Pat Little-Upah AVHOFS President Class of 2014

On October 23rd, we will proudly welcome our newest Society members during the Induction Ceremony for the Class of 2026. I encourage all members to attend the VIP reception breakfast that morning at 8:00am and help make their first official Society event a warm and memorable one. We will provide additional information regarding the Induction in a separate message once the inductees have been announced. I will be in Washington, D.C., for the dedication of the Desert Storm Memorial and will be unable to attend; however, our very capable Vice President, Karen Craig, will represent me and the Society at the event.

SAVE THE DATE:  Our in-person Annual Meeting will be on Saturday, January 23rd, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton, 4400 S. Rural Road in Tempe, just off US-60. Members responded positively to this location and service last year, so we are pleased to return. We are exploring professional Zoom support or, if that is not feasible, a video recording that can be posted for members who cannot travel. Elections will also be held at this meeting. Additional details and the agenda will be shared as the date approaches. If you may need lodging, please let us know so we can explore a discounted room rate.

Our continued support for the State Veterans Homes in Yuma, Flagstaff, and Phoenix remain a priority. This year, because we did not have enough volunteers to organize in-person outings and events, we sent gift cards and supplies to each facility. The homes were very grateful, and the support helped staff provide meaningful extras such as lunches for residents. Still, nothing replaces the personal connection of our members spending time with veterans in person. I am happy to announce that Frank Alger (Class of 2023) has stepped up to be our project lead, so if you are willing to help at an outing or event held at one of these homes, please let us know.

I have personally attended many of the funerals of members who have passed away this year.   I am always humbled and honored to read the Citation of why the individual was inducted and to present the encased engraved Arizona flag to the family.  This means so much to the families that their loved one was part of the Society and to know that we care. Please complete the Member Information / Survey Form in the members section of our website so we know whom to contact when a member passes away – see detailed instructions on this, below. 

Recently, with Chaplain Newbill and Ron Williams, I presented the Arizona flag to the family of Glenn Goins, Class of 2013. Glenn nominated me for the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in 2014, and his passing reminded me how quickly time moves. This week, a good friend I served with in Vietnam also passed away in Oregon. I have decided to reach out each week to someone I have not spoken with recently—by phone, over coffee, or at lunch if they are here in Arizona. I encourage each of you to consider doing the same. Let’s not wait until a funeral to reconnect with the people who matter to us.

Many of you have asked about arrangements for member Judy Beischel (Class of 2012).  I have not heard back from her husband at this time.  If any of you have an update, please let us know.  Also, member Bruce Crandall, MOH Recipient, (Class of 2005) is going to be buried at Arlington but we do not have a date at this time. 

Thank you for the many ways you have served our country and continue to serve one another. I wish each of you a meaningful and blessed Veterans Day. Please watch our social media sites for additional updates and opportunities to stay involved.

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

OUR SUCCESS IS YOUR SUCCESS SUPPORT PROGRAM UPDATE

The Society’s Our Success Is Your Success Support Program, launched in July 2025, is designed to provide funds to Veteran Service Organizations or other qualified organizations who provide services, programs, or assistance to Arizona veterans, military servicemembers, and their families. The Society has completed its second application cycle—and the response shows just how many outstanding organizations there are in Arizona. The Society Board of Directors has allocated up to $50,000 for each of two planned application cycles in Budget Year 2026–2027.

The Spring 2026 application window closed on June 30, 2026, with 24 highly competitive applications. After a comprehensive review by the Finance Committee, the Board approved funding for 15 organizations whose missions are making a difference in communities across the state. The Society is proud to support each of their missions and further their impact in communities statewide.

Please join us in congratulating the following organizations who were approved for the Spring 2026 cycle:

If you would like more information about this program, or know of organizations that could qualify for funding through the Our Success is Your Success Support Program, please refer to our website at:  avhof.org/our-success-is-your-success-funding-program  The Fall 2026 cycle is currently open but will close at midnight on 30 September 2026.

2026 ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY - TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE!

FIVE MINUTES THAT MATTER: COMPLETE THE AVHOF MEMBER SURVEY

If you have not completed the online Member Survey, please take a few minutes to do so. If you already completed it and have no changes, no further action is needed. The survey includes space for Next of Kin information, which is essential for the Society’s Flags for Families Program and helps us coordinate the presentation of an Arizona flag and certificate to your family. It also helps us better communicate with members, learn about your interests and talents, and connect you with committees, programs, projects, and volunteer opportunities.

The survey form is very simple and should take you less than five minutes to complete!  You can also use this form to report any recent changes in your personal contact information (email, phone or mailing address). 

To complete the short member survey and provide your Next of Kin information for the Society's Flags for Families program:

• Go to www.avhof.org
• Log into the restricted Member Only section of our AVHOFS website. If you don't remember your log-on and password, please contact us.
• Once you've logged in, click on the BLUE button titled "Member Information Form" as shown in the photo below.
• Review the information provided, scroll to the bottom of the page, and complete the form -- then hit SUBMIT!

We look forward to receiving your survey response and appreciate your continued support!

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER: LET US NEVER FORGET

Othell (Tim) Newbill AVHOFS Chaplain Class of 2024

I would like to take a moment and reflect on what occurred on September 11th, 25 years ago.  On my way to work, I get a call from a friend who asked me if I knew what was happening in New York.  After we spoke, I turned on the radio listening in disbelief as I drove.  At that time, I had worked for Maricopa County Emergency Management, located on 52nd Street and McDowell.  There was a different greeting that day.  Guards were posted at each gate and armed.  Everyone had to show proper identification.  I finally got into the office and watched with my coworkers as we were all in shock, speechless and trying to do our jobs.

When all was said and done, 2753 died at the twin towers, including 343 firefighters, 23 NYPD officers and 37 Port Authority police officers.  At the Pentagon in Arlington, VA., 184 people died, including 125 civilians and military personnel inside the building plus 59 passengers and crew on American Airlines Flight 77.  At Shanksville, 40 passengers and crew died on United Airlines Flight 93.  A total of 246 passengers and crew across all four flights were killed.

As Veterans who vowed to protect our nation, let us not forget those who died, and the families who suffered loss.
Let us continue to help fellow Veterans in need.  Let us continue to pray for the men and women who are risking and giving their lives for our freedom.  Let us remember those who have paid the ultimate price for our nation!

LET US NEVER FORGET!!!

Respectfully,
Othell Newbill

The Arizona Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America is marking its 70th birthday on October 23rd at The McCormick Resort in Scottsdale. Founded in 1956, AZMOAA continues to strengthen our community through advocacy, education, scholarships, and charitable support for veterans, military families, and local organizations. The chapter is also proud that 40 of its members have been inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.

We would be honored to have you attend this celebration, please use this link to register: 70 Year Celebration - AZMOAA

Bruce Kosaveach
President
Arizona Chapter MOAA
AZHOFS Class of 2025

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

Nancy Fassbender AVHOFS Director Class of 2020

One day. One meal. One meaningful way to remember. Our next fundraiser supports Wreaths Across America and our organization—and it happens for one day only.

October 29, 2026 — All Day!

Visit any Red Robin location in Arizona and enjoy a meal with family, friends, or on your own. When you mention Arizona Veterans Honor Tour / Wreaths Across America, Red Robin will donate 20% of your purchase to support the effort.
Dine in or order takeout—and yes, dessert counts too. Every order helps honor veterans interred in Arizona, and Wreaths Across America will also donate $5 back to us for every wreath sponsored.

What better way to not only honor our interred Veterans but the WAA will then donate back to us $5 for every wreath sponsored! This year, wreath sponsorships are $17 each, and we are still short 225 wreaths. Help us close the gap by sponsoring a wreath at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/az0316p.

This year, the Wreaths Across America Motto is “Remember Me”.

Please consider joining us on this special day, October 29th and treat yourself to a delicious meal knowing that what you have purchased, 20% will go towards honoring our interred Veterans!  Be sure to mention the fundraiser when ordering so the donation is credited properly.

Thank you for your support.
“A Soldier Never Dies Until He Is Forgotten”

Nancy Fassbender
Class of 2020

FISHER HOUSE PHOENIX: A MAJOR STEP FORWARD

A dedicated group of veterans formed Friends of Fisher House Phoenix in January 2022 after recognizing the need for a Fisher House to serve the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center. The organization soon received IRS 501(c)(3) status and began working toward a powerful goal: giving families a place to stay while their loved ones receive care.

That effort has reached an important milestone. After coordination with medical center leadership and a lengthy site search, the Veterans Administration purchased land for the future Phoenix Fisher House.

Fisher House Foundation is an international nonprofit organization that builds and donates “comfort homes”, fully furnished homes with 8–21 suites, kitchens, laundry rooms, dining areas, and family spaces located on the grounds of major military hospitals and VA medical centers while their loved one receive medical care. No family pays to stay at a Fisher House; costs are covered by the Foundation or VA support.

Friends of Fisher House Phoenix is working closely with Fisher House Foundation to raise the funds needed to construct a 16-suite comfort home supporting the Phoenix VA Hospital. The projected cost is $13 million, and Fisher House Foundation has pledged to match $6.5 million raised by the community. Support from individuals, corporations, foundations, veterans’ service organizations, and community partners will help bring this much-needed home to life.

If you know of individuals, foundations or organizations that would like to support this project please contact me. 

Thank You
Pat Little-Upah
Vice President, Friends of Fisher House Phoenix

ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME SOCIETY AND PUP TENT 10 SUPPORT RESIDENTS AT ARIZONA STATE VETERAN HOME

PHOENIX, Ariz. — July 14, 2026 — Pup Tent 10 of the Grand of Arizona partnered with the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society to provide donations, fellowship, and meal service to residents of the Arizona State Veteran Home in Phoenix.
During the visit, members delivered more than 120 pairs of sweatpants and leggings to help meet an immediate need among residents. The group also donated approximately 50 pounds of snacks to replenish the home’s snack supply and served a meal to more than 50 residents.

The outreach reflected the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society’s ongoing commitment to honoring Arizona veterans through service, community engagement, and support for veterans and their families. Volunteers spent time visiting with residents, offering conversation, appreciation, and companionship in addition to the donated supplies.
“Supporting the residents of the Arizona State Veteran Home is one of the most meaningful ways we can honor the service and sacrifice of Arizona’s veterans,” said Frank Alger, Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society board member and Past Seam Squirrel of Pup Tent 10. “These veterans have given so much to our state and nation, and we are proud to stand with community partners like Pup Tent 10 to show our continued gratitude, respect, and support.”

Staff and residents expressed sincere appreciation for the support. The clothing items were especially needed, and the snacks were warmly received. Organizers said the visit demonstrated how direct outreach and thoughtful donations can make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of veterans living in long-term care.

A highlight of the visit was meeting a 102-year-old Korean War veteran, whose presence served as a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of America’s veterans. His story, along with those of the many residents visited that day, reinforced the importance of continuing to recognize and care for the men and women who have served the nation.

For more information about future veteran outreach efforts or ways to support residents at the Arizona State Veteran Homes, members are encouraged to contact Frank Alger, Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society Board Member and our State Veterans Home Project Lead.  He can be reached via phone: 480-570-4032 or email: frankwalger@gmail.com

TREASURER’S NOTES: THE CENTURY CLUB SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Sheree Bigge AVHOFS Treasurer Class of 2023

From Chuck: In the infancy years of AVHOFS, funds were very slim with little to cover the expenses.  An early member of the BOD, possibly an original member, Jesse Gersten, felt that an important thing the Society could do would be to provide a scholarship but there were not enough funds and the inductees were not going to be asked to pay dues.

During a lunch, attended by Chuck, Jesse and Barbara Hatch, a student scholarship program was discussed.  The desired program would not be too generous but would be easy to execute.  The vision for the high school student scholarships was launched to include students of the Veterans Heritage Program, now named Imprints of Honor program.

Later, during a BOD meeting, John Sentz (another Past President) brought a guest from the Pat Tillman Center.  During that meeting an epiphany occurred which was that the Society was awarding small scholarships to high school students but not to veterans.  But how would the Society be able to present scholarships without a funding source?  This meeting occurred in 2012, the 100th anniversary of Arizona’s statehood.  An extract from the Society history pages explain what happened soon thereafter.

The Century Club:  The Century Club, named after the Arizona Centennial, the year it was founded, is a fund dedicated to support of the AVHOFS Scholarship program.  The fund was initially created by members of the Board of Directors who each donated one hundred dollars for scholarship awards.  Today, the fund graciously accepts contributions from all donors in any amount in pursuit of the student scholarship programs.

It was the goal that each member of the AVHOF would be generous enough to contribute $100 annually to the Scholarship program.  Some did; most did not.   END

Thanks, Chuck, for sharing some history for those of us who were not aware of the meaning behind the Century Club.

For your information, we ended FY2026 with total donations to the Century Club of $7,573 against our target goal of $12,000.  There were varying amounts of donations by a few members.  That is also the budgeted amount and goal for FY2027.  To date in this fiscal year, one member has donated.

Although the Society is no longer in dire need of funds like we were in 2012, the Century Club is the way our members can give back to others through the scholarships we present to high school and veteran students during the annual Patriotic Awards Luncheon.  The amount of the scholarships presented exceeds the amount budgeted for member donations so additional funds from the McDowell Legacy donation and other corporate donations are utilized, as needed, to support our scholarship program.   Members do not pay dues, nor is there a requirement to make a donation, but we hope you will make a donation to support us and show your pride as a member of the Society.

Members can make a tax-deductible donation directly on the AZ Veterans Hall of Fame Society website, (www.AVHOF.org) under the DONATE tab. You can also make your donation via Zelle to Treasurer.AVHOFS@gmail.com, or by mailing a check to the Society, at P.O. Box 7650 S McClintock Dr, Ste 103-443, Tempe, 85284.  You will receive confirmation once received.  All levels of contribution are appreciated -- Thanks for your generosity to the Century Club Scholarship program!

You can also contact our Treasurer, Sheree Bigge directly at: sheree.bigge@gmail.com or 623-680-3016.  The Treasurer email is Treasurer.AVHOFS@gmail.com

Adam Garrard AVHOFS Quartermaster Class of 2020

How Our Order Process Works
Orders will be collected throughout each month. At the beginning of the following month, the complete order will be submitted for production.
Please keep in mind:

Orders are collected throughout the month.

• Orders are submitted for production on the 1st of the following month.
• Please allow approximately 30 days for production.
• Additional time will be needed for shipping and delivery.
• Because items are produced after the monthly order is submitted, please plan accordingly if you are ordering for a specific event or occasion.

Questions?
If you have questions about available items, sizing, ordering, or the process, please feel free to reach out to me.  I am happy to help!

Thank you all for your continued support of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society and our mission to support Arizona veterans, military personnel, their families, and survivors.
Thank you for your support—and happy shopping!

Adam Garrard
AVHOF – Quartermaster
Cell: 623-640-6792
Email: quartermasterazvhofcc@gmail.com

REPRESENTING THE SOCIETY ON THE SAVMCF

Daniel M. Conway (Class of 2014) – 20 June
Judith S. Beischel (Class of 2012) – 16 July
Glenn Goins (Class of 2013) – 19 August

Daniel M. Conway
Class of 2014

Judith S. Beischel
Class of 2007

(1948-2026) Born in Rome, New York in 1948. Boatswain’s Mate First Class, US Coast Guard Reserves, with service 1973-1980 during the Vietnam Era.

Glenn Scott Coins
Class of 2007

Glenn Scott Goins, 78, passed away on August 19, 2026, in Chandler, Arizona.

Born on December 1, 1947, Glenn lived a life marked by dedication to family and country. He served as an officer in the United States Army, retiring as a major, and was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. After his military retirement, Glenn worked as a licensed mortician and as an ROTC instructor.

Glenn was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra M. Goins; his son, Digger Goins; his parents, William and Martha Goins; his twin brother, Greggory Goins; and his younger brother, Lyle Goins.

He is survived by seven children and 13 grandchildren from his blended family: daughter Catherine Hubler of Austin, Texas; son Geoff Goins of Leesville, Louisiana, with his wife, Nancy, and grandsons Ray and John; son Fritz Goins of Seattle, Washington, with his wife, Samantha, and grandchildren Nadejda and Lev; son Scott Goins, with his wife, Amie, and grandsons Daniel and Aaron; daughter Seana McPherson, with her husband, Andy, and granddaughters Natalie, Megan, and Jorie; daughter Susana Roniss of Phoenix, with grandsons Alfonso IV and Andres; and daughter Arleth Garcia of Buckeye, Arizona, with her husband, Lucio, and grandson Nate and granddaughter Yaretzi.