arizona veterans magazine

Summer 2013 l FREE

new Women’s homeless Shelter

Thank You To aLL ouR VETERanS

Unified ArizonA VeterAnS Working together

Col. Strickland Update

ARIZONA VETERANSM A G A Z I N E

PROUDLY SERVING VETERANS IN ARIZONA

My name is Mark Field and I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. I joined theUS Navy to travel and see the world and proudly served eight years (1981-1989) on

submarines. I spent over three years underwater making six 4-month patrols on a ballistic missile submarine. I also served onSubmarine NR-1 during the recovery of the NASA Space ShuttleChallenger in 1986. After weeks of searching the ocean floor, werecovered the right booster rocket, which had caused the explosion.

With aspirations to go to college andbecome an officer, I was accepted into theEnlisted Education Advancement Programand the Enlisted Commissioning Program.I served in a Special Project CIA/NSA

Intelligence Program, a top-secret spy submarine that operated in clandestineoperations. Later I was re-enlisted by Caspar Weinberger, the Secretary of Defense.

I enjoyed every moment of my military career and will always cherish the memories.It allowed me the opportunity to travel all over the world. In retrospect, I would haveserved my country without pay. After leaving the military, I completed myundergraduate degree in economics at The University of Arizona and then graduatestudies at Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale.

I wrote an international best-selling book, THE COURIER, which sold over 200,000copies worldwide and have been a guest on over 850 TV and radio shows in theUSA, Canada and The United Kingdom. I previously published two magazines, SUN

TENNIS MAGAZINE AND SUN GOLF MAGAZINE in Arizona. I received an official appointment to serve as an Advisor to a former Governor of Arizona. I spent the past 15

years as a Mortgage Banker in both Arizona and California. I volunteer on veterans issues and have coordinateda homeless veterans clothing drive and a veterans job creation program. I am currently working on a submarineespionage movie project.

“You must be the change

you wish to see in the world.”

— Gandhi

I wish to see a world in peace wherewe honor our military veterans withappreciation and respect.ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE

wants to be that inspiration for abetter world.

VOlUNTeer FOr a

VeTeraN aT HOSPiceHospice of the Valley has a specialprogram for veterans. They are lookingfor veterans who want to offercompanionship to other veterans whoare hospice patients. The not-for-profitagency’s mission is bringing comfortand dignity as life nears its end. Oneout of four dying Americans is aveteran. Free training is available andthey have a person who is available tospeak to organizations. Contact 602-636-6336 to volunteer.

diScOUNT reNT FOr VeTeraNSCRSC Residential is offering up to 50%off the market rent at the CambridgeCourt Apartments at 5145 North 7thStreet, Phoenix, AZ, 85014, (602) 277-1940 and The Cove on 44th Apartmentslocated at 4030 North 44th Ave.Phoenix, AZ, 85031, (602) 233-2749.

Mark,i believe the initial articles ought to

focus on the backlog of disability claimsand how the process does not appear tobe getting any better.

it ought to focus on the tough jobsituation for veterans, the suicidesituation, the homeless situation as well.Here in Arizona we need to build at leastthree more veterans homes but i amhaving trouble getting the state to put uptheir share of matching funds for thehomes.

We need to treat the indan tribes likea state so they can build tribal veteranshomes on the reservation withoutfunding the total cost. A state funds only35 percent of the total cost of a veteranshome. i could go on and on.

i believe you have to make itinteresting, focus on some of the morecontroversial issues. You may want tofocus a short article on key combatoperations from WWii to Afghanistan.this magazine is about warriors, afterall. Just some of my thoughts.

Joey Strickland colonel — US army, retired

Mr. Mark Field

Arizona Veterans Magazine

Dear Mark,

Thank you for writing, and for your service and sacrifice. I have heard from manyAmericans who are losing their jobs or facing long-term unemployment and strugglingto pay their bills. Every day, I make sure we are doing all we can to create good jobsand to help Americans support their families and pursue the American dream.

Information for veterans and military families hoping to start, grow, and succeed intheir businesses can be found at www.SBA.gov/Content/Veterans-And-Military-Families. For additional help launching a new business or registering yourveteran-owned business, please visit www.VetBiz.gov.

As our troops return home, we need to ensure they can find jobs to put theirunparalleled skill and experience to use. My Administration has helped 600,000veterans and their family members go back to school on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, hiredover 120,000 veterans into jobs with the Federal Government, made it easier forveterans to access employment services, and set up online tools to connect veteranswith job openings that match their skills at USAjobs.gov.

In January 2012, I proposed the Veterans Job Corps, which would put veteransback to work protecting America as first responders and preserving and restoringAmerica’s land and resources. We have also proposed an expansion ofentrepreneurship training opportunities for separating service members and veterans.America’s businesses have accepted a challenge to hire 135,000 veterans andmilitary spouses, and we have put in place two new tax credits for companies thathire veterans.

Supporting our troops and helping veterans find work is good for our communities,good for our economy, and good for our country. To explore the many programs inplace to help fight veteran unemployment, visit www.JoiningForces.gov.

Thank you, again, for writing.Sincerely,

Barack Obama, President, The United States of America

ArizonA VeterAns MAgzine is one of thebest ‘Veterans’ ideas to come along in along time.

david lucier, Tempe azUS army Veteran

elected az Veterans Hall of Fame - 2009

LEttErs to tHE EDitor

Who Am I?

Published by The Homefield Group P.O. Box 83323, Phoenix, AZ 85071

ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE

daVid lUcier — US army Veteran

keViN keNNedy — US air Force Veteran

aNdy dzUriNkO — US army Veteran

MeliSSa laNGe — US Navy Veteran

SHarON HelMaN — Va administrator

cOrey HarriS — US army Veteran

BeTTy lOU Field — Veterans reporter

ScOTT THiSTle — US Navy Veteran

ed BalaBaN — US army Nat’l Guard

MariON ricHTer carTlaNd — Photos

rick rOMley — US Marine corps Veteran

ricHard carMer — US Marine corps Veteranif you would like to contribute to AriZonA VEtErAns MAgAZinE

send email to: [email protected]

Advertising and sponsorship [email protected] or 602-715-0055

View More Pictures atwww.facebook/ArizonaVeteransMagazine

www.AZVetMag.com

A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E

Publisher & EditorMark Field — US Navy Veteran

THe HOMeField GrOUP

[email protected]

Assistant Editor & Art DirectordaNa Sill — US air Force Veteran

GreaT eXPOSUre MarkeTiNG

[email protected]

Contributors

WELCoME to AriZonA VEtErAns MAgAZinE

it is with great honor that i present to you, my fellow veterans, apublication that is dedicated to the military veterans living in Arizona.there are approximately 700,000 of us making our home here inArizona. Well over two million when you factor in veterans along withtheir family members. Collectively our voting bloc is enormous andtogether we can elect politicians who will protect veterans rights andallocate more money to support veterans issues. i admit i am not a fanof either political party, and as a United states military veteran i believeservice to country far outweighs any political bickering in either party.

this publication will help educate veterans of their benefits and torecognize veterans who are making a difference to better ourcommunities. We hope to inspire more veterans into political andgovernment service as a way to protect our interests. together we canput into office those who will honor veterans and remove from officethose who oppose veterans issues and needs.

i hope you enjoy ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE. After you arefinished reading this magazine, please pass it on to another veteran.Also, please support our sponsors, for their resources and support allowthis magazine to support and promote veterans issues and organizations.

We seek contributions, donations and sponsors to help us furthersupport veterans in Arizona. We seek to help homeless veterans, preventveteran suicides, assist veterans in starting businesses and/or gettingjobs and finding peace on earth for themselves and their families.

Look for our issues online at www.AZVetMag.com. We will includemore information and pictures online. We are a multi-media companywhere your information and advertising can appear in the printpublication, the internet and in the future on television. We offer adiscount for non-profit organizations to include a newsletter that willreach veterans all over Arizona. Contact me for more information [email protected].

the future publication will feature an east Valley zone of 50,000copies, a West Valley zone of 50,000 copies, a tucson & southernArizona zone of 25,000 copies, and a northern Arizona & Yuma zonewith 25,000 copies — for a total of 150,000 copies with as many as750,000 readers per issue.

in addition, we are negotiating with a local Arizona television station toproduce and air a VETERANS VOICE TV SHOW, a 30-to-60 minutetelevision show about veterans issues in Arizona. We will keep you posted.

Unfortunately someof the injuries hesustained in the warcontributed to hisdeath at 33 years old.

My grandmotherraised four daughterswith the help ofveterans benefits andsocial security.

I feel connected tomy grandfather,Milton Bunim, frommy service to my

country and I honor hismemory with the publishing ofArizona Veterans Magazine.

God bless our veterans andtheir families. ― Mark Field

My grandfather, whomI was named after, wasthere when our troopsfought in the Battle of theBulge. I am sure hefought with all his heartand soul.

Those are the storiesthat my grandmother andmy great-grandmothertold me over the years.

He received multipleinjuries but survived. Hereturned home from thewar to care for my grandmother and hisfour young daughters. He opened achildrens furniture and toy store inNewark, New Jersey and was well-knownto the residents in the area.

in MEMorY

Milton Bunim

Mayor Greg Stanton and the City of Phoenix have committed toensure the continuation of the annual Phoenix Veterans Day Paradeafter the VA withdrew its support.

“Veterans are the pride of our community; they risked their lives forus,” Stanton said. “this parade is a Phoenix tradition to show ourgratitude for our service men and women. i can’t imagine Veterans Dayin our city without a show of thanks in this parade for our troops.”

Stanton asked city staff to find a solution to save the parade, andcity officials, nonprofits and stakeholders met and agreed on the bestplan for Phoenix to facilitate the parade.

“given the sacrifices of veterans and their families, this is the leastwe can do to step in and make sure this tradition continues,” said ViceMayor Bill Gates.

“the Veterans Day Parade is a public display of thanks for ourveterans and we will do everything we can to make sure it continues,”said Councilwoman Thelda Williams.

“the Phoenix Military Veterans Commission would be honored topartner with the City of Phoenix and Honoring Arizona’s Veterans,” saidBrad Bridwell, the co-chair of the Phoenix Military and VeteransAffairs Commission. “this event is so much more than just a parade. itis a cherished tradition — a day for the community to rally behind ourveterans and show our gratitude. the Commission is thrilled to play arole in ensuring its continuation."

“A few days ago it wasn’t certain whether we would have theresources or support to continue the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade,” saidKatherine Brooks, president of Honoring Arizona Veterans. “today, iam thrilled about the possibility of partnering with the City of Phoenix.on behalf of Honoring Arizona’s Veterans, i would like to thank Mayorstanton and the city for supporting our veterans and ensuring that theycontinue to have a special day of community celebration andrecognition.”

CitY oF PHoEniX tAkEs oVEr VEtErAns DAY PArADE


ON THe cOVer — TOP PHOTOFront row (l-r): SHARON WOODS-WAVES, BETH NEHRING-American Legion,JUDY HATCH- American Legion Auxiliary, TONI GRIMES-Womens ArmyCorps Veterans Association, LLOYD KILMER-Class of 2004, Arizona VeteransHall of Fame, SHARON HELMAN-Director, VA Medical Center Phoenix. Back row (l-r): MARK FIELD-Arizona Veterans Magazine, UnidentifiedVeteran, RON CAPEK-Military Order of the Purple Heart, KEN BARNER-Veterans for Veterans, LIONEL SANCHEZ- Vietnam Veterans of America, LEWBRADLEY-Korean War Veterans, RON PERKINS-Military Officers Associationof America, TERRY ARAMAN-Madison Street Veterans Association, ARTSLOANE-Arizona StandDown, AL KERSTETTER-Scottish American MilitarySociety, JERRY SANDS-Association of the US Army, CAROL CULBERTSON-Association of US Navy, PHIL HANSON-Northwest Valley Veterans, RICHARDCARMER-Third Marine Division, GENE CREGO-Vietnam Veterans of America,JUSTIN HENRY-US Congressman Trent Franks Office, GEORGE CUSHING-American Legion.

BOTTOM PHOTO — left:MAnA HousE oPEns WoMEns sHELtEr (l-r) JESSICA CAITLYN-Director, Strategic Planning and Development, GreaterPhoenix Economic Council, TERRY ARAMAN-Director, MSVA, DANACAMPBELL SAYLOR-CEO, YWCA, SHARON HELMAN-Director, Phoenix VA,KYRSTEN SINEMA-Congresswoman, Arizona's 9th District, JUDY BEISCHEL-American Legion leader and friend of Arizona's Veterans, GABEFORSBERG-Former Strategic Planner/Women's Veterans Coordinator withthe Arizona Department of Veterans Services, THELDA WILLIAMS-Councilwoman, City of Phoenix.

BOTTOM PHOTO — right: CoL. striCkLAnD uPDAtE(see articles on pages 5 & 14 )

the 819th Engineer Company of theArizona Army national guard conducteda send-off ceremony before deploying toAfghanistan. the 100 soldiers departedto Fort bliss, texas, for a month oftraining prior to their transit toAfghanistan. All members of this unithave made multiple deployments tocombat theaters in support of overseascontingency operations since 2001.

AriZonA ArMY nAtionAL guArD DEPLoYing to AFgHAnistAn

photos by Sgt. ed Balaban

USO volunteers include (l-r): Jane adams-Wahlgren, erin Sulzer, Sue Fogel, leslie

Wilson, Nancy altherr, rex robison, lisa Hutson, Mary Johnson, Sherry kapaldo.


The Madison Street Veterans Associationopened a 16-bed facility for homeless womenveterans in Phoenix at 755 E. Willetta St.

Women veteran homelessness is on the rise.The number of homeless women veterans morethan doubled between 2006 and 2010. With theeffects of multiple

deployments compounding the challengesour veterans face, and the end of two longwars resulting in many service membersleaving or retiring from the military, we areat a crossroads in dealing with thischallenge.

The US Veterans Administration (VA)projects that Arizona will see a quantum increase in the number ofveterans who choose to call Arizona home. As of 2012 we have 531,910and 58,436 of those are female veterans. As of today there are almost nocomprehensive living services dedicated solely to aid homeless womenveterans.

The Madison Street Veterans Association (MSVA) has a proven recordof success, using a model that is unique to their organization. MSVAstarted with a handful of homeless veterans living together at the overflowshelter for new homeless at the Lodestar Day Resource Center. Theyvowed to work together as a team to clean up the overflow shelter andcombat homelessness together. They helped each other share resources,discuss veterans benefits and work to get each other to move throughtheir current situation. This grew into an organization that still retainsits peer-based model roots while branching out in retaining keyprofessional staff. As veterans move through the myriad challenges theyface in overcoming homelessness, they become squad leaders, mentoring

the newly homeless veterans to help them find success the way they did.This model affords them respect, a sense of community, and a purpose.Working together as a team allows them to find strength in numbers andin their new-found community, while mirroring some of the traditions andmemories of their time in the service.

The women's section will follow this same model, but it will be uniqueto women. Providing a safe environment iscrucial in establishing their path out ofhomelessness. We have a separate, securefloor just for our women veterans. While werecognize that they face unique challenges,we emphasize that there are no victims, onlychallenges to be overcome. Our women willbe told from day one they are expected to be

a part of our team. We encourage our women to thrive, directing their ownaction plan for how to deal with their unique challenges. We at MSVA seehomelessness as a collection of challenges that can result inhomelessness. If our only goal is finding a home and a job for thesewomen, we can expect to see them come right back through our doorsvery soon with the same set of problems. Our goals include helping themaddress their educational, legal, personal, employment, and mental andphysical health needs. But we are partners in this endeavor. No veteranis left to fix things on their own and no veteran will have everything spoon-fed to them. In short, we take a cooperative, holistic approach toimproving their lives. Once these challenges are met, the symptom ofhomelessness can be addressed.

Editors Note; Donations are needed to support this non-profitorganization. Contact Mr. terry Araman at 602-525-4456, or [email protected]. the facility is located at 755 e. Willetta st.,Phoenix, Az 85006. www.madisonstreetveterans.org.

WoMEn’s HoMELEss VEtErAns CEntEr oPEnsby Corey Harris

Female veterans are four times more likely to

experience homelessness


by richard M. romley, PresidentArizona Veterans Hall of Fame society

Recently the Governor’s Office had a meetingwith leaders in the veteran’s community todiscuss the recent circumstances surroundingthe “resignation” of Col. Joey Strickland as theDirector of AZDVS. I was asked to attend andto present the AVHOFS positions that wereenunciated this last Saturday at our GeneralMembership meeting.

Present at the meeting were over 20 membersof the veteran’s community, includingnumerous individuals from the AVHOFS. They

included: George Cushing, Ron Capek, Bob Madden, Bo Bohach, CaroleCulbertson and myself. Although they are members of our Society, mostwere there representing other organizations.

The meeting was attended by Scott Smith [Chief of Staff] and KathyPeckart [Deputy Chief of Staff] from the Governor’s Office. Scott indicatedthat he was hoping the Governor would attend but her travel schedulewould not allow it.

Scott Smith opened with a general comment restating the Governor’scommitment to the military and our veterans. He thanked Joey Stricklandfor his service to our Nation and for his work as Director, AZDVS. Heemphasized that it was time to move on and he desired to continue towork with the veterans community and invited us to submit names forconsideration to sit on the panel that will screen and recommend to theGovernor the next Director of AZDVS. George Cushing, Bob Madden and

my name were submitted for consideration.Scott Smith said that the application for Joey Strickland’s job had been

posted and invited us to have individuals submit their names if we feltthey were appropriate. Selection of the next Director is a high priority andthey would like to expedite the process.

I then spoke of the AVHOFS position:1. We urged the Governor’s Office to consider reinstatement of Joey

Strickland as Director, AZDVS. Clearly, this was not open forreconsideration. The Governor’s Office looks towards moving on with anew Director.

2. Considering the fact that the Governor’s Office will not reinstate Mr.Strickland, I then urged the Governor’s Office to bring him backtemporarily to help transition the new Director. I explained that there werenumerous projects “in the works” and though staff could brief the newDirector on the specifics of the projects; only Joey could assist with the“nuances” of those projects and the individuals associated with them.Several others supported this position and the Governor’s Office took thisunder consideration.

3. I emphasized that the AVHOFS wished to continue to have the abilityto have input with the Governor’s Office. That regardless of the fact thatwe believed Joey Strickland had done an excellent job and that he shouldbe reinstated; I explained that it was imperative we continue having apositive relationship with the Governor and her Office. This wasappreciated and well received.

A variety of other questions and comments were given by others, butmost were in line with my comments above. The meeting was adjournedon a positive note and I believe the Society will continue to work well withthe new Director and the Governor’s Office.

CoL. striCkLAnD uPDAtE

Sharon M. Helman was appointed director of the Phoenix VA HealthCare System in 2012. Previously, Ms. Helman served as the Director ofVA Hospitals in Illinois, Washington State and Oregon.

As Director of the Phoenix VA Health Care System, Ms. Helman overseesall aspects of the Phoenix VA Medical Center with an annual operatingbudget of more than $400 million. Ms. Helman oversees five VA-staffedcommunity health care clinics in Globe-Miami, Mesa, Show Low,Surprise, and North Central Phoenix and two contracted communityhealth care clinics in Payson and Southwest Phoenix.

Ms. Helman’s career with the Department of Veterans Affairs spansmore than 20 years. She previously held the roles of Director at theSpokane (Washington) VA Medical Center, the Walla Walla VA MedicalCenter, the VA Roseburg Health Care System in Roseburg, Oregon.

Ms. Helman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications andthen a Master's in Business Administration from National University inSan Diego, Calif., During her VA career she has received a number ofcommendations and awards, including a Certificate of SpecialCongressional Recognition, Secretary’s Hero Award, and Commendationsfrom the Under Secretary for Health and Deputy Under Secretary forHealth of Operations and Management along with special honors from theNative American Veterans groups. She holds professional affiliations withthe American College of Healthcare Executives, Senior ExecutiveAssociation, the Association for Women in Communications, WashingtonRural Heath Association, Rotary, and Executive Women International.

sHAron HELMAn LEADs PHoEniX VA MEDiCAL CEntEr


PHoEniX VA HEALtH CArE PLAnning JournEY to iMProVE ACCEss

The men and women in uniform—past,

present and future — deserve what Presi-

dent Lincoln promised, “to care for those

who have borne the battle, and to his

widow and his orphan.” As a civil servant

and Director of the Phoenix VA Health Care

System (VAHCS), it is my responsibility to

execute the mission President Lincoln out-

lined for our Veterans long ago. This year,

the Phoenix VAHCS has embarked upon a

journey to improve access to our health

care system.

So how does this promise get delivered

in a Veterans health care facility? In today’s fast paced world, the Phoenix

VAHCS recognizes that our journey towards

access is the most important service we can

deliver to the Veteran. This year we are de-

voting all of our resources to improve access

for our Veterans. Our mission is to have no

Veterans waiting for care. Staff members will

be able to get Veterans in to see providers whatever date and time they

desire in a prompt and efficient manner. No one is frustrated, disappointed

or having to wait.

In a health care system that serves over 81,000 valley Veterans, it may

seem hard to imagine, but we are determined to get there. We are working

hard to ensure we have our resources focused on funding patient care. All

Phoenix VAHCS employees are focused this year on eliminating waste

and barriers between our Veterans and their providers.

The Veteran is going to point out ways we

can improve further — maybe even help us

save time or money. The Veteran will remind us

of the importance of our journey.

The Veteran will set the pace for our journey

and we know will play some great music along

the way – we just have to make sure we listen.

Our Veterans have amazing, inspirational sto-

ries of what sacrifice and heroes are made of –

those stories will help fuel us to our destination.

As a passenger on our journey, the Veteran is going to have patience

when we have distractions. Our Veterans need us to be engaged and at-

tentive drivers on this journey. Our drivers will also help fuel the journey

with enthusiasm, passion, smiles and a level of caring for our Veterans

that transcends the job description. Our passengers deserve that, and it’s

the very least we can do for all the sacrifices they’ve given. It’s teamwork

– we succeed together!

When we reach that destination

(And we will reach it!), our Veter-

ans are going to celebrate, yell

with excitement and cry tears of

joy. This journey is going to be the

trip of a lifetime because we are going to show everyone how the Phoenix

VA family cares about ensuring Veterans have the best access to the

health care they deserve! Once they can access us they can see how

much we are committed to their individual care and help them live the qual-

ity of life they fought for and deserve.

We are privileged to be along for this journey and will make it the trip of

a lifetime because we will be traveling in a country that is free. Buckle up!

Here we go!

By sharon M. HelmanDirector, Phoenix VA Health Care system

MAnA HousE kEEPs PHoEniX CLEAn

The MaNa House residents and staff participated in their quarterly street clean-

up. about a year ago, MSVa signed on with the city of Phoenix adopt-a-Street

program. They have Seventh Street from Mcdowell road to Thomas road. it

was a productive morning as their newly donated pick-up truck was filled with

bags of trash discovered along the route. a great time was had by all,

reaffirming one of MSVa's core values of giving back to the community.

“To care for those who have borne the battle,

and to his widow and his orphan.”

— President Abraham Lincoln

george steinbrenner, owner nY Yankees— Served as an US Air Force officer after

graduating college in 1952. He bought the

NY Yankees for 8.8 million in 1973. They

are now worth as much as 3 billion which

would include the 33% ownership stake in

the YES cable network.

steve McQueen, Actor – Served in the

US Marine Corps and was a tank driver.

Elvis Presley, Musician & Actor –Practicing his music while in the US Army.

Jimi Hendrix, Musician – Served in the

US Army and trained as a paratrooper.

LyLE DILLIE is a US Army Iraqi war veteran, a husbandand father of three boys and the owner of Desert SeaDesign — a web, graphic and print company based inAvondale, Arizona.

Lyle has an extensive journalism and designbackground from his training in the US Army as a PublicAffairs Officer and Radio Operator, and with local Arizonadefense contractors.

Lyle designed and wrote stories for numerousnewspapers and military units. Publications included the 93rd SignalBrigade's Lightning Dispatch, Fort Gordon's the signal and the Dwight D.Eisenhower Army Medical Center’s publication. He was Business Managerand Managing Editor of the Glendale Community College weeklynewspaper. www.desertseadesign.com

rEMEMbEring A VEtErAn

I will never forget the story BRAD BRIDWELLtold me over 10 years ago about finding ahomeless veteran one night who had been hitby a car. As he was lying there dying from hisinjuries, Brad held his head in his hands,ensuring he had died with someone to love himat the very end of his life. Brad has helpedthousands of veterans in Arizona and some hehas helped comfort at the end of their lives.

tHE MArinE bEHinD tHE CAMErArICHArD CArMEr is the photographer at manyveterans functions both in Arizona and all over thecountry. Richard served in the US Marine Corps from1965-1971 and did a 13-month tour in Vietnam in1968, serving in the 3rd Tank Battalion, 3rd MarineDivision. He is currently the President of the AZChapter of the Third Marine Division Assn. and a

member of Unified Arizona Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, VFW,and Marine Corps League. He has been doing photography professionallysince 1977 and his motto is first one in, last one out. You can view andorder pictures at www.picturephoenix.com

The Veterans Voice of arizona

When art Sloane speaks —

people listen.

look for art Sloane’s

Veterans Voice column

in The arizona republic

every Saturday.

ArT SLOANE has been the veterans reporter for The Arizona Republicsince 2001. Art is very active in the veterans community and does atremendous amount of volunteer activities with The Arizona Standdownand The Madison Street Veterans Association. Art Sloane served in theUS Air Force, Air Force Reserves and Air National Guard for 14 years andserved 26 years in the Coast Guard Reserves. His volunteer work is withveterans as a Veterans Benefits Counselor at a VA clinic. Art serves onthe Arizona Attorney Generals Veterans Commission and works withhomeless veterans. He raises funds by conducting trips to Mexico withthe profits going to veterans charities. In 2008 Art Sloane was inductedinto the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame for his continued support forveterans issues.

This year’s Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year isMELISSA LANGE, co-founder and President of the SouthwestVeteran’s Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s mission is toimprove business and economic opportunities for veterans throughoutthe Southwest. Melissa also owns the KTR Group, an executiverecruiting firm, and has applied the lessons learned there to thechallenges veterans face in finding a job or starting a business.

A Navy veteran and Army mom, Melissa has a passion for helpingfellow veterans. The Chamber is currently promoting pendinglegislation that will help veteran owned businesses better compete forstate contracts, provide expeditious notification of public jobannouncements to veterans and create a tax credit for businesses thathire veterans.

In 2012, Melissa was appointed co-chair of the Phoenix MilitaryVeterans Commission by Mayor GREG STANTON. Not surprisingly,Melissa is also an active board member with a number of veteransorganizations including the American Legion, Veterans First, the GoVets Foundation, the Veterans Medical Leadership Council, UnifiedArizona Veterans, WAVES National, Women of the Sea Services andthe Association of the US Navy.

AriZonA VEtErAn sMALL businEss CHAMPion


C E L E B R I T Y V ET E R A N S

Arizona relay Services (AZrS) is a public service provided by the State ofArizona and administered by Arizona Commission for the Deaf and theHard of Hearing. Except for the long distance telephone charges, theservice is free for all parties involved. It is easy to use, confidential andavailable across the state.

The most common injury sustained by U.S. troops is literally a silentwound: hearing loss. Hearing loss is one of the most common militaryservice-related injuries. Hearing loss is a growing complaint for today’sveterans because of their history of noise exposure, coupled with aging ofmany veterans.

It is estimated that there are 55 million people in the United Statescurrently experiencing some degree of hearing loss. In Arizona there aremore than 700,000 people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

The goal of AZRS is to remove the loss of freedom or the feeling ofisolation that can be associated with hearing loss. By taking advantageof this free service, Arizonans who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or who havedifficulty speaking can continue to stay in touch with their loved ones inthe hearing communities regardless of where they live. www.azrelay.org.

VETErANS SECUrITy was establishedin 1994 by CHAD BENHAM, WILLIAMBRANDON, and ENNIO CANZIANI. Allthree owners served together in the UnitedStates Army as military police officers,Veterans Security started with the threeowners providing guard services toapartment complexes in the Phoenix

metropolitan area. They now service hotels, hospitals, truckingcompanies, construction sites, office buildings, distribution centers, homeowner's associations, government agencies and others.

Veterans Security is an Arizona owned and operated full-service securitycompany that operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and employsover 500 highly trained security officers.Veterans Security prefers to hireveterans as security guards and they conduct a complete backgroundcheck. They are located at 1906 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006800-909-3628, www.vetsec.com.

rEPrEsEntAtiVE JonAtHAn LArkin

Jonathan Larkin has spent virtually his entire life in Arizona – when he

wasn’t stationed overseas as a Marine. In 2003, he graduated from Dobson

High School in Mesa where, like so many young men, he was affected by

the events of September 11th and the attack on the United States.

At the beginning of his senior year, Jonathan enlisted in the Marine

Corps and was immediately promoted to Private First Class for

accelerating in his high school JROTC program. Shortly after the

completion of his Marine training he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan

where he was quickly reassigned to the Uss essex, the ship that would

eventually be an integral participant in the invasion of Fallujah, Iraq.

It was a nine month operation in which the mission was to bring safety

to Iraq’s citizens so they could have their first democratic election.

Upon completion of that mission, Jon was sent to the Philippines

where he volunteered for a humanitarian mission to revamp an

elementary school.

After a long tour of duty he finally made it back home and was

stationed at the Marine Air Base in Yuma that enabled him to be closer

to home. After he checked in at the base he was told not to unpack.

Jonathan was sent back to Iraq where he was running security patrols

near the Alasad Air Base.

Jonathan was discharged in 2007, a decorated Marine, and started

college. Settling down in Glendale, he continues to work as a union

Pharmacy Technician for Fry’s Food Store. Currently, he serves in the

Arizona House of Representatives Legislative District 30 in Glendale.


Rep. Jonathan Larkin, D-Glendale (District 30), is working with localorganizations like the Phoenix Electrical Joint Apprenticeship andTraining Committee for the Electrical Industry on efforts to strengthenand streamline new hiring and job training for Arizona veterans. Hisinvolvement is one way Larkin is fulfilling his promise to help veteransand their families get back into the job market after returning homefrom combat.

“Providing resources and training for our veterans is an importantpiece in transitioning from military service back into the civilianworkforce. it is the least we can do to help the men and women whohave served our country,” Larkin said. “these efforts are a win for theveterans, their families, Arizona’s economy, and small businesses. ihave started working with the Phoenix electrical JAtC to help definethe needs of our veterans and to promote training programs such asthis.”

Jointly run programs like the Phoenix Electrical JATC areapprenticeships that aim to ensure participants are well-rounded,employable, journeyman craftsman at the end of their time with theprogram. The Phoenix Electrical JATC is a joint venture of theInternational Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 640 andthe Arizona Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association.

The Phoenix Electrical JATC apprenticeship program is the oldest,continually registered apprenticeship program in the State of Arizona.It has been training men and women for careers in the electricalcontracting industry since 1943. It offers an opportunity to earn wagesand benefits while learning the skills necessary for a challenging andrewarding career.

Shawn Hutchinson, training director for the Phoenix ElectricalJATC, is enthusiastic about his work with Larkin and other membersof the Arizona Legislature. Larkin is a veteran and a member of a localunion. He knows firsthand of the challenges faced by veteransreturning from active duty service and entering the civilian workforce.

“Apprenticing training in a trade has always been a viable way toenter the construction industry. there is a difference, however, in howthat apprenticeship is delivered. Veterans have served their countrywith distinction and honor through the military,” Hutchinson said.“they deserve to be treated as such when entering a program designedto maximize the experiences they retained from their service and toapply them to a structured and disciplined program such as theelectrical program through the Phoenix electrical JAtC, or any otherjointly run building trades apprenticeship program.”

rEP. LArkin CrEAtEs APPrEntiCEsHiP ProgrAMs WiLL inCrEAsE Job oPPortunitiEs For VEtErAns

a few of the Honor riders with Monica colomar Sarrio, Bobby Martin,

Saraphina Tohannie adson, Teggy Bear, Shelly Mitchell Begay, chris West,

chelly rose and Huey lano.

nAVAJo HoPi Honor riDErs — sunrisE MEMoriAL For Lori PiEstEWA AnD ALL our FALLEn soLiDErs

PAt’s run DrAWs 35,000 PArtiCiPAnts,

VoLuntEErs AnDsPECtAtors

For tHE 4.2 MiLE runto CELEbrAtE tHE

LiFE oF PAt tiLLMAn.

tHE stAFF AnD VoLuntEErs oF tHE PAt tiLLMAn FounDAtion

CoMMunitY AnDVEtErAn LEADErs

At tHEWWii MEMoriAL

grounDbrEAking At AriZonA stAtE

CAPitoL.

Veteran Owned Businesses

in Arizona — 48,039source: small Business Administration – March 2012 report


Honoring Joey Strickland for a Lifetime of Service to His Country

Joey Strickland was born on January 9, 1948 in Montrose, Arkansas whichis a small town on the Mississippi River in the Delta Region of the Deep South.His father, a WWII veteran, was of Irish and Choctaw Indian descent and hismother was Hispanic.

When he was three years old his parents moved to Northeast Louisiana, asmall town on the Mississippi called Tallulah. There he grew up, attendedschool and in 1966 graduated from Tallulah High School. At Tallulah, he wasan average student but excelled in sports, playing football, basketball, andrunning track.

After graduation, he joined the US Army in 1966 as an AirborneInfantryman and after training at Ft Polk, LA and Ft Benning GA wasassigned to the 82nd Airborne Division where he became a machine gunner.In September 1967, he was assigned to the First Calvary Division in Vietnamand was assigned to the 2-20th ARA battalion as a machine gunner on aUH1H "Huey", helicopter. Throughout the year he flew combat missions withhis helicopter crew in support of ground operations throughout the CentralHighlands of Vietnam and in the Ashau Valley in Northern I Corp of Vietnam.He was promoted to Sergeant E-5 and returned to the States where he re-enlisted for Army aviation.

In April of 1970 Staff Sergeant Strickland returned to Vietnam assigned tothe First Aviation Brigade as a Chinook Crew Chief and later as a TechInspector on Helicopters. He completed his second tour in 1971 and wasassigned to Ft Eustis Virginia. During hisspare time on weekends and at night heattended college classes and was driven tocomplete his education.

In 1971 Joey Strickland was selected bythe Army to attend college full time in aprogram called Operation Bootstrap, whichallowed promising young officers andenlisted men who did not have degrees anopportunity to complete their college degreeson Army time and in the case of the enlisted person be considered for OCS(Officer Candidate School). He attended Hampton University in Virginia,graduating with a BA degree in Political Science and Spanish. He graduatedwith highest honors and was sent to Officer Candidate School at Ft BenningGeorgia. He was commissioned an Armor Officer and his first assignment waswith the 8th Infantry Division in Germany. In Germany he served as a tankplatoon leader, Battalion Scout Platoon Leader, Heavy Mortar Platoon Leader,Operations Officer at Brigade level and finally as a Company Commander.

Joey Strickland later attended the Infantry Officers Advance Course at FtBenning, GA, was selected to attend Graduate School by the Army and wentto Auburn University where he earned a Masters Degree in CounselorEducation. He was then assigned as a Tactical Officer to the United States Corpof Cadets at West Point where he was promoted to Major. Following West Pointhe had numerous assignments in Armor operations, ROTC, Foreign Areasassignments as a Latin American Foreign area Officer, and BattalionCommander. He retired in 1994 with over 28 years in the Army as a Lt. Colonel.

In Louisiana Joey Strickland was selected by Governor Mike Foster as hisMilitary Advisor and promoted to Colonel in the LA National Guard. He wasalso appointed a State Director of both Indian Affairs and Veterans Affairs.He served Louisiana nearly 10 years as Director of Indian Affairs and asDeputy and State Director of Veterans Affairs for 13 years. As Director ofVeterans Affairs, he was one of the most successful Directors of VeteransAffairs ever in the history of Louisiana. Under his leadership the Departmentbuilt three of the five Veterans Homes it now operates and built one StateVeterans cemetery and accepted the transfer of land from the US Army nearFt Polk for a second Veterans cemetery which has now been completed.

In 2008 Col. Strickland was asked by Governor Napolitano to become TheDirector of Veterans Services for Arizona. He was later retained by GovernorBrewer. He has completed five years of service to Arizona veterans. One ofhis accomplishments was to modernize and renovate the Phoenix VeteransHome and make the home economically solvent. He has accomplished that.The Phoenix Home is now one of the best Veterans Homes in the nation andrecently received an "A" rating by the Veterans Administration. Under his

leadership, the VA and AZDVS built the 30 milliondollar Tucson veterans home which is now servingveterans and doing well. It is one of the mostbeautiful veterans homes in the nation and servesas a model for other veteran homes being built in thecountry. It is a 120-bed facility offering the best inquality nursing and private care. They havemodernized our Sierra Vista State VeteransCemetery with nearly four million dollars inrenovations. Our long range plans are to build StateVeterans cemeteries in Marana for Tucson, Flagstaff,and Kingman. We also have long range plans for a Veterans Home in Flagstaffand Kingman. There are many other outstanding benefits programssupporting our Veterans such as Fiduciary, Homeless, Women, College andUniversity centered Veterans Campuses, jobs, Military Family relief Programsto name a few. The Arizona Department of Veterans Services is rated as oneof the most efficient Agencies in State Government and does a great job ofsupporting our veterans.

At the National level he has served as National President of State Directorsof Veterans Affairs for the United States. In this capacity he testified beforeCongress on Veterans issues. He also served on the National Committee forMinority Veterans at the Veterans Administration and is currently serving on

the National Committee for Homeless Veterans.He also has a second Maters degree in

International Relations/Aero Space Studiesearned at the Air Force Command and StaffCollege and was recently honored by EverestCollege of Mesa, AZ. with an Honorary Doctorof Humanities Degree for his work with veteransand their families.

He is a member of the VFW, American Legion,DAV, Jewish War Veterans, Fleet Reserve

Association, National American Indian Veterans, Hispanic War veterans ofAmerica, and MOAA.

What he wanted to be as a child was to lead great Armies in combat as aUS Army General. His second choice was to be a singer and actor inHollywood. He spent a number of years during his off time appearing in littletheater plays.

Joey Strickland is married to a beautiful lady by the name of Leila. She is thedaughter of a US Army SFC and Vietnam veteran. Together they are the parentsof three sons and twin daughters. Two of his sons have served in the US Armyin Iraq and their youngest son will deploy to Afghanistan later this year.

During his off times he likes to read military history, work out, fish, ridemotorcycles and restoring two VW beetles. Being from Louisiana he alsoenjoys good food and Mardi Gras. He enjoys just about any kind of food, thespicier the better. He has traveled to Europe on many occasions and hisfavorite locations are Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and Hawaii. Hemaintains a home and ranch in Louisiana about an hour from the beach atBiloxi, Mississippi.

“The things I have learned from my years with the military is that with personaland professional discipline great things can be achieved and I would not want tolive in any other Country except America. I believe in this Nation and I have agreat love for our people and our institutions,” states Joey Strickland.

My career highlight was when he was called on by the US Congress to testifyon veterans issues. In May 2012, Col. Strickland was honored by The WhiteHouse as a Champion of Change for his efforts to end veterans' homelessness,boost veterans' employment, treat substance abuse problems, and developtreatment programs for those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Joey Strickland is a warm person who inspires other people to want to alsoserve their fellow veterans. I personally seen Col. Strickland honoring a localboyscout troop for their volunteer work at the homeless veterans shelter. Hispassion to serve veterans is powerful and a testament to his character. JoeyStrickland has served his country for nearly 50 years.

Arizona was fortunate to have Col. Joey Strickland. The entire veteranscommunity is heart-broken over losing him as our Director.

“The only agenda I have is to take

care of veterans. I am proud to have

come up through the ranks and retired

as an Army officer, and I feel blessed to

be able to care for our veterans.”

— Col. Joey Strickland


Bi-Partisan Veterans caucus. Many thanks to representatives Mark cardenas,

Jonathan larkin, Jamescita Peshlakai, Sonny Borrelli, ruben Gallego, and Jeff

dial. Thanks also go to david lucier, Brett Hunt, Madison Street Veterans

association director Terry araman and SouthWest Veterans chamber Of

commerce director Melissa lange for making this happen. (Pictured l-r) Terry

araman, Mark cardenas, Melissa lange, Sonny Borrelli, Jonathan larkin, Jeff

dial, Jamescita Peshlakai and ruben Gallego at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza.

A Marine and veteran of the IraqWar and a graduate of HarvardUniversity, Ruben Gallego isknown as one of Arizona’s mostvocal advocates for veterans’ issues– especially for troops coming homefrom Afghanistan and Iraq. In thelast two years, Ruben has passedmultiple bills and administrativechanges supporting our veterans.They include:

• Ensuring that veterans who arehonorably discharged and haverecently moved to Arizona willreceive in-state tuition at Arizona’scolleges and universities.

• A new provision identifying low-income veterans who are eligible toreceive AHCCCS benefits.

Ruben regularly advises the White House on veterans issues, and isa former member of Governor Janet Napolitano’s Blue Ribbon Panel onVeterans Issues, Congressman Harry Mitchell’s Veterans AdvisoryCommittee and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. He becamea State Captain for VoteVets.org in 2006 and is a member of AmericanLegion Post 41 in Central Phoenix.

Ruben is the son of Hispanic immigrants, and was the first in hisfamily to attend college. He graduated in 2004 from Harvard Universityand majored in International Relations. Ruben was the recipient of theDavid Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies Grant.

To fulfill his call to duty and country Ruben joined the Marine Corps.He served in Iraq with the well-known and highly decorated combat unitLima 3/25. The company was involved in some of the hardest combatof the Iraq War. He still remains close to his fellow Marines. Much ofRuben’s work in the legislature has been focused on veterans’ issuesand he currently sits on the Military Affairs and Public SafetyCommittee.

Ruben represents Legislative District 27 which includes a portion ofCentral Phoenix, South Phoenix, Laveen, Guadalupe, and Tempe.

Seven state lawmakers have created a veterans caucus focused onimproving education, job opportunities and mental health services for formermilitary.

“We all served in recent conflicts and we know the issues that affect us,”said Rep. Mark Cardenas, D-Phoenix, who served in the Army and theNational Guard. On March 11, 2013, the Arizona House of Representativespassed HB 2484, which gives Arizona companies state tax credits for hiringveterans.

Members of the caucus, which includes five Democrats and twoRepublicans held a news conference to discuss their goals, which includeinvolving veterans serving in the Legislature.

“Arizona is very patriotic state and we want to send a message,” said Rep.Sonny Borrelli, R-Lake Havasu City, a former Marine.

Borrelli said he wants to make it easier for veterans to get jobs by allowingmilitary training to count toward civilian licenses. He introduced HB 2076to accomplish that. He also wants military experience to count toward collegecredits. “if you were an administrative clerk and you had to write a lot ofletters, i think english 101 should be wiped off the chart,” Borrelli said. “Youalready have that skill.”

David F. Lucier, President of the Arizona Veterans & Military LeadershipAlliance, said he hopes the caucus helps establish Arizona as the nation’smost supportive state for veterans. He said lawmakers can help veterans byaddressing high rates of homelessness and suicide among other problems.

“this is a huge step in bringing public policy for ensuring veterans success,”he said. Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Phoenix, the House assistant minorityleader and a former Marine said members of the caucus will focus on craftingbipartisan legislation. He noted that most of the members are veterans ofthe conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“everyone supports veterans issues while the war is going on but veteransissues don’t go away after the war ends,” he said. “they’re still there andthey increase.” Cardenas and Borrelli said they are collaborating on a bill toprovide greater incentives for private businesses to hire disabled veterans.

“We actually know people who are unemployed and have been bouncingfrom job to job,” Borrelli said. Rep. Jonathan Larkin, D-Glendale, a formerMarine, said he will introduce a bill to extend education benefits forreturning veterans who now receive up to 36 months of assistance throughthe Post-9/11 GI Bill.

“A lot of veterans get off active duty and that’s a big adjustment,” Larkinsaid. “they juggle going to school, going to work and raising a family, and wedon’t pass all our classes because life comes up. the bill would give them moretime to complete their degree.”

Representative Sonny Borelli (R) Lake Havasu City—Marine Corps

Senator David Bradley (D) Tucson—Navy

Representative Mark Cardenas (D) Phoenix—Army; National Guard

Representative Jeff Dial (R) Chandler—Army

Representative Ruben Gallego (D) Phoenix—Marine Corps

Representative Jonathan Larkin (D) Glendale—Marine Corps

Representative Jamescita Peshlakai (D) Cameron—Army

rEPubLiCAns AnD DEMoCrAts Working togEtHEr For VEtErAns

AriZonA stAtE LEgisLAturE bi-PArtisAn VEtErAns CAuCus

introDuCing rubEn gALLEgo


DAVID CARRASCO (far left) served 21 years in the US AirForce including 2 tours in Vietnam. He is the Commander ofthe POW/MIA/KIA Honor Guard and they travel to paradesand events all over the State of Arizona to honor the memoriesor Prisoners of War, Missing in Action and Killed in Action.David is Native American and his father was an ApacheWarrior. David is also a member of American Legion Post #1,founded in 1919, has over 740 members and is located at 364N. 7th Avenue in Phoenix.

Operation american Patriot annual dinner and awards presentation. They are a volunteer-run non-profit advocacy group that serves military, veterans and their families.

They are committed to educating the public about the sacrifices made by those who keep us free, and how we can better serve their needs. Their goal is to ensure no

veteran is left behind. For more informaton and pictures: www.facebook.com/operationamericanpatriot and www.operationamericanpatriot.us.

MISSING IN AMERICA PROJECT: 27 unclaimed and forgotten veterans and two spouses were laid to rest with honors.Approximately 1,500 patriots from all over Arizona gathered at The National Cemetery of Arizona to pay their respects to their fellowveterans. Missing in America Project works with funeral homes and the VA to find unclaimed remains of veterans and bury them withfull military honors. Many of those in Arizona served as far back as WWI. www.miap.us or www.facebook.com/ArizonaMIAP.

The American Indian Veterans National Memorial ceremony was

held at the Heard Museum at 2301 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix.

www.heard.org.


Photos by Richard Carmer

the Valley toyota Dealers Association donated a 2012 Toyota Tundra anda Van, decked out in MANA colors.

“the whole state, the Valley especially, is in dire need of help for these veterans.”

— John O'Malley, President-Valley Toyota Dealers Association

On the first project, the truck was loaded with sleeping bags and headed toFlagstaff, where 21 veterans were living in a cave and 80 others at campsites.

AriZonA VEtErAns HALL oF FAME Honors Asu PrEsiDEnt MiCHAEL CroW AnD AZ rEP. HEAtHEr CArtEr

arizona Veterans Hall of Fame President rick romley presenting the copper Sword award

to aSU President Michael crow and US Navy captain-retired John Sentz.

US air Force colonel - retired Martha McSally and US Navy- retired Jon

altmann presenting the copper Shield award to arizona representative

Heather carter.


Some of the people helping the homeless in Arizona are Nikki

Stevens, Brad Bridwell, Joan Serviss, William Boyer, Rhonda

Meacham, Mayor Greg Stanton, Shane Groen, Amanda Mason and

Sean Price.

“the willingness with which our young people are likely toserve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directlyproportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier warswere treated and appreciated by their nation.”

— President George Washington


Good Parenting Produces Future leaderTaylor Young had the good fortune to be raised by two involved

parents. He learned to be leader and is concerned for veterans—

especially homeless veterans (seen above are: Director Terry

Araman, Taylor, father Peter and mother Dawn).

Local Phoenix Boy Scout Taylor Young concluded that the best way hecan serve his country and his community was to organize other scoutsand parents from Troop 6 in the Arcadia area of Phoenix.

Taylor earned his Eagle Scout award by helping improve The MANAHouse in Phoenix. He and his father, Peter Young, coordinated over 70volunteers, mostly fellow boy scouts and their parents. They paintedrooms and built shelves and dividers for the formerly homeless veterans.In addition, this project has led to many other boy scout troopsvolunteering at The MANA House.

Taylor Young received an award from the Director of the ArizonaDepartment of Veteran's Services for his efforts, as well as a personalletter of recognition and gratitude from Senator John McCain.

EAgLE sCout ProJECt brings oVEr 70 VoLuntEErs to tHE MAnA HousE

“it is my pleasure to congratulatetaylor Young on your successful Boyscout eagle Project. it is young peoplelike you who make the future of thisgreat nation brighter and stronger.”

— US SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN

William F. Krause was born in Chicago on January 8, 1932, andpassed away on March 2, 2013. Bill served 24 years in the US Air Forceduring the Korean and Vietnam wars and retired as an Air Force MasterSergeant. He escorted home the bodies of soldiers who had been killed

in combat. “it gave me a lot of timefor reflection,” Bill said. “i felthonored to be aboard that plane tohelp escort them home.”

After Bill retired from themilitary, he completed hisbachelor's degree at University ofNebraska and worked in theinsurance industry.

He was Commander of theVeterans of Foreign Wars, theKorean War Veterans Associationof Arizona and was President ofthe Arizona Unified Veterans. AtChristmas time he made surethat the veterans who were in the

Arizona Veterans Home always had gifts, even if it meant buying themout of his own pocket.

He lived his final years at the Arizona Veterans Home in Phoenix. “icry. i do,” said Bill. “i think about all the friends i’ve lost.” Like manyveterans at the Arizona Veterans Home, Bill said he was impacted bythe trauma of combat. “i had real problems when i came back from thewar. i would scream and thrash all the time.”

A graveside service was held on April 11th at the National Cemeteryof Arizona in Phoenix .

editor's note: Many veterans living at the Arizona Veterans Homehave no immediate family in Arizona. if you would like to visit with someof the veterans call 602-248-1550 to arrange a time. this would be anexcellent way for veterans and community organizations to honor theseveterans.

rEMEMbEring biLL krAusEHonoring VEtErAns WitH A triP to tHE VEtErAns MEMoriALs

Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created solely to

honor America’s WWII veterans for all their sacrifices. They transport our

heroes to Washington, D.C. to reflect and be honored at their memorials.

Of all of the wars in recent memory, it was World War II that truly

threatened our very existence as a nation – and as a culturally

diverse, free society. With 1500 World War II veterans dying each day

nationwide, the time to express our thanks to these brave men and

women is running out.

The Arizona chapter of Honor Flight is part of the national network

that is flying WWII veterans to their monument in Washington, D.C.

The goal is to fly as many WWII veterans from Arizona to Washington,

D.C. at no cost to them. www.honorflight.org.

7-Eleven

ACADEMI

Alelo

AlliedBarton Security Services

Alorica

Anheuser-Busch

AstraZeneca Global

AT&T

Avis Budget Group

Bloomberg LP

The Brink's Company

Bristol-Myers Squibb

Broadridge Financial Solutions

CA Technologies

Caterpillar

Century 21 Real Estate LLC

CGI

The Charles Schwab Corporation

Chesapeake Energy Corporation

Cigna

Cintas Corporation

Cisco Systems Inc.

Coca-Cola

Combined Insurance of America

Comcast

Con Edison

Concurrent Technologies

Corporation (CTC)

CSX

Cushman & Wakefield Inc.

Deloitte

DIRECTV

EMC Corporation

Enterprise Holdings

Ernst & Young LLP

Exelon

Expert Global Solutions

Fidelis

First Data

Frontier Communications

General Motors Co.

The Hershey Company

HP

IBM

Intel

Iron Mountain Incorporated

jcpenney

JetBlue

Johnson & Johnson

Johnson Controls, Inc.

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Kaiser Permanente

The Kroger Company

Lockheed Martin

Macy's

ManTech International

Corporation

Merck

MetLife, Inc.

Modis

NCR Corporation

Nielsen

OSRAM SYLVANIA

Pitney Bowes

Ports America

Schneider National

Securitas Security Services USA

Shell Oil Company

SolarCity

SourceHOV

Swift Transportation

T&M Protection Resources, LLC

TAMKO Building Products, Inc.

Target

Textron, Inc.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

TIAA-CREF

Time Warner

Toys "R" Us, Inc.

TSYS

Tyco International

U.S. Security Associates, Inc.

United Airlines

UnitedHealth Group

Universal Health Services, Inc.

Universal Protection Service

Unum

UPMC

Verizon Communications Inc.

Waste Management, Inc.

WellPoint, Inc.

Wells Fargo & Co

CoMPAniEs Hiring VEtErAns

Name District City Phone EMail

JOHN ALLEN 15 N. Phoenix 602-926-4916 [email protected] KATE BROPHY MCGEE 28 NE Phoenix 602-926-4486 [email protected] EDDIE FARNSWORTH 12 Gilbert, Queen Creek 602-926-5735 [email protected] JOHN KAVANAGH 23 N. Scottsdale, Ft. Hills 602-926-5170 [email protected] JAVAN "J.D." MESNARD 17 Chandler 602-926-4481 [email protected] DARIN MITCHELL 13 Goodyear, Buckeye 602-926-5894 [email protected] JUSTIN OLSON 25 Mesa 602-926-5288 [email protected] WARREN PETERSEN 12 Gilbert, Queen Creek 602-926-4136 [email protected] CARL SEEL 20 Glendale, NW Phoenix 602-926-3018 [email protected] STEVE SMITH 11 Casa Grande, Maricopa 602-926-5685 [email protected] MICHELLE UGENTI 23 N. Scottsdale, Ft. HIlls 602-926-4480 [email protected]

VOTED

NO!To Help Veterans

Recently over 65 people gathered to attend Stewart Boone'slecture about the Battle of the Bulge. Mr Boone, 85, of SunCity served in the Battle of The Bulge as an Army solider.The lecture was given at Sun City Grand in Surprise.Stewart Boone was born in 1924 and currently lives in

both Garden City, Kansas and SunCity, Arizona.

Mr. Boone was a very young Armysoldier who waited 40 years to talkabout his military experience. He wasextremely knowledgeable on thesubject and presented an informativelecture. He brought along manyartifacts he's collected during hisArmy career. Most of the audiencewere history buffs eager to learndetails about how we defeated theGermans in World War II. Mr. Booneentertained with his Army songs &dances, his poetry and even playing oftaps on the bugle .

The Battle of the Bulge was a surprise German offensive that took placebetween Trier and Monschau in late 1944 to early 1945. The battle wasalso known as the Von Rundstedt Offensive or the Ardennes Offensive. Ittook place in the thick wooded area of the Ardennes Forest regionstretching from southern Belgium, Luxembourg, and into Germany.Although intended to split the Allied forces into two to help negotiate apeace on the Western Front, it resulted in vital losses of personnel andequipment for the Germans that would ultimately result in theculmination of World War II later in 1945.

tHE WWii bAttLE oF tHE buLgEBy Betty Lou Field


900+ people attended the HonorWalk at Grand Canyon Universityin Phoenix. Money raised went toBootstrap USA and United StatesVeterans Initiative (USVETS).

Director of the Honor Walk andUS Army veteran COLIN DAY isseen here promoting the event.www.honorwalk.com

900+ AttEnD Honor WALk

Tell these arizona State representatives to VOTe yeS for Veterans or We THe PeOPle Will VOTe THeM OUT OF OFFice

AZ stAtE rEPrEsEntAtiVEs WHo VotED noHb 2484 to ProViDE tAX CrEDits to EMPLoYErs For Hiring VEtErAns


The Arizona Department of Veterans Services recentlyhonored Arizona Public Service and Tiffany ConstructionCompany for instituting a new program to hire and employUS military veterans.

Tiffany Construction Company has instituted a newprogram to hire and employ US military veterans. TiffanyConstruction Company (www.Tiffanyconst.com), founded in1925, is working on major construction projects for APS andthe Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. They pridethemselves on an excellent safety record which has wonthem many APS, government and commercial constructioncontracts all over Arizona.

Tiffany Construction Company has hired 15 veterans to work assecurity guards on its construction sites. According to Herb Tiffany,President of Tiffany Construction Company, “We are proud to offer qualityjobs for veterans and encourage other companies to hire veterans. We planto hire more veterans as we grow. Veterans make for great employeesbecause of their training, work ethic and safety record.”

“We will honor tiffany Construction Company with a plaque andCertificate of Appreciation for their commitment to hire veterans at anupcoming ceremony at the Arizona Department of Veterans services officein Phoenix”, according to Colonel Joey Strickland, Director of ArizonaDepartment of Veterans Services.

Mark Field, a US Navy Veteran who served 8 years on submarines, isthe founder of The Veterans Job Creation Program and is serving as theVeterans Coordinator for this project. Colin Day, a US Army Veteran whoserved in Iraq and is the Founder of The Arizona Veterans Lead(www.azveteranslead.com) helped coordinate the hiring of these veterans.

Veterans looking for jobs can post their resumes free ofcharge at www.azveteranslead.com.

There were presentations to APS contractors to develop aprogram to hire veterans which could open the door forhundreds of jobs for veterans.

More info of The Veterans Job Creation Program at:www.phoenix.jobing.com/blog_post.asp?post=26981

One hired veteran had been out of work for over a year,just lost his apartment three weeks previously and was livingout of his car. He literally broke down in tears when he wasoffered a security guard job. Tiffany Construction Companyalso helped him secure an apartment. Another veteran was

out of work for 2½ years and two other veterans were living on fixedincomes and in need of help to support their families.

“thank god there are some companies who want to hire veterans andcan appreciate our military training. this program changed my life. in twodays, i went from living out of my car to having a job and an apartment.”

– Ed McHenry, 12-year US Air Force Veteran

AriZonA PubLiC sErViCE & tiFFAnY ConstruCtionCoMPAnY HonorED For Hiring VEtErAns

The Arizona Department of Veterans Services

presented an award to APS and Tiffany

Construction Company for their commitment to

hire veterans.

Herbert C. Tiffany, Jr. President and Owner of Tiffany Construction,passed away peacefully with his entire family at his side. HerbTiffany loved his family, his community and his country and wascommitted to hiring veterans. The Tiffany family has providedexceptional services to many utilities and municipal, state & federalagencies since 1925.

Page 15

riCHArD M. roMLEYRecognized as a national leader, Rick

Romley served four elected terms as theMaricopa County Attorney [1989-2004]and was appointed as interim MaricopaCounty Attorney in 2010.

Rick administered one of the largestprosecuting attorney’s offices in the nationand was responsible for the civilrepresentation for all of county government.

Mr. Romley testified before the UnitedStates Senate and the United States Houseof Representatives on issues of violentcrime, terrorism, drug trafficking, youthviolence, public corruption and victims’rights. For these efforts, Rick has been therecipient of over 100 awards, including theNational Leadership Award presented in Washington D.C. in 1997.

Since leaving office, Rick started his own firm specializing in strategicconsulting, issues resolution and legal representation for select clients.Clientele have included former Secretary for Veterans Affairs, JamesNicholson, who asked Rick to come to Washington D.C. and be hisPersonal Advisor to oversee the data loss of personal information for overtwenty-six million veterans and to enhance the VA's security protocolsand infrastructure. Mr. Romley’s select clientele have also included theArizona Attorney General, Maricopa County, Pinal County and TriWestHealthCare Alliance.

Continuing a 100-year Arizona family tradition, Rick and his wife, Carol,live in Scottsdale, Arizona. They have three sons: Darin, David and Aaron.Rick joined the United States Marine Corps as a youth and served as acombat infantry squad leader in Vietnam until wounded in 1969. Rickreceived numerous commendations, including the Purple Heart. In 2001,Rick received two additional national awards for his service in defense ofour country: Life’s Presidential Unsung Hero Award and America’sOutstanding Disabled American Veteran of the Year. Mr. Romley wasinducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in 2007, and currentlyserves as its President.

AriZonA VEtErAns & MiLitArY LEADErsHiP ALLiAnCE uPDAtEBy David Lucier

We have a full legislative agenda outlined forVeterans in the upcoming Arizona Legislativesession. We have formed a bipartisan veterans’caucus for the purpose of fulfilling some neededstate legislation in order to help establish Arizonaas the most veteran supportive state in the nation

in education & training, in job creation & economic opportunities and inhealth & wellness. AVMLA will be leading the charge on these importantveterans issues during the 2013 legislative session and beyond.

As a resident of the new Congressional District Nine (CD9), and as aleading organization in the veteran community, we formed a VeteransAdvisory Board for Congresswoman elect Kyrsten Sinema. We have heldtwo very productive meetings with the Congresswoman and feel that we,as veterans, will be very well represented in the US House ofRepresentatives over the next two years. The Phoenix VA Medical Center,the VA Regional Office and ASU are located in CD 9. Much work liesahead. We are considering the implementation of a Arizona VeteransCongressional Advisory Council to insure that all of our Congressionaldelegates are representing our Veterans' interests and that they receivethe same message throughout their tenure. With 600,000+ veterans inArizona, our voices should be heard.

The AVMLA has established a relationship with Cardinal CapitalManagement to begin the process of designing, building and operating afull service, supportive, affordable, and permanent veterans' housingproject in or near Tempe. This project will help in reducing the number ofhomeless veterans in the Phoenix metro area. At the appropriate time, wewill conclude a more formal agreement — most likely in 2013.

A coalition is being established to expand and enhance the process ofcollecting Veterans’ Oral Histories. The partners and participants includea multitude of ASU entities and resources, the Veterans Heritage Project,Alpha Stripe, the Tempe City Library and the Library of Congress.

Fundraising for the Veterans Memorial in Tempe will continue in orderto complete the first of three phases in a timely manner. Phase I wascompleted and dedicated on Veterans Day, 2012 with a ceremony thatincluded both Tempe Mayor Mitchell and Col. Joey Strickland, theDirector of the Arizona Department of Veterans Services.

Thanks to the support of Col. Joey Strickland at the ArizonaDepartment of Veterans Services, four of our ASU student veterans anda senior advisor went to the 2013 Student Veterans of America NationalConvention in Orlando, Florida. This will mean national exposure forArizona’s Veterans’ initiatives with important exposure to people likeSecretary of Veterans Affairs Shinseki and retired Army Chief of StaffGeneral Casey among others.

tHE PoWEr oF oPtiMisM

Andy served under 4 Arizona Governors as the Executive Director of theArizona Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health & Sports. He isthe author of The Power of Optimism. www.thepowerofoptimism.com.

US Army VeteranAndy Dzurinko and

Corwin Miller on top ofMount Kilimanjaro at

19,341 feet above sea level.It is in Tanzania, and is thehighest mountain in Africa.

Just shows you canaccomplish anything when

you set your mind to it.

VEtErAn EMPLoYMEnt AssistAnCE oFFiCEs

AriZonA DEPArtMEnt oF EConoMiC sECuritY — www.azdes.gov

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Veteran owned business

sErViCEsFuLL CoLor Printing

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Financial services firm Edward Jonesannounced the firm has hired 300military veterans as financial advisorsadding to the roughly 1,300 veterans

already employed in this role. "Hiring military veterans is a part ofthe Edward Jones culture and heritage and not simply viewed as acorporate initiative," said Jim Weddle, managing partner of EdwardJones. More info at: http://www.ejcareer.com/us/military

“A 7-eleven franchise is a natural fit for veterans. Asfranchisees, they add solid leadership skills and strongdiscipline to the creativity, energy and spirit ofentrepreneurship. they are good at dealing with peopleand with day-to-day challenges. 7-eleven offers ourmilitary veteran franchisees a savings of up to $35,000off the franchise fee and up to 65% financing”.— Joseph M. DePinto, 7-Eleven Inc. President & CEO and US ArmyVeteran. www.franchise.7-eleven.com/veterans-franchise-program/

100,000 JOBS MISSIONThe 100,000 Jobs Mission is a coalition of 83 companies committedto hiring at least 100,000 veterans by 2020. The coalition has hiredmore than 28,000 veterans since 2011. To learn more about the 100,000 Jobs Mission or to apply for jobs,visit: www.100000jobsmission.com.

Wells Fargo is committing $35 million over the nextthree years as part of its ongoing commitment tosupporting military service members and veterans.The commitment includes:• Real estate owned (REO) property donations andsupport valued at $30 million to qualifying nonprofitsthat serve military service members and veterans

• Hiring and mentoring initiatives, • Customized financial education efforts“With this $35 million commitment it is Wells Fargo’s goal to have a rolein our nation’s efforts to support military service members, veterans andtheir families,” said Jon Campbell, head of Wells Fargo Communityand Government Relations. “our mission of helping our customerssucceed financially holds especially true for the men and women whoserve our country through the military”.

Horse Rhythm Foundation, Inc. (HRF) is a non-profit organizationbased in Glendale, Arizona. HRF was founded by disabled war

veterans providing Equine Assisted Services (EAS) as a broad-basedcollaborative community initiative that recognizes and honors theintrinsic value of our military soldiers. www.horserhythm.org

Arizona Coalition for Military Families ishaving their 4th Annual StatewideSymposium in support of service members,

veterans & their families will be May 15 & 16, 2013 at Desert WillowConference Center in Phoenix.

Troops to Teachers is a U.S. Department ofDefense program that helps eligible militarypersonnel and veterans begin a new career asteachers in public schools where their skills,knowledge and experience are most needed.www.proudtoserveagain.com

Grace After Fire serves as a peer support system designed specificallyfor women veterans. They focus on gender specific aspects throughstructured interaction with trained facilitators and fellow peers whileidentifying and addressing barriers women veterans face on the pathto positive change. The program provides educational materials andactivities that promote self-knowledge, self-understanding, self-development and self-renewal for the woman veteran.www.graceafterfire.org

USAA, a financial services and insurance provider tomilitary service members and veterans and their families,plans on hiring as many as 1,000 new workers and willadd 380,000 square feet to its north Phoenix campus. Theavailable positions will include customer service, claims

representatives and information security specialists, as well asbusiness and financial analysts and other banking and insurancepositions. Apply at www.usaa.com.

General Motors is adding 1000 high-tech jobs in Chandlerfor the site of its Information Technology Innovation Center.They are investing $21 million in the new facility which isplanned to open early next year. Apply at www.gm.com.

On Point Foundation is a non-profit organization, based in CaveCreek, Arizona that pays for disabled service members race entry fees. Ifyou know a disabled service member who participates in adventureracing, mountain biking, bicycling events, marathons, triathlons, or anytype of organized competitive event. (719) 651-4518 www.imonpoint.org.


17505 N. 79th Ave. #215Glendale, AZ 85308

Greg Wade NMLS# 1007717

623.738.6077

AZ MB# 0918286 NMLS# 367549

WE OFFEr FHA, VA & CONVENTIONAL MOrTGAGES

1510 VEtErAns HELPED At 2013 AriZonA stAnDDoWn

Number of homeless and at-risk veterans who received services at AZ Standown

2009 — 743; 2010 — 804; 2011 — 1048; 2012 — 1293; 2013 — 1510

Hey I’m HungryOne of the best Chinese buffets in the Phoenix metro area is Oriental

Buffet located at 10146 W. Lake Pleasant Parkway in Peoria. I have takenfamily and friends there many times and they all love it. You can take83rd avenue north or 99th avenue north of Beardsley right into theWalmart parking lot in which the Oriental Buffet has its location. Thisrestaurant operated for many years in the Scottsdale Pavillions but lostits lease to a higher bidding Hooters once the Pavillions was able to obtaina liquor license. The food is one or two levels above most Chinese buffetsand you can find the best spare ribs, soft-shell crab, Mongolian beef,Peking duck, sushi and about 150 items on the buffet. Cost is veryreasonable like $10 — even on Sunday. Senior discount available.

Visit them at 10146 W. Lake Pleasant Parkway and at

623-561-8900 www.azorientalbuffet.com.

Eight weeks ago Chandler Police OfficerTodd Lysfjord and another officer received adomestic violence call at an apartmentcomplex. Both men slipped on black ice on thesidewalk. Lysfjord, a former Army Ranger,who successfully completed six combatdeployments in defense of his community, hisstate, and his nation, knew that somethingwas wrong. He went to the medical careprovider the City referred him to and then thenightmare began.

On February 1st Todd went into a coma andwas in ICU for three days. The deteriorationof this American hero took nine days. Thenthe City denied treatment for his head injurybecause they insisted on receiving his VAmedical records in 48 hours. Because of hissecurity clearance while in the military, hisrecords have to be redacted before they can besent. The HR Department refused to acceptthat and cancelled his neurological care.

“in an environment such as law enforcementwhere there are so many veterans hired andemployed, it is complete neglect on the part ofthe Chandler Human resources staff to notunderstand the procedures of the military withregard to special ops ability to release medicalrecords in a timely fashion during a time thatour country is at war,” Jack Daggett, Gold StarFather of an Army Ranger, and founder of theEternal Freedom Foundation of America,

stated. “in the meantime, erring on the side ofcaution on behalf of an injured officer is theethical thing to do. Providing treatment asneeded is the right thing to do, Veteran or not.”

“Last August, officer Lysfjord was injuredwhile trying to calm a suicidal subject whobecame combative. then CorVel did not ask forhis VA medical records to begin or continuemedical treatment. Why are they doing this totodd Lysfjord now?” Rob Dykstra, CLEABoard President, asked. “From a purelyfinancial standpoint, the City has alreadyspent thousands of dollars training toddLysfjord. one would think that they would doeverything in their power to ensure that he isable to come back to work when physicallyable and not waste that investment.”

“Arizona has been recognized as the mostVeteran friendly state; that is, hiring moreveterans than any other state,” Keith Benjamin,CLASA President, remarked. “A situation suchas the nightmare the City of Chandler has puttodd and Heather Lysfjord through is simplyuntenable.” David Lucier, President and CEO,Arizona Veterans & Military LeadershipAlliance added: “Unfortunately, it appears thatthe City of Chandler’s behavior is whollycontradictory to that vision and to those efforts.the veterans’ community will be glad to workwith the City of Chandler to prevent this fromhappening again.”

During his combat deployments as an ArmyRanger, Todd earned a Bronze Star, ArmyCommendation Medal x 5; Senior Parachute’sBadge with Bronze Star (Iraq AirborneAssault) and Combat Infantryman’s Badge.Neuropsychological testing was cancelled dueto suspension of benefits by the City ofChandler Human Resources Department.Some examples of Todd’s decreased cognitiveability include but are not limited to: he needsassistance in many activities of daily livingdue to lack of balance and previous falls;extreme changes in temperature; he bumpsinto walls while walking; he forgets recentconversations and when he is concentratingon something too long he gets headaches. Hissense of time is greatly skewed. Todd hasdifficulty writing and forgets how to sign hisname. Todd cannot remember his access codefor the PD which he used at least 40 times aweek while working graveyard shift. Toddcannot operate a motor vehicle.

Donations may be made to Todd Lysfjordc/o CLEA Charities, a 501 c3 non-profit, P.O.Box 238, Chandler, Arizona 85225.

send your comments to:Mayor of Chandler Jay tibshraeny:

[email protected]

u.s. ArMY rAngEr WitH 6 tours in irAQ & AFgHAnistAn DEniED HEALtH CArE bY CitY oF CHAnDLEr

GEORGE THORNE served in the U.S. Army Judge AdvocateGeneral’s Corps (JAGC) & Adjutant General Corps (AGC) for 27years and reached the rank of Sergeant Major/E9 . He served asadvisor to senior attorneys on matters relating to law office andpersonnel management for the largest law offices in the U.S. Army.He performed as administrator and executive assistant for 20-plusattorney offices; supervisor and technical advisor for legal andadministrative support staff. George supervised para-professional,paralegal, legal research and law library services, clerical,secretarial and administrative support staff. He authoredadministrative procedure manuals that were adopted in law officesthroughout the Army.

George served 14 years for Arizona Department of VeteransServices in the Disabled Veteran’ Outreach Program (DVOP) wherehe served as technical resource for clients, community andemployers. George also served as the Director of GovernmentRelations for Jobing.com and is on the Board of Directors forOperation American Patriot (OAP) and serves as Director ofWorkforce Development. OAP is a non-profit organization inspiredby Senator John McCain and his Veterans Coalition Volunteers tofortify existing resources for all veterans and their families whohave served this great nation.

George started his own consulting company to help employersrecruit and manage veterans. www.georgethorneconsulting.com

Operation American Patriot — www.operationamericanpatriot.us

US Marine Captain John J. McKenna IV, 30, was killed in action on August16, 2006 while conducting combat operations in Iraq’s Al Anbar province.

He heroically came to the aid of a fallen comrade while under enemyfire. In 1998 John accepted a commission in the US Marine Corps as

2nd Lieutenant after successfulcompletion in Officer's CandidateSchool. Upon completion of BasicSchool he was assigned to the 2ndMarine wing where he served withdistinction which included tours inUzbekistan and Afghanistan aspart of Operation EnduringFreedom. He then went to serve aspart of the initial invasion forceduring Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Captain McKenna left activeduty in 2003 and became a NewYork State Police Officer. John wascompelled to return to Iraq to helpfight the war on terror. He wasawarded the Silver Star.

We remember our dear friend

Susan & George McAnanama

tribute to a fallen marine


Portrait by Michael G. Reaganwww.fallenheroesproject.org

Beginning Memorial Day, Walmart will offer a job to any honorablydischarged veteran in his or her first 12 months off active duty. Most ofthese jobs will be in Walmart stores and clubs, and some will be indistribution centers and the Home Office.

Walmart’s pledge is not the end of this effort; it’s the beginning. Thecompany projects it will hire more than 100,000 veterans during the nextfive years.

“We believe Walmart is already the largest privateemployer of veterans in the country, and we want to hiremore,” added William S. Simon, President and ChiefExecutive Officerof Walmart U.S. “i can think of nobetter group to lead in revitalizing our economy than those who have servedin uniform. through their service, veterans give us a land of freedom. Whenthey return, it must be to a land of possibility.”

Walmart has spoken with the White House about this commitment. TheFirst Lady’s team immediately expressed an interest in working withWalmart and with the entire business community to join forces to buildupon this commitment. In the next several weeks, the White House willconvene the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, andmajor American employers to encourage businesses to make significantcommitments to train and employ America’s returning heroes.

“this is exactly the kind of act we hoped would be possible when we

started Joining Forces — a concrete example of our nation's love andsupport that our troops, veterans, and their families can feel in their livesevery day,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “As our wars come to an endand our troops continue to come home, it's more important than ever thatall of us — not just government, but our businesses and nonprofits as —doour part to serve those who have served us so bravely. so today, my

challenge is simple: for every business in America tofollow Walmart’s lead by finding innovative solutionsthat both make sense for their workplaces and make adifference for our veterans and their families. givenwhat we’ve seen from Walmart and so many other

companies over the past two years, we know that they will.”Simon also called on the retail industry to work together to provide

greater career opportunities for veterans.“imagine what retail could do together,” said Simon. “We could leave an

incredible legacy as an industry. We can be the ones who step up for ourheroes. And we can do this now.”

“Hiring a veteran can be one of the best business decisions you make,”said Simon. “Veterans have a record of performance under pressure.they’re quick learners and team players. they are leaders with discipline,training, and a passion for service. there is a seriousness and sense ofpurpose that the military instills, and we need it today more than ever.”

PArALYZED VEtErAns oF AMEriCA is congratulatingWalmart on its recent pledge to hire 100,000 veterans over thenext five years.

“Having the world’s biggest retailer take on one of the biggestchallenges facing veterans and their families — unemployment —will undoubtedly help end this national crisis,” said Bill Lawson,US Army veteran and National President of Paralyzed Veteransof America. “We also believe that Walmart could play a vital rolein addressing perhaps the most difficult part of the veterans’unemployment challenge—getting our veterans with disabilitiesback to work.”

With an unemployment rate for disabled veterans estimatedto be three to eight times higher than the nationalunemployment rate, Paralyzed Veterans created its PAVEprogram (Paving Access for Veterans Employment)—whichassists hard-to-place veterans in secure good jobs. www.pva.org

WALMArt to HirE 100,000 VEtErAns

“everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve.

You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

Until the veterans community is willing to stand up and advocate in aprofessional manner for its needs and wants, nothing will change, in fact,thing are getting worse.

As of today, and to my dismay, there is no professional independentadvocate for Arizona veterans at the State Capitol. Cops, firefighters,teachers, farmers, labor, business, manufacturers, and others haveprofessional representation and advocacy at the Capitol — but not Veterans.

We, as veterans, get a lot of empty rhetoric and lip service year after yearfrom Governor Brewer and the Legislative leadership and this session isshaping up just like the rest with zero results for Veterans.

We have to quit falling for the same old rhetoric about how veterans arehonored and loved at the Capitol and in the Legislature. They say they loveus when we are willing to fight to the last drop of OUR blood for theirfreedom to prance off to the mall while we march off to war, and they loveus up to the point of actually investing in us.

Here is a short list of how Arizona politicians have treated Arizona veteransrecently. The Governor fired Joey Strickland, one of the most effective andhonored Veterans Service Directors in the nation; all Veterans bills are bottledup in committees; Ms. Paula Pedene, another top notch professional, isdemoted from her position with the VA Medical Center in Phoenix; the VApulled its support of the Veterans Parade in Phoenix; and a Chandler copand Veteran with six deployments had his medical benefits terminatedbecause they say the insurance carrier didn't get his VA medical records in48 hours from the date of request.

At the federal, state and municipal level in Arizona, veterans have takena horrible beating at the hands of our Arizona politicians and leaders. Arethese the results of how effective our Veterans community is?Unfortunately, the answer is, "Yes."

So, until the Veterans community is willing to put its money where it’smouth is and hire a professional full time advocate, not only will things notchange, but they will get worse for the 600,000+ veterans in Arizona andfor the 100,000 that are coming our way in the next few years.

Continuing to think that "volunteer organizations" are going to get the jobdone for Arizona Veterans, is pure fantasy. Unless and until ArizonaVeterans are willing to professionally advocate and advance our interestsand protect our existing resources, our future is looking extremely dim.

by David Lucier

VEtErAns nEED bEttEr rEPrEsEntAtion

A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N EPage 19

GERMAN CAR REPAIRrMH CAr rEPAirs

Surprise, Arizona

richard Hammond

623-271-8048

specializing in german Cars 50% oFF Dealers rates

(l-r) Mike christensen, amanda Bailey, dylan Vicha, Jared

allen, lance Buck and in front Josh Bullis.

Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors is anon-profit organization created for the sole purposeof raising money to build or modify the homes ofAmerica’s injured military veterans so that they arehandicap accessible and comfortable. Jared Allenof the Minnesota Vikings formed the organizationin 2009 after he returned home from his USO Tourto U.S. Military Bases in the Middle East.

JAH4WW has chosen the Phoenix, Arizona native and US Army veteranJoshua Bullis as the next recipient for home renovations.

In April 2010, Bullis deployed to the Kandahar province in SouthernAfghanistan with the 595th Sapper Company, 2nd Engineer Battalion. Ascombat engineers, Bullis and the other Soldiers in the unit wereresponsible for constructing roads and bridges and clearing routes, whichmade it possible for other troops to travel throughout the region. Whileon a routine foot patrol through an Afghan village, Joshua Bullis stepped

on a buried improvised explosive device (IED). As aresult of the blast, both of his legs were amputatedabove his knee, as was his left arm above the elbow.

Joshua Bullis will need a complete home remodelwhich includes all new flooring for wheelchairaccessibility, ramps in every entrance, custombathrooms and kitchen, wider doors and hallways,

alterations to the garage to allow easy access from his custom vehicle,and an outdoor patio. www.jaredallen69inc.com, 480-991-3047.

NFL FOOTBALL STAr BUILDS HOMES FOr WOUNDED VETErANS

Jared allen, NFl football star in action.

PAT MCMAHoN

is a long-time Arizona

TV and Radio Host. He

can be seen on The

Morning Scramble

on AZTV. He also

hosts a Radio show on

KTAR (620 AM and

92.3 FM). Pat served

in the US Army.


SCOTT THISTLEProfessional Photographer

Media & Public relations

602-370-4131us navy Veteran

[email protected]

Quality servicereasonable rates

Page 21

We need to work to eliminate fraud, waste, abuse, corruption anduseless duplication of government services. Simply, we can do more withless resources. It is possible to solve the problems in America withminimal government resources.

In the building of new veterans homes and homeless veterans’ sheltersshould require the contractor hire veterans and to offer veterans theopportunity to learn one or more of all the major trades includingelectrical, carpentry, plumbing, roofing in a work/train apprenticeshipjob program for veterans on all new government infrastructure projects.

Simply, that any American has to live on the street is nothing short ofa national disgrace. Solving homelessness is first to breakdown whatconstitutes homelessness. Each and every instigator must be examinedand explored. The convergence of multiple factors can leave a personhomeless. Death, divorce, bankruptcy, foreclosure, alcohol, drugs, poormoney management skills, lack of financial education, lack of affordablehousing, poor economy, lack of employment, lack of health insurance andeven legal restraints all contribute to homelessness. Solving it mustinvolve at least as many pro-active social components.

Twenty-five years ago I saw a model for housing efficiency which could

be used to provide emergency housing for the homeless. On a backpackingtrip through Europe, I stayed at a youth hostel named The Tent in Munich,Germany, www.the-tent.com. After arriving by train, I followed my Let'sGo: Europe guide and took a bus about 40 minutes to the outskirts ofMunich and walkedin a circus sizedtent with nothingbut a wood floor.For about $2-4 pernight, I can have aplace on the floor.The facility hadshowers, all kinds of activities, food which was equally inexpensive.

This same concept can help solve the homeless issue. There are manyexamples of limited-use parcels of land, such as land near the airport ornear the nuclear power plant which can provide emergency housing untilhomeless veterans can be moved into group housing transitional centers.We need more group housing facilities. Old hotels can be refurbished tohouse homeless veterans.

soLVing tHE ProbLEMs in AMEriCA — innoVAtions in goVErnMEntby Mark Field

They carried all they could bear, and then some, including a silent awefor the terrible power of the things they carried.

It was the great American war chest—the fruits of sciences, thesmokestacks, the canneries, the arsenals at Hartford, the Minnesotaforests, the machine shops, the vast fields of corn and wheat; they carriedthose things on their backs and shoulders—and for all the ambiguities ofthe war itself, all the mysteries and unknowns, there was at least the singleabiding certainty that they would never be at a loss for things to carry.

They carried the M-16 assault rifle. They carried trip flares andClaymore mines, M-60 machine guns, the M-79 grenade launcher, M-14s,CAR-15s, Stoners, Swedish K's, 66mm LAWs, 12 gauge shotguns, .45caliber pistols, silencers; they carried the sounds of bullets, rockets, andchoppers, and sometimes they carried the sound of silence. They carriedC-4 plastic explosives, an assortment of hand grenades, PRC-25 radios,knives and machetes.

Henry Dobbins, who was a big man, carried extra rations; Ted Lavender,who was scared, carried tranquilizers until he was shot dead outside thevillage of Than Khe in mid-April; Dave Jensen carried three pairs of socksand a can of Dr. Scholl's foot powder; Mitchell Sanders, the RTO, carriedcondoms. Norman Bowker carried a diary. Rat Kiley carried comic books.Kiowa, a devout Baptist, carried an illustrated New Testament that hadbeen presented to him by his father, who taught Sunday school inOklahoma City, Oklahoma. As a hedge against bad times, however, Kiowaalso carried his grandfather's old hunting hatchet and his grandmother'sdistrust of the white man.

They also carried malaria, dysentery, ringworm and leeches. Theycarried the land itself as it hardened on their boots. They carriedstationery, pencils, and pictures of their loved ones — real and imagined.

They carried their own lives. They carried memories. And they carriedthemselves with poise and a kind of dignity.

They carried the traditions of the United States military, and memoriesand images of those who served before them. They carried grief, terror,longing and their reputations. They carried the soldier's greatest fear: theembarrassment of dishonor. They crawled into tunnels, walked point, andadvanced under fire, so as not to die of embarrassment. They were afraidof dying, but too afraid to show it.

They carried all they could bear, and then some, including a silent awefor the terrible power of the things they carried…but always and forever…they carried each other.

tHEY CArriED ALL tHEY CouLD bEArby David LucierIt is no secret that veterans sometimes have difficulty coming back to

“life as usual” after they have been in the fire of combat. They come homeand bury their feelings only to have them resurface at stressful times intheir lives. Does this sound like you?

“turning off the switch is not that easy,” says Norm, a Vietnam Veteran,and mentor in the free, Merritt Center Returning Combat Veteran Programin Payson AZ.

Would you like to spend time with other combat veterans working onissues you faced during combat that still cause you problems? Come tothe free, Merritt Center program staffed by volunteers including combatVeteran mentors. As Shannon, an Iraq Vet said, “We are here to help youcome home, all the way home”.

The separate programs for men and women who have been in combat,includes four weekends over a six month period. Through group andindividual activities, such as trauma release exercises and talking circles,participating Veterans learn to recognize the triggers of negative combatexperience and find ways to release negativity and reorder their personallife priorities.

The Center is a non-profit retreat founded in 1987 by Betty Merritt forindividual or group renewal and empowerment. Within 13 acres it offersa home-like simple relaxing retreat in a rural area of Star Valley nearPayson, Arizona. It allows the participants the freedom of forestexploration in a family-like setting for meals and accommodations.

Call for more information about how to release the experiences of warand to create a new life. 800-414-9880 www.merrittcenter.org

rEturning CoMbAt VEtErAns ProgrAM in PAYson


PETEr yOUNGMortgage banker

NMLS# 395587

602-989-4656Unison Bank NMLS# 488509

[email protected]

ProuD to sErVE VEtErAns

Page 22

corey Harris enlistedin the Us Army in 1998and entered into reserveofficer training Corps(rotC) at Arizona stateUniversity in 2002.

He served two tours iniraq, and ran for Arizonastate representativefrom District 18 in theAhwatukee area ofPhoenix, Az. He is theCommunity relationsand government Liaisonfor the Madison streetVeterans Association. Heserved as the Civil Affairsteam Chief at United states Army reserve. He previously served as aCommunications specialist at triWest Healthcare Alliance and as aVeterans employment Consultant at the Arizona Coalition for MilitaryFamilies. From 2009-2011 he served as Veterans outreach Coordinator forUs Congressman Harry Mitchell.

US Navy admiral Mike Millen chairman of the Joint

chiefs of Staff seen here with corey Harris.

National Armed Forces FreedomRide Arizona will be Sunday, May 18th at 9am

at Chester’s Harley Davidson 922 S. Country Club Drive in Mesa.

(480) 894-0404,www.azfreedomride.webs.com.

74th Street Band to perform at 3:30pm.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the NationalHighway Traffic Safety Administration, 300,000 new truck drivers will beneeded each year for the next 10 years to meet America's demands. Thetrucking industry jobs have full benefits, tuition reimbursement and401K retirement plans.

Southwest Truck Driver Training has CDL training programs approvedso eligible veterans can use the Veteran's Administration (VA) funded GIBill benefits in order to pay for truck driver training in full. The truckdriving school programs approved for veterans' funding allow a qualifyingveteran to complete the CDL training program with little or no out-ofpocket costs. Additionally, housing assistance can be available for thoseveterans who need to cover housing costs while attending truck drivingschool.

The training can be completed in four weeks, and they provide jobplacement assistance with local, regional and national truckingcompanies.

They can evaluate the prior skill and training that a veteran has todetermine whether some credit can be given. For example, if you were an88M MOS (heavy truck operator) in the Army, we may be able to adjustyour training to give credit for this prior experience.

Southwest Truck Driver Training has over 1000 written testimonialsfrom veterans that have attended their programs including:

“After training i got a job driving for a major carrier in the oil and gasindustry, making more money than i had ever before.”

— US Army veteran, 2011 graduate

“i went to school with no money out-of-pocket and now work for amajor transportation company.” — US Army veteran, 2012 graduate

Southwest Truck Driver Training offers training to pass yourCommercial Driver's License test. For more info call (602) 635-9160

300,000 nEW truCk DriVErs nEEDED tHis YEArMiLitArY trAining HigHLY rEgArDED


1804 — 1 billion1927 — 2 billion1960 — 3 billion1975 — 4 billion1999 — 6 billion2013 — 7.1 billion

World Population

2013 — 6,553,255

Estimated in 2030 — 12.7 million

Arizona Population

2013 — 313,914,040

ProtECt YoursELF FroM tELEMArkEting sCAMsArizona State law section 13-3722 is designed to protect Arizona residentsfrom unethical fundraisers. The law states:A. It is unlawful for a person to solicit money or other support in the nameof American veterans unless the veterans’ organization for which theperson is soliciting money or other support is officially approved by theDepartment of Veterans’ Services pursuant to section 41-603.B. A person who violates this section is guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.Any legitimate company or non-profit raising money for veterans issuesshould at least be approved by The State of Arizona Department ofVeterans Services. Other red flags would be being based out of state. Oftentimes, they only raise funds out of state to avoid law enforcement.A safer way to donate funds to meaningful veterans causes is to contactthe organizations listed in this magazine, and make your donations onlyto Arizona based organizations.

source: United nations

estimated World Population in 2300 — 36.4 billion

United States Population

Madison street Veterans association

HElpING HOMElESS VETERANS: The MANA (Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force) House is thetransitional housing facility for Madison Street Veterans Association. Once a veteran passes thescreening process, they are allowed to stay at the MANA House for up to two (2) years while activelysearching for work or filing VA and/or Social Security Claims.

THE MANA HOuSE pROVIDES: Beds, Hot Meals, Transportation & Bicycles, Clothing, ComputerAccess, Laundry & Showers, Drug-Free environment and Job Services.

MISSION: A peer-run group of homeless and former homeless veterans offering personal, individualized service, basic resources, community and advocacy for all veterans.

TAx CREDITS: By making a donation to the MSVA, you will not only be helping those living in poverty,but you also may be able to obtain a dollar-for-dollar tax credit toward your Arizona state tax obligation.Single qualifiers may qualify for up to $200 and married couples filing jointly may qualify for a tax creditup to $400. Tax credits are available, based on your income tax filing status.The Madison Street VeteransAssociation is not a tax advisor.

May 2008 – 14 veterans begin to manage their own space in the Men’s OutreachShelter on The Madison Street in downtown Phoenix

Summer 2008 – The Madison Street Veterans Association is “born” as a peergroup and serves as an inspiration to other groups in the shelter who organizearound their own defining bonds.

March 2013 – The Madison Street Veterans Association opens a women’s shelter.

Veterans Helping Veterans

TErry ArAMANDirector

SCOTT THISTLE Career Advisor

thank You Valley toyota Dealers!

Valley Toyota Dealers donated a truck and a van to The Madison Street VeteransAssociation. These vehicles are used to transport veterans to the VA MedicalCenter and to pick up supplies & donations.

A Non-Profit organizationwww.MadisonstreetVeterans.org

Help Us Help VeteransWe welcome and appreciate

your support & donations.

The MANA House755 E. Willetta Street

Phoenix, AZ 85006

602-525-4456

When you give to The Madison Street Veterans Association you are not just giving to an organization, youare INVESTING in your community and you become part of the solution to end homelessness. By giving to MSVA you are helping veterans to remold their lives, reconnect with their strengths and gainthe confidence to end their homelessness. Thank you for considering the MSVA in your charitable giving.

the MAnA House can house

53 male veterans &16 female veterans.

since 2008, over 500 former homeless

veterans have received services.

Director Terry Araman, Nicole Stanton, Phoenix Mayor GregStanton, Senior Case Manager Tony Motley and Communityrelations & Government Liaison Corey Harris are seen hereat The MANA House.

arizona veterans magazine

Documents

arizona veterans magazinewants

veterans issues

lookingfor veterans

veterans job creation

university of arizona

governor of arizona

abetter world

enlisted commissioning