VETERANS

VETERANS
Arizona
Magazine
THE BEST VETERANS MAGAZINE IN AMERICA
www.AZVetMag.com u www.facebook.com/ArizonaVeteransMagazine
FEATURES
MOAA Newsletter
SEABEES Newsletter
MANA HOUSE Newsletter
US VETS Newsletter
NATIONAL GUARD
VETERANS HEALTH
VETERANS EDUCATION
VETERANS ART EXHIBIT
FALL 2014
FREE
GOVERNOR BREWER HONORS NAVAJO CODE TALKERS
ARIZONA’S WORLD WAR II VETERANS CELEBRATE LIFE
NORTHWEST VALLEY VETERANS ASSOCIATION SERVES ARIZONA
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VETERANS

ARIZONA NATIONAL GUARD
MUSTER — DEC. 7, 11AM
“I want Arizona to see you for what you are; the greatest National
Guard in the country.” — Major General Michael T. McGuire
JAN BREWER
Governor of Arizona
COME SEE YOUR ARIZONA NATIONAL GUARD ON DISPLAY
FREE ADMISSION l OPEN TO THE PUBLIC l FREE PARKING l LIGHT RAIL ACCESSIBLE
Major General MICHAEL T. MCGUIRE
The Adjutant General of Arizona
ARMY SEIZURE OF AZ NATIONAL GUARD HELICOPTERS
by Major General Michael T. McGuire, The Adjutant General of Arizona
Arizona Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Royal Hazen and Chief
Warrant Officer Jennifer Languell take off in an AH-64D Apache near
Bamyan, Afghanistan, while deployed in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom in October, 2007. Both guardsmen and their aircraft are assigned
to the 1-285th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion at Silverbell Army Heliport
in Marana, Arizona.
They train to the same standards as their active duty counterparts and
cost 60 percent less to maintain. Yet after years of defending freedom in
Afghanistan, Arizona’s Citizen-Soldiers are being told they are unworthy of
operating the Army’s premier attack helicopter.
Army leaders recently revealed a plan to take away all 192 National Guard
AH-64D Apache attack helicopters – 24 of which are assigned to Arizona –
asserting that guardsmen aren’t as ready to perform attack aviation missions
as the active duty. That claim is inaccurate and statistically unproven.
Adding insult, proponents of the Army’s plan say the Guard can’t be
trusted with the demands of an Apache mission and that Guard units were
tasked with “less complex missions” upon arrival to the combat zones in
Iraq and Afghanistan.
Fact: the 403 Arizona Guardsmen assigned to the 1-285th Attack &
Reconnaissance Battalion at Silverbell Army Heliport in Marana flew the fullspectrum
of combat operations and fought valiantly in Afghanistan in 2007
and 2008. They also supported two company-sized deployments to
Afghanistan in 2012 and 2013. Our guardsmen flew the same missions as
active duty units. On one rotation they provided the sole Apache capability
for an entire region of the country. They did this with a flawless safety record.
The surprise so-called “cost-cutting” move actually imposes a great fiscal
and moral expense. In a fair discussion about cost savings, the National
Guard – the most cost-effective component of the Army – should see an
increased role in national defense. Instead, amid historic budget challenges
and without discussion or compelling reason, the Army intends to gut the
National Guard by removing these Apaches and reducing the Arizona Army
National Guard by about 800 soldiers.
This is no small cut. It means one of every five Arizona Army National
Guardsmen will be told their services are no longer needed. It’s not just
about jobs. These are your neighbors, friends and co-workers – men and
women who have sworn to defend the constitutions of the United States and
Arizona and are willing to protect their communities, respond to state
emergencies, help secure the border and place themselves in harm’s way
when called.
As a nation, now is not the time to walk away from the investment made
in the Guard as an operational force since Sept. 11, 2001. If Apaches are
completely divested from the Guard we forever lose the invaluable training
and experience that our Soldiers have earned. We also lose the best option
for retaining valuable skills. When Apache crews and maintainers leave
active duty in the future there will be nowhere in the Guard for them to
continue their service and remain available when the nation needs them.
That is why I’m proud to join Gov. Jan Brewer, the Council of Governors,
and the adjutants general of 54 states and territories to request an
independent commission to study the Total Army’s force structure before
drastic and potentially harmful cuts are made.
It’s up to Congress now. Arizonans should contact their elected
representatives in Washington and encourage them to support H.R. 3930,
the bill that would address this aircraft grab and create a commission to
study solutions that retain capability in a fiscally responsible way.
The framers of the U.S. Constitution, wary of large standing armies, gave
Congress the power to raise and support armies as they were needed. They
were referring to the colonial militia; the predecessor to today’s National
Guard. What they believed holds true today, that a well regulated and armed
militia is necessary to the security of a free state.
For this reason when I’m asked why the Arizona National Guard needs
Apaches, my answer is, “For the same reasons the U.S. Army does.”
Read more: www.dvidshub.net/news/127663/armys-seizure-arizonasattack-helicopters-shortsighted#.
ARIZONA NATIONAL GUARD MUSTER
by Major General Michael T. McGuire, The Adjutant General of Arizona
For the first time in over a century, the Arizona National Guard will muster in one
formation, and there are 7,531 reasons why I’ve chosen to revive this time-honored
military tradition. I am proud of each Soldier and Airman who voluntarily serves our state
and nation, and the time has come to recognize you.
On Pearl Harbor Day, Sunday, Dec. 7, at 11am, we will meet on the field at Arizona
State University’s Sun Devil Stadium. As the minutemen of the colonial militia first
mustered in 1636, we will assemble for review by our Commander-in-Chief, Governor
Jan Brewer.
ASU graciously agreed to partner with us in this effort, offering a venue large enough
to accommodate as many members of our community who wish to attend in honor of
your service. We invite your families, friends, and coworkers to join state and community
leaders at the event. We also invite our vast veteran population, students, public service
organizations, civic groups and the general public to fill the stadium. All are welcome,
and admission is free.
This is our way of holding an “Open House” event for our communities. It presents an
opportunity for them to witness your professionalism, discipline, precision, dedication, and
your commitment to defend your fellow citizens, or come to their aid during an emergency.
I want Arizona to see you for what you are; the greatest National Guard in the country.
Throughout wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the longest in American history, you placed
your personal lives and civilian careers on hold and went into harm’s way to defend
freedom. You are the best-trained and most-experienced National Guard the world has
ever known.
As Citizen Soldiers and Airmen, we are deeply embedded in the communities in which
we serve. To many Arizonans, we are the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. For your focused
efforts to improve your communities and enhance public support for our missions I thank
you and encourage your continued work to strengthen local ties.
We cannot underestimate the impact that a muster of this kind will have on those
relationships. This is one mission we can do together; a truly joint effort to reach out to
our neighbors. And though they will be there to witness our historic muster, we will honor
them by showing them that our service is not possible without their unyielding support.
Additionally at the muster, we will ensure that veterans of all services and all foreign
wars are properly honored. This formation is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to those who
have gone before us or served alongside us.
It is my hope that once you are on that field standing shoulder to shoulder with your
brothers and sisters in arms, that you will look up into the stands to see and hear the
adulation of those you swore to protect. You will look around and see that you and your
unit are part of a military family that extends far beyond the armories and bases you call
home.
Following the muster ceremony, you will be released to your families and friends to
enjoy a community expo adjacent to the stadium. We are working with numerous
organizations and partners to host an afternoon of fun, food, and attractions where you
can fellowship with each other and the people who want to shake your hand and thank
you for your service — myself included.
There are 7,531 reasons to conduct a public muster, and for each one it will be a day
you always remember – a day you are proud to call your own. Again, I thank you for
your service and your support for this historic event.
ARIZONA IS THE MOST VETERAN AND
MILITARY SUPPORTIVE STATE IN AMERICA
On Pearl Harbor Day, Sunday, December 7, at 11am the Arizona National
Guard will "muster" on the field at ASU Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. This
is the largest community outreach event the Arizona National Guard has
ever organized, and it will have a heavy focus on paying tribute to Arizona
veterans. Thousands of guardsmen will stand in formation before Governor
Jan Brewer and a packed house of community supporters and the general
public. 20,000 people or more are expected to attend and show their
appreciation for our National Guard and all Arizona men and women in
uniform and those who have once worn the uniform.
At 12:30, after the muster, all are invited to a community expo adjacent to
the stadium for fun, food and attractions. There will also be service officers
from the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services to assist our veterans
in connecting with the benefits their service has earned them.
GENERAL INFO: Major Gabe Johnson, 602-206-7659
EXPO INFO: Major Nate Panka, 602-629-4763
SPONSORSHIPS INFO: Nicola Winkel, 602-573-8802
This page is provided as a public service and at no cost to taxpayers.

Page 4
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND COMMENTS TO: Editor@AZVetMag.com MORE PICTURES & ARTICLES AT: www.AZVetMag.com
SERVICE TO COUNTRY IS A FAMILY TRADITION
by Mark Field, Publisher & Editor
Welcome to the fall issue of the ArizonA VeTerAnS
MAgAzine. it is with great honor that i present our fall
issue. Did you notice our new format We are now
trimmed, stapled and on higher grade paper with more
pages, more color and more copies. We are groWing.
We are also expanding our distribution to more areas all
over Arizona. Be a part of the revolution. i am proud of
many features of this magazine, including sections on
health, education, veteran entrepreneurs and veteran
art. There are also newsletters from MoAA, SeaBees, US
Vets, national guard, MAnA House, Joe Foss institute and Veterans Heritage
Project. We welcome many more veterans organization newsletters in future
issues. Let your veterans organization’s newsletter be read by 250,000 people
all over Arizona. Look for us to double that number next year.
The ArizonA VeTerAnS MAgAzine is distributed to over 1000 locations all over
Arizona. You can find them the VA Medical Centers and clinics, American Legion
posts, VFW posts, other veterans organizations, city, state & federal government
offices, police and fire stations, Luke AFB, national guard and reserve centers,
employment offices, military recruiters, defense contractors, senior communities
& senior centers, libraries & museums and hundreds of veteran-supportive
businesses. The Arizona Veterans Magazine is distributed to many locations
that provide a high number of readers such as: car dealers, hospitals, medical
offices, golf courses and barbers.
Look for the ArizonA VeTerAnS MAgAzine distributed at dozens of major events
such as: the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, east Valley Veterans Parade, Marine
Corps Ball, navy Ball, Pat Tillman run, national guard Muster, Pearl Harbor
ceremony and many other veteran events.
We are proud that we have such a high pass along rate with this magazine.
Copies at many locations are read over and over again by veterans. Please pass
this copy to another veteran after you finish reading it. our goal is to reach every
veteran. one veteran told me that 20 of his family members enjoyed reading the
ArizonA VeTerAnS MAgAzine. You can always find
a copy online at www.azvetmag.com and please
follow us online and like us at
www.facebook.com/ArizonaVeteransMagazine.
This picture is of my grandfather, isadore
Bunim, in Belgium during World War ii. He was
an avid photographer and took many pictures of
his fellow servicemen in europe. i feel a closeness
to my grandfather from my publishing of the
Arizona Veterans Magazine. Thank you for that
experience and it inspires me to give back to
veterans and Arizona.
“For it is in giving that we receive.” ― Saint Francis of Assisi, 1181 - 1226
This issue of the ArizonA VeTerAnS MAgAzine is dedicated to the veterans that
served our country in memory and tribute to a family member who previously
served our country. Your service carries your entire family forward.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AZ NATIONAL GUARD MUSTER - 3
PUBLISHER’S LETTER - 4
AZ VETERAN HALL OF FAME - 6, 8
AZ NATIONAL GUARD - 10
VETERANS EVENTS - 13
IGNACIO SERVIN AT PELELIU - 15
GRUNTS BOOK REVIEW - 15
VETERAN EDUCATION - 17
WORLD WAR II VET GROUP - 18
HEALTH PAGES - 24, 26, 29, 30, 33, 35
DR. SISLEY & CANNABIS - 24, 26
RESTORE BRONZE - 21
ANIMAL PICTURES PAGE - 23
VETERAN ENTREPRENEUR - 39
MAX TAYLOR FEATURE - 40
VETERANS FIRST - 42
ART SLOANE’S VETERANS VOICE - 42
SEABEES NEWSLETTER - 44
FINANCIAL EDUCATION - 44
RESTAURANT REVIEWS - 46
BUCKEY O’NEILL - 47
PRESIDENTS MILITARY SERVICE - 48
ADMIRAL SYMONDS FEATURE - 48
VETERANS FIRST - 48
ANIMAL PICTURE PAGE - 50
SALLIE CARROLL TRIBUTE - 51
VETAD FEATURE - 51
DAN BURKE BIO - 51
LETTER FROM SEAN STEPHENS - 51
VETERAN ART - 52, 54, 55, 58, 59
SONNY BORRELLI HELPS VETERANS - 53
HOPI CODE TALKER CELEBRATION - 55
PROTECT SENIORS FROM FRAUD - 56
RUBEN GALLEGO AMERICAN DREAM - 56
THE ART OF JIM COVARRUBIAS - 57
RUBEN GALLEGO - 62
FINANCIAL FRAUD - 62
JOE FOSS NEWSLETTER - 63
COREY HARRIS & DAVID LUCIER - 64
THE STEVE COOPER STORY - 64
VETERANS HERITAGE PROJECT - 65
DAVE LUCIER ARTICLE - 65
SCAMMERS TARGET VETERANS - 65
RESTAURANT REVIEW - 66
USVETS NEWSLETTER - 69
SEABEES NEWSLETTER - 70 USVETS
VETERANS HERITAGE PROJECT - 72
LETTER TO GEORGE BUSH - 73
SAN TAN BASEBALL - 73
ADVERTISERS PAGES
SANDERSON FORD - 2
DOUG DUCEY - 5 DUCEY - 5
FRED DUVAL - 7
TERRY GODDARD - 9
FELECIA ROTELLINI - 11
KYRSTEN SINEMA - 12
GUIDANCE AVIATION - 14
AMERICAN MILITARY UNIV. - 16
MERITAGE HOMES - 19
COURTESY CHEVROLET - 20
JACK’S WAREHOUSE - 22
ARIZONA STATE PARKS - 25
CAMELBACK TOYOTA - 27
ARIZONA MOUNTAIN ESTATES - 28
DRIGGS TITLE - 28
CHIROPRACTIC CARE - 29
VA MEDICAL CENTER - 30
ARIZONA RELAY SERVICE - 30
FIRST LIGHT HOME CARE - 31
HOSPICE OF THE VALLEY - 32
THE ABILITY CENTER - 34
SANDRA KENNEDY - 36
DIAMOND JIM’S - 36
ROAD WARRIORS - 37
GOETTL AIR CONDITIONING - 38
VET TIX - 40
SALT RIVER PROJECT (SRP) - 40
SOUTHWEST TRUCK DRIVING - 41
MONTEREY AIR CONDITIONING - 41
LEO’S DASH & SEAT COVERS - 41
VETRAPLEX - 42, 53, 60
VA HOME LOANS - 44
MESA SWAP MART - 46
PATRIOT RADIO - 49
MORTGAGES - TIM KING - 50
PHOENIX TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL - 50
CLOUDBREAK COMMUNITIES - 54
GOT MEMORIES - 54
TONY GUAJARDO, ATTORNEY - 55
WOUNDED WARRIOR SOFTBALL - 59
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS - 59
MORTGAGES - TIM KING - 50
WOUNDED WARRIOR SOFTBALL - 52
VETERANS AUTOMOTIVE - 60
REAL ESTATE - CINDA ROSE - 60
ANYTIME AUTO GLASS - 66
BARTLETT LAKE MARINA - 65
ROSEWOOD HOMES - 75
USAA - 76
ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE READERS:
250,000+ — Printed magazine
110,000+ — Website visitors
25,000+ — Facebook followers
100,000+ — emailed magazine
Visit us at www.AzVetMag.com
Please LiKe us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/arizonaveteransmagazine
Advertising Information contact:
MarkField@AZVetMag.com
Best Media Coverage
of Veterans in Arizona
689
Vote at www.AZVetMag.com
Thank you for coming out to our
Seabee meeting in March 2014 and
taking a group photo and featuring it
your ArizonA VeTerAnS MAgAzine. our
members are still talking about it 4
months later.
The new commander richard Allart
wanted 3 copies so that he could
attract a Seabee at his Bridge Club to
become a new member. The new Vice
Commander Stanley Pekarski sent a
copy back to new York to a VFW Post
he once commanded.
We gained 5 new members after
your ArizonA VeTerAn MAgAzine came
out for circulation in the spring.
i am saving copies for the winter
Seabee members who will receive one
upon their return in September.
not only was the photo a big hit,
the way you arranged it above the Air
Force photo added a special twist to
“Seabees; These guys Build Things”
That was a large meeting attendance
day for the navy Seabee Veterans of
America in the West Valley.
— John O’Brien Sec/Treas
Island X-5 West Valley AZ
UNITED STATES POPULATION
2014 — 313,914,040
ARIZONA POPULATION
2014 — 6,553,255
Estimated Arizona Population
in 2030 — 12.7 million
WORLD POPULATION
Year 1 — 200 million
1804 — 1 billion
1927 — 2 billion
1960 — 3 billion
1975 — 4 billion
1999 — 6 billion
2014 — 7.1 billion
Estimated World Population
in 2300 — 36.4 billion
Source: United Nations
USA population 316,128,839
Arizona population 6,626,624
Arizona Veteran population 660,000+
STATES WITH MOST VETERANS
California - 1,942,775
Texas - 1,689,759
Florida - 1,588,029
Pennsylvania - 1,035,566
New York - 983,844
Ohio - 943,046
Virginia - 827,810
Illinois - 803,964
Georgia - 778,282
North Carolina - 776,683
Michigan - 719,393
Arizona - 660,000+
Washington - 617,225
Tennessee - 533,833
Missouri - 521,526
Source: US Census Bureau
We are not human beings having a
spiritual experience. We are spiritual
beings having a human experience.
— Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
True happiness cannot be found in
things that change and pass away.
Pleasure and pain alternate
inexorably. Happiness comes from the
Self and can be found in the Self only.
Find your real Self and all else will
come with it. — nisargadatta Maharaj
“If civilization is to survive, we must
cultivate the science of human
relationships — the ability of all
peoples, of all kinds, to live together,
in the same world at peace.”
— President Franklin D. roosevelt
Publisher & Editor
Mark Field, US Navy Veteran
MarkField@AZVetMag.com
Associate Editor & Graphic Design
Dana Sill, US Air Force Veteran
DanaSiIl@AZVetMag.com
Art Editor
Jim Covarrubias, US Army Veteran
jl.covarrubias@gmail.com
Health Advisor — Eddie Katz
Poet Laureate — Sarge Lintecum
Website Coordinator
Todd Bogert, US Navy Veteran
TBogert@macwinconsulting.com
Advertising Consultants
VETAD Advertising Agency
Lee Hanna, US Army Veteran
Len Combs, US Marine Corps Veteran
Dennis Sajdak, US Army Veteran
Marilyn Wilbur, US Air Force Veteran
Geronimo Campanile, US Army Veteran
Editorial Advisory Board
Joey Strickland, Rick Romley
Jim Covarrubias, Terry Araman
Art Sloane, David Lucier
Corey Harris, Joan Sisco
Brad Bridwell, Andy Dzurinko
CONTRIBUTORS
David Lucier, Terry Araman
Art Sloane, Betty Lou Field
Brad Bridwell, Tom Fenner
John Scott, Caitlan Cruz
Jim Covarrubias, Eddie Katz
Joan Sisco, Dr. Sue Sisley
Jerry Iannacci, Dr. Carol Henricks
General McGuire, Joe Brett
Corey Harris, Miranda Bollinger
Judy Crawford, Steve Weintraub
Rachel Gutierrez, Phil Riske
Ricardo Pereyda, Wes Parrell,
Dr. Timothy Marshall, Dr. Tina Buck,
Joe Pinella, Mary Vardi,
Crystal Reidy, Ashleigh Bryant,
Jerry Wojtas, Sean Stephens
Rep. Borrelli, Sen. Melvin,
Ruben Gallego, Felecia Rotellini
Austin Miles, Michael Focareto
Tomas Young, Rick Killion
Published by The Homefield Group
Published Quarterly
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
PO Box 83323, Phoenix, AZ 85071
Advertising: MarkField@AZVetMag.com
Advertising Agency: VETAD

We Stand with Doug Ducey for Governor
Dear Fellow Veterans,
First and foremost, thank you for your service to our country. Your commitment and sacrifice to our
country will always be remembered. While we all come from different cities, backgrounds, and
professions, together we make up the most extensive family network in the country. The bond formed
through our service is never broken — the men and women we stand next to become our life-long
brothers and sisters.
We come from different generations of conflict, but we we face similar issues; access to quality
healthcare, meaningful employment, and sustainable benefits. We are proud to endorse Doug Ducey
for Governor because he understands the issues facing our military community. Doug has traveled our
state to speak with veterans, military families, and friends of veterans. The issues facing our community
are very real and we need true leadership if we are going to make meaningful reforms.
Under Doug’s leadership, Arizona will always welcome our veterans - in both word and deed. Just as
we served our country and protected our American freedom, Doug will stand up to support us.
We are Arizona’s greatest asset. We are trained leaders, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, parents,
friends, and most importantly, Arizonans. With Doug Ducey as Governor we can create the strongest
network of veteran support services in the nation. As we welcome home the new generation of warriors,
we need a Governor we can trust to ensure we have great jobs, access to healthcare services, and a
strong network of services. Affordable schools are critical, not only for existing veterans, but access to
educational opportunities are especially important for those who are returning home. Doug Ducey has
proven his commitment to entrepreneurial enterprise and demonstrated his ability to create meaningful
career opportunities.
Read more about Doug’s plan and commitment on his website, www.dougducey.com, and see what
others are saying about his ability to lead Arizona.
When you vote, join us in supporting Doug Ducey for Governor. Doug has proven his mettle. We need
a Governor we can trust to help veterans, active service members, and our families. Doug Ducey is the
one we trust for Arizona.
Sincerely,
RICK ROMLEY, US Marine Corps, Vietnam Veteran
RJ MITCHELL, Jr., US Marine Corps, Iraq Veteran
PAID FOR BY DUCEY 2014

2014 ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Judy-Ann Carroll
Born in Bangor,
Maine, in 1951.
Graduated from
the University of
Maine in 1973 and
the Naval
Postgraduate
School in 1986. Retired in 2002 as a
Colonel after 30 years in the Army,
serving as a Military Police and
Foreign Area Officer. Serves as the
Community Coordinator, Chair of the
Fundraising Committee and Vice-
Chair of the Membership Committee
of the Disabled American Veterans,
Fry Chapter 14, Sierra Vista, Arizona.
Coordinates projects with Sierra
Vista and Fort Huachuca
organizations and spearheads
initiatives to provide better support to
“at-risk” veterans, such as the Sierra
Vista community holiday project.
Helped to refocus the community on
homeless veterans. Also a member of
the Women’s Army Corps Veterans
Association, San Pedro Chapter 95,
where she fully participates in
fundraising and community
welfare/activity programs.
Daniel M. Conway
Born in
Rochester,
Minnesota in
1930. Graduated
US Coast Guard
Academy, served
on active duty in
the North Atlantic as deck and
engineering officer, 1952-1955.
Retired in 1978 with 23 years USCG
Reserve service. Life member of the
Military Officers Association of
America, past president at the
chapter and state levels, and as
personal affairs officer, was much
involved in assisting surviving
widows in times of need. In 2012,
Dan received the MOAA Leadership
Award for his extensive and long term
work in support of our military and
their families, and survivors. As a
past Grand Knight, current Financial
Secretary, and Honorary Life Member
of the Knights of Columbus, Dan was
instrumental in establishing a
program which has enabled over 120
at-risk youngsters to learn and enjoy
a week of Summer camp.
Michael Daly Hawkins
Born in Winslow,
Arizona in 1945.
Service as
Captain, USMC,
1970-73. A third
generation native
Arizonan, Judge
Hawkins is a graduate of Arizona
State University (BA, JD) and the
University of Virginia (LL.M). A
former US Attorney (D. Ariz. 1977-
80), he was appointed to the U.S. 9th
Circuit Court of Appeals in 1994, and
currently serves as a Senior Judge.
Judge Hawkins has been a leading
advocate in the establishment of
housing for homeless veterans and
veteran treatment courts in Arizona.
He serves as Chairman of the U.S.
Vets Phoenix Advisory Board. In
2013, under Judge Hawkins’
leadership, the U.S. District Court for
Arizona created a Veterans Treatment
Program for veterans on federal
probation in Arizona. Judge Hawkins
regularly hosts a celebration of the
Marine Corps Birthday at the Federal
courthouse in Phoenix.
James H. “Jim” Morris
Born in Vidalia,
Georgia in 1931.
Colonel, US Army
Special Forces,
Retired 1987 with
39 years of service
including Korea,
Laos and Vietnam. As Treasurer,
Arizona Territorial Chapter,
Association of the US Army (AUSA),
Jim established the Arizona Army
National Guard Relief Fund. His
community and veteran activities
include volunteering at the State
Veteran Home Phoenix, and the
Maricopa County StandDown. For
several years Jim provided financial
counseling to airmen and retired
military of all branches at the Luke
AFB Judge Advocate General office.
For sixteen years, he served on
Senator McCain’s Service Academy
Selection Committee. In addition to
AUSA, Jim continues to assist
Korean War Veterans, Vietnam
Veterans of America, Special Forces
Association, and Disabled American
Veterans. Jim is a participant and
ardent supporter of the Veterans
Heritage Project.
Marian Marie Fletcher
Born in
Baltimore,
Maryland in 1943.
Marian served in
the US Army in
Uzbekistan and
Afghanistan as a
Senior Noncommissioned Logistician.
She retired in 2003 as Sergeant
Major, U.S. Army Reserve. Marian is
also a retired Logistics Management
Specialist, US Communications
Security Logistics Activity, Fort
Huachuca, AZ. Residing in Sierra
Vista, Arizona, she serves as First
Vice President, San Pedro Chapter
95, Women’s Army Corps Veterans
Association for the past three years.
Marian advocates for women veterans
and disadvantaged families to
improve their lives. She raised funds
for the Boy Scouts and Student
Scholarships in the community.
Marian volunteers her time and
funds, and donates food weekly to
Peach’s Pantry for the local
elementary school, to help feed the
poor and school children on the
weekends. Marian works with many
veterans organizations in the local
community.
Dennis K. Grau
Born in Piqua,
Ohio in 1948.
Active duty, US
Navy, Shipboard
Sailor, 1967-1971,
with service in the
Republic of
Vietnam. Dennis graduated with a
degree in Architectural Engineering,
ITT Technical Institute in 1973. He
worked with numerous construction
and architectural companies in Ohio
and the East Coast, including a
supervisory position at a steel
company located at a nuclear power
plant in Waterford, Connecticut. In
1999 he joined the VFW and served
five consecutive years as Post
Commander. He also served as Post
Fundraising Chairman, helping to
raise over $8,000 for the Patriotic
Youth Program. Since moving to
Arizona, Dennis has served twice as
Post Commander of VFW Post 10695,
Sun City West and spearheaded Post
fundraising efforts for the last eight
years; raising over $80,000 to
support various veterans and youth
programs.
Jackie Moore
Born
in
Tremonton, Utah
in 1954. Jackie
Moore entered the
U.S. Army in Salt
Lake City, Utah
and served 30
years, including deployment to
Bosnia with the 1st Armored
Division. She retired as Command
Sergeant Major, with her last duty
assignment, Commandant of the
Non-Commissioned Officers
Academy. Jackie has continued to
serve the U.S. Army and Army
veterans by serving four years on the
Chief of Staff of the Army’s Retiree
Council, where she presents and
advocates retiree concerns and
issues. A staunch supporter of the
Sergeants Major Association, she
supports all events in terms of
fundraising, community and post
support, and Soldier recognition.
Jackie continues to serve her
community and veterans as an officer
in the United Veterans Council of
Sierra Vista, AZ, where she provides
recommendations regarding
contributions, fundraising events,
and strategic AUSA communications.
James C. Monroe
Born in Salisbury,
North Carolina in
1946. Active duty
US Navy Seabees
in 1966 with two
tours in Vietnam,
where he received
the Purple Heart. Jim served as
Chairman for the National
Sportscasters, Sportswriters
Association & Hall of Fame and the
Holiday Caravan Parade in North
Carolina. Jim moved to Arizona in
2002 and became active in the East
Valley Veterans Parade, serving as
Parade Chairperson and President.
Under his leadership, the parade has
grown from 76 entries to 111 with
over 2,600 participants involved.
Spectators grew from 15,000 to over
36,000 spectators in 2013. Jim
serves as the Military Coordinator for
Arizona Celebration of Freedom and
Constitution Week Fair. Jim also
served as Military Coordinator for the
Arizona Centennial Celebration in
Phoenix and Prescott.
Karl F. Pfitzer
Born in Buffalo,
New York in 1946.
Active duty
Captain, US Army,
helicopter pilot
with service in
Vietnam. As
President, Superstition Mountain
Chapter of the Military Officers
Association of America, Karl founded
its “Thanks to the Troops” event
which honors active duty military
back from deployment. For the last
five years, Karl has chaired the
Superstition Mountain Chapter’s
annual ROTC/JROTC Cadet program
which honors outstanding cadets
with medals and US flags. Karl is an
active supporter of many activities,
volunteering thousands of hours,
assisting with fundraising, and
donating personal funds to the Boy
Scouts of America Grand Canyon
Council; the US Marine Corps Special
Forces Operations Command
Foundation; the American Legion; the
Disabled American Veterans; the
Vietnam Helicopter Pilots
Association; Wounded Warrior
Project; and the Garrett/AiResearch
Retirees Club which provides
scholarships.
Paul Leo Schnur
Born in North
Conway, New
Hampshire in
1936. Active duty,
US Army Medical
Corps, Germany,
1964-1966. Paul
graduated from the University of
Arizona in 1958 and obtained his MD
from Baylor University College of
Medicine 1962. He completed his
residency at the Mayo Clinic in
Minnesota. He is an Associate
Professor at the University of Arizona
and the Mayo Medical School. He
performed surgery, pro bono, on
patients in Brazil, China, El Salvador,
Venezuela and Siberia. A member of
the Military Officers Association of
America’s Arizona Chapter, he
supports the fund raising efforts for
the Scholarship Fund and the
Maricopa County StandDown. Paul
has served as the leader of many
medical and civic organizations
benefitting the citizens of our state
during his 65 plus years of living and
working in Arizona.
Eddie W. Zuleger
Born in
Providence, Rhode
Island in 1947. US
Army, 1966-1969,
Rifle Platoon
Leader, 1st
Lieutenant, served
in Vietnam. Eddie’s civilian service
included the Maricopa County
Sheriff’s Office (21 years), Arizona
Dept of Corrections (9 years) and
teaching Criminal Justice classes
(24+ years) at Estrella Mountain
Community College. He formed the
college's Veteran's Club. Retired with
Professor Emeritus status. With the
Knights of Columbus, Eddie founded
the annual Father Joseph O’Callahan
Assembly Veteran’s Appreciation
Banquet. He coached youth baseball
and football teams in the 1970s and
1980s. Eddie served on citizen
advisory boards in Avondale and
Goodyear, and chaired Goodyear’s
Charter Government Committee
which resulted in the City of
Goodyear Charter. Other community
activities included volunteering at the
VA Medical Center and Andre House,
a shelter for homeless in central
Phoenix.
Jose Juan “John” Aldecoa
Born in Nogales,
Mexico in 1947.
Active duty, US Air
Force,
Communication
Equipment
Installation &
Repairman, 1965-
1966. In 1972 John joined the
American Legion, has served as a
member of the American Legion
National Legislative Council for the
past 16 years and the National
Convention Commission Advisory
Board, 2007-2013. From 1998 to
2014 John served as the Chief
Operating Officer/Adjutant of the
50,000-member American Legion of
Arizona. John also serves on the
Arizona Boys State Board of Directors
as Counselor and Administrator for
the annual program at Northern
Arizona University since 1998,
working with over 300 students.
John volunteered countless hours to
Little League Baseball, serving as
coach, umpire and past President of
the San Xavier League in Tucson.
John was appointed by Governor
Napolitano to the Arizona Military
Family Relief Fund Advisory
Committee in 2007.

2014 ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Steven P. Abel
Born in Corning,
New York in 1954.
Active duty, US
Army medical
corpsman1972-
1978; Virginia Air
National Guard,
Physician Assistant 1988-1998. In
1978 Steve joined the Department of
Veterans Affairs, treating, counseling
and advocating for veterans. In 2002
he was instrumental in reducing
waiting time for an orthopedic
appointment from 6 months to 7
days. After retiring from the
Department of Veterans Affairs, Steve
became involved in the Green Valley
Arizona Military Officers Association
of America (MOAA) Chapter. As
President he established a
Scholarship and Military Assistance
Fund which has administered
$14,000 in scholarships to JROTC
cadets; donated 3000 pounds of food
and over $19,000 of financial
assistance to military families in the
Tucson area. He has been selected to
be the Vice President of the MOAA
State Council.
Jeffrey L. Olson
Born in Spring
Grove, Minnesota
in 1949. Active
duty US Army
Courier Service,
1973-1976. After
leaving the Army,
Jeff served as the Assistant Director
for the Veterans Employment and
Training Service, University of
Minnesota. Jeff also served as a
Veteran Benefits Counselor. In 1982
he was appointed by the Governor to
the position of Deputy Commissioner
for the Minnesota Department of
Veterans Affairs. In 2000 he was
appointed Commissioner. After
retiring in 2004, he continued his
quest to help veterans and their
families through the American
Legion, at both Department and
National levels. Currently, he is the
National
Commander’s
Representative on the National
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
Commission. In 2009, he was
appointed by Governor Brewer to the
Arizona Veterans’ Service Advisory
Commission and has served as their
Chairman.
Robert M. “Bob” Wallace
Born in
Kingman, Arizona
in 1945. Active
duty Captain, US
Marine Corps,
Combat Engineer
and Facilities
Officer with service in Vietnam. After
30 years active and reserve service,
Bob retired as Lieutenant Colonel in
1994. 45-year civilian career in
general building construction. Active
member of many civic, professional
and veterans organizations; with
Marine Corps League, he supported
Young Marines, Toys for Tots,
patients at the VA and donated more
than1200 volunteer hours in the
development of new Veterans’ Sports
Court Facility in Prescott. Developed
camp facilities for Arizona Cactus-
Pine Girl Scouts, and coached youth
sports: Pop Warner football, Little
League and Soccer. As Rotary
member, he helped raise $60,000 for
a therapeutic swimming pool for
terminally ill children. Assisted in
development of museum display of
Arizona Medal of Honor recipients.
Vern G. West, Jr.
Born in
Muskegon,
Michigan in 1947.
He enlisted in the
Army in 1967 and
served tours in
Panama and
Vietnam, leaving active duty in 1970.
In 1978, Vern re-entered military
service with the 108th Army Band of
the Arizona National Guard. In 2006,
he left his job at CAVCO homes,
where he had worked for 21 years, to
enter active duty with the Guard to
perform military funeral honors.
During his time with the Honor
Guard, Vern played Taps over 3000
times and since retiring in 2009, has
performed Taps an additional 3100
times. In addition to his performing
at veterans and patriotic programs,
Vern has volunteered one day a week
with his church’s outreach program
provided for neighborhood children
where he passes on his musical
talents.
John M. Burden
Born in Moline,
Illinois in 1947.
Retired Chief
Master Sergeant,
US Air Force, 1966
– 1996, including
Viet Nam and
Desert Storm/Desert Shield. John
has helped acquire seventeen vans
for transporting veterans to medical
appointments. He visits veterans in
area assisted living communities.
John has volunteered hundreds of
hours at local Food Banks. He
collected and transported reading
materials for families of the Yarnell
Hill Fire in 2013. John and wife Pat
have established two scholarship
foundations in honor of their late son
Joshua Morgan at the University of
Arizona and Peoria High School. He is
active with the Air Force Sergeants
Association Chapter 1260, Northwest
Valley Veterans Association, Unified
Arizona Veterans, and Disabled
American Veterans Chapter 24. John
is the DAV Northern District
Commander overseeing 8 chapters
comprised of over 12,000 Disabled
Veterans.
Donald M. DeMarte
Born in Tidioute,
Pennsylvania in
1936. Donald
entered the US
Navy and served 20
years before
retiring. His service
to his country and community did
not end with his retirement. Donald
has made it his mission in life to
assist veterans, male and female. As
a member of American Legion Post
128 and Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post 12031, both located in Anthem,
Arizona, Donald has dedicated his
efforts to several community causes
and activities: the Maricopa County
StandDown for homeless veterans
and the annual Anthem Veterans
Day Parade. He is also an advocate
for veterans incarcerated in the
Phoenix Federal Correctional
Institution to assist them with
veterans issues. He participates in
the Honor Guard which serves at
military funerals. Donald's support of
veterans of all services is inspiring.
Allen F. "Gunner" Kent
Born in Boston,
Massachusetts in
1941. "Gunner"
joined the US
Marine Corps in
1958 and retired in
1982 with rank of
CWO4. Since 1978 Gunner has been
very active in the Veterans of Foreign
Wars. He progressed from Post
Commander in 1979 to National
Commander in Chief in 1994. He
then served as VSO Liaison at the
Veterans Administration from 1995-
2005. Working tirelessly for the
veterans of Arizona, to secure funding
for Arizona Veterans Homes and to
eliminate homelessness among
Arizona veterans.
Gunner also served as National
Adjutant General of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars from 2005-2013.
During these years, Gunner returned
every year to Vietnam, working with
JPAC to locate the missing from that
war. Gunner has always been
committed to the veterans of Arizona,
and will continue to do so.
Patricia Thomson Little-Upah
Born in Oakland,
California in 1945.
US Army Nurse on
Active and Reserve
Duty 1966-2004.
Service in Vietnam
1968 and Desert
Storm 1991. Assignments included
OIC of ICU, Chief Nurse and Unit
Commander. Retired at rank of
Colonel. Awarded the Legion of Merit
in 2008. Currently serves as Senior
Vice Commander for The Military
Order of World Wars Phoenix
Chapter. Chair Board of Directors for
Honor House serving transitioning
Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Advisory Board for Veterans First
serving Female Veterans. Board of
Directors for The Centers for
Habilitation. Member of In-Country
Vietnam Veterans. Volunteer at
Stand Downs. Past Chair of Maricopa
County Hospital Disaster
Preparedness Council. Served on The
Arizona Hospital Association Council
on Behavioral Health.
BERNARD JOHN DOWLING IRWIN
(MEDAL OF HONOR)
(1830-1917)
Born in County
Roscommon,
Ireland. An
assistant surgeon
in the regular Army
in the Arizona
Territory 1856-1861, Lt. Irwin saw
extensive field duty against hostile
Apaches and Navajos. From his post
at Fort Buchanan during the winter
of 1861, he led a small detachment of
soldiers through treacherous weather
on a 100 mile journey to rescue a
force which had been surrounded by
Cochise’s 500 Apache warriors. At
the site of the siege, he deftly
deployed his soldiers so convincingly
that the Apaches, suspecting a much
larger force, hurriedly fled into the
mountains. This signal engagement
led to the degradation of hostile
Indian activities in the Southwest.
Although established in 1861, Lt.
Irwin received the Medal Of Honor in
1894.
Trustrim Connell
(Medal of Honor)
(1844-1937)
Born
in
Lancaster,
Pennsylvania. He
served with
distinction as an
infantryman
during the Civil War. Connell was
awarded the Medal Of Honor in
1865 for heroism and leadership
resulting in the capture of a key
Confederate flag and assets during
the battle at Sailor’s Creek ,
Virginia. A Western and Arizona
pioneer, during the 1880’s, he was
placed in charge of Indian territory,
and all Wells Fargo Company
business in Indian territory. The
Connell family relocated to Phoenix
in 1898. After statehood, Connell
was employed by the American
Railway Express Company, until his
retirement in 1925. He maintained
close ties to the State’s military
establishment and at the time of his
demise, was the only Arizonan
reportedly wearing the
Congressional Medal of Honor.
MANUEL V. MENDOZA
(MEDAL OF HONOR)
(1922-2001)
Born in Miami,
Arizona. Known as
the “Arizona Kid”
for his heroism
during WWII at
Mount Battaglia,
Italy, October 4, 1944. While serving
as platoon sergeant, Company B,
350th Infantry Battalion, 88th
Infantry Division. Wounded, and
outnumbered, Mendoza singlehandedly
broke up a fierce German
counterattack on his unit’s position.
His actions earned award of the
Distinguished Service Cross.
Mendoza re-enlisted from the Arizona
Army National Guard to serve in the
Korean War where he was wounded
in battle. In 2002, Congress called for
the review of war records of certain
veterans. Mendoza was among 24
Army veterans awarded the Medal Of
Honor by the President on March 18,
2014. He is the 24th Arizonan to
receive the Medal of Honor.
ALEXANDER B. WHITE
Born in Krosno,
Poland in 1923.
Active duty, US
Army Medical Corps,
1952-1955. In 1939
Alexander’s family
was captured by the
Nazi forces.
Alexander and his
father survived the concentration
camps. After WWII he attended
medical school, emigrating to the
USA where he completed his
residency. Alexander is a member of
the Jewish War Veterans and has
spoken to several hundred
organizations including many
veterans groups, immigration and
naturalization ceremonies, senior
care centers, Rotary, Kiwanis,
Daughters of the American
Revolution, Sons of the American
Revolution, and schools about his
youth and experiences during World
War II in the concentration camps.
He served on the Jewish Free Loan’s
Board of Directors. Alexander has
written two books, Holocaust
Memoirs “Be a Mensch” and
Surviving the Holocaust in Siberia –
The Diary of Pearl Minz.

Page 10
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E
SAVE THE 108th ARMY BAND
PATRIOTISM PASSES
FROM FATHER TO SON
Dear General McGuire,
I am a veteran with 40 years of combined service. I
retired as a Senior NCO after 30 years with the 108th
Army Band. I am very proud of my time of service in
the Band. The Band has always displayed the highest
level of military professionalism while performing its
mission of promoting morale among the troops, being
a source for recruiting, and assuring veterans and
their families that their service was recognized and
appreciated. This has been accomplished through its
performance at military ceremonies, public parades,
and community concerts as a representative of the
State of Arizona, the Arizona National Guard, and the
United States Army.
The Band has always been ready to support any
mission appointed to it. It has been there to ease the
pain of a unit going off to war or to elevate the joy of
one returning from a lengthy deployment. Whether
bringing pomp and circumstance to a Change of
Command ceremony or honoring the graduates of an
ROTC class, the Band has always been at the ready.
This letter is to voice my concern over the
restrictions of travel being imposed upon the Band.
The severe budget cuts of last year deprived many
communities of the patriotic and cultural opportunity
to embrace their local veterans and encourage civic
involvement among their youth, all while enjoying
great music. How heartwarming to see a wheelchairbound
veteran attempt to rise to attention when he
or she recognizes the theme song of their branch of
service or at the playing of our National Anthem! And
how wonderful as their community responds in
applause to honor their sacrifice and service. The
response was the same from Arizona's largest cities to
its rural communities from the Grand Canyon to
Nogales and from Lake Havasu to Springerville. And
the emotions of performing for our heroes at the VA
facilities in Tucson, Phoenix, and Prescott touched
both performers and audience deeply. This is the
power of music to lift the hearts and encourage the
patriotism of our loyal citizens.
Although I am now retired from the Band, its value
and impact and potential are never far from my mind.
I hope that you are already supporting the Band in
accomplishing its important mission of being "The
Band of the People of Arizona" and allowing the Band
to continue to support the US Army, the Arizona
National Guard, the State of Arizona, and its
wonderful people. Thank you for your consideration.
— Respectfully yours, David C. Kimmel, US Army, Ret.
US Marine Corps veteran Alfonso Santillan Jr. is decorating
his son Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Jeremy Santillan at the
Prescott High School Aerospace Science Leadership
Academy Awards Ceremony. The Military Order of the
Purple Heart Chapter 608 each year awards a cadet for
leadership, positive attitude and community service with
this distinction.
William Pounders pins rank on his
father 2nd Lt. David Pounders during
a recent Officer Candidate School
graduation where eight new
Lieutenants joined the officer ranks of
the Arizona Army National Guard.
— photo by Capt. Matt Murphy
PATRIOTISM PASSES
FROM FATHER TO SON
ENLISTED ASSOCIATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD
1100 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from all over USA attended the
Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States in August.
“During the conference, many of our Soldiers and Airmen took the
opportunity to acquire a copy of the ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE. Thanks
to your media resource, our Soldiers and Airmen were provided a view
of what is occurring with our veterans associations and military units
within Arizona. Thank you for supporting our National Guard Soldiers
and Airmen.”
— Ben Acosta, President
Enlisted Association of the National Guard for Arizona
ARIZONA HOSTS 1100 NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS FOR ANNUAL CONVENTION

MARINE CORPS SCHOLARSHIP DINNER
The Trilogy
Veterans Group
from Happy Valley
came to our
Veterans Outreach
Center to serve
them a delicious
lunch, pork roast
sandwiches, cole
slaw and cookies.
They have done
this many times
before. Thank You
guys!!
THE DEVOTED DOLLS SUPPORT VETERANS
The next Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation awards dinner is
May 1, 2015 at the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale.
For more information www.mcsf.org or call 602-274-1988.
ELOY VETERANS CENTER OPENS
The Devoted Dolls work with many veteran groups throught Arizona.
For more info contact them at devoted.dolls@gmail.com
or www.facebook.com/devoteddolls
AMERICAN LEGION POST 97 — SAN TAN VALLEY
Eloy Veterans Center, 308 N. Main St., Eloy, 520-423-4255
Eloy Veterans Center (EVC) Grand Opening September 5th, 2014
City of Eloy Councilmember’s; Belinda Akes, J.W. Tidwell, Micah Powell,
Vietnam Veteran and Eloy Resident- Juan Hernandez- Did the honor of cutting
the ribbon), EVC Prevention Coordinator-Sonnette Chaput, Eloy Mayor- Joe
Nagy, Councilmember Joel Belloc, Pinal Hispanic Council (PHC) President-
Dolores Underwood, PHC Board Members; Lily Rodriguez, Mary Lou Rosales,
Ray Vasquez, and Coy Amerson
For more information www.stvlegion.com

VETERAN EVENTS IN ARIZONA
SATURDAY - October 25th
DAV LEGAL CLINIC — Saturday, Oct. 25, 9am - 4pm
DAV Chapter 20, 8447 N. 61st Ave., Glendale, AZ 85302
SUNDAY - November 2nd
CANDLELIGHT WALK TO HONOR VETERANS — Sunday, Nov. 2,
4:30pm, Tempe Beach Park, Tempe, Arizona, www.rallypointaz.org,
1.855.RALLY4U
FRIDAY - November 7th
HEROES PATRIOTIC LUNCHEON — Friday, Nov. 7, 10:45am, Arizona
Biltmore
SATURDAY - November 8th
MEMORIAL CEMETERY AT MARANA GROUNDBREAKING — Sat., Nov.
8, 9am, Marana, Arizona
CASA GRANDE VETERANS PARADE — Saturday, November 8, 9am
Old Town Casa Grande, Arizona. www.honored-vets.org
EAST VALLEY VETERANS PARADE — Saturday, November 8, 11am
Downtown Mesa, Center Street, Arizona. www.evvp.org
WOMEN’S ARMY CORPS VETERAN LUNCHEON — Saturday, November
8, 11am Viscount Suite Hotel, 4855 E. Broadway, Tucson, Arizona
WOUNDED WARRIOR SOFTBALL GAME — Saturday, November 8, 3:30pm
Salt River Field, Scottsdale, Arizona. www.honored-vets.org
TUESDAY - November 11th — Veterans Day
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY AT ANTHEM VETERANS MEMORIAL
Nov. 11 10am Anthem Way and Gavalin Parkway, Anthem Arizona.
www.daisymtnvets.org
PHOENIX VETERANS DAY PARADE — Tuesday, November 11, 11am
Phoenix, Arizona. www.honoringarizonasveterans.org
PRESCOTT VETERANS PARADE — Monday, November 11, 11am
Downtown Prescott, Arizona
TUCSON VETERANS PARADE — Monday, November 11, 11am
Tucson, Arizona
VETERANS CIGAR SOCIAL — Friday, November 14, 5pm - 9pm
Scottsdale Cigar Club, 14525 N. 79th St., Scottsdale, Arizona
VETERANS CIGAR SOCIAL — Friday, December 5, 5pm - 9pm
Fumar Cigar, 2010 W. Parkside Lane, Phoenix, Arizona
PEARL HARBOR REMEMBERANCE DAY— Sunday, December 7,
10:40am, Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, Phoenix, Arizona
ARIZONA NATIONAL GUARD MUSTER — Sunday, December 7, 11am
ASU Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona
MARICOPA COUNTY STANDDOWN — February 5-7, 2015
Arizona State Fairgrounds, Phoenix, Arizona
VETERANS VOICE
by Art Sloane
The Arizona Coalition to End
Homelessness is holding a conference
Tuesday-Thursday, Oct. 21-22, at the
Black Canyon Conference Center in
Phoenix. This coalition of state,
federal, county, city and volunteer
workers all fighting to end
homelessness. www.azceh.org.
Lots of Marine Corps birthday balls
and parties are scheduled
throughout the Valley in honor of the
239th birthday of the Corps.
In Scottsdale, the Stanley A. Crews
VFW Post 3513, 7220 E. Wilshire
Drive, will celebrate at 6 p.m. Nov.
10. For more information and
reservations, contact Don Sweeney at
623-465-5998.
In Surprise, the ball is at Happy
Trails, 17200 W. Bell Road, at 6 p.m.
Nov 10. Cost is $25. Information:
Jerry Pontius at 623-582-6677.
The “Old Breed Detachment” of
the Marine Corps League will hold its
ball starting at 5 p.m. Nov. 10 at the
Sheraton Crescent Hotel, 2620 W.
Dunlap Ave., Phoenix. Cost is $40
with ticket information from Robert
Bohach 623-846-2212. Tickets must
be purchased by Nov.3.
The East Valley Marines, in Sun
Lakes, will hold its ball at 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 15 at the Oakwood Country
Club, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd. Cost
is $50 per person. Ticket information:
480-926-3867, or send reservations
to East Valley Marines, Jim Hawkins,
1210 N. Sailors Way, Gilbert, AZ
85234.
A yard sale/parking-lot liquidation
sale sponsored by the Salt River
WAVES, will help World War II
veterans visit the World War II
Memorial in Washington, D.C. The
sale is 1-5 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Brass
Armadillo Antique Mall on 29th Drive
just north of Cactus Road. The sale
includes antiques, artwork,
household wares, furniture and
more. There will also be food and
entertainment available. Information:
Heidi at 623-780-0414.
Hunters who won’t be able to use
their upcoming Arizona big-game
hunt permit have the option to
transfer their tag to qualified 501(c)3
organizations that provide hunting
opportunities to veterans with
disabilities. Info: 602-942-3000.

y Joe Brett, VP., Veterans Heritage Project
It is ironic that this book review is being
written on January 23, 2014, the anniversary of
the announcement in 1973 by President Nixon
that he had reached agreement with North
Vietnam to end the war. It was a day I
remember vividly as do most veterans of that
terrible war as our suspicions came all too
true: It was all for nothing.
While having lunch with historian and ASU
Professor, Kyle Longley, author of two books
on the Vietnam war, he explained that Nixon,
by another dirty trick, actually extended the
war that LBJ was about to end in 1967.
Listening to Kyle is a treat for those of us
eager for knowledge of a chapter of our
history that is all too sadly repeating itself.
America lost its war in Vietnam and it
seems likely that veterans of the wars in
Iraq and Afghanistan will also be losing the wars
in which they were sent to fight, and die. Kevin
Tillman was early in his assessment of those who
sent him and his brother off to Iraq.
Kyle’s first book, Grunts, the American Combat
Soldier in Vietnam (M.E. Sharpe, Armonk, New
York; London England, 2008) is not what one
would think of as a war story. Kyle guides us
through an academic study using demographics
and statistics to let his readers know, in great
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E Page 15
GRUNTS: A MUST READ FOR MILITARY SCHOLARS
detail about the men who are at the pointy end of
America’s foreign policies, his beloved grunts,
and how they got there.
One person mentioned
in the book describes
the process as
“Darwinian.”
The smart kids, or
sons of rich parents went
off to college and/or were
able to get doctors to
grant them 4-F status;
those with political
connections we able to get
into the National Guard
and Reserves; others
joined the Navy or Air Force
to minimize their risk of
combat, while those in
inner cities and rural towns
across The US were lured into the Marines and
Army Infantry by very a sophisticated, and a war
tested propaganda machine that went straight to
the testosterone of 18 year old males who are
always searching for a purpose and meaning in
their lives. Hooking them in essence is child’s play.
The most disturbing set of facts are not in the
book but rather in the minds of its readers.
Knowing the history of the war and its legacy, one
is all to horribly reminded that some of those who
dodged the draft in the 60’s went to the White
House where they eagerly sent the sons and
daughters of other parents off to fight and die in a
war of their choosing. That book has yet to be
written but Kyle Longley is laying down the facts
in Grunts that will be needed for our much needed
national debate on future wars, and who fights on
our behalf. The US has broken the faith with its
warriors. That is self evident. How we deal with it
is beyond partisan politics and therein lays the real
problem. Who can we trust to make the tough
decision in a country as divided as the US
Grunts takes us on an infantryman’s journey
each painful step of the way from enlistment up to
and including fragging incidents to coming home
and trying to fit in. However with Dr Longley’s
academic style, it starts like a grunt’s dream; a
walk in the park. As one continues reading, the
facts start accumulating upon facts, with a mix of
anecdotes from real grunts to prove his points, the
weight and unfairness of their plight lands in the
reader’s soul like a scream. This is neither the
ravings of a tea bagger nor the hype of combat
wannabe, or the anti war preaching’s of a liberal.
This is truth, the baseline of information from
which readers can make their own judgment. And
it breaks your heart that we need this information
now more than ever.
IGNACIO SERVIN — AN AMERICAN HERO AT PELELIU
by Miranda Bollinger
When Ignacio Servin volunteered during World
War II for a mission so dangerous his commander
wouldn’t even assign it to someone, he wasn’t even
frightened. He wanted to do it. “I just kept
thinking, if I die, it will be for a great country,”
Servin said.
But Servin and his friend,
Charles ‘Chico’ Samario,
would instead go on to
accomplish a feat of
great courage on the
island of Peleliu in the
Central Pacific. Their
mission involved a
tunnel-like cave
protecting the
ammunition &
supplies Japapese
soldiers were using
to fight and kill
American soldiers
and Marines. After
different attempts to destroy the
cave had failed, officers on the island knew
some of their men would have to crawl into the
hiding place to get the job done.
“The danger and difficulty of this mission is
indicated by the fact that only two men
volunteered, Ignacio Servin and Charles Samario.
Their heroism and courage no doubt saved the lives
of hundreds of our comrades,” said First Lieutenant
Russell Schauer, Servin’s commanding officer, in a
letter advocating recognition of the success.
Somehow, for nearly six decades, Servin's
bravery was overlooked, however. No one honored
either Servin or Samario, who died a few years ago,
for what they did for their fellow Americans. Servin
shared the details only with his immediate family.
In 1999 however, Servin’s daughter, Belen,
urged him to submit his story to The Arizona
Republic, which was publishing accounts of WWII
experiences. His story was selected and a friend,
Larry Asman, realized Servin was a war hero. He
told Servin he felt he should receive some sort of
medal of recognition and that he would submit
information to Arizona Senator John McCain.
At first, the Servins were discouraged. It was
difficult to find people who were at Peleliu, in one
of the war’s most bloody, costly and overlooked
battles. Many of the veterans had since passed
away, and more than 50 years later, Servin
couldn’t remember the spellings of the
commanding officers' names.
“Well, I comforted myself, I never expected a
medal when I volunteered to blow up the enemy
ammunition dump, and I didn't do it with the
intention of getting one,” Servin said.
Then a breakthrough occurred in 2002. Servin
remembered a name — Frank Vela. It was Vela
who had put a Browning Automatic Rifle in
Servin’s hands as he was going down the hill,
saying, “Here Servin, take my BAR; you're going to
need more fire power than an M-1 rifle.”
Vela’s name came to Servin one day, as he was
leaving the house to run an errand.
I said to my daughter, “Belen, look for a Frank
Vela in California. I think he was from California
during the war, and I'm almost sure he's the one
who handed me the BAR.”
Within a few hours, Belen
had located the correct
Frank Vela.
During Christmas in
2002, Servin and his son,
Joe, visited Vela in
California. The great
payoff was when Vela
produced a yellowed
sheet of paper that
contained a complete
list of names and
addresses of officers and
enlisted men in Company A. He had
kept the list since he was discharged on February
9, 1946.
It took more phone calls, e-mails, queries and
other research before Servin finally got in touch
with Schauer, his commanding officer, who wrote
the glowing recommendation for Servin.
On Oct. 27, 2003, Senator McCain’s office
contacted the Servins and told them Servin would
be awarded a Silver Star Medal.
Servin credits the Hispanic War Veterans of
America, particularly Sam Calderon & Erwin
Huelsewede, with guiding his family through
the process.
Unlike the other men in his outfit, Servin had
little to return to back home. His mother, Josefina
Diaz Servin, died in 1928 of pneumonia, leaving
young Servin, two older brothers and an older
sister. Servin’s father, Donaciano, a miner in
Miami, Arizona was also in failing health.
“He knew he was going to die because he had
worked in the mines for so long, so he asked this
lady to take care of me, my two brothers and
sister,” Servin said.
Servin, who went as far as fourth grade in
school, worked in the fields as a child.
“The Depression wasn’t so bad because I was
used to it. I was already working for $1.35 a day
for nine hours irrigating cotton fields,” Servin
recalled. “I wasn’t upset with it all; I just figured it
had to be done when I was a kid.”
Later, in 1943, while working in a steel mill in
Pittsburg, California, Servin received his draft
notice. He had wanted to go to war since all his
friends had already been drafted or enlisted. He
hurried home to Phoenix to say good bye to his
family before going to training.
After returning from the war, Servin had a
simple, but good life. He married Maria Magdalena
Menchaca three months after returning, and the
couple had two sons and a daughter: Johnny,
Joseph and Belen. Servin says he emphasized
education to his children, and all three graduated
from high school. One son earned his master’s
degree, and his daughter even obtained her
doctorate at Arizona State University and is a
professor of English at Southern Mountain
Community College.
Servin has been the subject of several news stories,
but he takes his Silver Star in stride. A devout
Christian, he says the honor came through God.
www.americanherofilm.com
Reprinted with permission from the University of Texas.
Senator John McCain
with Ignacio Servin.
PHOENIX WWII VET DESERVES MEDAL OF HONOR
Ignacio Servín served in the US Army in WWII and was
sent to the island of Peleliu in the Central Pacific. The US
Marines suffered a 50% casualty rate in the first week and
ended up losing 1,252 men and the US Army lost 542 men
in what was called the toughest battle of the entire Pacific
war. After repeated failed efforts to destroy the
ammunition storage for the 10,000 Japanese soliders on
the island. The American military commanders asked for
volunteers to crawl through the heavily guarded tunnels
to plant explosives that would destroy the ammunition.
The mission was almost certain death, and only Ignacio
Servin and his friend Charles Samario voluntered.
“If I die, it will be for a great country,” Ignacio Servín said.
“Their heroism and courage no doubt saved the lives of
hundreds of our comrades," said First Lieutenant Russell
Schauer, Servín's commanding officer, in a letter
advocating recognition of the success.
Ignacio Servín's bravery was overlooked. There were
many accounts of racial discrimination in the awarding of
medals. For nearly 6 decades no one honored either Servín
or Samario, who recently died. US Senator John McCain
was instrumental in having Ignacio Servin awared the
Silver Star in 2003.
Arizona State Representative Catherine Miranda is
working with the Hispanic War Veterans of America who
sent a letter to President Obama to honor Ignacio Servin
with the Medal of Honor.

VETERAN EDUCATION
ASU NAMES 2014 TILLMAN MILITARY SCHOLAR
by Judy Crawford
Explosives disposal expert Diana Kramer of US Air
Force, deployed twice each to Iraq and Afghanistan,
wants to counsel fellow veterans coping with
symptoms of PTSD.
The Arizona State University student veteran
pursuing her online degree in psychology has been
named a 2014 Tillman Military Scholar by the Pat Tillman Foundation in recognition
of her service, leadership and academic excellence. Diana Kramer joins a class of
59 U.S. service members, veterans and military spouses chosen to receive $1.4
million in scholarships from the six-year-old program.
Kramer currently serves with the U.S. Air Force at Eielson Air Force Base, near
the town of North Pole, Alaska. Since graduating from Naval School in Explosive
Ordinance Disposal in 2003, she has deployed five times, twice each to Iraq and
Afghanistan. Recognizing PTSD symptoms in her own life after her tours, Kramer is
studying for her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She plans to pursue advanced
psychology degrees in order to counsel fellow veterans.
The number of ASU student veterans applying to become Tillman Military
Scholars has consistently increased each year, according to Christian
Rauschenbach, program manager at ASU’s Pat Tillman Veterans Center.
“This year we had 120 applicants for the Tillman Military Scholarships,” he said. “A
committee of ASU staff members from Veteran Services, Veteran’s Upward Bound,
and Career Services had the tough job of choosing only 12 semi-finalists, which were
forwarded to the Pat Tillman Foundation for final selection.
“We are very excited that Diana was chosen, and know she will be an outstanding
representative for ASU.”
In 2008, the Pat Tillman Foundation established the Tillman Military Scholars
program to support educational opportunities for service members and military
families by bridging the financial gaps that students often face, even though they
may be using educational benefits. The scholarship covers direct study-related
expenses, including tuition and fees, books and a living stipend. In providing this
support, the Pat Tillman Foundation aims to remove obstacles that would otherwise
prohibit academic and career success.
“The Tillman Military Scholarship is not a gift; it is an investment in excellence
and potential,” said Marie Tillman, president and co-founder of the Pat Tillman
Foundation. “Pat lived his life with a passion for learning and action – he didn’t sit
on the sidelines.
“The Tillman Military Scholars selected embody the same ideals that he lived by
every day. Through our mission, we are proud to support and empower these
outstanding leaders as they pursue their educational goals and strive to impact
significant, positive change for our country and communities after their military
service.”
ASU continues to work closely with the Pat Tillman Foundation through several
programs, as well as hosting Pat’s Run annually. “I’m glad to see that Pat’s Run has
now expanded well beyond the annual Tempe event to shadow runs across the
country, because it all goes towards helping the Tillman Military Scholars,”
Rauschenbach said.
To date, the Pat Tillman Foundation has invested over $10 million in educational
support and scholarships, benefiting 350 Tillman Military Scholars at more than
98 academic institutions nationwide.
I remember when touring the pyramids in Egypt, there were tourism police
with submachine guns there to protect the tourists. It was very re-assuring
and was established to protect the #1 economic engine of Egypt - tourism. A
strong infrastructure is what is needed in America. If submachine guns are
needed to protect a vital industry in America, then that should be re-assuring.
We as a country should be more focused on building our infrastructure and
less interested in influencing policy overseas. Our political bickering has
weakened this country. Americans deserve better. I remember how appalled
I was after reading about the amount of money the United States has spent
trying to bring healthcare and education to Iraq and Afghanistan. We can't
even provide healthcare for the veterans returning from war. Our focus should
be to build a stronger America starting at home.
— Mark Field
ATTN VETERAN GROUPS
Send us your group
photos with names to
Editor@AZVetMag.com
MEMORIALS AT WESLEY BOLIN MEMORIAL PLAZA
• Wesley Bolin Memorial Marker
• Father Kino Statue
• 158th Regimental Memorial
• Arizona Pioneer Women Memorial
• Ten Commandments Memorial
• Civilian Conservation Corps
• 4th Marine Division, World War II
• Law Enforcement Memorial
• World War I Memorial
• Confederate Troops Memorial
• Jewish War Veterans Memorial
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• Armenian Martyrs Memorial
• Desert Storm Memorial
• American Merchant Seaman
• Father Albert Braun Memorial
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E Page 17
The USS Montgomery (LCS 8)
SCION FOR SOLDIERS
Register to win a free car
www.ScionforSoldiers.com
Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza is home to 30+ memorials dedicated to important
individuals, organizations and events. Among the more prominent are the mast
and anchor of the USS Arizona, memorials to major wars such as World War I,
World War II, the Vietnam War, the Korean War and Desert Storm.
• Arizona Peace Officers Memorial
• Korean War Memorial
• USS Arizona Mast Memorial
• USS Arizona Anchor Memorial
• USS Arizona Gun Barrel Memorial
• USS Missouri Gun Barrel
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Ernest W. McFarland Memorial
• Purple Heart Memorial
• Arizona Workers Memorial
• Arizona Crime Victims Monument
• Arizona Law Enforcement Canine
• Arizona 9/11 Memorial
• Navajo Codetalkers Memorial
• Operation Enduring Freedom
EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR VETERANS
by Steve Weintraub, VP for Student Veterans of America
The United States Department of Veteran's Affairs
estimates that between 2012-2017, anywhere between one
million to one and a half million service members will be
leaving uniformed service, voluntarily or involuntary.
That’s a tremendous amount of human resources that will
be integrating back into the civilian sector, roughly
200,000 annually. A segment of those leaving active duty
will retire, others will be seeking meaningful long term
employment and another segment will be and are already
attending college or other institutions of higher education. These consist of
traditional universities and community colleges but also include private colleges,
technical/vocational schools and online colleges as we'll.
Recently transitioned veterans face numerous challenges as they and their
families begin a new life that doesn't include the robust support services and
culture the military once provided them. Those veterans that are returning to
the classroom face unique challenges that their contemporaries don't. Many
student veterans that attend college are older, have families and tend to possess
more real word experience. They also face cultural challenges and tend to
experience issues related to transitioning from the military back to being a
civilian, all doing this while carrying an academic load can be very stressful,
especially if that veteran has a family to support.
Many institutions of higher education see the value in recruiting veterans
into their programs; for the most part they are motivated, disciplined and have
leadership qualities. They also bring with them Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits which
means that they receive money for tuition, books and a living stipend. This is
obviously an attractive incentive for schools to enroll veterans; however, there
also comes a responsibility from these schools to ensure these student veterans
receive the bust support and resources in order to enhance their academic
success. There are numerous colleges and schools throughout Arizona that are
already doing this, to include our State Universities, community colleges, private
and vocational schools, other schools are making progress to improve their
veteran's support programs and on campus veteran's resource centers.
Although many schools have strong programs and resources to assist our
student veterans, they can't do it alone in that they have limited budgets and
personnel to support their veterans’ programs. In many instances, at smaller
schools the person that oversees the school's veteran's program has several
additional jobs not related to their veteran's program. This is where the
communities and veterans service organizations throughout the state can
provide assistance with their local school's veterans’ programs; specifically in
the area of mentorship of the student veterans. As mentioned, our student
veteran population tends to face many challenges in academia, by serving as
mentors we can provide them with the wealth of experience we collectively
possess pertaining to areas such as education, transition from the military,
dealing with life's challenges and preparing for employment upon graduationto
include networking.
Many schools have a student veteran club, the issues they are more
concerned with don't center on keg parties, but more about issues and
initiatives that will help them succeed in school as well as post academically.
Serving as mentor to these ambitious assets is an investment in their future
that will pay long term dividends. If you or your organization would like to
become involved with mentoring our student veterans, please feel free to contact
me and I'll be happy to connect you with local contacts in your area.
www.studentveterans.org
S.E.E.4VETS SETS AMBITIOUS EDUCATION INITIATIVE
In Arizona, there are ten community college districts with
approximately 43 campuses and three public universities with extended
facilities and campuses. The student veteran population is estimated at
21,000, and likely to grow. Arizona should lead the nation in costefficient
and effective veteran supportive campuses. Their initiatives
disrupt the way students veterans are addressed on campus:
l Establish Veteran Service Centers (VSC) for student veterans, which
improve student veteran retention. Improve and establish VSCs at all
state universities and community colleges in Arizona.
l Establish foundation program funds for student veterans at
community colleges. Provide grants to these foundations, which would
directly benefit student veterans academic and certification pursuits.
l Provide opportunities for student veterans to engage with local
employers and for employers to develop a greater understanding of the
veteran culture. Provide veteran summits to “bridge” student veteran
organizations, college officials, chambers of commerce and businesses
for better connection to subject matter experts, opportunities for
employment, mentorships and internships.
EMPLOYMENT
Arizona is one of four states with the highest unemployment rates for
veterans. In 2012, 9.3% of all veterans in Arizona were unemployed.
The problem is even greater for post 9/11 veterans who have an
unemployment rate of 15.9%.
With tens of thousands of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans returning
from service and looking to start new careers in a challenging economic
environment, employers should focus more than ever on supporting
veterans transition into civilian careers.
Veterans offer a unique set of skills, experiences and leadership
abilities developed and honed during their years in the military and in
the crucible of combat. Utilizing veterans’ military experiences and
inherent discipline can be a definite strategic advantage for a business
trying to differentiate itself in the marketplace.
Their veteran education initiatives are:
l Certify businesses as veteran-friendly employers. Create a veteranfriendly
employer certification process.
l Support mentoring and internship programs to improve employability
and sustainable employment for student veterans. This should include
periodic office and facility tours as well as luncheons. Work with
businesses to identity best practices.
l
Support the implementation of an orientation program aimed to
improve the understanding of the free marketplace and free enterprise
in private sector business. Work with businesses to adopt an online
program, which could be accessed 24/7, and completed in short period.
More info at: www.see4vets.org

Page 18
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E
SERVICE TO COUNTRY LASTS YOUR ENTIRE LIFETIME
WORLD WAR II VETERANS GROUP
Terravita Golf Club - Scottsdale, Arizona
No cost to join the WWII Veterans Group, Lunch $13
Meeting dates are: November 4th, December 9th, Feb. 3, March 3
More info about the World War II Club, call Harold at 480-437-1055.
HAROLD CORMAN — 92 YEARS OLD
Harold moved to Arizona in 2006 and wanted to meet
other World War II veterans. Harold served in the US
Army Air Corps as an Aircraft Machinest during World
War II. After the war, Harold spent 37 years as a Real
Estate Broker and was married for 57 years.
He started the World War II Veterans Group that grew
to over 150 members. They meet at the Golf Club on
Terravita in Scottsdale.
WES WATHEY — 90 YEARS OLD
Wes is from Brooklyn, New York and served in the US
Army as a Scout. He was hit by a German mortar and has
2 Purple Hearts. He had 68 stitches in his leg and almost
lost his leg. He spent 3 months in the hospital. After the
obtained teaching degrees from New York University and
was a Teacher and then became a Principal of the
Wheatley School of Westbury, New York, which was
ranked as one of the top ten high schools in the country.
Wes has been married for a remarkable 64 years.
AL TYLER — 95 YEARS OLD
Al Tyler is from Chicago, IL and was drafted in the US
Army in 1941. He was a tank commander and spent 20
years in the Army and retired as a Major. After the war,
he moved to Everett, Washington and worked for Boeing
for 20 years building Minute Man Missiles and he also
built 747 aircraft.
RALPH COPE — 90 YEARS OLD
Ralph Cope, his father and his grandfather collectively
served 85 years. Ralph is from North Carolina and comes
from a long line of family to serve our country. Ralph
served in the US Navy for 5 years as an electrician.
Ralph's father served 30 years in the US Navy and was a
World War I veteran. Ralph's grandfather served 50 years
in the US Navy, starting as an 8 year old as a cabin boy
on sailing ships. After the war, Ralph lived in Chicago
and was a dance instructor because there were no jobs
because of so many returning veterans. He then worked
for General Motors for 30 years as an engineer. In 2013, Ralph spent 3 days
in Washington DC with Honor Flight and was the first group to visit the US
Naval Academy.
SANDY SHIFRIN, 89 YEARS OLD — DIED SEPTEMBER 23
Sandy was born and raised in St. Louis and was
drafted in the US Army. Sandy was trapped in a foxhole
in Belgium surrounded by German Nazi soliders. He
spent 13 days in the foxhole during the cold winter with
no food and no shelter. To this day, Sandy is still
surprised that he survived. Most of his fellow soliders
that were trapped were killed. After the war, the US Army
sent Sandy to Yale University to study engineering.
According to Sandy, "I was drafted at 18 as a boy, and
came out of the Army at 21 as a man."
VERN SQUIER — 90 YEARS OLD
Vern is from Orland, California and spent 3 years in
the US Army and was a Tank Destroyer Gunner in
France. He landed on Omaha Beach after D-Day. After
the war, he worked for Shell Oil for 30 years. Vern has
been a very active volunteer for the Joe Foss Institute
and has taught patriotism to over 30,000 students in
Arizona. In one year alone, he lectured to 10,000
students.
MARY JANE LAWS — 98 YEARS OLD
Mary is from Indiana and served in the US Navy as a
Nurse, spending 2 years in Camp Lejune Naval Hospital
in North Carolina. She was married in 1947 in Arizona
and has been here since. After the war, she spent her
career as a Public Health Nurse.
At the World War II Club meeting l-r: Dr. Teresa Juetten-Iannacci, Jerry
Iannacci, Harold Corman, General Schneider, and David Lucier.
JERRY IANNACCI
Jerry Iannacci is a former Homeland Security Special Advisor. He is an
internationally recognized published criminologist who is an expert in
homeland security, financial crimes, safety, internet related crimes and
document forensics.
Jerry started his career post college as a Police Officer in New York. He
was later recruited to manage the Safety and Security Operations for
Marriott Hotels and Resorts. Several years later, he was yet again recruited
to one of the world’s largest financial institutions as their Deputy Director
of Investigations worldwide. He traveled around the world on assignment
and became a recognized expert in financial crimes and terrorism. He was
then later identified to help establish the U.S. Secret Service Federal Task
Force (MWATF) in Washington D.C. The Task Force helped organize one of
the world’s most successful cooperatives between the government, public,
and private sectors in the quest to reduce organized crime. After only two
years of operation, this consortium of financial investigators from the IAFCI,
local police, and federal agencies received the Attorney General’s award for
its successes. Jerry’s skills continued to be tapped by the Federal
Government and he was later appointed as an Intelligence Advisor to the
Pentagon and was on “special assignment.”
In 2002, the Governor of Maryland appointed Jerry to the Transition Advisory
Team to help establish the new office of Homeland Security as the Homeland
Security Special Advisor. Having accepted the honor of this post, our nation at
war, homeland security was his focus in the aftermath of 9/11. During this
tenure, Jerry was challenged with helping to address matters involving
preparedness and intelligence issues with the Council of Governments.
Jerry is a Past President of the International Association of Financial
Crimes Investigators (Mid-Atlantic States), in addition to being a member of
the organization’s International Board of Directors and serving as the
Training and Education Chairperson.
Jerry retired to Arizona and became the volunteer Chief Executive Officer of
Operation American Patriot. Jerry is married to Dr. Teresa Juetten-Iannacci.
He has lectured internationally on crime and the importance of joining
forces in fighting crime and proper sharing of intelligence. A significant
honor was given to Jerry when he was requested by the Queen of England’s
Counsel to be the key note speaker at the International Fraud and
Corruption Conference addressing the prestigious cabinet and judiciary
branch of government.
Jerry has been called upon by CBS News Washington, D.C. to consult
during several of the major school shooting tragedies and terrorist events
over the years.
Advocacy: Jerry has always aspired to help children. In the wake of a rash
of school shootings and bullying events across the country, Jerry established
many school based programs to help address this growing concern. He
published and assisted the Maryland State Police to introduce before the
Maryland General Assembly a bill on child pornography and internet-related
crimes, which did become law in 1998. Then, in 1999, he was requested by
the Maryland Senate to help pass the Fraud Identity Takeover Act, which is
also now law and has been replicated across America. His community
advocacy continued and Jerry was appointed by then Secretary of State -
General Colin Powell and Bill Milliken the founders of America’s Promise /
Communities in Schools as the Associated Chairman of the Board of
Directors in Maryland for the National Alliance. He continues this advocacy
today for children as the National Chairman for the Public Safety Volunteer
Partnership. This public school based organization is also an Alliance
Partner of America's Promise and a member of the National Crime Prevention
Council. Via education partnerships, the program promotes public bio and
leadership with our youth.
In January 2010, Jerry was appointed to the Veterans Coalition by
Senator John McCain of Arizona. Jerry is volunteering his expertise to assist
on Veteran’s issues as well as other strategic initiatives. Jerry is currently
the Volunteer CEO of Operation American Patriot, a non-profit that aspires
to help veterans and their families past and present.
Jerry is an alumnus of Saint John’s University and Hood College in New
York. He is also a graduate of the New York State Police Academy, The DEA
Forfeiture School, the IRS Criminal Investigations School and is certificated
by Johns Hopkins University in Legal Issues and Public Health Preparedness.
“God bless your mom and dad as well as your
grandparents. Thank God we have hopefully
grown up to be what our mom and dad tried so
hard for us to be. Often we take our parents for
granted. Undoubtedly, there have been times were
we have disagreed with the methodology but, I for
one have personally grown to know that they
really tried to do their best. We will always be
viewed as their children and that is often hard to
understand. But one thing is for certain a mom
and a dad are just like a soldier who would give
their life to protect our country. A parent would do
the same and a mom would lead the charge.”
— Jerry Iannacci
Jerry Iannacci
Changes the World

A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E Page 21
THE MISSION CONTINUES MEETS RESTORE BRONZE
by Rachel Gutierrez
On September 11, 2014, The Mission Continues 1st
Platoon Phoenix and our friends from Mission Restore
Bronze served together for a 9/11 Day of Service. In 2009,
Congress designated Sept. 11th as a National Day of
Service and Remembrance, inspiring volunteers across the
country in reclaiming the legacy of 9/11 by serving
communities and solving the challenges communities face.
Thanks to the strong support of tens of thousands of
non-profits, employers, faith organizations, schools
and other organizations around the nation, 9/11 is now
this nation’s largest day of charitable engagement. Last
year a record 35 million people observed 9/11 by
performing good deeds and engaging in service
activities that help others.
On the anniversary
of the 9/11 attacks,
as a way to pay
tribute to, and
remember the
victims and others
we wish to honor, we
put aside whatever
differences we may have at the moment and work
together to help others in need. That is the annual ritual,
a fitting and appropriate gift to the many that lost their
lives and the countless others who were injured or came
to the aid or defense of those in need.
Over 30 veterans, supporters & high school students
restored the once unreadable bronze grave markers of our
fallen comrades laid to rest at the Greenwood Memory
Lawn Mortuary & Cemetery. Many of these markers
belong to heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice to our
great nation during their military service in WWII. By
restoring their markers, we paid homage and honor to
our brothers & sisters in arms who came before us; with
an everlasting statement that their service and memory
shall never be forgotten. We restored 38 markers!
Special thanks to RDS High School, Mission Restore
Bronze Markers & its founder, Tom Pawlak, ARIZONA
VETERANS MAGAZINE, ASU's SVA Chapter, Greenwood
Memory Cemetery, ABC Family Channel 3 and our great
Platoon members for participating in this event.
www.facebook.com/TheMissionContinues1stPlatoonPhoenix
Photos by Alejandro Salazar
ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE Publisher Mark Field
1st Platoon Leader
and US Army veteran
Rachel Gutierrez
1st Platoon member and US
Army veteran Barry Kimmons
is an advisor & teacher at RDS
High School. Barry brought
out 20+ high school students.
The Mission Continues is a model of veteran
reintegration by community service. Thank you for
your leadership with our MANA House project this
year. The upgrades to our transitional living center
for veterans are outstanding and much appreciated
by current and future residents. — Terry Araman
JOIN THE MISSION CONTINUES
Contact Rachel Gutierrez
1st Platoon Phoenix Leader
US Army Veteran, OIF II
602-692-8438
TOM PAWLAK HONORS VETERANS BY RESTORING BRONZE BURIAL MARKERS
Tom Pawlak of Goodyear, Arizona is on a mission
to restore thousands of bronze headstones and
needs your help. Pawlak has single-handedly
started a crusade across America to restore as
many bronze military makers on the graves of
veterans that he and his recruits can find. The
initiative is less than 1 year old and has inspired
volunteers in many states who spend their free
time renovating these markers at their own
expense. Tom estimates there are over 1 million
military grave sites needing restoration.
Pawlak started doing this himself some 30 years ago by taking care of a
friend’s grave in Chicago. He then started taking care of the graves of
others he didn’t know. He later got the idea to leverage the power of
Facebook to recruit the help of others across the country.
Step-by-step instructions on this page describe how anyone can do this
relatively simple restoration with just a few items that can be found in any
hardware store. “I started this initiative after 30 years of privately
restoring military markers at no charge to the family, said Tom. Through
Facebook, he introduced a video of the plan to restore luster to tarnished
soldiers’ grave markers. It has garnered support and in areas of 19 (now
20) states, volunteers with their own funds are restoring bronze and
honoring their service to our country. There are many Civil War markers
in need of immediate cleaning and polishing. View the MISSION: RESTORE
BRONZE Facebook page, for the video and instructions.
Pawlak’s mission is gaining attention. Volunteers are signing up to help,
and they are spreading the word by “sharing” news of his effort on their
own Facebook pages. The media is starting to notice as well. Both PBS and
the Pentagon Channel have already contacted him about doing a segment
on Restore Bronze.
Tom Pawlak gets on his hands and knees to honor and pay tribute to
America’s passed veterans. He seeks volunteers all over Arizona to help
him with restoration. This experience will touch your soul.
OPERATION: RESTORE BRONZE NEEDS SPONSORS
Seeks volunteers and donors to honor those who have passed on.
$5000 NEEDED for supplies to restore 1000 grave markers in Arizona.
Contact Tom Pawlak at tom.pawlak@yahoo.com
or www.facebook.com/missionrestore.
View video at www.youtube.com/watchv=DkI7lu33b0E
TOM PAWLAK CHANGES THE WORLD
Getting started is easy. Simply purchase the required items, identify
grave sites that need renovation, and follow the easy instructions (see
sidebar). Pawlak is also willing to take phone calls from volunteers with
questions and even walk them through their first renovation. He
recommends going to the website “Home of Heroes” and look under
Medal of Honor recipients www.homeofheroes.com. There you will find,
by state, the gravesites of all MOH winners, along with a photo of each
gravesite. Visit www.facebook.com/missionrestorefref=nf
HOW TO RESTORE A BRONZE MARKER
REQUIRED MATERIALS: wire brush, 180-220 grit block wood of
sandpaper, masking tape, spray bottle with water, plastic fiber scrub
brush, paint: Ace Hardware (sample size), color: Dark Chocolate 10-1c,
paint brushes, varnish no. 16373, rags, gloves if you want to keep
hands free of varnish.
TO START: take a before picture of the marker.
Using the masking tape, tape around the marker if it has a base.
Wire brush the entire marker.
Sweep away dust with plastic brush.
Sand the tops of all the letters (sanding left to right).
Paint the background with the dark chocolate paint (wipe any paint
that may get on the letters as you work). Let dry to the touch.
Sand the letters to remove any paint.
Apply the varnish using up and down strokes.
Take an after picture and share on Facebook. Tom is available to
answer any questions, or walk you through your first renovation, by
calling him at 310-890-5431. Donations are also welcome.
Mail to: Tom Pawlak, 2978 N. 155th Drive, Goodyear, Arizona

A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E Page 23
THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE OF A DOG
IS MEANINGFUL AND FULFILLING
Distribution of the
Arizona Veterans Magazine
Gary found Marley entirely by
chance. When he first met the then
three year-old shelter dog, “He jumped
right on my lap and kissed me.”
The search was over.
“My eyes met with his and I just
melted," Gary said, adding that he
felt as though, “God made this dog
just for me."
The GEICO Gecko loves the
ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE
PETS LOOKING FOR VETERANS TO LOVE
LIFE IN AMERICA IS RUFF
and sometimes you just need a
cold beer. Tank Hoshaw reminds
everyone to not drink and drive.
Tank prefers Coors Light since
he is watching his waistline.
Tank & David Hoshaw are frequent
visitors at the Arizona State
Veteran Home in Phoenix.
Get in
shape with
Tony Nelson
ID#A3503353 ID#A2093243 ID#A3511171 ID#A3511591
VETERANS NEEDING A PET TO LOVE
Adopt your best friend at the
Maricopa County Animal Control Center
602-506-7387, www.maricopa.gov/pets
Baxter from the Arizona
Diamondbacks can’t read, but
likes looking at the pictures.
ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE READERS
The love you share
with your pet says
everything about
your character.
Martha McSally
sang to her beloved
pet, Penelope, as
she passed on.
Not all readers of the ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE are human.
Some prefer the print version and others prefer the website.
After battling Batman, there’s
nothing like a good read of the
ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE.
Captain America reads the
ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE
before saving the world.
General Schneider, US Air Force,
ret. enjoys the magazine
while getting a haircut.
Freddy the Frog
Clarence Hardison
Sheriff Joe says
DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE
DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE
DON’T READ AND DRIVE
ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE GOES TO THE BIG HOUSE
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is a big supporter of the ARIZONA
VETERANS MAGAZINE. This is Sheriff Joe's best effort to smile. I
mentioned to him that the last picture I had with him made me look
like I was being walked into Maricopa County Jail. Sheriff Joe is a
much warmer in person than is reflected on TV or in the newspapers.
He has a great sense of humor and likes to make jokes of himself and
laughs a lot. I spoke to Joe about the need to show his warmer
personality to the public more. He asked me if I wanted to visit the
big house I said, yes please.
Look for major feature article on Sheriff Joe Arpaio's Veterans
Inmate Housing Project which houses veterans together to help
prevent them from returning to an incarcerated state.
Editor's Note: We as a community should help these veterans reintegrate
back into the community with the hope that working
together with the veteran will help prevent any re-lapse back into an
incarcerated state of being. Major issues such as substance abuse,
job assistance, affordable housing, legal issues, health care,
educational opportunities all need to be addressed.
Governor Jan Brewer says
“What a wonderful magazine.”
No animals, super heroes or government officials were harmed in the making of this page

Page 24
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E
INTO THE MIND OF A DOCTOR FIGHTING FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA RESEARCH — AND HER FUTURE
by Phil Riske, Managing Editor
Rose Law Group Reporter
A narcotic, academia and politics don’t mix when it
comes to psychiatrist Sue Sisley’s fervent wish to have
medical marijuana examined as a possible palliative for
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Dr. Sisley left her position at the University of
Arizona, fired after Arizona Senator Kimberly Yee’s
refusal to hold a hearing on the already federally
approved study and the subsequent controversy
surrounding it.
In the meantime, Sisley has filed a federal lawsuit
alleging the firing violated her constitutional rights,
and a veteran’s group says it will call on the Arizona
Board of Regents for her reinstatement at the
university.
In an e-mail interview with Rose Law Group
Reporter, Sisley says she is “trying desperately to keep
this out of court.”
RLGR: We’ve heard comments that decisions designed
to change directions at UA in many areas are going to
have unintended consequences. Do you feel your firing
was part of something bigger going on
that could affect colleagues of yours
Dr. Sisley: Yes, it seems there are a string
of casualties now resulting from this socalled
“new direction. Piles of valued,
devoted UA faculty members have been
fired seemingly indiscriminately for some
broader agenda which nobody knows
about (except the administrators at the
top levels of the UA food chain).
Are the physicians and staff with
whom you work on a daily basis in your
corner, and would they be at risk if they
came out publicly against the
university’s decision.
Yes, many of them seem to privately
support me and constantly urge me NOT
to give up, but my opinion is they would
never be allowed to say anything publicly, or their jobs
would be in jeopardy.
It seems to me that UA President Ann Hart and VP
Terri Thompson, have all successfully created a culture
of fear that ensures few faculty members will ever feel
comfortable to speak out.
In fact, we did not even have a UA faculty senate at
the Phoenix biomedical campus. The only voice for UA
faculty was in Tucson. So if you have an issue at the
Phoenix campus, you had no voice, no framework to
address those concerns.
I finally worked with the UA ombudsman’s office
months ago attempting to share my concerns, but
sadly, this fell on deaf ears with UA ombudsman’s
unsuccessful attempts to bring all parties to the table.
Not the fault of the ombudsman but the apparent
apathy and disinterest from UA administration.
Could not the university have just killed the research
without firing you
Well they seemed to try to kill the MJ [medical
marijuana] research for nearly two years, ever since I
got my IRB [Institutional Board] aapproval back in
October 2012. Initially the UA administration and
attorneys insisted that this MJ research was illegal and
claimed it violated state law. The law they cited was
that recreational marijuana has been banned on all
university campuses.
Despite my providing numerous external legal
opinions confirming that the FDA [Federal Drug
Administration] approved federally regulated research
was legal and it superseded state laws, they continued
to reject all requests to find a space to conduct this vital
work.
UA seemed to know that, without a location, I could
not proceed. Everything was hinging upon finding a
specific site. I could not even finalize my DEA [Drug
Enforcement Administration] Schedule 1 license until
Dr. Sue Sisley
the DEA could come and inspect a specific location on
campus. So they effectively shut down the MJ research
that way for nearly 2 years, but suddenly I started
talking to the media.
The UA asked me to refrain from speaking to the
media. I became more open about the obstructions that
were occurring here at the local UA level.
I finally offered to help organize a legislative bill
because I realized that UA would continue to drag its
feet. The UA now says that they “championed”this bill,
but they were very reluctant partners in the coalition
until the 11th hour, when they saw that the bill had
near unanimous support because legislators all realize
that this was simply a reaffirmation of existing law.
Suddenly, UA jumped on the bandwagon, even
testifying at a couple hearings.
It’s bottom line was this bill was unnecessary and a
waste of taxpayer dollars, simply to appease some
misinformed UA attorneys and administratos who
believe this MJ research was illegal, and many still
believe it, despite the bill passing.
UA CMI recorded a conference call that the UA
begrudgingly set up with me to finally
identify a possible location for the study
back in April 2014 after this giant fallout
from the media uncovered that UA was
stonewalling the study.
There were repeated concerns
expressed on this call about having
veterans with PTSD roaming around the
campus possibly interacting with their
students.
I explained to them that over nearly 20
years of caring for veterans, I’ve never
once felt unsafe around these veterans.
It seemed clear that they could never
accept the optics of having veterans
smoking and vaporizing marijuana on
campus.
Their comments on the recording
confirmed these UA administrators were striving to
push it to the very outskirts of the campus where
nobody would ever see it.
No legislators, no donors, etc. They certainly could
not have administration of MJ study drug occurring in
the same building where the dean was housed.
I pointed out miles of empty office space all
throughout the UA Phoenix biomedical campus, all
created and supported by taxpayers thart could’ve
easily been used to house this research. All we needed
was a simple office with the ventilation hood and an
empty corner where we could install a giant safe, bolted
to the ground under a 24/7 alarm system. That was the
only requirements from the DEA. Simple, nothing
fancy.
Did you ever get to discuss the research directly with
Sen. Yee or any member of the Arizona legislature
Never, I attempted to call Senator Yee several times,
and she did call back once but it was phone tag. Never
had an actual conversation. And then, the Yee recall
effort was launched by the veterans.
Suddenly, enemies of this MJ research attempted to
tie me into the veteran activism, as if I were the Pied
Piper of these radicalized veterans. That was never the
case.
VP/UA lobbyist Tim Bee confronted me at the
mayor’s State of the City luncheon and demanded that
I get the veterans to back off. When I explained that I
don’t control the veterans, and they are allowed to
exercise their civil rights, he seemed to storm off.
I was never participating in the recall effort. Yes, I did
denounce Sen. Yee’s decision to kill the bill (HB2333).
But that doesn’t mean I ever felt it was a good use of
taxpayer dollars to hold a special election when we had
a primary election coming up in August. Again, I never
joined the recall effort. That was organized by a veteranled
committee called AVAC.
Have you heard any reaction from the UA
administration to the Department of Health Services
decision to include PTSD in qualified illnesses for
medical marijuana treatment
Not really. They now tried to claim that they’ve always
been a champion for adding PTSD, and their public
statement said something about a UA committee from
public health department urged the health department
to add PTSD. Again, my opinion is here’s another
example of the UA misleading the public. This
committee had been the major blockade for adding
PTSD over the past three years. They constantly set the
bar at an unattainable level where nobody would be
able to ever add any new qualifying conditions.
By demanding randomized controlled trials of efficacy
research, which they knew full well is relentlessly
blocked in the United States, they shut down any
possibility of meeting that bar.
Research into efficacy of whole plant marijuana is
systematically impeded in the U.S., and the UA
committee continues to use an unattainable bar as its
criteria for adding new qualifying conditions. Sad.
One person’s opinion is not scientific research, but
do you believe marijuana helps people with PTSD
I have no idea. But I am determined to find the
answer to that question.
That’s why it’s so important to study whole plant
marijuana in a rigorous controlled environment. Yes,
I’ve heard mountain of anecdotal evidence from patients
(and veterans) themselves. But it’s time to allow this
plant to go through the proper FDA drug development
process and answer these questions in a truly objective
manner
If you win your lawsuit and are reinstated, would you
return or would you seek an opportunity where the
research could be conducted
If UA reinstated me today, I would be back at the
University of Arizona implementing this vets research.
That’s because UA is my home.
I graduated from UA Medical School in 1995 and had
a wonderful experience there.
I continue to be a devoted UA supporter as a donor,
as a member of Wildcat for Life Alumni Association and
as a faculty member in excellent standing since 2007.
The study was born in Arizona and should stay here.
These veterans who have been fighting with us to help
overcome each of these onerous barriers deserve an
opportunity to be screened for the study and participate
if desired (or help refer some of their other brothers and
sisters-in-arms).
This is not personal but has always been about
getting the work done. I would have no qualms about
returning to UA and focusing on implementing the most
impeccable study protocol possible.
What will you do while the lawsuit proceeds
I’ve made it clear to every reporter I’ve spoken to that
I am trying desperately to keep this out of court and
save the Arizona taxpayers the cost of
university/[Arizona Board of Regents] having to mount
a giant legal defense.
I’ve told everyone for the past month that my goal is
to negotiate with the university and the regents to find
a simple solution to this (short of having to go to court).
Of course, I’ve made it equally clear that I’m not
afraid to take this all the way if necessary. I have a very
well-resourced legal team with experts from across the
nation working pro bono. This could go on for years.
Have you ever smoked marijuana
Never smoked marijuana, nor tried marijuana in any
form. I’ve never used any street drugs or other illicit
drugs. I don’t even drink alcohol. I prefer not to alter
my consciousness in any way. That’s my personal
approach to life. See more at:
www.roselawgroupreporter.com/2014/08/exclusiveindepth-mind-doctor-fighting-medical-marijuana-researc
h-future/#sthash.iM236Ytk.dpuf
Building consortium of support for our
veterans and marijuana research with
Director Ted Vogt from Arizona Department
Veterans Services at the Annual League of
Cities and Towns meeting.
“I smoked marijuana for 50
years...It opened my mind to
a lot of things, and now its
active ingredient,THC, relaxes
me and eases my arthritis pain.
I've concluded that
marijuana should
be legal...”
— James Garner
Actor
US Army veteran

KINGMAN VA CLINIC OPENS
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E Page 25
NAVAJO HOPI HONOR RIDERS
Kingman community based outpatient clinic.
There was an overflow crowd of various elected
officials including Arizona Senator Kelli Ward,
Arizona State Representative Sonny Borrelli,
Mohave County Supervisors District 1 Gary Watson
and District 4 Jean Bishop, Kingman Mayor Janet
Watson, in addition to dignitaries from the various
veterans’ organizations in Mohave County, and
interested residents and veterans in attendance.
Elizabeth Freeman, from the VA Palo Alto Health
Care System who is currently is serving as the
acting director of the Arizona VA Health Care
System, traveled from the Phoenix area to be part
of the ceremony. The new $2.5 million 14,400-
square-feet facility located at 2668 Hualapai
Mountain Road will help fulfill the medical needs of
veterans in the northern Mohave County area
including
Kingman, Golden
Valley, Mohave
Valley, Golden Shores and Bullhead City in addition
to other outlying areas.
The new facility replaces the 8,000-square-feet
facility at 1726 Beverly Ave. and will continue to
provide primary care, mental health and specialty
clinic services. Those services include health
screening, labs, optometry, and various skin tests,
dressing changes, pharmacy consultations and
management of acute and chronic diseases. There
are new services on-site available to veterans
including physical therapy, a women's health clinic
and will also provide a location for staff assigned to
homeless-based primary care and the VA's homeless
program. For more information call 928-692-0080.
Navajo Hopi Honor Riders are more
than 250 riders strong. In March
2002, the Navajo and Hopi nation
received word that one of their own
was “Killed In Action” in Iraq — US
Army Specialist Lori Ann Piestewa.
In May 2002, it was decided by
Bobby Martin (Lori’s cousin), Lon &
Loni Parker and several others that it
might help to pay honor to the
Piestewa family on behalf of their
daughter, Lori, with a motorcycle
run.
www.navajohopihonorriders.com

Page 26
CANNABIS CAN SAVE VETERANS
My name is Ricardo Pereyda, I served my country in the United States Army Military
Police Corps. As an MP, I was stationed primarily in the European Theater and the Middle
East. Deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) 2 from 2004, to 2005, I performed
missions of a wide variety. I patrolled the city of Baghdad and its surrounding areas daily
— cooperating with a multinational force, and completing numerous combat missions
under extremely hazardous conditions. Living under those conditions day and night for
a year, I became accustomed to the realities of war. The violent, permanent nature of
combat is not something one forgets — it stays with you. After Iraq, I was determined to
keep everything I was feeling and going through to myself, a task that became
increasingly more difficult as time went on. My thought process and perception of the
world around me had become distorted.
The stigma surrounding post-traumatic stress made me feel as though I could not
approach my chain of command to let them know about the difficulties I was experiencing
transitioning back from being deployed. Internalizing these feelings, my struggle began
to manifest itself in the form of inexplicable fits of rage, intense panic attacks, insomnia,
and an emotional numbness that is impossible to describe. My active duty career ended
at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona in February 2006 when I was diagnosed with severe post
traumatic stress by the Army and VA. Before I knew it I had been labeled “nondeployable.”
I lost what I had hoped would be a career in the military. Now I was facing a
long painful transition into “civilized society” as “damaged goods.”
The years immediately following my return from Iraq were some of the absolute worst
I have ever experienced. During these years my symptoms began to worsen, I went
through a divorce, a foreclosure, numerous bar fights, multiple run-ins with law
enforcement, and struggled with pervasive thoughts of suicide — at one point I had
suicide letters written out with a loaded pistol to my head. My medicine cabinet rivaled
the supplies of an emergency room — stacked with Xanax, Paxil, Amitriptyline,
Oxycodone, and a cocktail of other prescriptions. I went through nearly every
conventional therapy program the Tucson VA had to offer, group and individual
counseling sessions, substance abuse treatment programs, anger management classes,
vocational rehabilitation evaluations, and multiple stays in their psychiatric ward when
things got too heavy.
In 2009, I was living in Sierra Vista — alone. One night, concerned about my safety
and worried I may harm myself, a number of family members and friends drove from
Tucson to Sierra Vista in the middle of the night to conduct an intervention. When they
arrived they told me in no uncertain terms I was going back with them to Tucson.
Outnumbered, tired, and quite honestly, grateful for their mediation, I relented, so I got
in the car and came home. Living with my parents at 27 years old was definitely not what
I had envisioned in my five year plan when I was 23. Desperate for something to invest
myself in, I applied for enrollment at the University of Arizona in 2009. My application
was accepted and I began classes under the G.I. Bill in the spring of 2010. Finally, I was
able to reconnect with the world around me.
I became heavily involved with the U of A’s Student Veterans Organization (S.V.O.)
where they foster an environment in which student veterans enjoy high levels of social
and academic support. Through my involvement with the S.V.O., I played an
instrumental role in planning and executing dozens of community service projects
throughout Tucson. I was selected to attend the national Student Veterans of America
convention for 3 years consecutively. And I attended numerous leadership forums and
conferences at the U of A, within the State of Arizona, and across the country. I helped
plan, implement and track the student-first model of veteran reintegration, which U of
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E
A’s S.V.O. was nationally recognized for as program of the year in 2010. I successfully
negotiated an expansion of the Veterans Education and Transition Services (V.E.T.S.)
Center in 2012, moving that program into a much larger space — allowing us to
effectively serve many more veterans. Also, for three years I led a project expanding a
permanent memorial for our nations fallen service members in the Student Union
Memorial Center — adding 5 bronze art pieces, 4 plaques, and a large quote which reads,
"To All Who Put Them- selves In Harm’s Way — Then, Now, Always.”
I tell you this because I accomplished all of these achievements while I medicated with
cannabis, the only medicine that really worked for me. Medicating with cannabis has
enabled me to regain positive control of my life. The medicine keeps me focused on the
here and now — not on memories of what happened in the past, or paralyzing fears about
what may happen in the future. For me, the most beneficial aspect of this plant, I would
say is my ability to rest, to get quality sleep. I also benefit from the immediate and
calming effect, which allows me to de-escalate my rage if I am triggered. Before
I began to medicate with cannabis, insomnia and anger were weighing me down to the
point where I wasn’t sure if I would ever be able to overcome their debilitating effects.
Cannabis alone did not magically pull me out of the pit of despair, however by keeping
me present in mind and body I am able to employ a host of other methods to stay
balanced, including daily exercise, volunteering, sharing my feelings with others, and
being of service to my comrades-in-arms who are going through similar issues in their
transitions. Without cannabis I would not have been so successful academically or
socially at the U of A; this is the message I want you to remember. I’m here today for a
number of reasons — most importantly I am here to urge you to stand up for our nation’s
veterans by identifying a home for badly needed scientific research. We lose twenty-two
veterans every single day to suicide. This research will examine the safety and efficacy
of cannabis when used as an alternative treatment method for those suffering from
combat related post-traumatic stress who have not found relief from “traditional”
pharmaceutical medications.
Dr. Suzanne Sisley is a highly respected clinician, faculty member, and researcher at
The University of Arizona. When I first learned about her proposed research in 2010, I
was ecstatic my school was going to house it. I was elated that the U of A would be
helping shed light on how cannabis works to alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
On June 27th, she was informed her contracts would not be renewed. On July 28th, the
U of A denied Dr. Sisley’s appeal for reinstatement and did not provide an explanation.
As the Principle Investigator, in effect, her dismissal has made this study a radioactive
hot potato within our state. It appears Dr. Sisley was fired for attempting to conduct
controversial research that caused a political backlash from our hyper-conservative state
lawmakers. I have asked myself repeatedly how it can be that our nation's veterans are
committing suicide at astonishing rates – nearly one every hour - and so-called leaders
in Arizona are intentionally blocking research that could potentially save their lives. I am
absolutely appalled there is not one public institution in Arizona with the backbone to
take a stand against this despicable behavior. The U of A has failed to live up to their
stated core principles, and apparently this research is too much for NAU — leaving ASU
as the last bastion, the last possibility of a home for this research in all of Arizona. Will
you help make this happen Will you help save veterans’ lives Or will you turn your
back on veterans just like the bureaucrats at U of A have done
I challenge this Board to live up to these ideals. This issue is after all, bigger than any
personal or institutional biases. My brothers and sisters are dying every day. Please,
don’t turn your back on them. Find a home at ASU for this critical research.
— Sincerely, Ricardo André Pereyda, Combat Veteran
Operation Iraqi Freedom 2, Life Member - Veterans of Foreign Wars
WE MOURN THE PASSING OF LAMBERT MODDER
The Arizona veterans community mourns the passing
of Mesa resident Lambert Modder, a Navy veteran who
survived the attack on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor.
Born in Iowa, Lambert joined the Navy on Jan. 3, 1941
and as a Pharmacist's Mate, arrived in Pearl Harbor in
June, 1941, when he was 19 years old. On the morning
of the attack, he was waiting in a pay line when the
attack began, barely a quarter-mile from Battleship
Row, where the Navy's prized battleships, including the
U.S.S. Arizona, lay at anchor.
He was assigned to identify sailors, soldiers and Marines killed in the attack.
He spent the next 3-1/2 years at Pearl Harbor as a Medical Records
Technician. He eventually left the Navy and retired from a 20-year career with
the U.S. Postal Service.Lambert was the Immediate Past President of the
Phoenix Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. Our thoughts go out to Lambert’s
family and many friends.
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICES OFFICES
Phoenix Main Office: 3839 North 3rd Street, Suite 200, Phoenix, 602-255-3373
Bullhead City Office: 2249 Clearwater Drive, Unit A, Bullhead City, 928-763-9401
Casa Grande Office: 401 North Marshall Street, Casa Grande, 520-426-1456
Chandler: 3130 North Arizona Avenue, Suite 114, Chandler, 480-558-2052
Chinle: Downtown Department of Navajo Veterans Affairs, Chinle, 928-674-8332
Flagstaff Office: 2705 North 4th Street, Suite B, Flagstaff, 928-779-4166
Kingman Office: 2301 Harrison Street, Kingman, 928-718-7621
Lake Havasu Office: 2160 McCulloch Blvd, Ste 105, Lake Havasu, 928-505-4616
Phoenix National Guard Office: 1335 N. 52nd St., #M5710, Phoenix, 602-629-4380
Phoenix Office: 3333 North Central Avenue, Suite 1052, Phoenix, 602-627-3261
Prescott Office: 240 South Montezuma Street, Suite 208, Prescott, 928-443-0167
Safford Office: 624 5th Avenue, Safford, 928-428-3403
Show Low Office: 5171 Cub Lake Road, Suite C-380, Show Low, 928-532-1069
Sierra Vista Office:1300 Buffalo Soldier Trail, Sierra Vista, 520-458-7150
Surprise Office: 13985 West Grand Avenue, Suite 101, Surprise, 623-583-1025
Tucson Office: 1661 North Swan Road, Suite 128, Tucson, 520-207-4960
Yuma Office: 2811 South 4th Avenue, Suite D, Yuma, 928-726-2851
ATTN: NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS & GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Cooperative marketing opportunities in the ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE.
Feature your organization’s newsletter in the ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE.
Reach 250,000+ veterans in Arizona.
The objective is to help these organizations generate more exposure and
community & corporate fundraising support.
The goal is for the newsletter to be subsidized by the ARIZONA VETERANS
NATIONAL GUARD SOLIDER SAVES FAMILY FROM FIRE
by Spc. Wes Parrell
An Arizona National Guard Soldier drew on his military training when he
assisted a family from their burning home, here Aug. 26.
Army Pfc. Samuel Pineda, an infantryman with the 158th Infantry
Battalion, returned to his residence near the
8600 block of Malapai Drive in Peoria when he
saw smoke bellowing from the front of a
neighbor’s home. As he approached the
residence he saw two young girls running back
and forth near the front door in a panic.
“They told me the house was on fire and
someone was inside,” said Pineda. “That’s when
my training and instincts kicked in.”
Pineda immediately called 911. He saw
flames growing near the front of the house so he ran to the back of the home
to locate the occupants.
“As an infantryman we are trained to act calm during intense situations,”
said Pineda. “I knew I had to act fast and take action. If I did not do something
people could be hurt or worse.”
Shouting through a window, Pineda made contact with the people inside
and directed them to the backyard, away from the flames near the front door.
From atop the backyard wall, Pineda helped a teenager climb over into a
neighboring yard. The father of the children handed his 6-year-old son to
Pineda and he handed the child over to his older brother. Pineda then assisted
the father over the back yard wall and led them to safety before first
responders arrived to combat the blaze.
On the day of the fire local media reported “a mystery neighbor” helped the
family escape the burning home. A witness said Pineda immediately jumped
the wall surrounding the back yard to assist the family out of the house.
Pineda has been a member of the Arizona Army National Guard for two
years. He attended basic combat training and infantry school at Fort Benning,
Ga. Training experienced there, such as reacting to enemy contact, helps
condition soldiers like Pineda to critically think and take action during high
stress situations.
“I’m just glad I was in the right place at the right time,” Pineda said. “Once
the police arrived I did not want to be in the way so I provided my contact
information to the officer and left. I feel sad that the family’s home was
damaged but happy that no one was hurt.”
The City of Peoria Fire Department recently contacted Pineda and is
organizing a ceremony to recognize him for his valiant efforts that day.
MAGAZINE and your organization’s local sponsors. For example, many
veterans organizations will have their own newsletter page in the ARIZONA
VETERANS MAGAZINE including: numerous American Legion posts, VFW posts.
There are a limited number of available pages for this program.
Contact Mark Field at MarkField@AZVetMag.com for more info.
Look for the MILITARY OFFICER’S ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA newsletter on
page 37. Look for the NAVY SEABEES OF AMERICA newsletter on page 70.

PAULA PEDENE SERVES HER COUNTRY
MATT SALMON SUPPORTS INTEL & HI-TECH JOBS
JO2 Paula Leclaire (Pedene) was a
Journalist Second Class (E-5) in the Navy
stationed at the Far East Network in
Tokyo, Japan from 1981-1983.
Paula Pedene has settled with the VA and
is being promoted to be the National
Program Specialist in the Veterans
Health Administration’s Office of
Communications.
l-r: Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema
is seen here with Paula Pedene on a
tour of the VA Medical Center in
Phoenix.
Paula has worked for the Phoenix VA
Medical Center for over 25 years. She
recently served as the Director of
Public Affairs. She also is the Director
of the Phoenix Veterans Day parade.
Intel veteran employees meet with Congressman Matt Salmon (center) to discuss
bringing more hi-tech jobs to Arizona. Bob Dalpe (2nd from left) of Intel is taking the
Chandler Civilian Police Academy course. He is a Board member on the Operation
American Patriot and helps run the Naval Sea Cadets in Arizona.
JARED ALLEN REMODELS HOME FOR VETERAN
“My hope is that when things like this occur, that it will encourage others. Being
honest, telling the truth and sticking your neck out on the line, even though it has
consequences, is the right thing to do.” — Paula Pedene
Our mission is to provide financial assistance and support to our injured United
States military veterans by building and remodeling handicap accessible homes to
suit their individual needs one wounded warrior at a time. www.jaredallen69inc.com
www.homesforwoundedwarriors.com

NUTRIENT OPTIMIZATION FOR TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
by Timothy M. Marshall, Ph.D.
The importance of nutrients in optimizing neurological
recovery and healing is an area that is often overlooked in
modern medicine. This is primarily due to a complete lack of
understanding of nutritional biochemistry, which receives at
most a single one-hour lecture in most allopathic medical
schools — where the focus is pharmaceutical medicine (aka
symptom suppression) and NOT healing.
Military veterans dealing with traumatic brain injury (TBI),
and symptoms associated with it such as PTSD, depression,
anxiety, and chronic sleep disturbances are a population that would benefit
greatly from the addition of several key anti-stress nutrients such as
magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, methyl-B12, lithium (orotate), omega-3 fatty
acids, and B-complex — which together assist in promoting optimal brain
function and reducing stress.
When the body is under stress — especially chronic stress, which occurs in
individuals with TBI and PTSD — the individual requires greater amounts of
the above nutrients due to increased metabolic need and excretion.
For healing and recovery to occur, the body must be supplied with the
building blocks provided by an unprocessed, chemical-free, antioxidant-rich,
whole foods diet, and supplemented with optimal levels of the healing
nutrients described above. Toxic burdens of heavy metals such as mercury
and lead, toxic combustion by-products (e.g. burn-pits), along with other
neurotoxins such as aspartame and sucralose, which create neurological
imbalances and impair healing processes — must be addressed and corrected,
for true healing to take place.
Utilizing the power of nature, together with optimized nutrient, supplement
regimens – the brain can heal. The body is a remarkable healing and repairing
machine when given the proper nutrients and environment, but for these
processes to work for maximum effect – two key players (cellular toxicity and
nutrient deficiency), must be sufficiently addressed for this to occur.
Timothy M. Marshall, Ph.D. is a holistic neurospecialist/pharmacologist and
Professor of Chemistry and Pharmacology in Tucson, Arizona. www.dr-marshall.com
HEALING INVISIBLE INJURIES WITH QIGONG
by Joe Pinella
Many veterans today are turning to alternative
treatments in their quest to heal from the unseen
injuries of combat. Conventional medicine is very good
at helping with the visible injuries, but sometimes not
as effective at healing the invisible ones. Things like
traumatic brain injury, PTSD and chronic pain.
Alternative therapies work well with these inner
wounds, because they enhance the body’s own
capacity to heal itself and give the patient the ability
to take control of their own recovery.
There are many alternative therapies that have become familiar to vets:
acupuncture, mindfulness based stress reduction, yoga, chiropratic,
hyperbaric oxygen and many more. There is another less known, but very
effective treatment available called Qigong (pronounced “chee” “gung”). It
is a five thousand year old healing art from China. You may have heard of
Tai Chi: Qigong is the ancestor of Tai Chi.
I am very familiar with Qigong, having practiced this art for over fifty
years. I know it is effective. I used it to recover after an accident left me
paralyzed. I was diagnosed quadriplegic and told I would never walk or
feed myself, or clean myself again, but I was able to regain full use of my
body with Qigong with no pain and no limitations.
Qigong combines several of the elements of some of the other alternative
therapies. It works on the same principles as acupuncture and is very
effective at dealing with pain. It is a moving form of meditation, so is very
good at stress relief. Many people find meditation difficult. Qigong with its
slow, gentle movements and focus on breathing can help still the mind for
those who find seated meditation too difficult at first. It helps tone the body
when there is too much pain to do more vigorous exercise. Qigong can also
help chiropractic adjustments “hold”, because it works on the muscles and
connective tissue that pulls bones out of alignment.
Qigong and my program “Healing Movements System” based on Qigong
and Tai Chi can be a great addition to any program that works with
veterans’ invisible injuries.
Instructor Joe Pinella has studied and practiced the ancient Chinese
healing arts of Qigong and Tai Chi Kung for fifty years. www.joepinella.com
Chiropractic Care
Tri-West provider
"Non-Surgical Relief
From Back Pain."
Spinal Decompression
Auto & Work Accidents
Cranial Release Technique
Impulse Adjusting Tech
Whole Body Vibration
Lipo-Laser Fat Loss
Offices in Scottsdale & Fountain Hills
Dr. Brian Gallagher
480-614-5992
www.touchofhealthpm.com
SUCCESS WITH NEUROFEEDBACK FOR PTSD AND TBI
by Tina Buck, PhD.
Excellent results with BrainPaint Neurofeedback: In two
studies with combat veterans, 100% of subjects no longer
met the criteria for PTSD long term after completing
training. A Harvard study of outcome non-identified data
from 699 BrainPaint trainees with PTSD resulted in 98%
reporting improvement in their symptoms up to and
including the 20th session. Traumatic or mild traumatic
brain injuries (TBI/mTBI) can be addressed using
neurofeedback by training the brain to rebalance. The
process has predictable results with clients feeling more present, relaxed,
engaged in life, and generally happier.
What is Neurofeedback
EEG biofeedback, also referred to as neurofeedback, assists the brain in
improving efficient functioning – kind of like a “defrag” for our main operating
system. Neurofeedback is considered a form of self-regulation: nothing comes
into the brain from the outside. Technology is used to amplify, translate, and
guide brainwave activity – like a mirror – so the brain can understand how to
stabilize results with repetition. Just as veterans train their bodies to be
resilient, they also can train their brains. There is no need to recall painful
memories or be stigmatized with a diagnosis in order to heal.
With cutting edge neurofeedback software “BrainPaint” we evaluate symptoms
of the brain running too slow (depression sleep disturbance, poor focus/attention);
too fast (poor impulse control, aggression, sensory overload); right/left hemisphere
imbalances (head injuries, chronic pain, fatigue, mood swings); and traumarelated
hyper-arousal (anxiety, panic, PTSD/PTSS, phobias).
Biobalance Integrated Wellness, located in Southeastern Arizona, is
dedicated to providing brain health for military and veterans and their
families.We have exclusive rights for Neurofeedback Home User Services
powered by BrainPaint. Please visit us at Biobalance.us, like us on
FaceBook atBisbeeBiobalance and/or call 520-227-4509.
Tina Buck, PhD., Licensed Professional Counselor, has extensive experience
in the mental/behavioral health field since 1991. (buck@biobalance.us)
Brenda McIntyre, B.S., RPSGT, R.EEG.T has been a practicing
neurodiagnostician since 2004. Her areas of specialty are EEG, Sleep and
Surgical Neurophysiology. (bmcintyre@biobalance.us)
BRAIN INJURIES
by Carol L Henricks, MD
It is Suicide Awareness Month and it is time to connect
the dots and understand why the suicide rate is so high
among our active duty military and military veterans. It is
a consequence of the brain – blast injury (a form of TBI)
they have sustained! Dr. Duncan, COO of Patriot Clinics,
Inc. states that “Not since World War I have service
members in a war theater been exposed to the level of blast
injury that US service members have experienced in recent
wars. “
A blast – brain injury has 2 mechanisms of injury to the brain: the
concussive force of the blast and the decompression injury. You don’t need to
hit your head or lose consciousness to be injured. Even one concussion brain
injury is associated with an increased risk of depression and suicide – but
military members are typically exposed to blast after blast after blast. Most of
the military veterans I have seen in my office don’t even “count” the more
distant blasts they experienced or view repeated blasts experienced in a single
day as separate events. Every blast creates injury and the sooner after one
injury you are exposed to more injury the worse the cumulative injury.
Blast – brain injury injures the whole brain. On a pathological level, the
decompression injury causes ischemic lesions (like tiny strokes) all
throughout the brain. When this occurs in an elderly person they are clinically
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia. The axonal shear component of injury
is also a diffuse injury and disconnects the networks in the brain. The
networks that perform basic processes such as the cycling between
wakefulness and sleep are destroyed. Attention, concentration, short-term
memory and executive function (planning) are lost. Emotional control is
unstable and unpredictable. Life with a brain injury is a life that feels out of
control. It is disorienting and confusing. This cognitive – emotional state
triggers suicide. When a psychiatric diagnoses is made medication is
prescribed resulting in clinical worsening. Substance abuse also causes
clinical worsening.
If you don’t diagnose and correctly treat brain injury, there will never be a
successful treatment program. Medications do not heal the brain. This is a
call – out to all military veterans: if you have been exposed to IED’s, RPG’s
and other blasts and concussive forces, be evaluated with a SPECT brain
scan, brain MRI – DTI (diffusion tensor imaging) or some other high level
technology. Routine brain MRI scans (even with contrast) or head CT scans
(even with contrast) are not able to “see” the injury. It is a limitation of
technology, not proof that the TBI is not there.
There is treatment for this type of brain injury: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
(HBOT). The Patriot Clinics, Inc. of Oklahoma and the International
Hyperbaric Medical Foundation have championed the cause to set up HBOT
treatment facilities in every state. In Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State House,
the Oklahoma State Senate and the Governor all signed a bill into law that
would create a funding mechanism so that money would be available for their
hyperbaric facility to treat all the military veterans in their state. The state of
Oklahoma recognizes the connection between brain injury, PTS and suicide
and the effective treatment. The goal is to have every state set–up a program
for its military veterans so they can be treated at no charge.
Military traumatic brain injury and its consequences are at a crisis level.
There are HBOT facilities, non – profit organizations and concerned citizens
around the country that are prepared to come together and help insure that
those who need it are treated. This is a grassroots movement and we the
people must rise to the occasion. We must be heroes to our Heroes.
DID YOU KNOW
The leading cause of injury to women in the US is domestic violence.
In her lifetime, 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence.
In Arizona, law enforcement responds to domestic violence every 5 minutes
In Arizona, one or more children witness domestic violence every 39 minutes.

Page 30
THE WAR ON CANCER
Ralph Moss Battles Cancer & Medical Establishment
The War On Cancer, launched in the early 1970s, set the stage for a massive
influx of new ideas in fighting the disease of cancer. Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center, America's leading cancer research center at the time, was
assigned the task of testing an unconventional therapy called “Laetrile” in an
effort to curb the public’s “false hope” in the alleged “quack” therapy.
Ralph W. Moss PhD, a young and eager science writer, was hired by Sloan-
Kettering’s public relations department in 1974 to help brief the American
public on the center’s contribution to the War On Cancer. One of his first
assignments was to write a biography
about Dr. Kanematsu Sugiura, one of
the Center’s oldest and leading
research scientists as well as the
original co-inventor of chemotherapy.
While meeting with this iconic
scientist to pen a biography on his 60-
year career at Sloan-Kettering, Moss
discovered that Sugiura had been
studying this “quack remedy”in
laboratory mice, and with
unexpectedly positive results.
Shocked and bewildered, Moss
reported back to his superiors what
he had discovered, only to be met with
backlash and denial from Sloan-
Kettering’s leaders on what their own
leading scientist had found.
Fueled by respect and admiration
for Sugiura — Ralph W. Moss
attempted to publicize the truth about
Sugiura’s findings. And after all diplomatic approaches failed, Moss lived a
double life, working as a loyal employee at Sloan-Kettering while also
recruiting fellow employees to help anonymously leak this information to the
American public— through a newly formed underground organization they
called—“Second Opinion”. More info at: www.cancerdecisions.com
Hospice of the Valley is seeking volunteers for its Salutes program, which
serves veteran patients and their families. The agency has 60 Salutes
volunteers — all military veterans — who visit with patients. The visit includes
presentation of a special lapel pin honoring the patient’s military service. To
date, the agency has conducted nearly 1,500 pinnings. Interested volunteers
can apply online at hov.org or call 602-636-6336. Not-for-profit Hospice of
the Valley has cared for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families
since 1977. www.hov.org
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E
MIRACLE POWDER REGROWS LIMBS
Now, advances in regenerative medicine — restoring the structure and
function of tissue and organs, usually by using the patient's own cells - may
offer more effective treatments for wounded soldiers and, in turn, improve
their quality of life.
Artificially grown bladders — the first successes. “Regenerative medicine,
or tissue engineering, involves the use of cells, materials usually called
biomaterials and then sometimes some growth stimulating or growthenhancing
agent,” explains Dr. Rocky Tuan, founding director of the Center
for Military Medicine Research at the University of Pittsburgh. “You can
regenerate whatever is missing or not working and also restore the function
so it's good as new, so to speak.”
Although still in its early scientific stages, regenerative medicine has already
been demonstrated in several revolutionary procedures. In 2006, scientists
led by Dr Anthony Atala from Wake Forest University successfully implanted
bladders grown in a laboratory into patients with bladder disease.
Since then, scientists have been able to artificially engineer heart valves,
ears, fingers and even genitals using “oven-like” bioreactors. Last year, a
bioengineered windpipe was implanted in a two-year-old girl, the youngest
person ever to receive a lab grown organ and only the sixth operation of its
kind to be carried out in the United States.
Leading the efforts to develop advanced regenerative medicine techniques
for injured US military personnel is the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative
Medicine (AFRIM), a multi-institutional and interdisciplinary organization.
AFIRM, which was created by the US Army Medical Research & Materiel
Command in 2007 is a network of several leading universities, hospitals and
private companies, and is co-funded by all the US military service arms.
www.singularityhub.com/2011/07/12/miracle-powder-regrows-fingersnow-thigh-muscle-for-marine
PHOENIX VA RECEIVES EXCELLENCE AWARD
The Phoenix VA Health Care System (PVAHCS) has received the designation as
a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR).
By awarding facilities the status of a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence,
the ACR recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned accreditation in
all of the College’s voluntary, breast-imaging accreditation programs and
modules, in addition to the mandatory Mammography Accreditation Program.
The breast imaging services at this center are fully accredited in
mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and ultrasoundguided
breast biopsy. Peer-review evaluations, conducted in each breast
imaging modality by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who
are experts in the field, have determined that the PVAHCS has achieved high
practice standards in image quality, personnel qualifications, facility
equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs.
This ad space is provided as a public service and at no cost to taxpayers

l-r: Jim Heller, Tom Mohler, Quintin Heckert, Richard Garcia,
Walter Martin, Frank Adelman, Wayne Danker, Leo Flynn,
Martin Spargo, Doug Armstrong, Pappy Egan, Norman
Stanford, Gene Bogatko, Vic West, Harold Stern, Cliff Elkins,
Gerry Berger, Thomas Doyle, and Billie Gross.
The American Legion Mary Ellen Piotrowski Post 94 in Sun
City West, AZ displays this banner at the two entrances to
RH Johnson Boulevard during various federal holidays. RH
Johnson was dedicated as the Memorial Boulevard of Flags
in 1989. Since the post lacks a permanent home, the
banner serves one way to inform our community and
visitors that our Post is visible in the community and
supports our veterans.
This banner plus all the memorial flags that stretch along
RH Johnson Boulevard is placed by the veterans who
volunteer putting up and taking down the flags for the post.
It is through their dedication and hard work to pay tribute
to all veterans.
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E Page 31
AMERICAN LEGION POST 94 — SUN CITY WEST
Photo by Jerry Kopff
VETERANS FOR PEACE
Richard Smith, Ray Cage and William Papineau are
with Veterans for Peace in Arizona. There are chapters
in Tucson, Phoenix and Prescott. More info: call
Richard at 602-277-4101 or www.veteransforpeace.org
CAREGIVER SUPPORT
by Tom Fenner
Family members
often feel isolated
and overwhelmed
caring for a loved
one with dementia,
which can last a
decade or longer.
When challenges
intensify, added support becomes even
more critical for caregivers.
Palliative Care for Dementia can help.
The program offers an option for families
caring for a person with dementia who is
not yet eligible for hospice services.
Services include home visits from
dementia educators; 24/7 phone access
to a nurse or dementia educator; phone
consultations with Gillian Hamilton, MD,
VP/education and innovation for Hospice
of the Valley; and respite time for family
caregivers provided by trained volunteers.
The goal for patients is to reduce
hospitalizations and institutionalizations
as well as improve quality of life.
Families say they are grateful for the
extra layer of support.
• A wife is concerned about a sleep
disturbance that keeps her husband up
most of the night at their Phoenix home.
After Hamilton consults with the
husband’s primary care physician
regarding medication changes, her
husband is sleeping much better.
• A granddaughter would like more
socialization for her grandmother, who
rarely leaves her room at the Scottsdale
assisted living facility where she lives. A
specially-trained volunteer makes regular
visits, offering friendly conversation and
support.
• A family caregiver is overwhelmed with
choosing the best long term care options
for a loved one. A dementia educator
explains the benefits and qualifications of
each program, and helps the caregiver
complete the application process.
Patients and families pay privately at
the rate of $250 a month. The program
also includes patients in Arizona Long
Term Care System (ALTCS) health plans,
which provide long-term care under the
state’s AHCCCS program, Arizona’s
alternative to Medicaid.
Hospice of the Valley is a not-for-profit
provider of hospice and palliative care. For
more information about Palliative Care for
Dementia, call 602-636-6363.
Tom Fenner is the community and
military liaison for Hospice of the Valley.
He served in the U.S. Navy during the
Vietnam War. He serves on the Veterans
Medical Leadership Council and is a
member of VFW Glendale post 1433,
American Legion Glendale post 29 and
West Valley chapter of the Vietnam
Veterans of American chapter 1043.
We are spiritual beings
on a brief human journey.
HONOR, DIGNITY & RESPECT
Senior Chief Aviation Electronics
Technician Steven Ferguson, from
Garden Grove, Calif., salutes after
releasing the cremains of his father,
retired Electronics Technician
(Communications) 2nd Class Leslie R.
Ferguson II, during a burial at sea
ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier
USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson
is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area
of responsibility.
— photo by Giovanni Squadrito

Page 32
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT VETERANS GRADUATE
FREE LEGAL CLINIC FOR VETERANS
The DAV Legal Clinic is Sat, Oct 25th, 9am - 4pm
DAV Chapter 20, 8447 N. 61st Ave., Glendale.
For more information or to make an appointment
Norman Fulton, 480-363-6880, nsfultoniii@gmail.com
VA HIRING NURSES
Registered Nurse, VA in Kingman: $54,721-$90,990
Registered Nurse, VA in Cottonwood: $54,721-$90,990
Nurse Practitioner, VA in Flagstaff: $72,977 - $112,810
Apply at www.usajobs.gov
VA NURSE WINS AWARD
Congratuations Melanie Martyn, RN, who won the 2014 Sally Louise Thompkins
Award! The award recognizes the devotion and work of a top VA Phoenix Health
Care System nurse. Melanie (pictured second from left) is accompanied by
presenting members of the General Joe Wheeler Chapter #966 of the United
Daughters of the Confederacy, and Nancy Clafin (far right), Phoenix VA's Associate
Director for Patient Care Services.
I have been searching for Johnny
Ray who is a US Army veteran. I
first met Johnny Ray back in 2010
when he was living at The MANA
House. He participated in the work
program I put together that was
delivering door hangers to homes
around the Phoenix Metro area.
Johnny Ray worked for me on
many days delivering doorhangers.
He was a great worker, worked
hard, never complained, easy going
personality and reliable. It was a
SAVING JOHNNY RAY
pleasure to work with Johnny Ray.
Johnny Ray has an alcohol
problem. He is again living on the
street (at the park next to main
Phoenix Public Library). Clarence
Hardison found him yesterday. He
said that Johnny Ray can't solve
his alcohol problem on his own. He
needs professional help
This is a good person with a good
soul. Please help me figure out a
way to save Johnny Ray.
THE END OF WWII KISS
Statue in San Diego

INSIGHTS INTO MILITARY TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI)
by Carol L Henricks, MD
I just returned from the 2014 International Hyperbaric
Medical Conference with new and powerful insights. My
thanks to Dr. Paul Harch and to physiologist Tom Fox for
helping to bring to light the mechanism of injury of a TBI
as well as the proper treatment.
As a neurologist – specialist I have seen many active duty
military veterans returning from deployment in my office
to assess them for a diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury
(TBI) or Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). As I go through the
interview, many insist that they have not had a TBI because they have never
been struck on the head or lost consciousness from a blast explosion.
Unfortunately that does not mean that they have not had a TBI, and when I
study them with brain MRI – DTI imaging the evidence of injury is present.
When you use a high-powered gun / weapon or are exposed to a blast (even
from a distance of 150 yards or more) and you feel the impact of that blast
you have a potential for injury from that event. The high power pressure wave
that is created correlates to the pressure that you would feel if you were deep
– sea diving. Quickly following the pressure wave there is a period of time of
decreased or hypobaric pressure. This is physiologically like coming to the
surface too quickly after a deep dive. So a blast exposure may create
symptoms of decompression sickness. Many military veterans have been
exposed to explosion after explosion after explosion, and the brain injury is
cumulative. We know the treatment for decompression injury: Hyperbaric
Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). This treatment was not offered on the battlefield
(despite the possibility of using deployed chambers) and has not been offered
as a choice for healing the chronic effects of the TBI.
Protective body armor worn by troops may multiply the brain – blast injury.
Helmets protect against bullet wounds and flying debris, but they reflect the
energy from the pressure wave back from inside the helmet.
Even sending injured military by life – flight may compound their injury. If
you have decompression injury, one of the most harmful things you can do is
to be transported in an airplane at a high altitude. Many severely injured
HEROES ON HORSES
by Mary Vardi
Since spring 2006, TROT has collaborated with the Southern Arizona
Veterans Administration Hospital to help injured US veterans in the Tucson
area. Heroes on Horses is a unique program that is one of the first of its
type at a PATH Premier Accredited Center. TROT’s Heroes on Horses
program offers both mounted and ground lessons and focuses on physical,
emotional, social and cognitive healing.
During mounted lessons, the slow rhythmic movement of the horse helps
improve core strength, balance, and coordination, and learning to cue the
horse and ride patterns requires the riders to be confident, make good
decisions, follow instructions, and remember complicated courses. During
both mounted and ground lessons, the emotional bond with the horse can
be powerful and life-changing, and can help participants develop tools to
better prepare for the anxieties of everyday life.
At TROT, we also strive to make socialization an integral part of our
Heroes on Horses program. All of our lessons are held on Thursday
mornings, and food and drinks are offered in our cantina. We encourage
participants to come early and stay late to talk with other participants,
volunteers, and TROT staff members. The atmosphere of the program is
fun, positive, and uplifting; it is a space where participants can share their
experiences and fears, and where they can focus on physical rehabilitation
and personal growth.
One TROT participant described the experience saying, “There is
absolutely no way to express or measure how this treatment has helped
me deal with PTSD and other mental health issues.” For more info on
TROT’s Heroes on Horses program visit www.trotarizona.org, Mary Vardi,
520-749-2360 ext. 611, maryv@trotarizona.org.
DONATE FOOD AND FURNITURE FOR VETERANS
United for Change is a 501c-3 that operates the Veterans Furniture Center and the
Veterans Food Pantry, providing food and furniture for veterans in need at no cost
to the veteran. They operate soley on donations from the community. Clean out your
cupboards of your canned food and donate them to the Veterans Furniture Center,
which runs the Veterans Food Pantry.
Call 602-303-6112 or visit www.unitedforchange.org for more info.
military were transported by air to hospitals in Europe.
The more exposure you have to blasts, the closer in time those injuries are,
the more injury. Many military warfighters were exposed to blast after blast
after blast during the time they were deployed. IED’s. RPG’s. Repeated injury
produces more disability. The injury to military veterans is similar to the
injury that NFL football players suffer from repeated concussion. In fact,
football players suffer repeated TBI injury from repeated impact even if they
don’t clash helmets. There is more than one league of denial.
Symptoms of TBI have an extensive overlap with symptoms of PTS. If
military veterans are not aware of the connection between blast injury and
their symptoms, they may be falsely diagnosed with PTS or some other
psychiatric condition that does not apply. It is important that all health care
providers are aware of the injury associated with blast injury and ask
interview questions that will bring that history to light. If we do not know the
nature of the injury, we cannot treat.
Even one concussion / TBI blast injury increases the risk of suicide. The
majority of warfighters have had many assaults. We cannot continue to allow
our military veterans to suffer and to take their own life because we do not
provide them with effective therapy. The number of military veterans that take
their own life, on average, daily is 22 – 35 or more. That is 8030 – 12,775 a
year and is many times more than the number of military members that were
lost in combat during the recent conflicts.
The use of HBOT for TBI has been extensively documented by Dr. Paul
Harch. A treatment protocol of an initial 40 treatments x 1 hour @ 1.5 ata
will treat most military veterans with TBI from blast injury. As with all medical
therapies, there are no absolute guarantees, more treatments may be needed,
nutrition is key and adjunctive therapies may be appropriate for ultimate
symptom resolution. It is a national crisis that we need to combat with
urgency and effective solutions. Stop Soldier Suicide.
Carol L Henricks, MD, Behavioral Neurology, Epilepsy, Sleep Disorders,
Traumatic Brain Injury & Hyperbaric Medicine. NorthStar Neurology, 7596 N
La Cholla Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85741, 520-229-1238
PLATELET RICH PLASMA THERAPY (PRP)
Triad Diagnostic Solutions Clinic specializes in advanced regenerative and
immune system medicine. Every patient’s plan is personalized to best achieve
realistic goals. Regenerative medicine, including advanced immune system
therapy, is the future of medicine.
PRP is a non-surgical regenerative treatment for bones and soft tissue
healing. PRP is developed by harvesting a concentrated amount of platelets
and a small amount of plasma which is then injected into the damaged
structures where regeneration of bone and soft tissue healing begin. PRP
recruits growth factors and cytokines to the area and stimulates your own
immune system to begin healing. PRP will be injected into the damaged
structure where it will recruit an increased number of growth factors, creating
a mild inflammatory reaction that triggers repair and regeneration of the
structure. Bone, tendon, and ligament tissues are regenerated and new
vessels are developed.
Many patients see significant results after their first treatment including
reduced pain, increased range of motion, restored mobility, and return of
function. Often patients report that they are able to return to activities they
enjoy following completion of treatment. www.triaddx.com, 480-820-5050.
PROVANT PROVIDES ELECTROMAGNETIC THERAPY
Do you have pain from your surgery
The Provant Therapy System provides an electromagnetic field to help
reduce pain and swelling following operative procedures. Provant is a safe
and effective medical device that is adjunctive and non-invasive.
Provant may decrease the pain and swelling associated with surgery and
debridement, helping tissue move through, and out of, inflammation.
Provant may reduce pain by inducing endogenous opioids.
Provant does this by exposing the tissue to electromagnetic energy, using
an optimized energy pulse. Provant is indicated for adjunctive use in the
palliative treatment of post-operative pain and edema in superficial soft
tissue.
The Provant Therapy System is a prescription device. You should discuss
Provant with your physician to determine if it is the right choice for you.
www.regenesisbio.com, 877-970-4970
The Eloy Veterans Center grand opening took place on Friday, Sept 5.
at 308 N. Main Street in Eloy. More info: 520-423-4255.
CITY OF PHOENIX RESPONSIVE TO VETERAN DISABILITY NEEDS
Phoenix City Councilwoman Kate
Gallego is having the light rail ticket
machines lowered 6 inches to allow
people in wheelchairs to be able to better
use light rail.
ADVS Director Ted Vogt congratulates
Vietnam veteran John Bradley at the
announcement of a plan to redesign some
Valley light rail metro pay stations to make
them more accessible to those passengers
in wheelchairs.
Several months ago, John, who is a
resident of the Arizona State Veteran
Home in Phoenix, was having difficulty
buying a light rail ticket when he was
approached by another passenger, who
happened to be District 8 Phoenix City
Councilwoman Kate Gallego (left, in
blue). When John told her he was not able to easily reach the ticket vending machine, she told him
she would bring the matter to the attention of Valley Metro.
Because of John’s suggestions, during the next few years, Valley Metro will modify at least one
machine at every light rail station beginning with the station at Central Avenue and Indian School
Road in Phoenix which is the closest station to the Arizona State Veteran Home in Phoenix.
HEAT PACKS & COLD PACKS
Heat Packs Uses: Arthritis, back ache, bursitis, chest
congestion, cramps, ear ache, migraine, menstrual
pain, muscle spasm, poor circulation, rheumatism,
sinusitis, stress, tendinitis & TMJ.
Cold Packs Uses: Relieve pain, burns, swelling &
inflammation, black eye, bruises, bug bites, carpal
tunnel, fever, headaches, heat stroke, hives, hot flashes,
nose bleed, sport injuries, sprains & toothaches.
View samples at www.ebay.com/usr/rbnbp
Order on ebay or email lalogatos@msn.com

The Largest Mobility Dealer in the Southwest
www.abilitycenter.com
Did you know the VA covers the entire cost of
wheelchair-accessible conversion for eligible Veterans
“I am honored to help my fellow veterans with their mobility issues.”
— Chip Stoecker, Arizona General Manager, US Navy Veteran, Hospital Corpsman
COVERING ALL OF ARIZONA
PHOENIX / NORTHERN ARIZONA
623-879-0800
23606 N. 19th Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85085
TUCSON / SOUTHERN ARIZONA
520-293-3596
4720 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Tucson, Arizona 85705
Thank You For Your Service

SUICIDE PREVENTION
Suicide is the act of deliberately taking one’s
own life and is a worldwide public health problem.
Suicide is the 10th most prevalent cause of
death in the United States. Rates of suicide in the
military have traditionally been lower than the
national average once adjusted for demographics,
but that gap has been closing in recent years.
There are several factors that are thought to
contribute to these higher rates including
exposure to combat and the impact of other job
related stressors that affect relationships in
military families. The good news is that the
overwhelming majority of military personnel who
face these challenges are able to find effective ways
of coping. However, there is a percentage of service
members who struggle with these and other issues
and yet are reluctant to seek professional care
because of myths about suicide and mental
health. The following information challenges some
of the common myths about suicide.
MYTH: SUICIDE IS AN EPIDEMIC IN THE MILITARY
FACT: When adjusting for demographic differences
between the general U.S. population and that of the
armed forces – particularly age, gender and race —
the military suicide rate has historically been lower
than the national average. During the past few
years the suicide rate for the military has increased,
largely because of a sharp rise in suicides in the
Army and Marine Corps. Despite this increase,
suicide is still a very rare event in the services. Even
in the worst year for suicides since the recent
conflicts began, less than 1/10th of one percent of
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E Page 35
DISPELLING THE MYTHS ABOUT SUICIDE
service members died by suicide. This means that
the vast majority of military men and women find
successful ways to cope with relationship problems,
legal and financial difficulties, and disorders like
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression,
without taking their own lives.
MYTH: PEOPLE WHO TALK ABOUT SUICIDE
AREN’T SERIOUS, THEY WON’T ACTUALLY
ATTEMPT SUICIDE
FACT: Studies show that nearly 80 percent of
those who die by suicide gave some warning about
what they planned to do. People who are thinking
about suicide will often give clues to what they are
considering by frequently talking about death, the
afterlife and by saying goodbyes to friends or
family. Statements like “Everyone would be better
off if I weren’t around,” or “I just can’t keep going
on like this,” should be taken seriously.
MYTH: SOMEONE HAS TO BE REALLY‘CRAZY’ TO
THINK ABOUT SUICIDE
FACT: Actually, depression is one of the most
common psychological health conditions.
Thinking about suicide is one of the symptoms of
depression – just like changes in appetite and
having low energy levels. When a person is deeply
depressed or overwhelmed by too much stress or
some sudden loss (death of a spouse or child), they
may think about suicide. You should keep in mind
that there is no “type” of person that attempts or
completes suicide. If a fellow service member tells
you they are thinking about suicide, act to
immediately get that person help, even if you think
they aren’t the “type” who would act on it!
MYTH: SUICIDE ONLY HURTS THE PERSON, NOT
OTHER PEOPLE
FACT: It is estimated that for each completed
suicide there are six survivors profoundly affected
by the death. Individuals who died by suicide not
only harm themselves, but also hurt their friends
and family members and, in turn, put them at risk
for other negative consequences. When they die by
suicide, a person actually raises the risk of suicide
for their family members. People with a family
history of suicide are themselves approximately
two and a half times more likely to die by suicide.
MYTH: I CAN’T DO ANYTHING IF SOMEONE IS
SUICIDAL – I'M NOT AN EXPERT IN THIS
FACT: Preventing suicide is the responsibility of
every service member. You do not need to be an
expert in psychological health in order to recognize
when a buddy is having a hard time and to show
concern for them. You can recognize some of the
warning signs that people show and be brave
enough to get involved and ask the hard questions.
MYTH: ASKING SOMEONE IF THEY ARE THINKING
ABOUT SUICIDE CAN PUT THE IDEA IN THEIR
HEAD
FACT: This is a dangerous myth because it
prevents people from asking fellow service
members about what they are experiencing. There
is no evidence to suggest that asking someone if
they are having thoughts about hurting
themselves causes suicide. When asking about
this, be direct – for example, ask “Are you thinking
about killing yourself” or “Are things so bad that
you’re considering suicide” Remember, if you
never ask, there is no way to intervene and get the
person help. Even if they aren’t thinking about it,
they will know you are concerned about them and
what they are going through.
MYTH: SEEKING HELP FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL
HEALTH CONDITIONS WILL PUT A PERSON’S
CAREER IN JEOPARDY
FACT: Many service members worry that getting
help for something like depression or relationship
problems will harm their careers. Because they
put off getting help – or even worse, don’t get help
at all – the issues can grow into a greater problem.
After someone’s depression or other problems
grow out of control, they may feel so overwhelmed
that they consider suicide. Issues like depression
or marriage problems very rarely lead to long- term
career problems, if handled proactively.
MYTH: SUICIDAL FEELINGS NEVER GO AWAY
FACT: People may experience suicidal thoughts during
times of crisis, when they are feeling overwhelmed and
hopeless. Usually, once the crisis resolves, the
thoughts about suicide go away naturally. Depression
and feelings of hopelessness can go away even faster
with psychological health care.
SEEK HELP
If you are experiencing suicidal ideation, seek
immediate help from a medical provider. If a
buddy or loved one is thinking about suicide and
has shared this with you, do not keep it a secret,
immediately escort them to a medical provider.
For confidential support, call the Military Crisis
Line 24/7 at 800-273-8255, press 1, or visit
militarycrisisline.net to chat online.
POET LAUREATE SARGE LINTECUM
PTSD BLUES
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Blues
— Sarge Lintecum © 1969
I'm stuck in a combat zone,
'Cause it's always on my mind.
You know, I'm stuck in combat, Babe
Always on my mind.
Well, they sent my body home,
But my mind stayed behind.
I feel stranded,
Stranded in a combat zone.
Yes, I feel stranded, Babe
Stranded in a combat zone.
I swear they sent me home,
But I'm still dealin' with Viet Cong.
I got these blues so bad
They've gone and changed my mind.
Yeah, these Combat blues, Babe
Ya know they've changed my mind.
They sent my body home,
But my mind stayed behind.
visit www.vietnamblues.com
to order books & CD’s
NATIONAL GUARD TAKES ON SUICIDE PREVENTION
by Sgt. Crystal Reidy
Army Soldiers and civilians participate in a suicide intervention role playing
exercise during the revised Army ACE Suicide Intervention facilitator program
at Fort Huachuca, Arizona., May 28. The Arizona Army National Guard sent
15 Guard members, the first to be trained in the state, to learn how to train
other Soldiers to intervene with those at risk for suicide during the six-hour
training. (National Guard photo by Army Sgt. Crystal Reidy)
Soldiers are trained to never leave a fellow Soldier behind with suicidal thoughts
just as they are trained to never leave a Soldier behind on the battlefield.
The Arizona Army National Guard now combats suicide through an
enhanced training program. Guard leaders attended the revised Army ACE
Suicide Intervention facilitator program here, May 28.
“Suicide prevention is important because even one lost life is one too many,”
said Army 1st Lt. Steve Brown, a suicide prevention program manager with
the Guard’s Total Force Team.
During the six-hour training, 15 Guard members, the first to be trained in
the state, learned how to train other Soldiers to intervene with those at risk
for suicide.
“ACE-SI is only one part of the Ready and Resilient Execution Order, which
uses resilience, suicide prevention, substance abuse, and sexual assault
programs,” Brown said.
ACE stands for ask, care and escort. The purpose of ACE is to establish
steps Soldiers can take to prevent suicides. ACE-SI is a train-the-trainer
course for leaders teaching the annual ACE class to other Guard members.
“ACE-SI provides junior leaders a base structure for teaching suicide
prevention and intervention in order to recognize the warning signs, and get
someone in crisis the support they need,” Brown said.
Starting in the fall, the ACE-SI graduates will begin teaching the new model
to junior Soldiers. The new model includes role playing scenarios to make it
more interactive.
“We want to train Soldiers at the battalion level, and then they can in-turn
train junior leaders at the company level,” said Army Staff Sgt. Erika Furgal,
a suicide prevention program manager.
After the advanced ACE-SI training, leaders will have increased awareness
of the stigma associated with asking for help, and the skills for intervening
and referring suicidal battle buddies for help.
“We, as senior leaders in the Arizona Army National Guard, are also first
line leaders to junior enlisted, and we need to be equipped with the tools
necessary to prevent suicides in our community,” Furgal said.
Read more: www.dvidshub.net/news/131970/arizona-army-guard-addsnew-elements-suicide-prevention-training#.U5CUpHxOXIU#ixzz33mVF0Ux7

WE BUY GOLD, SILVER & DIAMONDS
"Diamond Jim paid twice what my daughter was
quoted at another place!" - Gloria Cota, Guadalupe AZ
"I sent some of my gold into Cash4Gold expecting a
decent amount of money. Believe it or not they sent
me a check for a mere $121. I asked for my gold and
diamonds back and went to Diamond Jim's instead
and he gave me $386! Thank you Mr. Jim." - Sonya
Barrey
“Diamond Jim's is a great place to shop. My fiance got
me a 1ct diamond ring for $1000. And we used my old
jewelry to help pay for it!” - Liz P. Phoenix
DIAMOND JIM'S
6005 N. 16th Street - Phoenix
NE corner Bethany Home & 16th St.
602-466-1772
Diamond Jim's buys: gold bullion * silver bullion * gold
jewelry * diamonds * silver jewelry * scrap gold * platinum
* silver coins * gold coins * dental gold * sterling
silver services / flatware * antique jewelry * rings *
chains (even broken or tangled) * bracelets * charms *
pocket watches * wedding sets * tie pins * earrings * cuff
links * gemstones * bracelets * wrist watches * pendants
* Tiffany * Movado * Breitling * Dior * Cartier * and more...
DIAMOND JIM’S
diamondjims4cash@gmail.com
www.diamondjims4cash.com
10% DISCOUNT FOR MILITARY & VETERANS
on Jewelry Purchases and Repairs
DIAMOND JIM'S
10001 West Bell Road # 127
NW corner Bell Road & 99th Ave.
623-977-2299

MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (MOAA)
was first established in Los Angeles, CA on Feb 23, 1929. There were only
63 members. At that time the organization was called The Retired Officers
Association. In 1944, the Headquarters moved to Washington, DC. In 2002,
the name was changed to the Military Officers Association of America.
Today there are over 380,000 members and 415 chapters. If you served in
any of the military branches, retired, former, active duty, National Guard or
Reserves and you are/were a Commissioned Officer, or Warrant Officer,
please join us. There are three MOAA Chapters in the Phoenix Metropolitan
area and six other Chapters throughout Arizona. MOAA’s purpose has
grown to include career transition assistance, military benefits counseling,
educational assistance to children of military families and strong
involvement in military professionalism activities. MOAA plays an active
role in military personnel matters and especially proposed legislation
affecting the career force, the retired community and veterans of the
uniformed services. MOAA is permitted by law to lobby – and does actively.
We may advocate issues, but we may not advocate for political parties or
candidates. Throughout Arizona, we have over 1,400 members. Our nine
chapters and two satellite chapters meet collectively twice a year in order
to insure that we are promoting our extensive programs in personal affairs,
JROTC, and other community activities. MOAA’s biggest task is to insure
that proposed legislation both nationally and locally involving
military/veteran actions serves the best interest of retired, former and active
duty military members. We, as a state-wide military organization, supported
the installation of the gun barrels from the USS Arizona and the USS
Missouri. They are now mounted near the State Capitol at the Wesley Bolin
Plaza. We encourage any potential member to join us at one of our
upcoming events. The contact information is located below. Recently, ALL
nine Chapters and our state Council were awarded the 5-STAR AWARD for
excellence. This is the first time that all of our state chapters and Council
received this prestigious honor.
MOAA ARIZONA CHAPTER — www.azmoaa.org
The Arizona Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America was chartered in
1956 and was the first in the state. Today, the members of the chapter reach into the
Phoenix community to support veterans, providing donations to the state’s Veterans
Home and participating in the Annual Arizona Veteran’s StandDown to assist and
support homeless veterans. The chapter also operates a college scholarship fund,
providing thousands of dollars to help bright and talented high school JROTC cadets
with their college and military career pursuits. Our meetings are held the third
Saturday of each month from 11:00am until 1:45pm, with the summer months off.
Membership meetings are held at the McCormick Ranch Golf Club, 7505 McCormick
Parkway in Scottsdale. Contact Arizona Chapter President, Lt Col Jim Cullison, USAF
(Ret) at (602) 482-3838.
13819 N. 51st St., Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Meetings held at: McCormick Ranch Golf Course, Scottsdale
MOAA LUKE CHAPTER — www.lukemoaa.org
The MOAA Luke Chapter covers primarily the Phoenix West Valley. Our membership totals
more than 245 retired, former and active military Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers
from all services. We support all of the JROTC programs in the West Valley. We raise funds for
college scholarships, the Arizona StandDown for Homeless Veterans, and JROTC cadets. Luke
members participate in Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs as well as many other
community veterans programs. We are also members of the Northwest Valley Veterans
Association. We have monthly dinner meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month. (Oct thru
May) The locations vary throughout the year. Each month we also have separate men’s and ladies’
luncheons held at Club Five Six at Luke AFB. Please join us by contacting President Pam Wojtas,
(623) 544-4477; jp7wojtas@gmail.com; or membership chair Colonel Mike Kramer, (720) 563-9953,
kramerhometree@gmail.com. If you would like to read a copy of our monthly newsletter, check
our web site at www.lukemoaa.org. This will give you current information about our events and
more contact information. (623) 544-4477, PO Box 5072, Sun City West, Arizona 85376
Meetings held at: Grandview Terrace, Sun City West and PebbleCreek in Goodyear.
MOAA SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN CHAPTER — www.smcmoaa.org
Superstition Mountain Chapter technically covers the Phoenix East Valley. Similar to many
MOAA Chapters, we support 20 JROTC programs in our area. We pride ourselves in
providing medals US flags that were flown over the US Capitol and $100 cash awards to
the selected cadets. We work with many high school JROTC units, including Campo Verde
High School JROTC (AF) program that conducted a very vibrant POW/MIA ceremony at
our November dinner meeting. At that same meeting, we hosted five active duty service
members from all five uniformed services to join us along with their spouses/guests. We
have dinner meetings on the 3rd Sunday of the month in Sept, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Apr &
May. We meet at the Dobson Ranch Inn, Mesa. Social hour starts at 4:00pm and dinner at
5:00pm. Our guest speakers talk right after dinner. In Oct and March we have picnics at
the Tempe Kiwanis Park on the 3rd Saturday’s of those months. During the three summer
months we have luncheons at the Dobson Ranch Inn. If you would like to join us or if you
have any questions, please contact Ed Mangan, MOAA SMC President, USAF Capt (fmr),
emangan3@aol.com, or (602) 501-0128. For more information visit www.smcmoaa.org. In
there you will be able to review our newsletter that is published Sep-May.
PO Box 27674, Tempe, Arizona 85285, (602) 283-5862,
Meetings held at: Best Western Dobson Ranch Inn, Mesa
TUCSON CHAPTER
TOM OWENS — (520) 760-3476
owensttt@gmail.com
OTHER MOAA CHAPTERS IN ARIZONA
FLAGSTAFF CHAPTER
PETER KLOEBER — (928) 525-0585
pkloeber@earthlink.net
SIERRA VISTA CHAPTER
TOM HESSLER — (520) 459-0093
tjhessler@cox.net
SPONSORS
GREEN VALLEY CHAPTER
JOHN MCGEE — (520) 207-6188
jcmcgee@cox.net
PRESCOTT CHAPTER
RICHARD JONAS — (928) 636-2259
dickjonas@cableone.net
YUMA CHAPTER
NICHOLAS KNIGHT — (928) 287-9915
Nicholas-yuma@roadrunner.com

A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E Page 39
The Veteran Entrepreneur
James Fawbush and Adam Bird
US Army Veterans
Co-Founders of Vets On Media
www.vetsonmedia.com
“The discipline
and hard work that
I experienced in the
Navy was priceless.
It helped me to
create a successful
business. Serving
my country through
the United States
Navy was one of the
best decisions I ever
made.”
“Get it done
attitude.”
— “Never quit!”
“The military made me want to not work for
other people.”
“Military service taught organization,
leadership, work ethic, discipline and drive.”
“I was in the NAVY for 6 years active duty.
The service made me a more thorough and
detailed person. I now have high standards of
what I think is right and am very assertive in
my work.”
“Taught me how to deal with stress!”
“I am a disabled veteran and learned how to
bead and make jewelry as a mindful activity to
manage my PTSD symptoms.”
“My time in the Coast Guard has helped me
develop a keen eye for detail and also an
amazing work
ethic. Through my
own personal
development I
have learned that
it takes 100%
dedication to be
successful.”
“While I could
not possibly
explain the all
aspects of how the
military has helped
me be successful I
can tell you it
provided the basic
foundation of
success. I earned
my under graduate
degree with the
help of an ROTC program. I found my first
corporate job through a contact in my National
Guard Unit. The ability to work with others in
stressful situations, while remaining focus on
the mission was critical in the military and
civilian world.” — Cassie Prinke
“The skills I learned at an early age in the US
Navy developed my sense of discipline,
tenacity, and motivation to excel in all areas of
my life. I left the USN and completed my
college degree, entered the market in sales and
sales management, ran companies, and always
helped others to increase their own motivation
too excel. I would not trade my time serving my
country for any amount of money. It created a
ACHEIVE THE AMERICAN DREAM
The definition of an entrepreneur is somone willing to work
16 hours a day for themself rather than working 8 hours a
day for someone else.
VETERANS & MILITARY MAKE SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS
Veteran business owners serve the community — Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce members
Meeting Location: Coco’s Restaurant — Cactus & Tatum, Address
Day & Time: 4th Tuesday of every month at 11am
cornerstone for my life and that has been now
passed to my son. Thank you.”
“It has taught me dedication, leadership and
given me the strength to offer something great
back to fellow Veterans!” - James Fawbush -
Vets On Radio
“Honesty, responsibility and do your very
best all the time in what ever you do in life.”
“Being in the army prepared me to think on
my own and stand tall. It made me a better man
and a leader. I owe a lot to the military.”
“The courtroom is a tough place to succeed,
but not near as tough as the training and
experiences I encountered in the Marine Corps
as an enlisted infantryman.”
“My experience as a Navy Air Traffic
Controller taught me to manage multiple
complicated tasks simultaneously.”
“My experiences in the Air Force as a
Security Specialist taught me Leadership Skills,
Attention to Detail and Pride in Accomplishing
Tasks to a Degree of Perfection not found
amongst many.”
“The military prepared me very well by
instilling the willingness to work long hours
and a toughness to complete any task. The
military also gave me the opportunity to get a
degree using the GI Bill which made this all
possible. Thank you!”
“After 8 years in
the Marine Corps,
I have learned
that such values
as Honor, Courage
and Commitment
not only apply to
the military and
battlefield, but to
my professional
life as well. Vets
need to look out
for each other just
as we did in
service.”
“The Marine Corps has taught me to take
pride in whatever I do, be the best, and to
never quit.”
“The USN 82-86 has taught me or helped
prepare me in life for all the big words like,
responsibility, dependability, respect, fairness,
and much more! I probably would not be where
I am today without this valuable duty of serving
my country!”
“Bulldog Tenacity. I learned early in my
military service that when I thought I was so
physically and mentally exhausted that I could
no longer put one foot in front of the other, I
could. That knowledge has served me well for
nearly forty years.”
“The Military prepared me for
entrepreneurship in a manner that nothing else
could. I was shown again and again what I could
do that I thought
I was unable to
accomplish. The
self confidence
and maturity I
gained from my
military
experience has
no doubt
prepared the way
for the life I now
enjoy as a
business owner.”
“I was a
recruiter for the
military. I know
the advantage
advertising to
the public. How
important the
exposure to the public pays a big part in
business growth.”
The National Notary Association provided free training for 100+ veterans
US SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
www.sba.gov
HOW TO START A BUSINESS
Register a business name with the
Arizona Secretary of State for $10.
www.azsos.gov
“The Navy - Team work makes us all work
together T-Together E-Everyone A-
Accomplishes M-More”
“My military helped me learn and know the
needs of all Veterans. It gave me the
understanding of non-profit that I have used for
the last 30 years.”
“The Army was the best thing that ever
happened in my life. As an enlisted man and
then as an officer it helped me to develop
business traits that I use today.”

ESPIONAGE
SHADOW WARRIORS
MEET MAX TAYLOR
THE GHOST THAT DIDN’T EXIST
TOP
SECRET
“I SURVIVED TO TELL THIS STORY” BRUCE WILLIS PLAYED
— MAX TAYLOR MAX TAYLOR IN MOVIE
ABOUT MAX TAYLOR
“TEARS IN THE SUN”
Drafted in the US Army in Vietnam
Became CIA analyst and then a field agent
Served in 83 special intelligence missions — 29 solo
Max survived helicopters being shot down 4 times
After the Vietnam War he conducted missions in 81 different
countries, including Ireland & Somalia
Max Taylor received the Legion of Merit from President Richard Nixon
MISSION 1: Max was sent in to North Vietnam to assisinate two Chinese
generals. He completed the mission with sniper shots from 1450 yards out.
MISSION 2: At the request of a foreign government, Max was sent in to
take out a terrorist cell in Europe.
Max Taylor lectures at schools & veterans groups in Arizona.
Email Max Taylor at jmaxtaylor@msn.com
www.jmaxtaylor.wordpress.com
J. Max Taylor was born in Oklahoma in February 1948. He was an only child
and led a normal life through high school. He was drafted in late 1967.
He reported to the draft processing center and went through all the normal
physical and intellectual testing. At the end of all the testing, he was taken aside
and offered a special position in military intelligence. If he accepted, he would have
a three year commitment to the US Army.
He accepted the offer, and in doing so he changed the course of his life. He was
trained in special intelligence operations activities, attached to special duty with
another “organization”, and went to Korea as an intelligence editor. Inside the World
of Mirrors tells the compelling story of a world that very few people knew existed.
He was medically retired in late 1976.
From that time on he has lived in a world of recurring nightmares. He returns
every night to the horror and terror that he had experienced. At tha time there was
no name for his condition. Now it is known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD). He still is under care by the Veterans Administration for these problems
to this day. He went on with his life to become a successful businessman
conducting business world wide. In 2000 an accident aggravated his PTSD. Part
of the Veterans Administration Program he was in was Psychological Counseling.
He was told to write down his experiences, and read them over and over to help
deaden the pain and suffering. Inside the World of Mirrors is a result of this process.
Today he lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wonderful supportive wife Dorothy.
by Ashleigh Bryant
Vietnam veteran Roger
K. Ferland, of Phoenix, has
been named DAY's
Outstanding Disabled
Veteran of the Year. In 1968,
Ferland was diverted from
law school when he was
drafted into the Army. Sent
to Vietnam, he first served as a squad
leader and then platoon sergeant
before he lost both legs and severely
injured an arm when he
stepped on an explosive
device. For his service,
Ferland was awarded
the Bronze Star with V
device, the Purple Heart
and the Combat
Infantry Badge.
During his extensive hospitalization
and rehabilitation, Ferland became
engaged to his wife, Sandy, whom he
married in 1970. In 1974, he graduated
from Duke University Law School
and began a distinguished career in
environmental law.
After practicing for more than 35 years
and serving on the Military Legal
Assistance Committee of the Arizona
State Bar, the certified DAV Chapter
Service Officer worked with his local DAV
to spearhead clinics providing pro bono
legal assistance to veterans, particularly
in the much-needed area of family law.
Thanks to his continued efforts, two
additional clinics are being planned.
“My immediate response was to ask,
VETERANS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
2014 OUTSTANDING VETERAN OF THE YEAR
“That precious gift of
survival imposed a
responsibility to do
something meaningful.”
— Roger K. Ferland
‘Why me’, said Ferland of his
nomination for the award.
"Since the injury, what actions
have I taken to make things
better... for my family, for my
community and for other
veterans" These are not just
theoretical questions, Ferland
contends. “We were blessed to
survive our injuries while many others
did not”, he explained. “That precious gift
of survival imposed a responsibility to
do
something
meaningful with our lives,
and that responsibility is
continuing and will
continue as long as we
live.”
Ferland's fellow
veterans believe he
takes that responsibility to heart.
“Roger displays the attitude that if
one is disabled, it does not mean that
one is incapable”, said Department of
Arizona Adjutant Patrick Young. “A
term used by military servicemen is
to 'adapt and overcome, and Roger is
the preeminent example of this motto.
“Roger Ferland deserves our thanks
for his commend able service to the
nation and his continued dedication to
veterans and their family members”,
said National Adjutant Marc Burgess.
“He exemplifies the spirit and
determination of American veterans to
overcome inju ries or challenges they
face and inspire others through their
devotion and contributions.”
SCION FOR SOLDIERS
Register to win a free car
www.ScionforSoldiers.com

A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E Page 41
Heating / Air Conditioning / Plumbing
Sales & Service
“Jim has provided Air Conditioning on my
home and office for over 15 years. His prices
are the best.”
— Clyde Buckstaff, Tempe, Arizona
“Jim was referred by a neighbor. He saved me
the cost of a new air conditioning unit.”
— Gary Parra, Phoenix, Arizona
“Call me for fair
and honest service.
I will treat you right.”
— Jim Abraham
HEARING LOSS AFFECTS VETERANS
Most people would think that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is
the biggest issue facing veterans today. But that’s not true. In fact,
tinnitus (sounds or noises perceived in the brain as if the ear was hearing
something) is the most prevalent service-connected disability amongst
veterans as of 2012. Hearing loss is number two on the list.
www.benefits.va.gov/reports/abr/2012_abr.pdf
1,746,374 veterans suffer from tinnitus or hearing loss. Some have
both tinnitus and hearing loss. In comparison, 572,612 suffer from
PTSD. www.publichealth.va.gov/docs/vhi/hearing_impairment.pdf.
Hearing loss and tinnitus in veterans causes many problems, both in
their personal and professional lives. Please see the work done by Dr.
Kay Miller as ACDHH assisted her in her research. Here is the link:
www.publicintegrity.org/2013/08/29/13283/hearing-loss-widespreadamong-post-911-veterans.
The VA purchases more hearing aids each year than any other entity.
Veterans with hearing loss can also receive other helpful equipment that
will work with their hearing aids such as specialized phones and alerting
devices. Some of the VA audiologists will offer the additional equipment
without the veteran asking for it, but in most cases they have to ask.
The national consumer organization, Hearing Loss Association of
America, offers free, one year, complimentary subscriptions to their
magazine, Hearing Loss, to veterans of OIF/OEF. The magazine is full of
information that is helpful to veterans and others with hearing loss.
www.hearingloss.org/content/veterans
MONTEREY REFRIGERATION CORP.
ROC# 111898
Call for a FREE consultation
JIM ABRAHAM
US Marine Corps Veteran
602-5701362

THE IMPORTANCE OF VOTING
by David Lucier
I am a veteran and ASU Alum (Class of ’74). I went to ASU
on the GI Bill and began my educational career shortly after
a combat tour in Southeast Asia with the 5th Special Forces
Group in 1968 and 1969. I turned 21 on the Ho Chi Minh
Trail, which meant I was unable to cast my first vote until
the Presidential election of 1972. You’re a veteran, too, and
your vote matters.
It is particularly important to cast your vote for
candidates who have your best self interests in mind. No
longer is it enough for a candidate to say, “Thanks for your service”. ASU has
certainly stepped up and initiated and implemented veterans supportive
programs and policies which contribute to your success. The in-state tuition
for veterans didn’t just fall out of the sky, nor did the Pat Tillman Veterans
Center or the myriad of other support elements which lend themselves to your
success.
Study the candidates who support and actually invest in you as veterans
in education, jobs, and your health and wellness. As we all know, “Lip service
don’t feed the bulldog.” You owe yourself a good education, a good job and
good health, you earned it. And you owe it to the veteran on your left and on
your right. And it's your responsibility to help establish the pathways to
success as warriors, scholars and leaders to those who will come after you.
6th Annual Turkeys to Troops — November 2014
The great casualty of military service is being forgotten.
What does it take to feed 2,400 wounded heroes and military families for
Thanksgiving dinner
AZ Heroes to Hometowns (AZ H2H) has accepted this challenge! AZ Heroes
to Hometowns is providing OEF/OIF Injured/Wounded Troops, Deployed
Military Families, Guard, Reserves, and Active Duty Military with a
Thanksgiving dinner for their families. To have a successful project, AZ Heroes
to Hometowns is in need of monetary donations to purchase 2,400 – ($15.00)
grocery gift cards for a turkey or ham for Thanksgiving dinner to complete the
food boxes that will be distributed to the Service Members and their children.
Please consider helping those families that have done their part to fight for our
freedom. Thank you in advance for your support of our wounded troops.
Kathy Pearce, Founder, CEO AZ Heroes to Hometowns
kathypearce1@cox.net, AZ H2H, P.O. Box 31646, Mesa, AZ 85275
In Phoenix, Show Low and Globe, the VA hospitals have lost some of their
super volunteers through moving away, family issues and retirement. There
is a critical need for drivers. Volunteers need to have good driving records and
be able to pass an extensive occupational health physical. If you can help,
call Michael D. Achey, Chief of Voluntary Services, at 602-222-6419.
The next free legal clinic for veterans and their spouses is 9am-4pm.
Saturday, Oct 25 at DAV Chapter 20, 8447 N. 61st Ave, Glendale. For info
contact Norman Fulton at 480-363-6880 or nsfultoniii@gmail.com.
VETERAN AUTOMOTIVE
Our Specialties Include: Air Conditioning, Brakes
Starters, Alternators, Transmissions & Cooling Systems
We Service Domestic & Foreign Automobiles
by Art Sloane
The Arizona State legislature needs to get involved in
helping veterans in need by changing the law concerning tax
credits in the Military Family Relief Fund which it established
in 2008. Since that date almost 7 million dollars have been
contributed to help veterans of the last two conflicts in Iraq
and Afghanistan. Those needing donations from this tax
credit fund must prove that they either deployed from
Arizona or were an Arizona citizen at time of deployment. In
addition they must prove that the hardship they have
encountered was a direct cause of the deployment. Since setting up this fund
less than 2 million has been distributed to veterans and their families.
What is a tax credit You are able to take the amount you owe Arizona taxes
off your state tax return. An example is that if you owe $600 to the state you
are able to subtract $200 if you are single or $400 if you are filing jointly. You
than may declare this as a deduction for charity on your federal tax return.
We have many veterans out there that are in dire need since jobs are not as
plentiful as we are led to believe but their problems are not tide to the
deployment, so no money or they may have served before 9/11/01. Desert
Storm veterans served in the same area but because it was before 9/11 they
may not be helped.
In 2018 all monies in this account will then go to the Arizona Department of
Veteran Services I hope to be used to help the many veterans still in need. This
is the reason your state legislature must help now.
For veterans in need and homeless I suggest they attend one of the eight
StandDowns in the state which are also a tax credit organization. Go to
www.ArizonaStandDown.org.
Another great local project is headed by Kathy Pearce which runs AZ Heroes
to Hometowns and is often confused and introduced as WWP. She runs many
local Arizona programs such as Salute A Soldier a 5k run, Turkeys to Troops,
Holiday Adopt a Family Program and herself is the mother of a severely wounded
soldier who sat by his bedside at Walter Reed hospital for over 6 months. You
may have Kathy as a speaker and can contact her at kathypearce1@cox.net or
call her at 480-330-1632.
The Arizona State University Alumni Law Group’s Affordable Justice for
All program is up and running, and can help veterans. These are recent
graduates who are supervised by a lawyer who is a retired colonel with 25
years of legal experience. This service is not free but at a much more affordable
rate than you would usually pay a lawyer. Find out more at
www.asualumnilawgroup.org or 602-251-3620.
The Arizona Silent Service Memorial Foundation is up and running and
raising funds to erect a submarine memorial in Wesley Bolin Plaza. It has
been a long effort and now that the Arizona legislature has approved the
plan it is time to fund it. The Destroyer Escort Sailors Association has
already made a donation. For info: 602-448-3873, cremmett41@gmail.com.
Military precision to detail, quality work, honest & friendly.
— Jessie P., Phoenix
Veteran Automotive is a diamond in the rough! I needed front
suspension and brake work done. Their rates are more than
competitive, fair and they did several big extras for me that
they did not charge me for. I can’t stop telling people how
great my experience was. — Benjamin M., Maricopa, AZ
John Wilt — Owner, US Army Veteran
MILITARY AND VETERANS
Mention this Ad and
SAVE 10%
623-535-3648
8552 N Dysart Road. El Mirage
Dysart Road & South of Olive Road

Page 44
TEACHING THE IMPORTANCE OF MATH
Arizona mortgage banker Mark Field lectured at the Phoenix Collegiate
Academy about the importance of math and financial education. Topics
included the history of money, setting a budget, understanding banking,
credit and debt, how a car is financed and how a home is financed.
There are many occupations that require strong math backgrounds
including: pilot, engineer, banker, construction, teacher, medical, police & fire.
I emphasized that these kids can become anything they set their minds
to. Dream big and work hard to accomplish your goals. I told them that any
one of them could be a doctor, lawyer, pilot, astronaut, Mayor of Phoenix,
or even a future President of the United States.
I was astounded when one of the students asked how they could become
a banker. www.phxca.org
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E
FINANCIAL EDUCATION
FINANCIAL EDUCATION LESSON: DECEPTIVE MARKETING
by Mark Field
You receive a letter in the mail which looks like a government letter
which reads:
“2014: OBAMA WAIVES REFI REQUIREMENT. IF YOU OWE MORE THAN
$100,000 ON YOUR HOME, THE PRESIDENT IS PLEADING WITH YOU TO
REFINANCE”.
Trust me that President Obama is NOT pleading with you to refinance.
This is a cheap marketing gimmick by a lead generation company that
will sell your personal information including social security numbers to
anyone who will pay for it. Rule of thumb is that if a company needs to
use government in their marketing - they are unethical. period.
It is much better to chose a local licensed mortgage professional that
doesn't need to use gimmicks or bait & switch deceptive tactics to win
over your business. Something in America should be done above board
and with honesty.
Mark Field is a licensed Mortgage Professional in Arizona (NMLS
965030). Contact me at 602-434-3454 to discuss your best financial
options. No games, no gimmicks.
HERE ARE TWO OF HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON
LOWERMYBILLS.COM AND LENDINGTREE.COM
Source: www.consumeraffairs.com
I went to the LowerMyBills site and they had a link for you to inquire
about refinancing your home and with the promise of giving you the
rates you'll qualify for. As you enter your personal info they constantly
tell you they value your privacy and the info is for them only. As you
continue to go thru the pages asking you more and more personal
questions, you finally
click on the link to get
your rates and they
inform you that you
will be contacted by
lenders. They never
VA MORTGAGE EXPERT
I Specialize in Helping Veterans and Disabled Veterans in Arizona
MARK FIELD
Senior Loan Officer
15 Years Experience
NMLS# 965030
“I pride myself on honest and ethical mortgage practices,
leading to many repeat and referral clients.” — Mark Field
A MORTGAGE PROFESSIONAL YOU CAN TRUST
Values instilled from 8 years service in US Navy
As a courtesy and convenience for my clients,
I will come to your home or office
BENEFITS OF A VA MORTGAGE
Purchase - No money down available
Refinance - 100% VA loans available
No mortgage insurance on VA loans
No pre-payment penalties
VA STREAMLINE REFINANCE
100% VA financing available
VA LOANS FOR DISABLED VETERANS
VA funding fees waived for disabled veterans
“I have known Mark Field for over 15 years, utilizing
him for a mortgage on two occasions and have
always been very satisfied with his service. He
came to my home, explained everything, and he is
honest and ethical. I am pleased to recommend
Mark Field.”
— Kevin Kennedy, US Air Force Veteran, Peoria
“I am extremely happy with Mark Field who has
provided mortgage financing over the years, and we
have referred him to family and friends. He helped
us improve our credit and paid off all our debts —
saving us over $500 a month along with $10,000
cash back. I recommend him to other veterans.”
— Conrad Ramos, US Navy Veteran, Phoenix
“Mark Field went the extra mile for me and my
family to help us with refinancing. He completely
explained everything and treated us fairly.
I recommend him to other Veterans.”
— Edgar Robles, US Army Veteran
210 S 4th Ave, #202, Phoenix, AZ 85003
NMLS# 60134 / AZMB 0911335
The
Preferred
Mortgage Lender
for Veterans
in Arizona
PURCHASE & REFINANCE
Conventional, FHA,
VA and HARP Programs
HARP PROGRAMS
Are you underwater on your mortgage
Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan before 5/31/09
Must be current on mortgage payments
REVERSE MORTGAGES
Are you 62+, have equity, need cash flow
REASONS TO REFINANCE
Convert ARM to low fixed rate mortgage
Pay off credit card & auto loan debt
Lower interest rate & monthly payment
Lower term to a low fixed rate mortgage
Cash out for home improvements
“I’ve trusted Mark Field to handle numerous
mortgages for me over the years. Mark Field
lowered my mortgage payment by over $1000
per month, pay off all my credit card debt and
helped me improve my credit score. I highly
recommend Mark Field to my fellow veterans.”
— Dave Chapman, US Marine Corps Veteran
CALL MARK FIELD
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
NO GAMES — NO GIMMICKS
602-434-3454
give you any rate. Next
day - 5 calls. Following
day - 8. This went on
for 2 weeks. I never
returned any of the
calls. Do not fall for
this. This company
should be fined for
pulling this stunt.
I was looking for rates
for a HELCO (home
equity line of credit)
and tried Lending
Tree's service to find
lenders and look at
their rates. What I got
was 24 hours of emails
and phone calls from
vultures, some of
which took the liberty
to submit a mortgage
for approval. I was
looking for a line of
credit, not a mortgage,
clearly stated in the
search drop down on
Lending Tree. I did not
give any banks any
approval to submit a
mortgage application
on my behalf. I am so
angry and disgusted by
this practice. I suggest
no one ever use
Lending Tree or any of
their lenders. They all
seem like sharks, more
interested in my
money than actually
working with me on my
home improvement
projects. Why on earth
would anyone want to
work with these awful
people My concern
now is if this will ruin
my credit report. If so,
I would consider taking
legal action.
The VA Aid and
Attendance Program
can provide money
for home health care.
For more information
call 623-201-7716
Tell us what
you think of the
ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE
Send your comments to
editor@azvetmag.com

UNDERWATER
WARFARE
TOP
SECRET
WHAT HAPPENS UNDERWATER
STAYS UNDERWATER
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E Page 45
MISSION CONTINUES REFURBISHES ACEH OFFICES

Page 46
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E
ROAD WARRIORS AZ
Pins l Patches l Decals l Leather Vests l Hats l Flags l Belt Buckles
Lanyards l Wallets l Keychains l Custom License Plates and Frames for
Cars,Trucks & Motorcycles l Military Rings l Masonic Rings
Money Clips l Tactical Bags l Dog Tags l Backpacks
Large Back Patches and Rockers l LEDs for Wheelchairs & Motorcycles
Thunderbolt Polish l Military / Biker Apparel and Accessories
TRAVELING VENDOR
IF YOU HAVE A
MILITARY / BIKER
FUNDRAISER EVENT
CALL US
ROAD WARRIORS AZ
www.roadwarriorsaz.com
roadwarriorsaz@yahoo.com
928-301-7379

y Jerry Wojtas
Prescott is one of Arizona’s
most historically-conscious
communities. Public-spirited
citizens have worked long and
hard to keep their rich cultural
heritage alive. Standing in front
of the old Yavapai County Courthouse is a bronze
statue of a soldier on a spirited horse. This
monument honors a group of young Arizonans who
gallantly served their country during the Spanish-
American War in 1898. It is also a shrine to one
man — Capt. William O. ‘Buckey’ O’Neill.
Prescott, Arizona never had another hero like
William O. ‘Buckey’ O’Neill. One hundred years
after his death, local businesses still adopt his
name for their use. Many of you may be familiar
with ‘Buckey’s Casino or ‘Buckey’s car wash.
Raised in St. Louis, MO, it was in that
neighborhood that he became skilled with a rifle by
hunting squirrels. He moved east with his mother
and graduated from the National Law School in
Washington, D.C.
Until he reached Prescott, ‘Buckey’ was
described as a kind of romantic vagabond who
drifted from town to town in search of adventure
and excitement. He spent short periods in both
Tombstone and Phoenix. He never really settled for
long anywhere until in arrived in Prescott. In
Prescott, he fell in love with the beautiful
mountain backdrop, mild climate, scented pines,
and culture.
He spent 17 years in Prescott, coming there in
1883. In 1886 he married his wife, Pauline.
During all of their married life, if they were ever
apart, she would write to him each day and he
would do the same.
He earned his illustrious nickname in the
gambling casinos along Prescott’s ‘Whiskey Row’
by constantly ‘bucking the tiger’, which meant
‘going against the odds’, a term used for a faro
player betting against the house.
He rapidly progressed from court reporter to
editor of the Prescott Journal Miner, then founded,
edited, and published Hoof and Horn, a paper for
the livestock industry. He was elected Yavapai
County Probate Judge, School Superintendent, tax
assessor & collector and Yavapai County Sheriff.
He had been in office only 3 months when 4 men
robbed the Atlantic & Pacific #2 a few miles east of
Flagstaff (then a part of Yavapai County). Sheriff
O’Neil organized a small posse, rushed to the scene
of the holdup, picked up the outlaws’ trail and
followed it into the heart of the Painted Desert.
Buckey and his posse followed the outlaws for 3
weeks before finally capturing all 4 of the outlaws.
BUCKEY O’NEILL — AN ARIZONA LEGEND
O’Neill chose not to run for sheriff again and over
the next few years engaged in various mining
ventures. During that time he didn’t vacate the
political scene, taking time to run twice
unsuccessfully as delegate to Congress
representing the Arizona Territory. In 1897 he ran
for mayor and was elected handily.
On top of these accomplishments, he found the
energy and time to write. He created much of the
copy for Hoof and Horn, as well as pamphlets on
boosting Arizona including, ‘Resources of
Arizona’ and ‘Central Arizona For Homes
For Health’. Perhaps Buckey’s least
known talent was fiction, which he is
said to have written at night, as his
wife Pauline, played the piano. There
are 10 known stories of his and all
followed dark themes set in the
Arizona Territory, and appeared in
the San Francisco Examiner and
Argonaut magazine between 1891
and 1910.
At least one of his stories reflects
an incident of his life. In 1886, the
Prescott Grays, commanded by
Captain O’Neill, stood as an honor
guard at the hanging of murderer
Dennis Dilda. When the trap dropped,
Buckey fainted. This must have been a
tremendous loss of face for a Victorian
gentleman and officer, and he probably took
considerable kidding about it. In an apparent effort
to clear the air, he wrote ‘A Horse of the Hash-Knife
Brand’ where a member of the sheriff’s posse
admits to nearly fainting at the hanging of a horse
thief.
Buckey O’Neill was well known and respected for
a variety of happenings during his life. So well
known, that the TNT channel did a special on him
some 15 years ago. As happens many times, TNT
took a lot of literary license with places and events
and their ‘Buckey’ was far from the real ‘Buckey’
that people knew.
It is said that he was the first to offer his service
to the country in the Spanish-American War. In
1898, ‘Buckey’ resigned as Mayor of Prescott and
was instrumental in forming the First Volunteer
United States Cavalry, later famed as Roosevelt’s
Rough Riders. On April 29th of that year, he
became the first volunteer accepted into federal
service for the war with Spain. He was given the
rank of Captain. The regiment was a mixed bag of
rogues, short on discipline and long on energy. He
quickly became the regiment’s most popular
officer. The men idolized the dashing former
frontier lawman. His noble sense of justice made
him a favorite among the enlisted ranks. In short
order, O’Neill quickly won the respect of his brother
officers and especially Theodore Roosevelt.
Roosevelt, his commander in the Rough Riders,
called him, “A born leader of men. Soft spoken, yet
reckless and wild.”
He died in Cuba on July 1, 1898 at the age of 38.
“The most serious loss that I or the regiment
could have suffered befell just before we charged.
O’Neill was strolling up and down in front of his
men, smoking his cigarette, for he was
inveterately addicted to the habit.
He had a theory that an officer
should never take cover — a
theory which was, of course,
wrong, though in a volunteer
organization the officers
should certainly expose
themselves very fully,
simply for the effect on
men; our regimental toast
on the transport running,
‘The Officers, may the war
last until each is killed,
wounded, or promoted.’ As
O’Neill moved to and for, his
men begged him to lie down. As
he turned to point out
something, a bullet struck him in
the mouth and came out the back of
his head.” — Teddy Roosevelt.
Within minutes the Rough Riders had to put
their grieving for Captain O’Neill behind them as
they stormed up Kettle Hill. But they didn’t forget
him and the turning of grief into hatred probably
helped them win that fight as it has in similar
situations throughout history.
In time, the shock of Buckey O’Neill’s death
wore off. The war was brief and the troops came
home to the cheers of hero-worshiping
Americans. After his death, his body was
returned from Cuba and on May 1, 1899 was
buried in Arlington National Cemetery. In 1907,
efforts to commemorate his memory and those of
his comrades-in-arms, the Arizona Rough Riders,
resulted in a magnificent bronze statue being
unveiled on the lawn in Courthouse Plaza. It was
dedicated to the memory of Capt. O’Neill and in
honor of the Rough Riders and should rightfully
be called the Rough Rider statue, but to
Arizonians who know his story, it is a lasting
tribute to their happy warrior, Buckey O’Neill.
Prescott’s own ‘Buckey’ O’Neill, is in so
many ways — a true American hero and an
Arizona legend.
ON MY OWN
by David Lucier
I remember very well the
time I returned to the US
and my journey home at
the end of my “tour” in the
Nam. It was November,
1969. I came in out of the
field — dirty, hungry, and wet — because of
the monsoons. Optimistically, I packed a bag
before departing for the field so I could just
pick it up and run. I passed through Kontum,
Pleiku, and NhaTrang before heading down to
Cam Ranh Bay to climb on the “freedom bird”
and back to “the world”. I had left my team
and my team mates and was now on my own.
I sat in front of the 5th Special Forces Group’s
Sergeant Major, who told me to go get a
haircut before departing, and he wished me
well as I pursued my civilian goals — chief
among them was to earn a college degree.
We landed at McCord Air Force Base on an
extended Boeing 707 in the middle of winter.
It was a few days before Thanksgiving. It took
about 36 hours to process out of the Army. At
some point in the process, I stood in a long
line awaiting my turn in the chow hall. It was
night, it was cold (as I was still wearing my
jungle fatigues) and dark except for a sign
which was lit up by a single flood light. It
read, “Welcome home to your first steak
dinner on US soil.” It struck me again. I was
on my own. It may have started as steak, but
it finished as something of a mystery.
I was told to stay with the group of soldiers
and continue to out process. No phone calls
home were permitted, the cadre continued to
shout, until you are out processed. Those
instructions, like many before it, were ignored
and I headed off to call my parents to tell them
I had survived a Vietnam combat tour as a
Green Beret and was safely on American soil.
As I talked to my dad, I could hear my mom
crying in the background. I rejoined the group
and processed out of the Army. I signed for
my back pay and a document that indicated I
had left the “active” Army and I would,
heretofore, be assigned to reserve status for
the remainder of my 6 year commitment to my
country. I wore the dress uniform I received.
Everything was new except for my Green
Beret. It was the one I received and wore
when I graduated Special Forces training. But
now, for me, the war and the Army were
behind me and at that moment, I felt very
much on my own.
I got married and went through my course
work and graduated with honors and after
four years at the same school, I didn’t know
any of my classmates and to this day, I
couldn’t tell you the name of one of them. For
four years on campus, I felt very much on my
own.
When I finished working in Iraq from 2003
to 2005 and Afghanistan in 2008 and came
home this time, I decided to try a healthier
way to “transition” from a far away war to
home, family and community. I reached out
and to my surprise, people were willing to
help, but also to my surprise, I found there
weren’t very many supportive programs in
which to help other service members in their
transition from warrior to civilian. In 2009, I
decided to make a commitment to try to
change things for our warriors who were
coming home.
My journey lasted forty years; I got involved,
I got connected, and I helped establish some
programs and projects which are now helping
our service members and their families
transition to a healthier and happier level of
personal well-being. And since then, I haven’t
felt quite so much on my own.
Did you know that you can make a contribution to a
statewide charity to support homeless and in need
veterans and reduce your taxes The qualifying
charitable tax credit is a dollar for dollar reduction of
your tax liability and it is better than a tax deduction
and is available to all Arizona tax payers. (Note,
contributions from partnerships, S corporations, trusts,
estates and LLCs are not eligible for this tax credit.)
Arizona revised statue, ARS 43-1088, gives you this
opportunity to help those who fought for our country by
donating to the Arizona Veterans StandDown Alliances,
which are statewide outreach events aimed at assisting
at risk and homeless veterans. As a single person or if
you are married but filing separately, you may
contribute up to $200. For persons who file a joint
return, you may contribute up to $400. In addition to
the tax credit for the State of Arizona, the contribution
may also qualify as a charitable contribution on your
federal tax return. Donations may be made on line or by
mailing a personal check to the Arizona StandDown c/o
to the Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness.
The Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness is the
non-profit organization responsible for assuring
successful StandDown events throughout the state.
Simply visit the website at www.azceh.org or mail your
donation to AZ StandDown c/o AZCEH, 3829 N 3rd St,
Suite 104 Phoenix, AZ 85012. You will be provided with
a receipt verifying that you have contributed to an
eligible activity.
You need not wait until December 31 to be eligible for
that tax year. You may donate throughout the year or
make recurring donations, however you will only receive
a tax credit on the $200 or $400. Tax credit
contributions are non-refundable. See www.azdor.gov
for more details or call 602-255-3381 or 1-800-343-
7196 from area codes 520 or 928. Always consult your
tax preparer or financial advisor for specific advice.

Page 48
VETERANS FIRST
Alicia returns to Phoenix after a three-year absence looking for an apartment, a
job, and connection with her previous circle of friends. After four weeks of intensive
job and apartment hunting, she is very frustrated since no permanent housing or
work opportunities have come to pass and all her friends left Phoenix. Being
without medical care and needed medications is beginning to take its toll. As a last
resort, Alicia is now living in a homeless shelter with no permanent address.
ALICIA IS A VETERAN OF THE WAR IN AFGHANISTAN. How can we let this
happen to Women Veterans in Arizona We can't and that's how Veterans First Ltd.
came to be. In 2003, Joan Sisco, a Marine Corps veteran and Phoenix
businesswoman recognized the plight of Veterans in Arizona and established
Veterans First Ltd. (VFL), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In 2009, she modified
the mission to focus on caring for the unique and challenging needs of our Arizona
Women Veterans with special emphasis on homeless, at-risk, and struggling Women
Veterans by: • Providing advocacy, programs, services, and a “Hand Up” for our
Women Veterans. • Educating the Community about the issues that Women Veterans
face. • Connecting Women Veterans with available programs and services/resources
to enhance their lives. • Collaborating with statewide veteran, community, faith based
organizations and State and Federal agencies to provide resources. • Providing
affordable housing to single Women Veterans at Mary Ellen’s Place.
Women Veterans face a variety of challenges men are never exposed to, such as
military sexual trauma, domestic abuse and, rape and assault associated with
living on the street. We identify Women Veterans in distress and offer safe,
affordable housing with a supportive atmosphere. There they can associate with
peers dealing with similar issues such as PTSD, military sexual trauma, traumatic
brain injuries, domestic abuse, or simply the ability to decompress and adjust so
they can re-enter and succeed in the productive lives they cherish.
Our greatest achievement is the establishment and operation of Mary Ellen’s
Place (MEP), affordable housing for single Women Veterans. MEP has fifteen studio
apartments with a community living room, library, kitchen, laundry room, and a
large park-like backyard. During the 3 years MEP has been open, there has been
a stream of homeless and at-risk Women Veterans who found a special place. Some
have stayed just long enough to catch their breath and get organized. Others have
stayed long enough to attend school, graduate, find a job, and step into a refreshed
life. We know we have had a significant impact on many lives.
Your grant would greatly enhance this outcome! Our greatest challenge is
identifying, reaching out to, and connecting with Women Veterans throughout
Arizona. The goal is that state-wide, Women Veterans or those who know Women
Veterans will know how to contact VFL as the resource for assistance. Mentorship
would provide expertise in developing and measuring the Outreach Program.
Women Veterans are hard to find and don’t identify as veterans. Our homeless and
at-risk Women Veterans are even harder to find. Women Veterans range from the
early 20's to the 80's so different social media and advertising approaches must
tailor messages to reach these different groups.
The $25,000 would pay for the supplies needed to start the outreach program
— training and resource manuals for the sites statewide, training sessions for the
Outreach volunteers, and "rescue" backpacks. Creating this vital Outreach
Program will provide the strong foundation for a program that will expand and
grow. We will know we are successful when there are no more women veterans.
DID YOU KNOW
The leading cause of injury to women in the US is domestic violence.
In her lifetime, 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence.
In Arizona, law enforcement responds to domestic violence every 5 minutes
In Arizona, one or more children witness domestic violence every 39 minutes.
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E
ADMIRAL SYMONDS CONTINUES TO SERVE
Rear Admiral James A.
Symonds is a native of Sodus, NY.
He received a Bachelor of Science
degree in Mathematics from the
University at Albany (NY) in 1975.
He was commissioned at Aviation
Officer Candidate School, Naval
Air Station Pensacola, FL in
September 1975 and designated a
Naval Flight Officer in July 1976.
Rear Admiral Symonds served
one operational tour as an A-6
“Intruder” Bombardier/Navigator
in Attack Squadron 115 (VA-115),
aboard USS Midway (CV 41),
homeported in Yokosuka, Japan.
He was selected for pilot training
and earned his wings as a Naval
Aviator in August 1983, then
returned to NAS Whidbey Island.
He served two operational tours
with Attack Squadron 196 (VA-
196), including two deployments
aboard USS Constellation (CV 64)
and one on USS Independence
(CV-62) (Operation Desert Shield).
In October 1992, he reported to
Attack Squadron 165 (VA-165) as
Executive Officer, deploying
aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in
1993, and he assumed command
of the squadron in October 1993.
In 1995, he was selected to attend
Navy Nuclear Power training.
Rear Admiral Symonds served
as Executive Officer of USS
Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69),
including a Mediterranean &
Arabian Gulf deployment in 1998.
He assumed command of USS
Nashville (LPD 13) in November
1999 and deployed to the
Mediterranean in early 2001. He
was the second Commanding
Officer of USS Ronald Reagan
(CVN 76), from August 2003 to
November 2005, and he led the
ship through a change of
homeport from Norfolk to San
Diego and training toward its
maiden deployment.
Rear Admiral Symonds’s shore
assignments include two tours as
an instructor at Attack Squadron
128 (VA-128), the A-6 Fleet
Replacement
Squadron;
Command of Medium Attack
Weapons School at NAS Whidbey
Island; Air Operations Officer, US
Sixth Fleet; and Deputy Director
of Operations for Counterdrug
Operations in US Southern
Command, Miami, FL. He was
nominated for promotion to the
rank of Rear Admiral (lower half)
in April 2005, and reported in
December 2005 to Washington,
D.C. as the Director of the Chief of
Naval Operations Environmental
Readiness Division (CNO N45).
His last assignment on active duty
was as Commander, Navy Region
Northwest, based in Silverdale,
Washington, from July 2007 to
June 2010, where he was
responsible for operations, Sailor
and family services, and facilities
on four major Navy installations
around the Puget Sound.
Rear Admiral Symonds amassed
4,000 flight hours in the A-6
“Intruder” and over 1,000 carrier
landings during his flying career.
He earned the Defense Superior
Service Medal, Legion of Merit
(four awards), Meritorious Service
Medal (four awards), Strike Flight
Medal, Navy and Marine Corps
Commendation Medal (three
awards) and Navy and Marine
Corps Achievement Medal (two
awards) along with various unit
and campaign citations.
Rear Admiral Symonds retired
from the Navy on 1 September
2010, and with his wife, Anne,
resides in Chandler, Arizona.
PRESIDENT SERVICE RANK SERVED
Barack H. Obama No Military Service
George W. Bush Texas Air National Guard First Lieutenant Stateside service during Vietnam War (1968–1973)
Bill Clinton
No Military Service
George H. W. Bush US Naval Reserve Lieutenant World War II (1942–1945) Distinguished Flying Cross
Ronald Reagan US Army Reserve, Army Air Corps Captain Stateside service during World War II (1942–1945); Army Reserve
Jimmy Carter US Navy Lieutenant World War II at the United States Naval Academy Sea duty and stateside service during the Korean War
Gerald Ford US Naval Reserve Lt. Commander World War II (1942–1945; combat on USS Monterey, discharged in 1946)
Richard Nixon US Naval Reserve Commander World War II (1942–1945) Earned two Service Stars
Lyndon B. Johnson US Naval Reserve Commander World War II received Silver Star after an observation mission when his aircraft came under Japanese attack
John F. Kennedy US Navy Lieutenant World War II received Navy and Marine Corps Medal and Purple Heart
Dwight Eisenhower US Army General of the Army Stateside service in WWI. Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during World War II
Harry S. Truman US Army, Reserve, National Guard Colonel Stateside National Guard service in Missouri (1905-1911); World War I (1917–1918)
Franklin D. Roosevelt No Military Service Assistant Secretary of the Navy in World War I
Herbert Hoover No Military Service Helped guide US Marines in 1900 during the Boxer Rebellion
Calvin Coolidge No Military Service
Warren G. Harding No Military Service
Woodrow Wilson No Military Service
William Howard Taft Connecticut Home Guard United States Secretary of War 1904-1908. Enlisted in Connecticut Home Guard for World War I
Theodore Roosevelt US Army Colonel Spanish – American War – Posthumously received Medal of Honor in 2001. Asst. Secretary of the Navy
William McKinley US Army Brevet Major American Civil War. fought in Battle of South Mountain & the Battle of Antietam
Benjamin Harrison US Army Brigadier General American Civil War; Commanded Infantry Brigade in many battles including Sherman’s March to the Sea
Grover Cleveland No Military Service Paid George Benninsky $150 to take his place after Cleveland was drafted during Civil War under Conscription Act of 1863
Chester A. Arthur New York State Militia Brigadier General Served as Quartermaster General before and during the American Civil War (1858–1865)
James Garfield US Army Major General American Civil War (1861–1863; commanded an Ohio Infantry Brigade at the Battles of Shiloh & Corinth
Rutherford B. Hayes US Army Major General American Civil War. Served in the 23rd Ohio Infantry and wounded at the Battle of South Mountain
Ulysses S. Grant US Army General of the Army Mexican-American War and American Civil War; served 1843-1854 and 1861-1868
Andrew Johnson US Army Brigadier General Served in Tennessee Militia in 1830s. American Civil War; Military Governor of Tennessee in 1862
Abraham Lincoln Illinois State Militia Captain Black Hawk War (served three months in 1832); see Abraham Lincoln in the Black Hawk War
James Buchanan Pennsylvania State Militia Private War of 1812
Franklin Pierce US Army Brigadier General New Hampshire Militia, 1831-1846; Mexican-American War; commanded Infantry Brigade
Zachary Taylor US Army Major General War of 1812, Black Hawk War, Second Seminole War, Mexican-American War; career spanned 1808 - 1848
James K. Polk Tennessee State Militia Colonel Captain in cavalry unit in Tennessee Militia. Appointed a Colonel on the staff of Governor William Carroll
John Tyler US Army Captain War of 1812
William Harrison US Army Major General Northwest Indian War, War of 1812
Martin Van Buren No Military Service
Andrew Jackson Tennessee State Militia, US Army Major General American Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Creek War, First Seminole War
John Quincy Adams No Military Service
James Monroe Continental Army Major American Revolutionary War; wounded at the Battle of Trenton;
James Madison Virginia militia Colonel American Revolutionary War, did not see action.
Thomas Jefferson Virginia militia Colonel Commander of Albemarle County Militia at start of American Revolution, did not see action
John Adams
Chairman of the Continental Congress’s Board of War (1776–1777), making him the equivalent of today’s Secretary of Defense
George Washington Virginia militia, Virginia Regiment, Continental Army, United States Army, General of the Armies, French and Indian War, American Revolutionary War

210 S 4th Ave, Suite 202
Phoenix, AZ 85003
NMLS# 60134 / AZMB 0911335
I Specialize in VA Purchases, VA Streamline Refinances and VA
Consolidation Loans up to 100% Cash Out.
Difficult Loans, Previous Bankruptcy loans, USDA Rural Housing Loans,
FHA, and even no FICO FHA Loans.
Have equity Refinance, lock into a low fixed rate and drop your Mortgage
Insurance.
Do you owe more than your house is worth HARP 2 loans are available.
Seniors over 62 I am a Reverse Mortgage Specialist. Consolidate, cash
out, and no payments for the rest of your life.
MORTGAGE LOANS
VA, FHA, CONVENTIONAL, USDA, HARP
Tim King is a Certified Mortgage Consultant with over 40
years in Mortgage Lending. In 1997 he was chosen to be the
"Mortgage Broker of the Year" for the Eastern United States.
NMLS# 1138397
His many years of Mortgage experience gives him the knowledge and experience to provide his clients with exceptional customer service.
“It is my pleasure to endorse Tim King. I have been doing business with
Tim for over 10 years. He handled my parents mortgage in Detroit,
Michigan and their purchase and refinance in Gilbert, AZ. Tim was very
easy to work with and he definitely know his business.”
— Dr. Nathaniel Carr, Lt. Colonel. USAF, Ret., Gilbert, Arizona
“Tim King and his team made our mortgage process go very smooth
and stress-free. Our loan was closed in less than 30 days. This was
amazing to us and speaks to his expertise and professionalism in the
mortgage industry. We are very pleased to recommend you and your
services to anyone needing a new loan or refinance.”
— Johnny Bridges, Retired Vietnam Veteran, Sun City, Arizona
Tim lobbied in Washington, DC for many years meeting Presidents, Governors, Senators and Congressmen.
Call Tim King at 480-205-4958

SUBMARINE MEMORIAL MUSEUM OPENS
Fleet Reserve Association Branch 260: After two years of hard work and
many hours of fundraising efforts, it is finally finished. Fleet Reserve
Association Branch 260 president and memorial builder Don Johnson had a
dedication and grand opening of the Golden Valley Submarine Memorial. The
memorial is located at Golden Valley VFW Post 2555, one block northwest of
Colorado Street and Highway 68 in Golden Valley. As we submariners say,
"Pride runs deep!". Contact Don Johnson at 520-440-6191.
“Thank You to Sanderson Ford. We needed new tires on the box truck we
use for the Veteran Furniture Center badly, and Sanderson stepped up and
paid for new tires! Without the support of the community, we couldn't do what
we do. So grateful.”
— Barbara Sesate, United for Change & Veterans Furniture Center
Sanderson Ford has been supporting veterans in Arizona for 63 years. They
host countless veterans events throughout the year. Visit them at 51st Avenue
just north of Grand Avenue in Glendale or at www.sandersonford.com
EMPOWERING VETERANS IN BUSINESS
VETAD is a veteran owned advertising company. Its mission is to mentor,
support, and empower veterans in their own business. VETAD is seeking
veterans who have completed service or those who are in inactive status in the
military to offer an area of deployment to operate their own VETAD Agency.
VETAD offers a wide range of advertising services, including wide format
indoor and outdoor print graphics and point of sale display, as well as
architectural printing and GIS/mapping through Rapid Digital Press. Indoor
digital media is offered as a source of advertising with faucet impressions.
This patented technology offers a unique approach to digital advertising at
the faucet of venue washrooms as well as providing a unique solution at
health care facilities. Also included is a unique VETMail – direct mail program
and mobile outdoor advertising using a proprietary AD Cart.
VETAD attended NCOA Career Day on September 4, during which several
hundred veterans visited and over a dozen candidates were selected. As of
September 15, there are now six veterans who have become VETAD agencies.
Their areas of deployment include Fresno and San Diego Gaslamp area in
California, downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise and Avondale. VETAD will
license to operate anywhere in the USA. If you or someone you know is a
veteran call Lee Hanna at 772-7VE-TADS or go to www.vetads.org.
“VETADS AIDS VETS” is our
slogan, says founder Lee Hanna, US
Army veteran. They are a veteran
owned and veteran operated
company. Everything we do is for
benefit to those who have served our
country. They have also started an
organization called The FORCE that
supports the VETAD agencies and
other veteran organizations. They
donate 10% of their revenue to
support veterans. VETAD has a
prominent group of advisors, both in
the military and in business, which
help to mentor and support the
agencies and veteran organizations.
They include L.G. Hoss Pearson,
Commander of Miramar Naval Air Station and Leader of the Blue Angels and
David Hadaad, Founder and CEO of Friends of Freedom.
Recently, VETAD participated in the Friends of Freedom Patriots dinner to
honor our heroes. During that event VETAD was honored with a flag that had
been flown in battle in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. VETAD raised $3500
for No One Left Behind by offering its military posters that can be seen in this
issue of the ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE on page 68.
The VETAD agencies will deliver low cost high quality advertising in unique
formats that will set their client companies apart from their competition
through the support of Rapid Digital Press revolutionary wide format press.
Rapid is a founding supporter and member of THE FORCE. All businesses
can benefit from helping veterans. Serve those who served. Contact VETAD
to learn more about opportunities to participate. Lee Hanna 772-783-8237.
NAVY VETERAN DAN BURKE LEADS GOETTL AIR
US Navy veteran and 25-year resident of
Phoenix, Arizona, Dan Burke has spent
more than 30 years in the HVAC industry.
He was hired as President of Goettl Air
Conditioning in 1989, and has helped lead
the Goettl companies in a variety of
capacities since that time.
Burke enlisted in the U.S. Navy in Seattle,
Wash. in 1960, and completed basic training
& Interior Communications Electrician’s
schooling at the San Diego Naval Training
Center, achieving the rating of Petty Officer
2nd Class. He served for four years, and spent
almost all of his years serving aboard three
ships, including two deployments to the
southern and western Pacific.
After his discharge from the Navy, Burke earned an Associate’s Degree
at Olympic College in Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science in
Engineering (Electronic Technology) and an MBA from Arizona State
University. He met his wife, Georgia, in class at ASU, and the two were
married on ASU’s campus a short time later.
Burke is a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), ASU Alumni
Association, and a 25-year member of American Legion Post 2 in Tempe.
In 2014, Burke celebrated 25 years with the Goettl companies, and
recently moved to Chairman of the Board of Advisors for Goettl Good Guys
Air Conditioning.
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E Page 51
l-r: Founder and US Army veteran Lee
Hanna and US Army Veteran Dennis
Sajdak – Scottsdale VETAD Licensee
receive award at Patriots Day Dinner.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR FRIEND
LT. COL. SALLIE CARROLL, (RET) US ARMY 1932 - 2014
Lt. Col Sallie Carroll (Ret) USA started her military
career in 1952 joining the United States Air Force,
was commissioned as an officer in the United States
Marine Corps and retired from United States Army
as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1975. Lt. Col. Carroll
served in Vietnam April 1971 to April 1972 where
she was the Adjutant for Inventory Control Center
and received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious
achievement during operations against armed
enemy of the United States. She was also presented
the Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service
Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal
w/Four Bronze Stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Vietnam Campaign
Medal. She was a pioneer for women becoming vital members of the US Army
Marksmanship Unit assigned to the Service Pistol and International Pistol
Disciplines. Lt. Col. Carroll won numerous shooting awards on national and
international level including the Distinguished Pistol Shooting Medal,
Excellence–in-Competition Badge, Pistol w/Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and the
US Distinguished International Shooter Medal. She was inducted into the US
Army Marksmanship Unit Hall of Fame and the International Pistol Hall of
Fame in October 2006. Her fellow comrades distinguished her as a friend,
mentor and a woman of a different caliber. She continued to be involved with
veterans through her memberships in Vietnam Women Veterans Assn.,
Women Marine Assn., Women of the Air Force Assn., American Legion,
Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans. She was awarded
the United Daughters of Confederacy Cross of Military Service for her service
in Vietnam on Jan 25, 2014
Sallie was a wonderful friend to many, a pioneer and trail blazer for our
military women of yesterday, today and tomorrow. There are no words that
express our love for her and how much she will be missed. Sallie was a true
inspiration and mentor to her friends and our women veterans especially
those she shared her time with at Mary Ellen’s Place.
Sallie stated when she passed people could honor her service to our nation
by sending a donation to Veterans First for Sallie’s Place. Sallie’s Place is
named in her honor, upon completion it will enhance and stabilize the lives
of our single women veterans and their children.
Editor’s note: Honor Sallie’s memory by making a donation to Veterans First
to support women veterans. Send a donation to: Veterans First: 8433 N. Black
Canyon Hwy, #100, Phoenix, Arizona 85021, 602-841-7663,
jsisco@veteransfirstltd.org
David Carrasco Helps Save Woman
A woman was assaulted and kidnapped, when US Air Force veteran David
Carrasco noticed her pleas for help. David took up the pursuit while dialing
911. While chasing the suspect through the Gila River Reservation he
encountered two tribal police and shouted there was a kidnapped woman in
the vehicle he was following. They took up the chase along with Phoenix Police
who made the arrest. Thanks to David Carrasco the woman was saved and
the suspect was arrested.
I spent five and one half years as
a prisoner of war during the
Vietnam War. In the early years of
our imprisonment, the NVA kept us
in solitary confinement two or three
to a cell.
In 1971 the NVA moved us from
these conditions of isolation into
large rooms with as many as 30 to 40
men to a room. This was, as you can
imagine, a wonderful change and was
a direct result of the efforts of
millions of Americans on behalf of a
few hundred POW's 10,000 miles
from home.
One of the men who moved into my
room was a young man named Mike
Christian. Mike came from a small
town near Selma, Alabama. He didn't
wear a pair of shoes until he was 13
years old. At 17, he enlisted in the US
Navy. He later earned a commission
by going to Officer Training School.
Then he became a Naval Flight
Officer and was shot down and
captured in 1967.
Mike had a keen and deep
appreciation of the opportunities
this country and our military provide
for people who want to work and
want to succeed.
As part of the change in treatment,
the Vietnamese allowed some
prisoners to receive packages from
home. In some of these packages
were handkerchiefs, scarves, and
other items of clothing. Mike got
himself a bamboo needle. Over a
period of a couple of months, he
created an American flag and sewed
on the inside of his shirt.
Every afternoon, before we had a
bowl of soup, we would hang Mike's
shirt on the wall of the cell and say
the Pledge of Allegiance. I know the
Pledge of Allegiance may not seem the
most important part of our day now,
but I can assure you that in that
stark cell it was indeed the most
important and meaningful event.
One day the Vietnamese searched
our cell, as they did periodically, and
discovered Mike's shirt with the flag
sewn inside, and removed it. That
evening they returned, opened the
door of the cell, and for the benefit of
all of us, beat Mike Christian severely
for the next couple of hours. Then,
they opened the door of the cell and
threw him in. We cleaned him up as
well as we could. The cell in which we
lived had a concrete slab in the
middle on which we slept. Four
naked light bulbs hung in each
corner of the room.
As I said, we tried to clean up Mike
as well as we could. After the
excitement died down, I looked in the
corner of the room, and sitting there
beneath that dim light bulb with a
piece of red cloth, another shirt and his
bamboo needle, was my friend, Mike
Christian. He was sitting there with his
eyes almost shut from the beating he
had received, making another
American flag. He was not making the
flag because it made Mike Christian
feel better. He was making that flag
because he knew how important it was
to us to be able to Pledge our allegiance
to our flag and country.
So the next time you say the Pledge
of Allegiance, you must never forget
the sacrifice and courage that
thousands of Americans have made
to build our nation and promote
freedom around the world.
You must remember our duty, our
honor, and our country.
— Sean Stephens
"I pledge allegiance to the flag, of
the United States of America, and to
the republic for which it stands, one
nation under God, indivisible, with
liberty and justice for all."

Page 1
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E
CONGRATULATIONS
HAPPY COUPLES
Randy Zell & Melissa Lange were
married in Long Beach, California.
Bijal Patel & Steve Weintraub
were married at Point Loma Naval
Station in San Diego, California
Air Force officer meets girl.
US Navy Veterans John McCain and
and Danny Meehan.
Luke AFB change of command.
I HAD IT, YOU GOT IT.
SERVICE TO COUNTRY IS
YOUR STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

y Arizona State Representative Sonny Borrelli,
US Marine Corps, ret.
As a veteran and member
of the Arizona House of
Representatives, naturally, I
have been involved in
veteran-related legislation
since I was elected in
November 2012. I like to
think, however that the
legislation we worked on not
only benefited Arizona’s
veterans, but it benefited all Arizonans by making
our state more attractive to new veterans, thereby
boosting economic growth.
Secondly, I want to condemn the disgraceful way
that the Federal Veteran Affairs (VA) health care
system has treated our veterans. Many veterans have
had to wait too long for treatment. And the long wait
times at the Phoenix Veterans Affairs facility may
have led to nearly 40 deaths.
Moreover, the Interim Report by the VA’s Office of
Inspector General dated May 28, 2014, confirms that
people at the Phoenix VA were manipulating wait
times, and points to what conservatives in the
Arizona House of Representatives have been
highlighting for nearly a decade: there are serious,
negative consequences to allowing government to
provide services that the private sector can provide.
Those consequences are in addition to the basic
economic consequences of reduced market
efficiencies and choice, as well as higher taxes when
government steps out of its proper role.
I do believe, however, it is right for government to
provide a basic safety net to citizens during times of
personal and public crises, but one that does not
intrude on the private sector and targets those most
vulnerable and deserving. That kind of safety net is
especially appropriate when it concerns Arizona’s
veterans — men and women who have risked their
lives to keep our society free.
Last session we expanded Arizona’s safety net for
veterans. The legislature appropriated more than $9
million to build a state veteran home in Yuma,
complementing the veteran homes the Legislature
help fund in Phoenix ($5 million) and Tucson ($10
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E Page 53
PAYING ATTENTION TO ARIZONA’S VETERANS HELPS EVERYONE
million). Most of the veterans in these homes are 75
years of age or older, and are not expected to be
discharged, according to Arizona’s Auditor General.
In addition to nearly $25 million in capital
improvements for the construction of these homes,
the Legislature has consistently funded the Arizona
Department of Veterans’ Services (ADVS) operating
budget at more than $5 million every year for the last
four fiscal years. This money goes directly to helping
veterans coordinate their benefits, get educated, and
receive a proper burial among other services.
Broadening the safety net and funding services for
veterans is important, but we also improved
opportunities for veterans and active-duty military
members to buy their own home.
The Home Plus Mortgage Loan Origination
Program, operated by the Arizona Housing Finance
Authority, was expanded so retired and active
military members would get an extra 1 percent grant,
on top of the existing 4 percent grant, toward the
down payment and closing costs associated with
purchasing a home. For younger vets getting into
their first home this is a big plus.
The Home Plus program already existed for low and
moderate income homebuyers, so we asked the
Housing Finance Authority to expand eligibility to
our veterans from 4 percent to 5 percent, and so did
not need to go through the process of writing and
approving new legislation.
Last session also included legislation to improve
educational options for military families and
strengthened each veteran’s Second Amendment rights.
House Bill 2150 waived the 100 day waiting period
for children of military families who qualify for an
Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA). Before
the legislation, if parents
wanted to enroll their
child in a charter school
using their ESA, they
first had to enroll their
child in a district school
and keep them there for
100 days. Military
children more than other
children bounce around
from school to school
simply because of the nature of the parent(s) job, and
so anything we can do to minimize the culture shock
of transferring from one school to another helps
children and families.
House Bill 2103 makes it possible for active
military members and honorably discharged veterans
who are at least 19 years of age to obtain concealed
weapons permits. Prior to HB 2103, a veteran needed
to be at least 21 before obtaining a concealed weapon
permit. Allowing active- duty and veteran members
of the military to continue to carry their weapons is
common sense and respects our military members
and their extensive weapons training.
Finally, House Bill 2514 removes a veteran’s
combat-related special compensation from
consideration during any court proceeding involving
the disposition of property or the awarding of spousal
maintenance. Sadly, the Pentagon has reported that
divorce rates among military members has been
rising dramatically, more than 40 percent, since the
Iraq and Afghanistan wars. And as recently as July
2013 the US Department of Defense said that rising
divorce rates were one of several issues that veterans
have had to confront. We sincerely hope that families
stay together, but understand that it may not be
possible. And if divorce occurs then this legislation
will help protect our veterans.
I know you all join me in thanking our military
members, veterans, and their families for their
service. I am committed to ensuring that current and
veteran members of the military feel welcomed and
appreciated, in order to maintain Arizona’s status as
a premier location for military operations and a
friendly place for them to live.
For more information about VA loans call 602-434-3454.
VETERAN FACTS
u 92% of veterans 25 and older have at least a high school diploma
u 26% of veterans 25 and older have at least a bachelor’s degree
u Veterans own 9% of all U.S. businesses
u Median income for veteran $10,000 higher than that of average American
u Median income of veterans is $35,367
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
ARIZONA VETERANS SERVICE ADVISORY COMMISSIONERS
VETERAN JOB OPPORTUNITIES
VETRAPLEX CONSTRUCTION, HANDYMAN
AND LANDSCAPE FRANCHISES AVAILABLE
4 Are you interested in self-employment
4 Have knowledge of construction trades
4 Employ fellow VETERANS that need work.
THE VETRAPLEX FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY
IN THESE PROTECTED TERRITORIES:
East Phoenix, West Phoenix, North Phoenix
South Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Peoria
Glendale, Goodyear, Surprise
Tucson, South Tucson, East Tucson,
Sierra Vista, Flagstaff, Payson, Sedona
0% Financing for first 25 veterans who qualify.
Available in 36 states.
gary@vetraplex.org, www.vetraplex.org
CALL FOR MORE INFO
GARY RIDEOUT
US Marine Corps Veteran
928-284-2022
left to right: Arizona Veterans Service Advisory Commissioners David Toliver, Sr.,
George Cushing, Wayne Krula, Kara Caldwell, Arizona Department of Veterans Services
Director Ted Vogt, Philip Hanson, Brett Rustand, Jeffrey Olson, Ronald Perkins.
COMMISSIONER AND CHAIRMAN JEFFREY OLSON served in the US
Army and was the Assistant Director of the veterans employment and training
service at the University of Minnesota. He was appointed by The Governor of
Minnesota as the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans
Affairs after serving 18 years as the Deputy Commissioner.
COMMISSIONER AND VICE CHAIRMAN RONALD J. PERKINS, retired
Colonel served 29 years in the United States Air Force with over 3000 hours of
flight time flying F-100 and the F-111 fighter planes. He was the Department
Chair for Aerospace Studies at Arizona State University and served as the
President of the Arizona chapter of the MOAA.
COMMISSIONER PHIL HANSON, retired Colonel served 34 years in the US
Army and Army Reserve. He was the Vice President of Human Resources with
Sun Health and was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives and served
from 2001-2004. He was inducted in the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in
2004.
COMMISSIONER WAYNE KRULA, retired Commander served 26 years in
the United States Navy and Naval Reserve. He was a Teacher and obtained a
Doctorate degree and became a School District Superintendent for 25 years.
He served as the Commander of the Korean War Veteran Chapter 132 in Sun
Lakes and currently serves on the Board of Directors.
COMMISSIONER GEORGE E. CUSHING served in the US Army and United
States Air Force. He retired from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Division and
worked on the F-16, F-22, F-35, C-130 and the U-2. He served with the
American Legion, has volunteered over 1500 hours at the National Memorial
Cemetery of Arizona and was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame
in 2006
COMMISSIONER BRETT M. RUSTAND, served 10 years in the US Army as
a Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot and in military intelligence. He is chairman of the
board of the Community Partnership of Southern Arizona and was a Vice
President of Crest Insurance Group in Tucson.
COMMISSIONER DAVID TOLIVER, SR. served 11 years in the United
Stated Air Force. He worked for Corning Glass Works and the Army and Air
Force Exchange Services, retiring in 2003. He is the President of the Arizona
Chapter of the Tuskegee Airman.
COMMISSIONER KARA CALDWELL served in the US Army Reserve and
was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Kara
is the Program Coordinator for Experience Matters, a local non-profit that
specializes in connecting baby boomers to the social sector.

Page 54
KISS A VETERAN
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E
Kayla Kelly & Bill Jones—two awesome vets who were hired by KISS
and Def Leppard as #veteranroadies for their 42-city tour. Gene Simmons
agrees that hiring vets should be a priority—“If you risk your life for your
country, you should be guaranteed a job.” $1 of every ticket sold goes to
military groups like USO, Raven Drum Foundation, Augusta Warrior
Project, Wounded Warrior Project, Military.com and Hiring Our Heroes.
USO has the latest from Kayla & Bill on the road! bit.ly/1vfl1J4
SPORT CLIPS HAIRCUTS FOR HEROES
FREE LEGAL CLINIC
FOR VETERANS
OCTOBER 25, DAV
OFFICE IN GLENDALE
HOME MOVIE FILM &
VIDEO TRANSFER SERVICES
l Film to DVD Transfer
l Video Tape to DVD Transfer
l Film Projector Rental
l LCD Projector Rental
GotMemories
(602) 438-4381
Visit www.GotMemories.com
for samples of our work
3519 E. Shea Blvd, #124, Phoenix, Arizona

page 55 XXX_Layout 1 10/6/2014 4:34 PM Page 1
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E Page 15
PURPLE HEART
WOOD CROSS
— Mark del Maestro
MUSTANGS
— Pancho Mendoza
PROFESSIONAL ARTIST SERVICES
ART RESOURCES: EDUCATION, DOCUMENTATION, EXHIBITION, VIDEO
PRODUCTION, ART THERAPY FOR VETERANS & ARTIST REPRESENTATION
MASTERS OF THE ARTS
JIM COVARRUBIAS Artist, Writer and Educator
602 579-6308, jl.covarrubias01@gmail.com
TOM MARRS Fine Art and Performance Photography
602 638-8550, tommarrs77@gmail.com
MIGUEL VALVERDE Verde Video Productions, Director, Producer, Editor & Cameraman
602 628-2821, mpvalverde@gmail.com
ROBERT SLUZNIS Level Enterprises, Fine Art Framing and Installation
602 478-2542, Sluznis@cox.net
BOB WOOLBERT Business Networks of Arizona, Business Networks, Websites,
Project Management , 602 421-9549, Consulting@BizNetAZ.com
PHIL FREEDOM Mob Action Project, Graphic Design, Event Production, Websites
602 341-8384, Mobaction@gmail.com
ARIZTLAN STUDIOS, WWW.ARIZTLANSTUDIOS.COM

YELLOW SYMBOLIZES
EAST, BIRTH, LOVE,
EAGLE, WOLF
ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE
VETERANS USE ART TO HEAL
VETERAN
ART EXHIBIT
Veteran art for fundraising for veteran groups, call Jim Covarrubias at 602-579-6308
VA SUPPORTS
ART THERAPY
Phoenix VA Medical Center
Associate Director John
Scherpf congratulates Lucy
Wong for the National
Veteran Writing Award from
the VA.
US Navy veteran Wes Ricks
expresses himself through
music and art.
l-r: Donna Levine, Barbara J., Sonny L., John M., Kat A., Ed L., Yvette W., Stan P.
Over the next few years more than one million military will transition
into civilian life. Of those Veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq,
many will have some form of visible and invisible wounds with which to
deal. These invisible wounds can prevent Veterans from holding jobs, or
maintaining a family, and often lead to drug and alcohol abuse.
Our many years of successful art mentoring, with students ranging
from handicapped children to seniors afflicted with Alzheimer, we felt
confident and wanted to help our veterans.
In 2012 we started our first Veteran Outreach Program, “The Art of
Healing” with 15 veteran students referred to us by the Veteran
Administration. The free classes quickly filled to capacity and we
expanded to two classes per month. It quickly became apparent by the
response and positive results we needed to do more. Thanks to the help
from The Arizona Department of Veteran Services, by September 2014,
we will expand our Veteran Outreach Program to four locations
throughout the valley.
Materials are provided free to veteran students and they are taught the
classical principles of art: drawing, painting, color harmony, and
developing a painting from composition to completion. Veterans are
sharing with others the “Art of Healing” experiences with noticeably
improved confidence, self-esteem and in general a less guarded demeanor.
Much has been done to help our veterans by our volunteers, but many
more need assistance.
The Alliance volunteers cannot do it alone, we need your help. Become
part of a giving team and know that every dollar goes toward helping our
veterans. It’s easy, just go to www.azartalliance.com. Click on the big
red button, to make your donation. Be sure to mark your donation for
VETERANS, and know that 100 percent will go to help our veterans.
The Arizona Art Alliance is a 501 c 3 all-volunteer non-profit
organization.
To date they have held twenty-four classes resulting in over 1241 hours
of veteran classroom instruction and 489 volunteer hours by instructors
and assistants.

Jim Covarrubias
Changing The World
“I am cultural diversity, the
Spanish part is creative and
dramatic, the Native part is
spiritual and healing, the
Scottish part is analytical
and guilt ridden!”
— Jim Covarrubias
JIM COVARRUBIAS
VETERAN, TEACHER, ARTIST, WRITER
Residence: Phoenix, Arizona
Childhood Hometown: Kingman, Arizona
Military Service: US Army Officer
Favorite Drink: Drambuie (Scottish whiskey and honey)
Favorite Meal: Steak & Lobster
Favorite Destination: Kotakiji Temple in Japan
Favorite AZ Travel Destination: White Mountains
Favorite Restaurants: Durants, El Portal and El Comidor
Favorite TV Show: History Channel (Vikings!)
Favorite Book: Covarrubias: Visions of My Land
Favorite Movie: Shane
Favorite Artist: Picasso
Favorite Arizona Lake: Bartlett Lake
Favorite Painting: The Next One!
Favorite Movie Star: Marilyn Monroe
Favorite Musician: Jim Morrison
Favorite Beach: Rocky Point
Favorite Beer: Modelo Negra
Favorite Activities: Jogging in the hills and yard sales.
Favorite Art Studio: Ariztlan
Silvestre Herrera —
Medal of Honor recipient
Jim & Norma Jean —Tom Marrs Photo
Visions of My Land with
Bridgewood Press, Phoenix, AZ
Lori Piestewa
La Leyenda, Emiliano Zapata
Cherokee Love Song
Angelita de las Artistas Chapito Chavarria y Esposa in LA Kokopelli and the Sacred Circle of Life
Jim Paints while Wes Ricks Plays
at 2013 Piestewa,
Fallen Heroes Memorial Dinner
Jimi Hendrix
1st Cavalry
Pat Tillman

GREEN SYMBOLIZES
NORTH, SPIRIT, WISDOM
BUTTERFLY, PUMA
ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE
Healing Through Artistic Expression
VETERAN
ART EXHIBIT
To purchase this art call
Jim Covarrubias at
602-579-6308
FLUTE PLAYER
— Larry Ashkie
IN MEMORIAM: Brett James Lawrence — Jim Covarrubias
BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
— Clyde Ross Morgan
Love Song — Joe Granado
WARRIOR’S VISION — Larry Ashkie
AIRBORNE — Alfred Aguero
PAPA SAN — Jim McHaney
Carved Painted Gourd
— Octavio Martinez
Bull Ride
— Pancho Mendoza
NUEVE ONCE — Jorge Moreno
KACHINAS — Tofe Eslava
ENCANTO — Jose Andres Giron
TESLA’S LAB — Val Callaway

“CHAPITO” CHAVARRIA: A CENTURY OF LIFE
The Music Instrument Museum (MIM) honored
"Chapito" Chavarria on his 100th Birthday. He was a
band leader in the 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. His
music Latin Salsa! His bands had thousands ++ dancing
to cumbia, cha-cha, boogie-woogie, corridos and all the
Latin dance craves of the day. He helped a lot of people
fall in love. Young latinos and Latinas dressed to the
nines, saved their shekels to party on a Saturday night
and meet cute dance partners! All were Hoping for that
romantic connection, that cool dude with the pressed suit
and trimmed moustache, that suave dancer with the
glittering smile who took them out on the polished dance floor and shook it up
to the intoxicating rhythms of "Chapito" Chavarria.
He didn't perform on this 100th commemoration of his life, but he did share
some charming words and warmth from a history spanning 10 decades. He
misses his wife Connie and many friends who shared all those beautifully
packed dance halls in California, Arizona and a hundred other places. He was
a star in a culture of Latin music; a culture of Zoot suiters, low riders, barrios,
veterans, G.I. Bill, menudo, La Suegra, Vatos, drive-ins, boot-leggers, American
Legions and racism.
Chapito grew up in a world within a world, the sub-culture of Mexican-
Americanism of the southwest especially Phoenix and Los Angeles. The areas
where Chicanos congregated were called "barrios". Each barrio was given a
descriptive name which were culturally profound. These barrios have an
ancient history spanning back to the 6th century, back to the most important
religious complex of ancient America, Teotihuacan, a holy site where different
tribes would gather to pray. The tribes would enclose themselves in fortified
cities of clay providing a safe refuge for their tribe in the midst of allies and
enemies. The same ownership of an area applied in Chapito's world there was
"Golden Gate", "Campito","Cuatro Milpas", "Mickey Mouse" and many more
colorful names peopled by colorful people who like their barrio were given
nicknames. Hence "Chapito" (Shorty), was the tag given lovingly to a pint-sized
fireball with the big personality.
Many Chicanos in these barrios were veterans. Chapito served in WWII, was
a proud Mexican American and expected positive changes in America for their
barrios. But upon returning to Phoenix he was faced with racism and "Good
Ole Boy" practices. Prior to the war, the Latinos and Blacks in Phoenix lived
south of the railroad tracks, attended their own schools, churchs, sat in
segregated sections of movie theatres and were denied service in "White Only"
establishments and social clubs. So they created their own social hub
including the Calderon Ballroon and the Riverside Ballroom. These dancehalls
were home to Chapito Chavarria's energetic beats, where beautiful girls and
dashing men danced to salsa! Other notable big bands were lead by Pete
Bugarin, Little Joe and later by "Gumbi" Salazar. Chapito was there every
weekend for over six decades turning to his band and saying, "Orale
muchachos, uno, dos, tres...Cumbia!"
Documentary Film Producer Paige Martinez is currently in production on a
Chapito Chavarria biography for PBS.
Happy 100th
Anniversary
MASERATI
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E Page 59
Charity Italian Car Show
Arizona American Italian Club
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, 10am-3pm
7509 N. 12th St. Phoenix, Arizona
www.italiancarshow.com
631-974-2543
by Jim Covarrubias, Arts Editor, ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE
The Hopi are most likely the direct cultural link to the first permanent
agricultural residents of Arizona spanning 2000+ years. Inspired by the city
complexes of Mexico, they developed a peaceful communal society with a
complex religious system. They continue this small village success to modern
times. Other geographical neighbors with more numbers, ie. Phoenix's Pueblo
Grande, New Mexico's Chaco Canyon and Colorado's Mesa Verde didn't make
it past the major droughts in the 13th Century. All these cultures had an
elaborate ceremonial religion, a complex clan code and connections to distant
cultures. They became known as the "peaceful ones" and indeed it was their
goal to live in harmony. After the Spanish Revolt of the 17th Century they
added the more war like Tewas to their villages. The Spanish, besides war,
brought new resources, horses, metal tools, sheep, etc., but also attempted
to conquer and control the Hopi. After the Civil War the Anglo-Americans
invaded and attempted to proseletize, educate and control them. Thru
centuries of these exteme external pressures the Hopi have survived and
adapted. The 20th Century brought paved roads, tourism and the irresistable
lure of the outside world. They slowly and cautiously became part of the
modern world.
When WWII started, they understood the threat of the AXIS powers to the
world. 10 young men from their isolated Hopi world made the difficult decision
to go against their peaceful ways and together they volunteered to fight for
their new country and the future of the free world. They used their language
to confound the enemy and help our soldiers pass coded messages. When the
war was over they returned to their villages were ritually cleansed, given new
names and resumed their peaceful way of life.
These 10 Hopi grew up together, they all went to High School in Kyostmovi
which was the only secondary education available at the mesas. The school
went up to the 10th grade. 7 of them were Hopi and the other 3 were
descendants of the warriors who carried out the revolt against the Spanish.
The Tewas culturally were able to join the Armed Forces, but the 7 Hopi had
to cross strong cultural blocks to serve. All became brave, honorable soldiers.
3 served with the 5th Air Force (Army Air Corp); Sergeant Rex Pooyouma
"Sekyung'yum'tewa" - Corn Clan from Hotevilla Village, Corporal Orville
Wadsworth "Dawahoynewa" - Bear Clan, Shungapavi Village and Pvt. 1st
Class Percival Navenma "Masahoyiwa" - Tobacco/Rabbit Clan, Mishongnovi
Village. 7 were with the 81st Infantry Division; U.S. Army, Pvt. 1st Class
Charles T. Lomakema "Tawayawma" - Bear Strap Clan, Shungopavy Village,
Pvt. 1st Class Perry Honani "Wupatawa" - Water Clan, Shungopavy Village,
PIESTEWA CEREMONY HONORS FALLEN
by Jim Covarrubias, Arts Editor
Over a decade ago the Iraq War was exacting a
terrible toil on our country, troops were lost and the
first woman killed in a combat role SPC. Lori Piestewa
made international news when her convoy was
ambushed and she lost her life. She was an Arizonan,
a single mom, a Native-American, a Latina and she
became an icon of the poignant grief suffered by
families whose sons and daughters fall doing their
duty. Five of her fellow troopers were taken captive,
tortured and abused and threatened with execution.
Their dramatic rescue was played practically real time before our eyes! Much
to their chagrin all became the focus of national attention; Jessica Lynch,
Shoshana Johnson, Joe Hudson, Patrick Miller and Edgar Hernandez endured
this uncomfortable attention.
A memorial for Lori was arranged here in Phoenix at Patriot Park, a candle
light vigil to honor her and her fellow soldiers who died on that fateful day. Her
Uncle Ernesto Martinez oversaw the arrangements and Mary Jo West, the first
woman news anchor in Arizona graciously managed the program. Among the
attendees were Lori's fellow soldiers. For them is was especially difficult to share
their grief with strangers as many of these strangers felt compelled to share
these trying grievings. I was one of those strangers and I asked Ernesto if I
could accompany my friend, musician Keith Secola while he sang. I painted
while Keith sang. Somehow it felt appropriate to paint an allegory of Lori's
culture. When the entertainment was over we were given candles. We all stood
there in the center of Phoenix holding a light, a light that beaconed to all
Americans, "we will not forget your sacrifice, we will never forget". It felt right
and comforting to share our grief and strangers became family.
Now, after a decade of ceremonies, we continue to grieve and honor other
soldiers who have fallen for freedom. We continue to share with the grieving of
families, for Mother's who have sadly earned the Gold Star status. Some
families return year after year to offer solace and love to new grieving Mothers
and families suffering the loss of a son or daughter, though some choose to
avoid the public trauma altogether,
I am now a committee member, the artist who shares his art. I paint live at
the annual dinner and we raffle off my painting. This year a Gold Star Mother
won the painting. She was there for her first time and she thanked me saying,"
I don't know how to thank you...this means so much". Tears welled up in her
eyes and she couldn't continue. This is why the Piestewa family and committee
do this every year. Our Gold Star family sadly grows and these new grieving
families struggle to cope and understand their children's sacrifice. We will be
there for them, like the first year holding a light of love, of freedom.
The Tony F. Soza-Ray Martinez Post 41 and Piestewa Memorial Committee
will host the Fallen Heroes Benefit Fundraiser, 6-12 PM on October 17th. Post
41 is located at 715 South 2nd Avenue across from Grant Park. To help, please
send donations to: Piestewa Memorial Committee, c/o Ernest Martinez, 1932
E. Lamar Road., Phoenix, 602-312-8663.
SEE JIM COVARRUBIAS PAINT LIVE
Piestewa Fallen Heroes Benefit Dance
American Legion Post 41
Friday, Oct. 17, 2014, 6pm-midnight
715 S. 2nd Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona
www.azforpiestewa.com
HOPI CODE TALKER RECOGNITION CELEBRATION
PREPPER FEST
West World, Scottsdale
Saturday Oct. 25 & Sunday Oct. 26
WestWorld, 16601 N Pima Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
www.prepperfestaz.com
Technical 5 Franklin Shupla "Awiino" - Tobacco Clan, Tewa Village, Pvt. 1st
Class Travis S. Yaiva "Sikawistiwa" - Corn Clan, Moenkopi Village, Pvt. 1st
Class Frank C. Chapella "Tuukwavi" - Bear Clan, Bacavi Village, Pvt. 1st Class
Warren Kooyaqaptewa "Shuute" - Bear Clan, Tewa Village.
True to their solemn pledge of silence, none ever shared their war duty as
Code Talkers. In 2008 Congress awarded them their own Congressional
Medal. On one side there are two soldiers, one on a radio the other with
binoculars (spotter), above them is printed "Hopi Code Talkers" and below is
U.S. Army. A plane flies overhead in tribute to the 3 in the Army Air Force.
On the other side is the Hopi Circle of Life. Inside the circle are 4 quarters
demarked by crossed lines and in quarter is a small circle, bordering on either
side are corn plants with ears ready to be plucked. They're rooted in a small
mound with the words, "A CODE NEVER BROKEN" and "ACT OF CONGRESS
2008 WORLD WAR II" printed on this side.
I attended the Hopi Code Talkers Recognition Day Ceremony at Kykotsmovi
on April 23rd. It was titled; "Through Humble Duty and Sacrifice E'dah Lavay
E Da Muy Duwala". It's a beautiful drive to the mesas. Go north on state route
87 at Winslow, enjoying the scenery for the next hour. When you arrive at the
mesas there's a "T". Go left to Kykotsmovi. The winding road along the face of
the mesa had me considering and imagining the difficult life the Hopi's created
to live peaceably; how frugally they lived and how they cared and shared for
each other.
The ceremony was warm, sentimental and humorous, especially the
recollections of the elders trip to Washington! A delicious lunch was served
with the main entree being a traditional hominy stew. My dining companions
included members of Warren Kooya-quaptewa's family. He had 7 daughters
and 2 sons who now have many children and grandchildren. "Be sure and
tell everyone that our father was from Hano Village, that they all went to
Kykotsmovi High School together, played on the same basketball team and
rode the bus together".
The Hopi and Tewa have continued their Grandfathers' military traditions;
serving in the Korean War, Vietnam War and Gulf/Afghanistan Wars. Terry
Piestewa, Vietnam Veteran trained as a code talker in 1965 and served as a
radioman in Vietnam. He joked that occasionally he used Hopi on the radio
to see if another Hopi was listening, but there wasn't. The US military trained
other Native-Americans in the code, they were never used in Vietnam, but
they'll be there if and when they're called, like their Grandfathers -
"Kaheyatah" (Sacrifice for Freedom). "Kwakwey" to the Peaceful Ones
"Kwakwey" (Thank you).

Page 60
VETERANS MAKE YOUR VOICE COUNT — VOTE
Dear Fellow Veteran,
My name is Al Melvin and I am a retired Captain in
the US Naval Reserve. I also am an Arizona State
Senator and the Chairman of the Commerce, Energy
and Military committee at the Arizona Senate.
I am writing you to ask that you encourage all of
your veterans organization members to vote. As you
likely know, Arizona is home to a large concentration
of veterans, and our military bases remain critical cogs
in our state’s economy. If we veterans work and vote
together, we can ensure that Arizona is the most veteran-supportive state in
the country.
I am aware of the restrictions you face when discussing political topics, so
please be assured that I do not want you to advocate on behalf of any specific
candidate. The goal is to remind Arizona’s veterans of both the importance of
their vote and the great power we have when we speak with one voice.
Another great way to keep everyone informed and on the same page is to
read and support the ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINe. I think they do an excellent
job of serving the 700,000 veterans in Arizona. You can read all the issues at
www.azvetmag.com
Thank you for your continued service to our state and our nation!
Sincerely, Al Melvin, Arizona State Senator, Captain, Ret., US Navy Reserve
“Concerned Veterans for America fully supports President Obama’s decision
to accept Sec. Shinseki’s resignation. More importantly, we emphasize that it
doesn’t solve the widespread, systemic problems at the Department of
Veterans Affairs. In fact, this is only the beginning. We need both reforms and
a reformer, which is why it’s essential for Congress to pass systemic reforms
at VA in the coming weeks and months, bringing real accountability,
transparency, and choice to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The
government is failing our veterans; it’s time to get to work fixing VA.”
— Pete Hegseth, CEO of CVA
If you know of any able bodied man or woman who is out of work, please let
them know that every trucking company in Arizona is hiring drivers with
commercial drivers licences (CDL). It takes about 3 weeks and costs about
$3,000 to get a CDL. SWIFT & Knight have their own schools that you can
attend for free and then pay them back once you graduate. You can earn
$36,000 to $60,000 a year driving an 18 wheeler. If you are out of work please
look into this ongoing opportunity. — Arizona State Senator Al Melvin
I have been reading bios of Bob McDonald, and am very encouraged by his
background, which includes success in the business world leading a major
corporation, and a West Point graduate with five years of solid military service. The
changes that need to take place in the VA are on many levels, and must be lead by
someone with a history of success in leading a large, multi-faceted organization.
— Terry Araman
VETERANS FOR HIRE
HANDYMAN & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
SERVICES AVAILABLE
Landscaping • Home & Yard Clean Up / Haul Off
Interior/Exterior Painting • Moving Services
Most Construction Trades / Handyman Services and More!
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E
THE ORIGIN OF THE VA MOTTO
by Jerry Iannacci
Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address
As the nation braced itself for the final throes of the Civil
War, thousands of spectators gathered on a muddy
Pennsylvania Avenue near the U.S. Capitol to hear President
Lincoln’s second inaugural address. It was March 4, 1865,
a time of great uneasiness. In just over one month, the war
would end and the president would be assassinated.
President Lincoln framed his speech on the moral and
religious implications of the war; rhetorically questioning how a just God could
unleash such a terrible war upon the nation. “If we shall suppose that American
slavery is one of those offenses in the providence of God, and that He gives to
both North and South this terrible war as the woe due to those by whom the
offenses came.”
With its deep philosophical insights, critics have hailed the speech as one of
Lincoln’s best.
As the speech progressed, President Lincoln turned from the divisive
bitterness at the war’s roots to the unifying task of reconciliation and
reconstruction. In the speech’s final paragraph, the president delivered his
prescription for the nation’s recovery:
“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as
God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to
bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle
and for his widow, and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a
just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”
With the words, “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his
widow, and his orphan,” President Lincoln affirmed the government’s obligation
to care for those injured during the war and to provide for the families of those
who perished on the battlefield.
Today, a pair of metal plaques bearing those words flank the entrance to the
Washington, D.C. headquarters of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA
is the federal agency responsible for serving the needs of veterans by providing
health care, disability compensation and rehabilitation, education assistance,
home loans, burial in a national cemetery, and other benefits and services.
Lincoln’s immortal words became the VA motto in 1959, when the plaques were
installed, and can be traced to Sumner G. Whittier, administrator of what was
then called the Veterans Administration.
A document on VA medical history prepared for the congressional Committee
on Veterans’ Affairs and titled, “To care for him who shall have borne the battle,”
details how the words became VA’s motto. “He (Whittier) worked no employee
longer or harder than himself to make his personal credo the mission of the
agency. What was that credo Simply the words of Abraham Lincoln, to care
for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan. To
indicate the mission of his agency’s employees, Mr. Whittier had plaques
installed on either side of the main entrance.”
President Lincoln’s words have stood the test of time, and stand today as a
solemn reminder of VA’s commitment to care for those injured in our nation’s
defense and the families of those killed in its service.
The Vetraplex crew of veterans
Hire A Vet". I did. I called, Gary Rideout who has a business of
about 15 veterans who provide all sorts of handyman services at
$25 an hour — $20 an hour for veterans. I now have a cement slab
at the back door. We like it very much. I'll keep them busy for a
while. We need some yard work done. We are impressed. — Eva
WE HAVE VETERANS ALL OVER ARIZONA
HANDYMAN & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
HIRE A VETERAN — Call Gary Rideout
US Marine Corps Veteran
928-284-2022
Hourly or Per Project Price Quotes
Licensed and Insured ROC289693

A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E Page 61
Fry's Food Stores donates food for 100 Club fundraiser to support the families
of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
Jim Covarrubias is working with Fry's Food Stores and the 100 Club to honor
the memory of the fallen heroes with a painting presented to the family. The
Tolleson Fire Department showed up to thank the various members of the
community for the support. Arizona Veterans Magazine is proud to help bring
these wonderful community partners together to better serve the community.
Interesting to note is that the law enforcement industry is the largest employer
of veterans in the State of Arizona.
Fry's Food Stores has a long history of support for veterans, law enforcement
and firefighters in Arizona. www.frysfood.com
The Phoenix VA Mental Health Advocacy Council
meets monthly at the VA Medical Center in Phoenix.
www.facebook.com/phoenix-va-mental-health-advocacy-council
l-r: David Tolliver, US
Vets graduate along with
Phoenix Mayor Stanton.

Jerry Iannacci, the CEO of Operation American Patriot
was the guest of the Terri Gilbert show broadcasting
locally at KFYI Talk radio which is also nationally
syndicated. Jerry announced a partnership between
Banner Health, Tricare, the VA and Operation American
Patriot to develop a program to assist in resolving the VA
Health Administrations backlog. Jerry announced some of
the immediate actions that will go live Monday to deal with
the medical backlogs in Arizona. This project, which is
starting here in the Phoenix area, will be used as an
example to help resolve the backlog problems nationally.
Jerry has been the facilitator on a solutions crisis team for
the VA tragedy in Arizona. The show aired on June 14th.
Listen at www.kfyi.com/media/podcast-the-terry-gilbergshow-terrygilberg/614-terry-gilberg-show-24902748.
“I completely understand the anger — no, rage — of
Iraq veterans given the recent chaos in the country for
which they risked their lives. Many of us Vietnam
veterans having been living with the same sense of
outrage since coming home from that war. America, it's
time to listen to our veterans who risk their lives in
conflicts orchestrated by the economic and politically
powerful class in this country.” — Terry Araman
“So greatful to the MSVA for helping me through my
service connected disability this time last year and that I
wasn't out in this cold or going hungry. Ironically I stood
outside in the cold just to remind myself how terrible
things were or could be, and where I came from. The
MSVA saved my life. There's no safer place for veteran's
who are in a bad place in their lives.’ — Jason Lozinski
RUBEN GALLEGO
THE AMERICAN DREAM
by Ruben Gallego
Growing up the
way I did, there is
no reason anyone
would have
believed I’d end up
where I am now.
Tuesday night
also would not have been possible
without the women who raised me
and continued to shape me. My mom,
my sisters and my wife Kate are more
responsible for any success I’ve had
than I am.
I also know election night wouldn’t
have been possible without you. I
came to Arizona for the first time less
than 10 years ago. I had just gotten
home from Iraq, I didn’t have a job and
I was struggling to get care at the
Phoenix VA for a knee I’d badly injured
in Iraq in a non-combat incident.
This community welcomed me,
invested in me, mentored me and has
worked with me to advance
progressive issues and push our state
in a new direction. We built a very
diverse coalition of unions,
environmental groups, community
leaders, veterans’ organizations and
progressive groups, as well as Planned
Parenthood and many others.
We assembled an army of young
organizers willing to hit the doors
every day during the hot summer —
many of whom were engaging in the
political process for the first time.
And thanks to many of you, we
were able to finance the campaign
through small-dollar and grassroots
donations so we didn’t have to rely on
corporations to fund our campaign.
Campaigns are hard and can be
nasty, but I want to thank Mary Rose
Wilcox for her years of service to this
community. She worked to get kids of
the street with her midnight
basketball program and has worked
to revitalize the Grant Park
neighborhood. Those are laudable
accomplishments that I know this
community won’t forget.
I also want to thank Ed Pastor for
all of his work for this community.
We wouldn’t have light rail without
Ed Pastor and his influence will be
felt for years to come.
We’re going to get back to work
soon — and I’ll be providing details in
the coming days on how we’re going
to use this organization to help elect
Democrats statewide since I don’t
have a general election. But for now,
I just wanted to say thanks.
This was an incredible experience,
and one that I hope will mark a sea
change in Democratic politics in
Arizona. We’re going to continue to
dream big and do all we can to be team
players in turning this state blue.
Now it’s time to go make good on
those promises.
SENIORS & VETERANS TARGETED FOR FINANCIAL FRAUD
by Felecia Rotellini
As the saying goes, if it sounds to good to be true, it
usually is. That is why we need to educate Arizonans to
keep them safe and away from the reach of scam artists.
As a former Assistant Attorney General for Arizona
and Superintendent of the Arizona Department of
Financial Institutions, I have investigated and
prosecuted dozens of perpetrators of financial fraud.
Government prosecution sends a message that fraud
will not be tolerated in our state. But, we must also
remain vigilant in preventing these crimes from happening at all. In too many
instances criminals are caught, but the damage is already done, with little
opportunity for victims to recover.
Recently, a close friend of mine lost her mother and, soon after her death
learned that her mother had been victimized by swindlers. The scammers
convinced her elderly mother that she was part of an FBI sting operation and
that she had to provide cash to the scam artists so the FBI could eventually
arrest them, leaving her mother a hero. Through telephone conversations, this
courageous, but deceived woman, agreed to wire tens of thousands of dollars
to off-shore accounts, believing she would eventually get her money back.
Unfortunately, her mother instructed her financial advisor not to tell her
daughter she was taking money out of her investment accounts. The
investment advisor complied. My friend found her mother’s journal, which
documented the conversations and transactions. The last entry in the journal
said, “I think this is a fraud”. My friend is not alone. In 2012, more than a
fourth of all fraud complaints came from people over 60.
Prosecution is not enough. consumer education is imperative. Educating
our seniors and their family members is the most effective way to avoid these
heartbreaking situations. We need to make sure our seniors have a trusted
family member, attorney, or accountant in whom they can confide regarding
financial matters. Through education, open communication, and meaningful
law enforcement, we can help our seniors feel safe and in control, enjoying
their retirement with confidence and dignity.
Felecia Rotellini served in the Arizona Attorney General office from 1992 till
2005 and served as the Superintendent of the Arizona Department of Financial
Institutions from 2006 to 2009. She is a candidate for Arizona Attorney General
in 2014. To learn more about Felecia Rotellini and her plans to protect
consumers, visit www.FeleciaForArizona.com.

A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E Page 63
VIETNAM VETERAN COMMEMORATIVE DINNER.
The Sun Cities Youngtown Special Activities Center partnered with the Sun City
Elks. The gentlemen in red are representatives of the Elks lodge. The SCYSAC
assists developmentally disabled residents in the NW valley. They put together
and donated hygiene kits to veterans at The MANA House.
“This group does so much for the veterans shelters, they are great people.”
— Joe Tassinari
US Army veteran David Lucier, US Marine Corps veteran & Congressman-Elect
Ruben Gallego, US Navy veteran Terry Goddard and US Army veteran Corey
Harris are seen here at the Vietnam veteran commemorative dinner.

CRISIS AT THE VA IS OLD NEWS
by David Lucier
The big news these days is the havoc in Iraq; the
news is filled with stories of veterans who fought that
war and now watching Iraq come apart at the seams.
The second story is how badly the VA is failing
veterans.
What seems to be big news for many is very old
news for others. I turned 21 on the Ho Chi Minh
trail, crossed the border into Iraq when I was 55 and
returned home from Afghanistan when I was 60.
In 1975, 2,700,000 Vietnam veterans watched on TV as tanks rolled
into Saigon. In 2014, I am watching the disintegration of a country
on TV, the internet, and on social media.
As Iraq crumbles into a sectarian bloodbath, the pain and
frustration in the voices of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans
across the country is loud and clear. For a Vietnam veteran, the
perspective is, “Been there, done that”.
Homelessness among Vietnam veterans is epidemic and has been
for almost 50 years. Today, Americans are just waking up to the fact
that our recent crop of newly minted veterans are “at risk of being
homeless.” For a Vietnam veteran, the perspective is, “Been there,
done that”.
Crisis at the VA is, again, old news. It dates back 45 years and the
American public seemed to think that today’s crisis is somehow
something new, it’s not. In fact, the crisis in the 1970’s makes this
crisis look like a call for “a cleanup in aisle 5”. For a Vietnam veteran,
the perspective is, “Been there, done that”.
Let’s put it in perspective: over 58,000 US Service members were
killed in Vietnam and over 300,000 were wounded (physically) and
about 6,800 have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan and about
52,000 wounded.
From Vietnam to Afghanistan, veterans have long been met with,
“Thanks for your service” or “Welcome home.” For a Vietnam veteran,
the perspective is, “Been there, done that”.
There is one thing all veterans need today and it’s not more lip
service. It’s called “investment”. Veterans need investment because of
our country’s failures in the past and investment in success for the
future. We need investment in reform, in process, in capacity, in
education, in jobs and in wellness.
I only hope that one day, as a veteran, I can say we finally got the
investment needed and then say proudly, “Been there, done that.”
by Corey Harris
There are no Americans who
invest more in their homes,
their communities, and their
nation than veterans,
firefighters, and law
enforcement officers.
I challenge anyone to give a
compelling reason why that
statement isn’t true.
Whether or not any of those who have served
in uniform have been in combat or deployed to a
foreign land, we all chose a career where it was
possible we would give our lives for our nation.
There are very few groups that are more highly
impacted by legislation from the national to the
local level than veterans, so it is baffling to me
when I hear a veteran tell me they aren’t civically
engaged. I am appalled that they are not
volunteering for a cause, that they don’t watch
the news, or worst of all, that they don’t vote.
What were we fighting for then We are at a
critical juncture for all the servicemembers
transitioning to civilian life. The choices we make
in the remaining years of this decade will be
responsible for deciding if our veterans are a key
part of building the next greatest generation or
are wrongly cast aside as they were during the
70’s. I know we all have our reasons for civic
disengagement, but I am writing this to tell you
the time for it is over.
THE VETERANS’ CULTURE
Service members have a long tradition of being
suspicious of the government that sends them to
war. As a military culture, we also value not
being involved in partisan politics because
civilian leadership is preferable. We don’t ever
want to have the military run the government. It’s
not very conducive to a healthy democracy. But
veterans who have left the service have no such
conflict of interest. Unfortunately we carry that
important piece of our shared culture into our
civilian lives.
WHY WE SHOULD ENGAGE
I used to work for Congressman Harry Mitchell
as his Veterans Outreach Coordinator. I also
worked on his campaign for re-election. We would
call “likely undecided” voters. I’m sure you’ve all
received these calls right in the middle of dinner.
Our goal was to tell Harry’s story, talk about
what he had accomplished, and get those voters
to verbally commit to voting for him. During
those calls, we found something incredible. The
average volunteer caller would be able to
convince 1 in 10 “undecided voters” to support
Harry. When the volunteer identified themselves
as a teacher, that positive response went up to 3
in 10 conversions. Veterans, who self-identified,
converted five in ten…that’s every other
“undecided voter” said they would vote for
Congressman Mitchell when they heard a veteran
talk about what Harry had accomplished for his
constituents.
Think about that. This is an amazing statistic
that reflects our perception in the community as
credible, civic opinion makers. To be clear, I am
not advocating for anyone to choose my side of
the political fence (at least, not in this article).
Like all of us, I have my biases and work to
convince others of its value, but this article is not
about winning a philosophical debate to decide
what direction our nation should be heading.
The point of the discourse is to choose a
direction and to do something about it. Be
invested in its growth and its forward
momentum.
We, as a community of veterans, need to get in
the game and pick a side…or go ahead and create
a new side.
BUT PLEASE, BE INFORMED
Like my father always said to me, and most of
your fathers probably said to you, “Measure
twice, and cut once.” I would extend that advice,
“Think twice, and speak once.
With the added weight of our words as opinion
leaders, we owe it to the people who look to us for
civic wisdom to be educated on the issues we are
addressing. I urge us all to never take political
arguments at face value. If something sounds
crazy, look it up on a credible fact checking
resource or pull news from multiple media
sources with multiple points of view. With so
many news options today, it is too easy to stay in
our own political and ideological foxhole, never
challenging our own assumptions about how the
world works or who is on our side.
Having lived in this world of “spin and
messaging”, I can assure you the facts are almost
always more complex than the sound-bites you
hear on the 5 o’clock news or see in the headline
of the email your crazy uncle sent you. As human
beings, we tend to believe the messages that are
consistent with our own world-view and doubt any
truths that may exist in an opposing world-view.
Thomas Jefferson is credited with saying “An
educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival
as a free people.” According to the official Thomas
Jefferson Foundation’s historical website
monticello.org he never uttered nor wrote those words.
PHONE SCAMMERS TARGET INJURED VETERANS
by Reverend Austin Miles
The most shameless marketing scheme of all time, driven by people
with no conscience whatsoever, targets injured veterans as they try to
make an appointment to see their doctors at VA health clinics.
Somehow they have hacked the VA health care phone system as
discovered this morning when an attempt was made to make an
appointment in the Martinez VA Clinic.
After the government number was dialed, a greeting came on
sounding like the VA but a bit different as the operator told the caller
if he was over 56 to press the #1 button. This was done.
Next the operator said that this veteran was ‘qualified’ to get a free health alert system, with
buttons to press if accepted or rejected. It was rejected. You can bet there would be money
required for 'processing.'
Next the operator stated that I qualified for a $100 gift card for Walmart, and some other
stores. To receive it, I must pay a small amount and should give my credit card number. Sure!
When this veteran pushed the rejection number, the operator stated with hostility: “Please
hang up the phone!” Then I was cut off, meaning I had to start all over.
Furious, I called the VA number again, this time reached the legitimate operator and
reported this scam before making the appointment needed. The operator said she would report
this to her supervisor immediately and was quick to say that this was NOT the VA's message.
The idea of the scam was to get the veteran's credit card number which could be used tor
identify theft and for charging other merchandise to it.
VETERANS BEWARE! HANG UP IMMEDIATELY WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THEN NOTIFY THE
VA. If possible record the message when it comes up at the beginning of a call. Nobody could
be lower than those who would try to scam wounded warriors.
SOUTHWEST GAS EMPLOYEES SUPPORT MAM
MAM raises $90,000 for military
THE VETERAN’S INVESTMENT IN AMERICA
Dbacks & Sanderson
Ford give to MAM
The point is valid though. We need to be
involved and informed. But the second point is
almost more important; we must make a habit
out of refusing to accept policy at face value.
Dissension is a national virtue. Supporting a
party or individual without a critical eye to what
you are supporting is down-right un-American.
Accountability is for everyone
Finally, hold our elected officials accountable.
We all know they love to tout their support of
veterans, but, there is a very relevant flip side to
that coin because the last thing they want is a
group of angry veterans telling the public that
they haven’t done enough, or worse, they have
worked at cross-purposes for our well-being.
Write a letter to them and send a copy to the
Arizona Republic and the ARIZONA VETERANS
MAGAZINE. When they do keep their promises to
us and vote in our interest, stand with them.
There are a whole host of issues we need our
legislators to support us on that are specific to
the veteran community. At the state level, where
do candidates stand on a veteran hiring tax
credit Ask them if they will fund our State
Housing Trust Fund which is responsible for
funding facilities for homeless veterans. How are
they helping our veteran students graduate and
get a good job Ask our federally elected officials
directly about our broken VA system and what
votes they have made to support real change
How many more cuts are there going to be to our
retirements and benefits We don’t have a big pile
of cash to give them, but what we do have is the
weight of our words, our civic credibility as
veterans. They won’t help us if you don’t tell them
what we need.
If you want to be more involved, contact me at
armyharris@gmail.com.
I commit to being as unbiased as possible when
directing you to an organization, campaign or
cause. But whatever you do, be involved, be
informed. We were literally built on the precept
that this is our nation. Our elected officials will
be responsive if we are loud enough. Make your
voice heard. Engage in our community’s dialogue
as to our future. No matter your point of view or
party, our future will be richer for having heard
the collective voices of our veterans.
No single person has earned the right to have
their voices recorded for posterity, to have their
words indelibly etched on the parchment of our
nation’s ever-evolving dialogue, or permanently
engraved into the bedrock of our democracy more
than you, the few who were willing to die for it.

THE STEVE COOPER STORY
NEVER
QUIT!
STEVE COOPER BATTLES CANCER
WITH UNIMAGINABLE DETERMINATION
Arizona
is Home
1983
California
Steve & Lexi Cooper
I believe I can fly
What determination looks like
Steve Cooper runs, bikes, swims, fights cancer,
loves his dog, loves his girlfriend, loves his life and wants to live.
Served in the US Army
What love looks like
What fun looks like
What happiness looks like What love looks like What loss looks like
VETERANS
10%
DISCOUNT
VETERANS AND MILITARY
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
10% DISCOUNT
for Boat Club membership
and boat and jet ski daily rentals.

Page 66
GREAT ITALIAN FOOD IN ARIZONA
PULLANOS ITALIAN RESTAURANT — GLENDALE
13848 North 51st Avenue, Glendale / www.Pullanos.com / 602-978-1234
Smokn Joe Tassarani
gets his hair done.
VEAL CUTLET PARMIGIANA —
Breaded Veal topped With
Marinara Sauce, Romano and
Melted Provolone Cheese. Served
With Spaghetti.
Smokn Joe Tassarani introduced me to this
wonderful restaurant. I had the outstanding
homemade veal parmigiana and Smokn Joe
had the white baked ziti. The food reminded
me of my childhood in Brooklyn, New York.
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E
RESTAURANT REVIEWS
GREAT THAI FOOD IN ARIZONA
MALEE'S ON MAIN STREET — SCOTTSDALE
7131 E Main St, Scottsdale / www.maleesonmain.com / 480-947-6042
The best peanut curry with chicken, beef or pork served with Pad Thai.
Explosive flavors.
PEANUT CURRY W/CHICKEN
— Creamy rich peanut curry, served
over freshly steamed julienne green
beans.
WHITE BAKED ZITI — Ziti With Alfredo
Sauce, Grilled Chicken Or Shrimp,
Mushrooms, Ricotta, Romano And
Mozzarella Cheese. Topped With
Melted Provolone Cheese.
WINNER TV CHANNEL 3
BEST MOM & POP
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
PAD THAI NOODLES
— Rice noodles, chicken, shrimp, bean
sprouts and egg in sweet paprika
vinaigrette. Topped with crushed
peanuts, green onion and a lime wedge.
GREAT NACHOS IN ARIZONA
TEE PEE MEXICAN RESTAURANT
4144 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix,
www.teepeemexicanfood.com
The Tee Pee Mexican Restaurant
has been around for nearly 40 years
and is recognized as one of the Best
Mexican Restaurants in Arizona.
I CAN FLY

MADISON STREET VETERANS ASSOCIATION
Veterans Helping Veterans
www.MadisonStreetVeterans.org
A Non-Profit Organization
“Thank you for all the
community support. Your help
has allowed us to assist over
500 veterans find housing and
employment. We need your
help to support the women
homeless veterans section.”
— Terry Araman, Director
$ 2 5 , 0 0 0
N E E D E D
TO RE-OPEN THE
WOMEN HOMELESS VETERANS
SECTION AT THE MANA HOUSE
To make a donation, send check to:
The MANA House, Attn: Terry Araman
755 E. Willetta St., Phoenix, AZ 85006
or call Terry at 602-525-4456

U.S.VETS NEWSLETTER
There have been many new and exciting changes
within U.S.VETS-Phoenix in this past couple of years,
and I would like to briefly describe how our services
have expanded to continue to meet the needs of the
veterans we serve. In July of 2012 U.S.VETS-Phoenix
consisted of 1 site that housed 70 homeless veterans,
and provided them with the case management,
counseling, and workforce training necessary for
stabile permanent housing.
To date, 75% of all veterans will leave that program
with stabile permanent housing. In that same year
renovations were completed at a new facility on the
West side of town called Grand Veterans Village, which
is a permanent supportive housing facility that now
houses 131 veterans daily. U.S.VETS-Phoenix
expanded their operations in December of 2012 to the
Garfield Commons located off of the I-10 and 16th
street, providing one bedroom apartments to 50
veterans who would eventually be able to increase their
income and take over the apartment in their name.
In October of 2013 U.S.VETS began operating a
new Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF),
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E Page 69
REFLECTING ON THE PAST TWO YEARS AT U.S.VETS - PHOENIX
which provided services to over 600 veteran
households, and over $400,000 to prevent eviction of
veterans from their home, or rapidly rehouse them in
a new home if they were experiencing the crisis of
homelessness. That grant was renewed for the 2014-
2015 program year and will also serve a minimum of
400 Veteran households at a new location 3507 North
Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012. The Call of Duty
Foundation awarded U.S.VETS with a grant called
Community Development Initiative in 2014. The
purpose of this grant is to link active duty military
and veterans to meaningful and sustainable career
jobs. It is a combination of service provision, and
acting as a liaison with employers and qualified
veteran applicants. U.S.VETS-Phoenix has grown to
over 35 staff members, and has pulled administrative
staff together in a new location U.S.VETS-Phoenix
Central Offices, located at 3001 W. Indian School Rd.,
Phoenix, AZ 85017.
U.S.VETS-Phoenix cultivates their experiences
working with veterans and uses current trends and
practices to inform the community about veteran
specific needs.
Executive Director, John
F. Scott II has been
appointed by Governor Jan
Brewer to serve on the
Arizona Veterans Services
Advisory Commission, and has been appointed by Mayor
Greg Stanton for the Phoenix Military Veterans Affairs
Commission. In addition Mr. Scott serves on the Tempe
Military Veterans Workgroup, Executive StandDown
Committee, and speaks at conferences such at the
Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness Annual
Conference.
In all U.S.VETS houses 261 veterans daily, provides
preventative and acute housing subsidy to over 400
veteran households. Through outreach efforts,
U.S.VETS will touch the lives of nearly 1500 veterans
throughout the fiscal year. But our work will not be
done, until we have worked ourselves out of a job. If
you are interested in touring the facilities to learn
more about U.S.VETS, contact John F. Scott II,
Executive Director at jscott@usvetsinc.org.
U.S.VETS Helps Veterans Households Through
Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing
Supportive Service for Veteran Families (SSVF) is a grant program operated
by U.S.VETS that helps low income veteran households find affordable
housing, or provides assistance to help them stay in their current home.
The SSVF program focuses on homeless prevention and housing stability, as well
as rapid re-housing of homeless veteran households. The program offers case
management services, rental assistance and deposit, utility assistance and deposit,
transportation in the form of bus passes, legal assistance, and moving costs.
U.S.VETS-Phoenix is offering sponsorship of the rooms located at Grand Avenue. For $2000.00 you, your company, or
veterans organization can sponsor a room which in turn is used for activities, upkeep, and services for the 131 veterans that
reside at Grand Veterans Village.
TOYOTA DONATES TRUCK
The City of Glendale Mayor Jerry
Weiers and U.S.VETS Director
and US Marine veteran John F.
Scott II at the dedication ceremony
of the U.S.VETS Grand Veterans
Village. These four locations in
Arizona house 260 veterans daily,
and provide support to over 1000
veterans annually. More info at:
www.usvetsinc.org/phoenix
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
U.S.VETS won an online national poll
sponsored by Toyota that awarded a free
vehicle to 100 different non-profit
organizations throughout the United
States. The poll was held on one day last
fall and U.S.VETS was up against four
other non-profit organizations.
Many members of the Arizona
community came out and voted for
U.S.VETS. As John Scott, Director of U.S.VETS in Phoenix said, “this truck will
help us serve homeless veterans all over Arizona. Our first mission will be to deliver
water to the homeless living on the street in Phoenix.”
The truck is fully loaded and worth nearly $50,000. The truck was presented to
U.S.VETS by John O'Malley, General Manager of Camelback Toyota who stated,
“that it is with great pleasure to help support veterans in Arizona.”
John F. Scott II, MSW
Executive Director
jscott@usvetsinc.org
U.S.VETS
Phoenix
804 E. Jones Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85040
602-305-8585
Post 619
YOUR DONATIONS HELP VETERANS IN ARIZONA
U.S.VETS
Grand Veterans Village
3400 NW Grand Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85017
602-264-9164
U.S.VETS
Transition in Place Program
1110 N. 16th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85006
602-677-5902
U.S.Vets welcomes support and donations to help them serve veterans in Arizona.
U.S.Vets is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible.
U.S.VETS
SSVF Program
3507 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
602-266-4673

NAVY SEABEES OF AMERICA NEWSLETTER
WITH COMPASSION FOR OTHERS — WE BUILD, WE FIGHT FOR PEACE WITH FREEDOM
Seabees: “The difficult we do at once, the impossible takes a little longer. Miracles are by appointment only.
US NAVY SEABEES
BUILDING A COMMUNITY — BUILDING A COUNTRY
US Naval Construction Force SEABEES - We Build, We Fight, Can Do.
1st row (l-r) John O’Brien, Bill Smith, William McMahon, Eugene Smith, Alex Bopp, Paul Otte, John Laskowski;
2nd row (l-r) Larry Bagley, Tom Havican, Walter Gilbertson, Richard Allart, Owen Kirkley, Stanley Pekarski, Charlie Sing;
3rd row (l-r) Tim Allen, James Brandon, National Commander Jerry Landcastle, Bob Scheider, Larry Heger, Vince Heart,
Dennis Martinez, Nicholas Roberts. www.seabee.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/nsvaislandx5arizona
OFFICERS ISLAND X-5
Commander Richard Allart / 623-214-9295 / ktylvsbridge@gmail.com
Vice Commander Stanley Pekarski / 623-476-5661
Secretary / Treasurer / Editor John O’Brien 623-974-9891 Johnob48@centurylink.net
UPCOMING EVENTS
NAVY BALL — Oct 11, 2014
ANTHEM VETERANS DAY PARADE — Nov 8th 2014
MARINE CORPS 239TH BIRTHDAY BALL — Nov 10, 2014
CHRISTMAS BRUNCH — December 20, 2014
PEARL HARBOR DAY AND PARADE — December 7, 2014
NAVY SVA WEB SITES
Navy Seabee Veterans of America www.nsva.org
Island X-5 West Valley www.nsva.org/islandx5az.htm
Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association www.seabee.org
Arizona Department of Veterans Services www.dvs.az.gov
SEABEE CHAPTERS IN ARIZONA
WEST VALLEY - X-5 — 623-974-8791
LOCATION — Five & Diner Restaurant
11340 W. Bell Road, Surprise, Arizona 85378
DAY & TIME — 4th Saturday of the month — 8am
OTHER SEABEE CHAPTERS IN ARIZONA
SCOTTSDALE - X-4 — 480-452-1828
TUCSON - X-3 — 520-906-1646
TUCSON - X-7 — 520-790-6084
CALL FOR MEETING TIMES & LOCATIONS
The US Navy Civil Engineer Corps
SEABEES served in these jobs:
Builder, Construction Electrician,
Construction Mechanic,
Engineering, Equipment
Operator, Steelworker
& Utilitiesman.
SEABEE POEM
Do I Hear an Amen — by John O’Brien
We made amphibious landings and unloaded the ships,
Our weapons were many that we drew from our kits,
There were hammers and rifles and magazine clips,
So we could level a mountain and build an air strip.
The equipment we drove was gigantic and green,
We learned how to master these Seabee machines,
With sky hooks and cranes we’d set all the beams,
Then it would be steak and beer for the Seabee teams,
We built bridges and roads from a deepwater port,
We appropriated materials and never got caught,
That’s what Seabees do, that’s how we were taught,
We built for the fighters and sometimes we fought.
We sent electricity through wires and water through pipes,
And after a 12 hour shift, sometimes we’d gripe,
But we did it in Seabee style, with our entire might,
With compassion for others, “We Build We Fight.”
Wars are brutal; we can’t wait till they end,
Then there’s always another around the next bend,
In the case of Iraq, should we do it again
Will the VA give us all the treatments to mend
Only if our leader would see the light, do I hear an Amen
Thank you John McCain
for your service.
John O’Brien (pictured left) is the father
of the Freedom Rose. He is seen here
giving a Freedom Rose to US Senator
John McCain, and has given out over
5000 Freedom Roses to veterans all over
Arizona to thank them for their service.
Thank you John O’Brien for your service.
ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED BY NAVY SEABEE ISLAND X5
Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association Inc., CEC/Seabee Historical
Foundation, Seabee Museum, Port Hueneme, CA, Seabee Memorial
Monument, National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, Arizona Veterans
Hall of Fame Society, Paralyzed Veterans of America, The Salvation
Army Disaster Relief, Honor Flight Arizona, 100 Club of Arizona,
Yarnell 19 Fire Fighters, USS Arizona Memorial, Luke Air Base,
VFW Nicky Bacon Post 285 Surprise, The American Legion John J.
Morris Post 62, Peoria, Arizona Department of Veterans Services,
Seabee Reunions, Crown Plaza Hotel Phoenix, Marine Corps League
Surprise #1246 White Tank Mountain Detachment, VA Medical Center
and Northwest Clinic, Navy Sea Cadets, Navy Ball 2014, Northwest
Valley Veterans Association & ARIZONA VETERANS MAGAZINE.
These Sponsors Help the SEABEES Build a Community
Individual, community & corporate support is welcomed

Page 71
GUNS USED IN SELF-DEFENSE
A Valley man died recently after he allegedly broke into
a Phoenix residence and was shot by the homeowner. A Phoenix
police spokesperson stated that a man returned to his home in west
Phoenix to discover that his carport door was open. The homeowner
entered through his front door and discovered that his house had been
ransacked.
As he entered the house, two suspects ran out the carport door. Two more
suspects then ran from the bedroom area of the home, with one of the men,
later identified as a Phoenix resident, reportedly running at the homeowner.
The homeowner was carrying a handgun at the time and shot the assailant
with one round.
The police were called to the home and the suspect was taken to the hospital
where he eventually died. Police investigated the case, but said it appeared as
if the homeowner was acting in self-defense. No charges were filed. The three
other suspects in the case are being sought.
MILITARY UPGRADE REQUESTS FOR PTSD
As many as 80,000 veterans who suffered from post-traumatic stress and
received other-than-honorable discharges can use evidence of their PTSD to
petition service boards to upgrade the bad paper discharge. Defense Secretary
Chuck Hagel directed that boards for correction of military records or naval
records begin to "fully and carefully consider every petition based on PTSD
brought by each veteran."
His recent memo gives Army, Navy and Air Force secretaries “supplemental
guidance” that boards are to use when petitioners seek discharge upgrades
claiming that unrecognized post-traumatic stress disorder caused the
misbehavior that led to Other Than Honorable discharge.
OPERATION AMERICAN PATRIOT OPENS MESA OFFICE
Operation American Patriot opened an office near the Banner Mesa Medical
Center (near Country Club and Brown in Mesa AZ) in August 2014. They are
looking for volunteers to assist in a variety of positions at both the new Mesa
and in Sun City (107th Ave/ North of Peoria) locations. Positions range from
receptionists: answering phones, greeting customers to veteran’s advocates
to assisting in a variety of roles when on a scheduled basis or in an ad hoc
basis. Volunteers will need to be able to pass a background check and be
willing to apply as a Banner Health System volunteer. Contact Al Morton M-
TH 8AM-2PM at the Sun City OAP office or email Bob Dalpe at
bobdalpe@yahoo.com or www.operationamericanpatriot.org/support
WOUNDED WARIOR SOFTBALL GAME — NOV 8
OAP and the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team are organizing a
benefit softball game. See everyone at Salt River Fields on November 8, 2014
for the WeSalute event to benefit local Phoenix valley veterans and the
Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team. They will specifically be honoring
the WWII veterans and playing a celebrity softball game against the Wounded
Warrior Amputee Softball Team. www.wesalute.net
CHARITY PROVIDES FREE TRANSPORT FOR VETERANS
Charity transportation provides free transportation for veterans to
appointments, shelters, and job interviews. Call them 72 hours in advance to
schedule your transportation needs. 602-904-5363.
by Michael Focareto
An Air Force wife was giving a
presentation at Luke Air Force Base
in Glendale, Arizona, to local
community leaders. She described
the difficulties of raising a family
with the financial and emotional
stresses that come along with being
a military family. She noted a few
things that get her family through
the day. One was Vet Tix. Her
family has something to look
forward to — opportunities to enjoy
events together that they otherwise
would not have access to on their
own. Thanks to Vet Tix, she and her
husband are even able to have “date
nights.” These simple opportunities
are creating memories she and her
family will cherish.
Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet
Tix) is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit
foundation supporting our military
community. They work with many
professional sport teams within the
NHL, NFL, NBA, WNBA and MLB, in
addition to NASCAR, concert and
entertainment promoters to provide
free event tickets to currently
serving military, veterans and
family members. Where there are
empty seats, they seek to fill them.
They support all branches of the
U.S. military community, and since
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E
VET TIX PROVIDES FREE TICKETS FOR VETERANS
Insurance Services
Andy Dzurinko, CLU
US Army Veteran
Andy Dzurinko & Associates
2177 E. Warner Road, # 102
Tempe, Arizona 85284
480-921-9341
Toll free: 877-580-5556
Fax: 480-921-0533
A Veteran Owned Business
FIRST IN LAST OUT
Aaron Spaulding was born May 13th, 1977 at
Luke Air Force Base, Glendale, AZ, while his father
was aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. It had been a life
long dream of his to enlist into the Navy, as a Navy
Medical Corpsman. He enlisted and left for Boot
Camp 30 July 1999, and his first duty station was
with 1st Battalion 1st Marine Division (1/1) in July
2000. While with 1/1, he departed on the 15th
Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in July 2001.
Following 4 days of training in Darwin, Australia with
the Australian Army, the first day of liberty was cut
short by news of the attack in New York on Sep 11
2001. They boarded buses to return to their
prospective ships, and were then informed that they
were headed to war with terrorists who attacked the
United States. After a short Humanitarian mission in East Timor, they were
full speed North to Jacobabad, Pakistan awaiting orders from the President
to invade Afghanistan, to begin Operation Enduring Freedom. On November
25th, the Marines and Sailors of the 15th MEU (SOC) conducted an
amphibious assault over 400 miles into the land-locked country of
Afghanistan, becoming the first of U.S ground troops in the region. They set
new standards for Marine Corps Amphibious doctrine. Landing at a remote
airbase, 90 miles southwest of Kandahar, the Marines occupied Camp Rhino
that had been secured by the U.S. Army special forces, America's first
forward operating base while maintaining the first significant conventional
ground presence in Afghanistan. With very little resistance, the MEU set up
a fortified base, “Camp Rhino”, around an abandoned run-way just south of
Kandahar. The mission sealed off the city of Kandahar, cutting off incoming
supplies and escape routes. From November until the end of January, then
HN Spaulding resided in a large “fighting hole” in the dirt on the North end
of “Camp Rhino”, near the Entry Control Point (ECP), one of myriad number
of holes that surrounded the entire walled compound occupied by U.S.
Marines and Combat Navy Corpsmen. At its peak, the Camp contained about
1,100 U.S. Marines, under command of Brigadier General James Mattis, as
well as U.S. soldiers and sailors, Australian Special Air Service Regiment
(SASR), and dozens of embedded reporters. Only to discover the 1st Battalion
1st Marines would not be utilized in Tora Bora, at the base of the Himalayas,
they were then told to return to their respective ships, which were anchored
and awaiting their return, in the Arabian Sea.
Since his return from Afghanistan in 2002, he has also completed a two
successful combat deployments; one with 3rd Battalion 1st Marines, in
2003, during the Iraq Invasion (OIF I) and a very intense battle in Fallujah,
2005 to 2006, with 2nd Battalion 7th Marines.
And now, 13 years later, as the intention is to retrograde all personnel
and equipment out of Afghanistan, HM1 Spaulding returns with I MEF
(FWD), under the command of Brigadier General Yoo. It is such a substantial
honor to be part of the first group that was here as the war on terror kicked
off in 2001 and to be an active role in the end operations as units exit the
country. It is very historic, as he has 2 young boys, Jack and Wesley, who
may read about this event in their History books and know that he was a
part of it.
their start in 2008, they have
distributed over one million
(1,000,000) tickets in all 50 states
with the goal of improving mental
welfare and enriching the lives of
military service members and
veterans. They currently have over
197,000 verified Vet Tixers and
have enrolled over 12,000 new Vet
Tixers in the past 30 days, with that
number growing fast. Too many
veterans and service members
spend time in isolation. Vet Tix
aims to change that.
Donations and member info:
www.VetTix.org
Taxes & Accounting
Personal & Business
We Provide a Full Range of
Tax Preparation, Accounting
and Bookkeeping Services.
RAMSAY TANDAL
US Air Force Veteran
Empire Tax and Accounting
www.EmpireAccountants.com
rtandal@EmpireAccountants.com
480-209-4214
Free Consultation for Veterans
A Veteran Owned Business
Unified Arizona Veterans Keeps Name
With 37 votes cast, the Unified
Arizona Veterans organization voted 19
to 18 to NOT change organization
name to United Arizona Veterans. The
Unified Arizona Veterans is 33 years
old and is comprised of over 60
different veterans organizations and
advises state, federal and municipal
government agencies and leaders on
issues affecting veterans in Arizona.
The vote was cast at a recent monthly
Unified Arizona Veterans meeting at
the Arizona State Veteran Home in
Phoenix. The UAV meetings are open to
the public.
Military Enrollment Advisor — The
University of Phoenix is looking to
hire over 100 veterans, retirees and
spouses in the Phoenix metro area.
www.jobs-apollo.com
COMPUTER REPAIR
All Brands and Laptops
OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Virus, spamware, malware removal
Upgrade or reload operating system
Set up wireless and network for home and office
Hardware upgrade or replacement
Replace broken LCD screens
STEPHEN REMICK
US Army Veteran
623-332-8977
www.thesuperbargain.com
Thunderbird Marketplace
4255 W. Thunderbird Rd, Phoenix
Friday, Saturday & Sunday -10am to 6pm
Call for: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

4 CORNERS
HAVASU FALLS
GALÁPAGOS TORTOISE
GIANT FISH
200 lb Catfish
The only spot in the US
where 4 states meet.
One of Arizona’s most beautiful
locations at the bottom of the
Grand Canyon.
Galápagos giant tortoise can weigh
over 500 lbs and live to over
150 years.

y Tomas Young
I write this letter on the 10th anniversary of
the Iraq War on behalf of my fellow Iraq War
veterans. I write this letter on behalf of the
4,488 soldiers and Marines who died in Iraq. I
write this letter on behalf of the hundreds of
thousands of veterans who have been wounded
and on behalf of those whose wounds, physical
and psychological, have destroyed their lives. I
am one of those gravely wounded. I was
paralyzed in an insurgent ambush in 2004 in
Sadr City. My life is coming to an end. I am
living under hospice care.
I write this letter on behalf of husbands and
wives who have lost spouses, on behalf of
children who have lost a parent, on behalf of the
fathers and mothers who have lost sons and
daughters and on behalf of those who care for
the many thousands of my fellow veterans who
have brain injuries. I write this letter on behalf
of those veterans whose trauma and selfrevulsion
for what they have witnessed, endured
and done in Iraq have led to suicide and on
behalf of the active-duty soldiers and Marines
who commit, on average, a suicide a day. I write
this letter on behalf of the some 1 million Iraqi
dead and on behalf of the countless Iraqi
wounded. I write this letter on behalf of us all—
the human detritus your war has left behind,
those who will spend their lives in unending
pain and grief.
I write this letter, my last letter, to you, Mr.
Bush and Mr. Cheney. I write not because I
think you grasp the terrible human and moral
consequences of your lies, manipulation and
thirst for wealth and power. I write this letter
because, before my own death, I want to make
it clear that I, and hundreds of thousands of my
fellow veterans, along with millions of my fellow
citizens, along with hundreds of millions more
in Iraq and the Middle East, know fully who you
are and what you have done. You may evade
justice but in our eyes you are each guilty of
egregious war crimes, of plunder and, finally, of
murder, including the murder of thousands of
young Americans—my fellow veterans—whose
future you stole.
Your positions of authority, your millions of
dollars of personal wealth, your public relations
consultants, your privilege and your power
cannot mask the hollowness of your character.
by Rick Killion
Creating a baseball dynasty was
NOT something Larry Moore and
Alan Pease were planning when they
created American Legion Post 97 in
June of 2009. The two military
veterans had belonged to a Legion
post in Queen Creek but saw a
greater opportunity to serve the
youth of San Tan Valley by
organizing a bit further south in the
growing East Valley of the greater
Phoenix metro area.
“We wanted to create an
organization that focused on
programs, not another tavern where
veterans could sit around and drink and tell each
other stories,” recalls Moore, a former Marine who
served in Vietnam. “It was at the height of the
recession and many school districts were cutting
youth programs to make their budgets balance, so
we felt it would be a good time to launch Post 97
and reach out to young people.”
Without the logistical and budgetary demands
of a tavern, Post 97 and its related women’s
auxiliary was free to meet wherever it wanted, and
because Pease (a Cold Warrior who served in
Europe) and other members were attending a
small start-up Lutheran church just off Hunt
Highway, that seemed like a logical place for
monthly gatherings with the growing membership.
“There had been very little support for the
Legion’s Boys State program in Queen Creek,”
says Pease, who took over as Post 97 commander
when Moore moved up to serve as commander of
American Legion District 4 a couple years ago.
“After we got organized here, Boys State took off
and we launched other youth programs like
Scouting, fishing, oratorical contests, flag
etiquette, law enforcement career academy and
the Joe Foss Institute for patriotism
presentations at schools.”
While all those programs were enjoying some
success, it was the Legion baseball program that
A R I Z O N A V E T E R A N S M A G A Z I N E Page 73
LETTER TO GEORGE W. BUSH AND DICK CHENEY
You sent us to fight and die in Iraq after you,
Mr. Cheney, dodged the draft in Vietnam, and
you, Mr. Bush, went AWOL from your National
Guard unit. Your cowardice and selfishness
were established decades ago. You were not
willing to risk yourselves for our nation but you
sent hundreds of thousands of young men and
women to be sacrificed in a senseless war with
no more thought than it takes to put out the
garbage.
I joined the Army two days after the 9/11
attacks. I joined the Army because our country
had been attacked. I wanted to strike back at
those who had killed some 3,000 of my fellow
citizens. I did not join the Army to go to Iraq, a
country that had no part in the September
2001 attacks and did not pose a threat to its
neighbors, much less to the United States. I did
not join the Army to “liberate” Iraqis or to shut
down mythical weapons-of-mass-destruction
facilities or to implant what you cynically called
“democracy” in Baghdad and the Middle East. I
did not join the Army to rebuild Iraq, which at
the time you told us could be paid for by Iraq’s
oil revenues. Instead, this war has cost the
United States over $3 trillion. I especially did
not join the Army to carry out pre-emptive war.
Pre-emptive war is illegal under international
law. And as a soldier in Iraq I was, I now know,
abetting your idiocy and your crimes. The Iraq
War is the largest strategic blunder in U.S.
history. It obliterated the balance of power in
the Middle East. It installed a corrupt and
brutal pro-Iranian government in Baghdad, one
cemented in power through the use of torture,
death squads and terror. And it has left Iran as
the dominant force in the region. On every
level—moral, strategic, military and economic—
Iraq was a failure. And it was you, Mr. Bush and
Mr. Cheney, who started this war. It is you who
should pay the consequences.
I would not be writing this letter if I had been
wounded fighting in Afghanistan against those
forces that carried out the attacks of 9/11. Had
I been wounded there I would still be miserable
because of my physical deterioration and
imminent death, but I would at least have the
comfort of knowing that my injuries were a
consequence of my own decision to defend the
country I love. I would not have to lie in my bed,
my body filled with painkillers, my life ebbing
SAN TAN LEGION POST HITTING HOMERS
has really put Post 97 on the map. One of the
post’s members, Paul Lorenzen, had a passion
for baseball, and that passion was infectious.
Beginning with one team in 2012, then growing
to four teams in 2013, the baseball program has
now fielded seven teams in 2014.
“Getting the school districts, athletic directors
and coaches to support our baseball efforts was
critical to our success,” acknowledges Lorenzen.
“Gordon Ray, the athletic director at Poston
Butte High School at the time, was a key figure
in our acceptance by the high schools. He had
been a baseball coach and had Legion baseball
experience, so he became our biggest
cheerleader.”
Assisted by Jim Green, another Post 97
member who attends Christ the Victor Lutheran
Church with Lorenzen and Pease, the baseball
program has since expanded its reach into the
heart of the community with a committee led by
Carlos Watt, a recent arrival from Idaho, where
he helped organize a parents’ group for baseball.
In 2013 Jeff Kramer of Kahuna Marketing added
his talents as a marketing consultant and a
member of the newly formed board of directors
for a 501 (c) 3 being constituted to oversee the
programs and aid in fund raising.
In the fall of 2013 the post conducted an
away, and deal with the fact that hundreds of
thousands of human beings, including children,
including myself, were sacrificed by you for little
more than the greed of oil companies, for your
alliance with the oil sheiks in Saudi Arabia, and
your insane visions of empire.
I have, like many other disabled veterans,
suffered from the inadequate and often inept
care provided by the Veterans Administration. I
have, like many other disabled veterans, come
to realize that our mental and physical wounds
are of no interest to you, perhaps of no interest
to any politician. We were used. We were
betrayed. And we have been abandoned. You,
Mr. Bush, make much pretense of being a
Christian. But isn’t lying a sin Isn’t murder a
sin Aren’t theft and selfish ambition sins I am
not a Christian. But I believe in the Christian
ideal. I believe that what you do to the least of
your brothers you finally do to yourself, to your
own soul.
My day of reckoning is upon me. Yours will
come. I hope you will be put on trial. But mostly
I hope, for your sakes, that you find the moral
courage to face what you have done to me and
to many, many others who deserved to live. I
hope that before your time on earth ends, as
mine is now ending, you will find the strength
of character to stand before the American public
and the world, and in particular the Iraqi
people, and beg for forgiveness.
opinion survey and used the results to drive a
total communications plan which has helped the
growing post stay focused on youth programs
and place additional emphasis on helping more
veterans in the San Tan region. With Kramer’s
advice on marketing and fundraising, and
substantial financial support from the Pinal
County Sheriff’s Office and Attorney’s Office, it
would appear that Post 97 is well-positioned for
growth.
Just about every month more veterans are
joining the post and new programs like a Legion
Riders chapter and honor guard are in
development, along with a potential shooting
program.
Commander Pease has recently stepped aside
from his leadership of the post as he campaigns
for the Arizona state legislature. The new
commander, US Navy veteran John Dunton
began leading the group this summer. If the post
and the affiliated women’s auxiliary continue —
on their current growth curve, the impact on the
East Valley could become even more significant
and result in one of the more ambitious aspects
of the Post 97 plan: a community center that
would benefit the veterans and youth of the San
Tan Valley.

VETERANS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
SURPRISE HONORS NICK BACON
The Surprise City Council approved commissioning a
monument in memoriam of Medal of Honor recipient Staff
Sergeant Nick Bacon, who served as the Surprise Town
Manager from 1986 - 1990.
According to his Medal of Honor citation, “S/Sgt. Bacon was
serving his second tour in Vietnam on Aug. 26, 1968, when he
and his unit were ambushed during an operation west of Tam
Ky. Under intense enemy fire, he destroyed an enemy bunker
with hand grenades while his platoon leader was shot and fell
wounded in an exposed position. S/Sgt. Bacon immediately assumed command of
the platoon and assaulted the hostile gun position, finally killing the enemy gun
crew in a single-handed effort. As a result of S/Sgt. Bacon's extraordinary efforts,
his company was able to move forward, eliminate the enemy positions, and rescue
the men trapped to the front. S/Sgt. Bacon's bravery at the risk of his life was in
the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself,
his unit, and the U.S. Army.”
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 285
Medal of Honor, Nicky D. Bacon Post
PO Box 8901, Surprise, AZ 85374
Meets 7pm, 2nd Thursday of month
Location: Quality Inn Suites
16741 N. Greasewood St. Surprise
Bacon received his Medal of Honor
from President Richard Nixon in 1969
and served for several years as
president of the Congressional Medal
of Honor Society. He passed away in
July 2010.
“As an Army veteran myself, I honor
and respect what Nick Bacon did for
his fellow soldiers and am so happy that the city in which he served as a city
manager will recognize his heroic efforts,” said Vice Mayor Skip Hall.
“To be part of the process to recognize the exemplary and heroic service of Nick
Bacon is very humbling,” said District 2 Councilmember Jim Biundo. “I’m very
pleased our City Council has agreed to memorialize this brave man.”
“I commend Vice Mayor Hall and Councilmember Biundo for their hard work and
dedication in seeing this very deserving tribute project through,” said Mayor Sharon
Wolcott.
Council directed that the memorial be located on the grounds of City Hall at a
cost not to exceed $7,000.
The VFW Nicky Bacon Post 285 is also busy applying to be a partner for the 50th
Anniversary of the Vietnam
War Commemoration;
Shown here is a Navy
Vietnam Seabee collage
that they support. The post
is working on a Medal of
Honor, Nicky Bacon
collage featuring all the
Vietnam Veterans military
patches from this post,
Army, Navy, Air Force,
Marines and Coast Guard.
GENERAL SCHNEIDER SOARS
Major General Carl G. Schneider (USAF, ret.)
Born in Ralls, Texas, in 1928, General Carl
Schneider entered the U.S. Army Air Forces in
September 1946. Following basic military training
at Lackland Field, Texas, he graduated from the
Remote Control Turret Mechanics School at Lowry
Field, Colorado, but transitioned into aviation
cadet training at Randolph Field, Texas, in June
1947, graduating from advanced pilot training in P-51 aircraft at Williams Air
Force Base, Arizona, in June 1948, with a commission as a second lieutenant.
His first flying assignment was as a P-84 pilot with the 20th Fighter Group. In
September 1949 General Schneider was assigned to the 51st Fighter Group,
Naha Air Base, Okinawa, as an F-80 pilot and as squadron adjutant. During the
Korean War, he went with the 51st Group to Itazuke Air Base, Japan, and Kimpo
Air Base, Korea, and completed 100 combat missions.
His formidable experience in combat was put to good use in subsequent
assignments at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona (May 1951 -- F-80 gunnery instructor);
Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada (June 1951 -- F-86 air combat tactics); Pinecastle
(later McCoy) Air Force Base, Florida (June 1952 -- development of a fighter gunnery
school); Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas (February 1953 -- development of a gunnery
school; flight commander, squadron operations officer and group operations officer).
During this tour, he completed the Fighter Weapons Instructor School at Nellis Air
Force Base, Nevada.
In July 1962 General Schneider went to Vietnam. As one of the first U.S. Air
Force officers assigned to the 2d Air Division, he helped establish a forward air
control/air liaison officer program, working and flying with the Republic of
Vietnam Air Force.
In June 1964 he returned to Luke Air Force Base, again as a fighter squadron
commander. Subsequent assignments included: Tactical Air Control Party
commander with the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas (June 1965);
participation in the establishment of the F-4 replacement training unit program
in the 15th Tactical Fighter Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida (September
1965); executive officer to the assistant secretary of the Air Force (financial
management); deputy commander for operations for the 3550th Pilot Training
Wing at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia (May 1969); commander of the Wing from
December 1970 to November 1971; vice commander, 314th Air Division, Osan
Air Base, Korea; assistant chief of staff, operations (J-3), United Nations
Command/United States Forces Korea, and director, United States/Republic of
Korea Operational Planning Staff, with headquarters at Seoul, Korea, (April
1972); vice commander, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force
Base, Georgia (September 1974); commander of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics
Center (March 1976). He was promoted to the grade of major general February
6, 1976, with date of rank June 2, 1973 and retired from the Air Force on
December 1, 1978 as chief of staff, Air Force Logistics Command, Wright-
Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
General Schneider has achieved the designation of command pilot. His military
decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit
with oak leaf cluster, the Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, the
Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with six oak leaf clusters, and the Air
Force Commendation Medal.
GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SUPPORTS VETERANS CAPTAIN STEVEN BORDEN
by Caitlin Cruz, Cronkite News
As soon as Ammon Rowley separated from the Navy, he
wanted to start his education. He didn’t want to start at
a university, though, which is why he found himself at
Glendale Community College completing his associate
degree.
“I have problems with crowds and really bad anxiety,
so I wanted to start smaller and build up from there,”
Rowley said. The smaller campus at GCC combined with
a stand-alone Veterans Services Center allowed him to
ease back into education after serving five years. “Getting
set up with my classes is always really easy. I just pop in
here and it’s done,” he said.
Like their four-year counterparts, community colleges
are expanding services for veterans. Under a 2012 state
law, GCC is seeking certification as an Arizona veterans
supportive campus, a status that all three public
universities already have. Rep. Ethan Orr, R-Tucson, is
working to expand this even further.
He authored HB 2177, which would give $500,000 in
fiscal 2015 to the Arizona Department of Veterans’
Services to establish supportive campuses for veterans
and to provide resources for veterans’ benefits counselors.
“What we’re trying to do is work with all the community
colleges and all the universities to help people, upon
separation, transition and succeed at community college,”
Orr said. “This bill does have an appropriations, it does
work with the (Arizona) Department of Veterans’ Affairs,
but more than that this bill is a conversation starter.”
According to the Department of Veterans’ Services, a
veteran supportive campus is a post-secondary education
institution that, among eight requirements, offers:
student veteran orientation programs; peer mentoring
and peer support programs for student veterans; and
sensitivity and awareness training on military and
veterans’ culture, including challenges such as posttraumatic
stress disorder.
Other community colleges are working to meet the
requirements, including Scottsdale Community College,
according to Dave Hampton, spokesman for the Arizona
Department of Veterans’ Services.
Hampton said department officials are excited about
the increased attention on veterans’ education at the
community college level. “It’s good to have a place on
campus where they can get everything done at once,” he
said. “I think community college are really working to be
veteran supportive campuses.” The expanded offerings by
GCC are aimed at helping students like Rowley achieve
their academic goals, be it professional certification, an
associate degree or credits to transfer.
Charles Pierce (pictured left), GCC’s
veterans coordinator, spent 25 years in
the US Air Force and has been working
with veterans since he got out in 1997.
“When we started out, my
responsibilities were much like a
certifying official,” he said. “But
everything evolved from that where
more and more of our students – that
was right around Desert Storm and
then 9/11 kicked off – and new
programs kicked off as a result of
that,” Pierce said.
GCC’s programs have continued to grow. Chris Spicer
(pictured right), GCC’s veteran
advocate, said the process starts at
an orientation specifically for
veterans that explains their
Department of Veterans Affairs
benefits and acclimates them to
campus. At the center, students are
given priority registration, can meet
with different advisers for degree
planning, financial aid and
education benefits as well as
network with other veterans.
“It’s unusual to have military-minded counselors. Most
of your schools are for general population, but we do have
counselors here that understand military situations,”
Spicer said. “We have a unique possibility he said to provide
every means possible that we can do for our veterans.”
At Scottsdale Community College, Dean of Students Gia
Taylor pointed to an advisory board comprised of both
faculty, students and staff, both veterans and civilians.
“What we’re doing is looking at the kind of programming
that we offer for veterans to look at ways that we can
improve that, to improve opportunities for veterans to
begin to acculturate back into civilian life,” Taylor said.
The college is in the process of hiring peer coaches for
student veterans to provide another person for student
veterans to ask questions and seek advice.
“Be somebody they can turn to if they’re experiencing
some difficulty – and everybody does as a new student,”
she said. “There’s always bumps in the road particularly
you’re first-generation going to college.”
Captain Steven
Borden, USN
(Ret) received his
commission in
May 1983
through NROTC
program at the
University of
South Carolina.
After his
commissioning, he reported directly
to NAS Pensacola for aviation
training and was designated a Naval
Aviator in January of 1985.
Captain Borden’s initial sea duty
assignment was with the
VANGUARD, Helicopter Mine
Countermeasures Squadron
FOURTEEN (HM-14), at NAS
Norfolk, VA. Subsequent sea duty
tours included serving as the
Aircraft Handling Officer aboard the
USS NASSAU (LHA-4), department
head at HM-15 and Commanding
Officer back at HM-14.
Shore duty assignments included
flight instructing at the fleet
replacement squadron, two separate
tours at the Bureau of Personnel,
attending the Army War College at
Carlisle Barracks, PA as well as
Naval Attaché, assigned to the US
Embassy in Quito, Ecuador and
Santiago, Chile. Captain Borden
finished his Naval career serving as
Commanding Officer of the NROTC
Unit at University of Rochester and
then establishing a brand new unit
at Arizona State University before
retiring in September of 2012.
His personal awards include the
Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service
Medal, Navy/Marine Corps
Commendation Medal, National
Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces
Expeditionary Medal, GWOT Service
Medal and the Military Outstanding
Volunteer Service Medal.
Captain Borden is the founding
Director of the Pat Tillman Veterans
Center at Arizona State University.