, prepare for discussions with VSOs, navigate healthcare options, and understand next steps during critical moments in their lives.

For Veterans Service Officers, RANGER becomes a force multiplier. VSOs face increasing caseloads and limited time while serving veterans with increasingly complex needs. RANGER can assist by helping organize information, answer frequently asked questions, identify possible benefit pathways, and support claim preparation, allowing VSOs to dedicate more time to advocacy and individualized representation.

At its core, RANGER is not intended to replace the VSO—it is intended to strengthen the VSO and empower veterans and their families with trusted guidance.

RANGER is more than artificial intelligence. It is a continuation of service, built from experience, guided by trusted information, and founded on the belief that One Generation Will Never Abandon Another.

Ranger

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Othell (Tim) Newbill AVHOFS Chaplain Class of 2024

Time is swiftly moving, half way through another year already. Let us be encouraged to continue serving the current military personnel and their families to the best of our ability. Let us remain vigilant with uplifting and inspiring those veterans and their families that have fallen on hard times.

AVHOF thank you for all you do to help others!

Many blessings,

Othell Newbill
Chaplain
AVHOFS

Sheree Bigge AVHOFS Treasurer Class of 2023

Our Scholarships have grown over time due to the endowment from some past members.  But the bulk of the funding for these scholarships comes from the current members.  We will continue to ask our AVHOFS members to support this endeavor.

The current fiscal year (FY) goal for donations by Society members is budgeted at $12,000.   Through 31 May , the amount of donations to the Century Club totaled $6,775.  The fiscal year ends this month, so there is still time to reach the goal, or get closer.   A table below indicates the members and the various levels of donation.

There are several ways in which you can make your tax deductible 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 you desire to contact me directly, sheree.bigge@gmail.com or 623-680-3016.  The Treasurer email is Treasurer.AVHOFS@gmail.com

Adam Garrard AVHOFS Quartermaster Class of 2020

Adam Garrard
Quartermaster
Class of 2020

MEMORIAL DAY AT THE SOUTHERN ARIZONA VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY

AVHOF MEMBERS ATTEND LUKE DAYS 2026

“Hundreds of thousands of visitors filled Luke Air Force Base during Luke Days 2026 (March 21st & 22d) where aerial demonstrations, historic aircraft and interactive exhibits brought the pillars of community, innovation and heritage to life for an estimated 200,000 attendees over the two-day event.”  AVHOF Society members Pat Little-Upah, Paul Smiley and Steve Bradford were guests of the 56th Wing Commander Brigadier General David J. Berkland.  “As a career combat aircrew member and Operation Desert Storm veteran, watching our nation’s young warfighters demonstrate amazing flying, maintenance, and support skills never gets old” said AVHOF board member Paul Smiley who retired at Luke AFB in 2002.

According to Luke AFB Public Affairs officials “What our community saw at Luke Days wasn’t just an airshow—it was a firsthand look at the Airmen, training and partnerships that generate combat airpower every day,” said Brig. Gen. David Berkland, 56th Fighter Wing commander. “We were proud to open our gates and show how Luke AFB contributes directly to the fight, alongside our allies, while staying deeply connected to the community that makes this mission possible.”

As the Air Force’s largest fighter training base, Luke AFB plays a critical role in preparing U.S. and partner nation pilots to deliver combat-ready airpower around the globe. The installation trains most of the world’s F-35 pilots, supporting a coalition of allied nations committed to maintaining air superiority and global stability.

Lowell (Ed) Fox
Class of 2005

(1944-2005) Born in Amity, Oregon, in 1944. Served in U.S. Navy; retired from U.S. Air Force as Lieutenant Colonel in 1993. Former Director of Agency Relations for United Way in Fresno, CA. As a life member of Military Order of World Wars (MOWW), dedicates time and leadership annually to its summer Youth Leadership Program. Established Air Force Junior ROTC program in 1995 at Gilbert’s Highland High School. Developed concept for a Technology and Leadership Academy in 2003, which has emerged as one of the top high schools in Arizona. A Phi Delta Kappa, he is active in Kiwanis International, the Association of Supervisors and Curriculum Development, and the Arizona School Administration. Continues involvement with Military Officers Association of America, Air Force Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Bruce Crandall
Class of 2007

(1933-2026) United States Army, Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airborne). Born Olympia, Washington in 1933 and cited for action on 14 November 1965 in the la Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam. Disregarding intense enemy fire that had halted his original mission on the fifth troop lift, Major Crandall marshaled assets, adjusted his base of operations to a more forward location, and flew continuing missions to deliver ammunition and to evacuate wounded soldiers from the landing zone thereby instilling others to follow his lead and enhancing morale and the will to fight at a critical time. Lasting through the day and into the evening, he completed a total of 22 flights, most under intense enemy fire, retiring from the battlefield only after all possible service had been rendered to the infantry battalion.