June 2011 - InMaricopa.com

4 InMaricopa.com June 2011Up to 100 trains per dayexpected by year-endNo progress on funding over/underpassBy John StapletonUnion Pacific Railroad’s yearslong project of addingan additional train track will be completed this year,effectively doubling the number of trains passingthrough Maricopa to as many as 100 per day. Even asMaricopa’s desperate need for over- or underpassesat key railroad intersections worsens, so far the lightat the end of the proverbial funding tunnel appears tobe, well, a train.Union Pacific started their double track project in2006, following a line from El Paso to Los Angeles.Overall the project is 60 percent complete, but switchtracks are being built at intervals to utilize the linethis year. Construction resumed in Maricopa lastyear after the project had stalled due to the economy,according to Zoe Richmond, spokesperson for UnionPacific Railroad. This, in turn, has delayed the doubletrack’s impact on the city.“At the end of this year we expect the work inMaricopa to be complete and operational,” Richmondsaid.“I think we have it at 34,000 vehicles passingthrough there right now,” Councilmember MarvinBrown said of the John Wayne Parkway trafficcrossing the railroad tracks. “Not to mention, we haveschool buses and first responders who have to passthrough.”Brown said, “2,900 kids cross there every day. Wealready know it cuts the city in half. For anyone southof the tracks it can be an inconvenience, substantially.If they have to go shopping or, God forbid, parentshave to take their kids to emergency, it poses a realproblem. Especially late at night with that Amtrakstop where they can be stopped 20 to 25 minutes.”The city has been aware of the problem for a longtime. Mayor Anthony Smith and Brown have madetrips to Washington, D.C. seeking federal assistance,and the city hired a national lobbying firm in March2009 for $8,000 per month in hopes of landingfederal funding for projects, the most important ofwhich is the grade separation.Congressman Raul Grijalva has unsuccessfullyTrains will be stopping traffic four times an hour on average with the completion of Union Pacific Railroad’sdouble-track project in December.requested grade separations studies, a requisite stepto securing funding for the construction of the project.Brown believes “political rhetoric” about earmarkshave affected Senators John McCain and John Kyl. Inrecent years both senators have oppsed any legislationthat contains earmarks. However, the requestedmoney was approved by the House Committee ofAppropriations.“If it’s voted down, the appropriated moneydoesn’t stay in Washington like people are led tobelieve,” said Brown. “It just goes somewhere else, toanother state.”The city has taken steps to fund two separateshannon williamsgrade separation studies, one at White and ParkerRoad, which is expected to be completed by August.However, the study for a design concept at JohnWayne Parkway has not yet been awarded. Evenwithout the official report, Brown said the estimatedconstruction cost is $65 to $100 million.“We are light years away from the minimum $65million we need, and we don’t have any angels,”Brown said. “The only way we can get that kind ofmoney is if one of our senators got involved. … Withour population count coming back from the census,maybe we’ll get more consideration. We need helpthough, and we need it fast.”

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Class of 2011‘lives theirmoment’ByJoyce HollisThe Maricopa High School Classof 2011 officially “turned theirtassels” on the evening of May 24after graduation ceremonies held onthe school’s football field.Following the presentation of thecolors by the school’s Air Force JROTCcadets and the national anthemsung by senior Karissa Browning,student body president and master ofceremonies Travis Moore introducedMUSD Superintendent Jeff Kleck, whowelcomed the graduates, their familiesand friends.“Embrace this hour; enjoy thismoment. You all have somethingunique and wonderful to contribute tothis world,” Kleck said. He commendedthe graduates who, in spite of increasedand more stringent requirements, hada higher graduation rate than anyMHS class in the past decade, and farexceeding the national average. “Youguys have done a fantastic job.”photos by shannon williamsAnthony “A.J.” Beltran, the classsalutatorian, is headed to ASU for adegree in computer engineering. Hereminded his fellow graduates of howmuch they had grown, fashioninga new culture with knowledge andintelligence. “It’s a journey that hascreated confidence, proving we trulyare the ‘perfect ones.’”A portable sound system “for thestudents by the students” was thesenior gift, presented by Joel Wresh,student body public relations, andSophia Wahlgren, student bodysecretary.Valedictorian Fernando EstradaJr. is also headed to ASU to studyengineering, “Unfortunately, I cannotstand before you and pretend thatlife after tonight is going to be easy;it won’t be,” Estrada told his peers.“Our success depends on ourselves.There will be unforeseen challengesand inevitable events that will attempt“Today is the first day of the rest of your life! Thinkabout that and PLEASE, don’t drink... Have a wonderfulgraduation and celebrate your success with joy!”m*a*s*hCoalition 2011Maricopa • Ak-Chin • Stanfield • Hidden Valley520-568-4843to throw you off your path. Luckily,we are armed with the experiencesand values we have gained in our timehere.”Former baseball player andbusinessman Eric Thompson, theguest speaker, spent two days workingwith the class on elevating theircollective sense of community.“I’ve not found these kids cynical,apathetic, selfish,” said Thompson, whodescribed the graduates as adaptive,possessing a refreshing value system,and “excited and optimistic, despitethe worst economic situation since theGreat Depression.”“You get it; you understand whatthe mind set of community means,”Thompson told the class, using theRams for Rebecca campaign as anexample. Its purpose was to raisefunds for injured MHS first yearmath teacher, Rebecca Holzworth.The seniors, many of whom never hadHolzworth as a teacher, raised $4,000to help her with expenses. Their checkwas presented to Holzworth duringthe graduation ceremonies.“To reach your inner brilliance,you’ll need both financial and humancapital,” Thompson said. “You’ll haveto learn to collaborate, not control. Goout; unleash your brilliance.”This year’s foreign exchangestudents, Brazilians Vitoria Almeidaand Raphael Dantas, Giacomo Ghigofrom Italy and Mengli Yang from Chinawere recognized, as were those seniorsgraduating with scholastic diplomas.Approximately half of the graduatesmet the scholastic requirement foruniversity admission along with 40hours of required community service.Governing Board President ScottBartle, Vice President Torri Andersonand members Patti Coutre and CarriedVargas presented the diplomas.Student Council gave each senior ared rose to present to the individualwho had the greatest impact on theireducation.In the stands some parents cheered;others wiped away tears, and somecompared notes on the cost of college.“Both my kids, Talia who graduatedtonight and Blane who graduatedlast year, started at the old MaricopaElementary School, and this class of2011 is the one that started at MaricopaWells during second semester in 2007,”said former MHS Spanish teacher andformer governing board member TracyDavis. “We came here from Tucsonin 1996 and have a long history withMUSD. It’s bittersweet; I’m happy andsad.”Following their official introductionas graduates, the class of 2011 turnedtheir tassels and threw their caps intothe air in the spirit of the last line oftheir class motto: “Live this moment,your moment.”14 SPECIAL GRADUATION SECTION • InMaricopa.com June 2011

Best friends athead of the classBy John StapletonClass of 2011 valedictorian FernandoEstrada, Jr. and salutatorianAnthony “A.J.” Beltranhave a lot more in common than greatgrades. They share student activities,sports, favorite teachers, tight-knitfamilies and their college of choice.Estrada was named MaricopaHigh School valedictorianwith a 4.965 weightedgrade point average. He waspresident of student counciland a member of NationalHonor Society, Key Club andLink Crew, a freshman mentoringprogram.Complementing his academicand community serviceachievements, Estradacaptained the golf team andplayed basketball, tennis andbaseball for the Rams.He is a first generationAmerican; his parents Fernandoand Ericka are from Sonora,Mexico. His sister Alejandrais a junior at MHS.“My parents have alwaysbeen there for me and have always givenme the trust I needed,” Estrada said.He credits Bernadette Russoniello,his AP Government and AP Languageteacher, as his most influential teacher.CongratulationsClass of 2011!Fernando Estrada, Jr.Anthony Lawrence Beltran, Jr.“She’s given me a lot of guidance andadvice. She’s challenged me and mademe think about things I don’t think Iwould have realized without her.”Estrada said he has always had apassion for learning and being a leader.After taking the summer to bond withfriends and possibly travel to Mexico,he will study engineering at Barrett,the Honors College at Arizona StateUniversity.Estrada was joined on stage by hisbest friend and class salutatorianBeltran.Beltran was vice presidentof student council, a memberof the National Honor Societyand played baseball. BernadetteRussoniello was alsohis most influential teacher,and Rob Hendrickson, his APcalculus teacher, was someonewho pushed him to excel.“Mr. Hendrickson givesyou a level of respect andprovides an environmentthat brought out the bestin me,” Beltran said. “Hewasn’t always looking overmy shoulder and alwaysencouraged me.”The youngest of four kids,Beltran comes from a closeknitfamily thanks to his parents,Anthony and Veronica. Beltran plansto continue playing baseball in asummer league and will be looking fora job to stay busy. He will attend ASUand study computer engineering.Though being named salutatoriancame as a surprise, Beltran said,“I’ve worked hard and always wantto do better. People may have highexpectations of me, but I’m alwayssetting new levels of expectation formyself.”ValediCTorianspeechBy Fernando EstradaGood evening ladies and gentlemen,friends and families, teachersand administration. Thankyou all for attending this momentousoccasion: the transition from fouryears of experiences, memories andlearning to a lifetime of decisions andpossibilities.The great philosopher Plato said,“The direction in which educationstarts a man will determine his futurein life.” Our future, however, will notbe defined by the ability to read andwrite or add and subtract, but by theeffect our education has on the decisionswe will make after the turning ofthe tassel.Our experience here at MaricopaHigh School was interesting, to saythe least. Like yin and yang, we are aunique, diverse culture whose differencesbring us together. Though weCongratulations Class of 2011!may be an old school, we have becomea new breed of intellectuals. We havechanged the common perception thisschool has had for years.Accepting mediocrity is a thing ofthe past, something that – becauseof us – will change the lives of thosesucceeding us in walking this path ofgreatness. I have before me the productof the renovation and rebrandingof this high school, passionate andspirited individuals establishing lastingtraditions for this rejuvenatedschool. As students of Maricopa HighSchool, we inherited a school on theverge of crumbling and, throughoutthe years, have built it up again, evenstronger than it was before.Likewise, when we cross thethreshold that lies between highschool and the future, we will be enteringan imperfect world, and it willbe our responsibility as this new breedof intellectuals to rebuild and rebrandour society, just as we have done here.Unfortunately, I cannot stand beforeyou and pretend that life after tonightis going to be easy; it won’t be.There will be unforeseen challengesand inevitable events that will attemptto throw you off your path. Luckily,we are armed with the experiencesand values we have gained in our timehere. Like Oscar Wilde stated, “Nothingthat is worth knowing can betaught.” We were not taught the experiencesthat have come to us, just aswe were not taught how to breathe.GRADUATION IS AGREAT TIME TOSMILE!CONGRATULATIONS!www.MaricopaAce.com520-494-780521083 N. John Wayne ParkwaySuite C105(520) 568-5600June 2011 SPECIAL GRADUATION SECTION • InMaricopa.com 15

Elizabeth Nicole Long Jacqueline Mellissa Lopez Marissa Lee Lubag Roberto Agustin Luna Bryan Del Rosario Maamo Joseph Christopher ManuelAlfredo MarinDevon Dwight WilliamMartinAngelica Christal Martinez Diamond Channel Mason Nathan James McClelland Colter Ewing McDowellCongrats,Class ’11!Wherever you’reheaded, yourhometown is onlya mouse clickaway:Chandler ChasperChristopher MeindleKylee Danae Merrill Antasia Renay Mingo Alyssa Marie Mitchell Abraham Montoya Angel Montoyawww.InMaricopa.comTana’e Lashawn Moore Travis David Moore Wesley Wade Morgan Brad Leon Morrison Mariah Taylor Mosby Devon Lee MouchetteMitchellMaricopa. Delivered.Justin Michael Muriett Tanner Michael Muriett Brian William Nechamkin Ann Nguyen Tiffany Rae Odom Angelique Olivia OlivasBianca Yael Ortiz Hempstone Owino Otieno Randen Lee Perdue Trenton Allister Powell Richard Steven Poyner, III Samantha Dee PrineMorgan Lamar Rainey Chance David Ramsay Jad Ryan Bobier Ratificar Maria Elena Reyes Anthony Douglas Reynolds Edson Rodolfo RoblesJoseph Manuel Robles Marina Yvonne Rocha Caitlyn Danielle Romero Oscar Hector Romo Brady Parker Root McKenzie Gen Root

Congratulations to the following graduates not piCTured:Carlos Abraham Ruiz Drew Garrett Sage Fabiola Salazar Timothy Dzea Samuels Catylynn Rose Sanchez Evelyn Liliana SanchezMariah Lynn Sanchez Nikki Nicole Sanders Michael Anthony Sandoval-MouchetteHeidy Santana Karla Denisse Santos Ryan Michael SarverAmberlee Lynn Scott Kayla Elyse Sepe Nicholas Allen Sesma James Casey Seymore Mike Xavier Short David Pau Silliman, IICasey Smith Samantha Lynn Stansbery Iman H Stewart Michelle Marie Stratman Christian Scott Swanson Russel Dean TevaultVictoria AlmeidaMallory AndersonJose Arnulfo ArteagaMayra BarreraKristen Albani BoisvertKennon Lamar BradleyElizabeth Ann Brown-BehrendKate Ashley BussellSamantha Christine CarrilloJazmine LaShay CarterRobert Loran ChaddockStefano Warner ChangKassandra Eduvigues CortezElizabeth CuellarDekairra Kevonna CunninghamElizabeth Justine DallasKirsten Elise DanaJustin Clinton DavisAliyah Marie DeShongAshley DiazPrincess Michelle DicksonNicholas Tyler DykstraDillon Lorin EnasAndres Jr FloresJason FloresSamuel FloresKyndra Olivia FlowersRonald Deandre FreemanJordan Lynn GallawayKevin Nathaniel GarciaShariah Nicole GayJoshua Francisco GonzalesElisabeth Celestine GriffisNajee Jasar HarbinJordan Staker HortonDeryck Nathaniel HowardJessica Breanne HowardKolter Bradley HuntPaul Eric IdeBrianna Cypress JacquesAlvaro JimenezMarcus Antonio KnightSteven Sullivan La FrancoisKevin Fortunato LamasLatrincia Lavon Amber LightnerJuan Carlos LopezTrevor Scott LowderKelli Olivin MaitlandJanel Isabel MartinezJoseph MatiasZane Alan McGeeSean David Kendall McQueenPaisha Michelle MellorAndrew Joseph MorrisonTaylor Ann MurrayAlicia Danielle OrtegaJanissa OrtegaTyler Donald OrtegaJessica OwensJasmine Reina PonceSamantha Lynne RajotteRobin Monet’ RiveraChristopher Edward RoblesJanelle Lydia RoseDustin Stancle-James RothJalen Michael RussellCarlos David SantosCarlos Lorenzo SilvaAndy SotoMichael Albert StewartRichard Timothy StroehleinDavon Shamar SullivanChelsei Lee SweeneyAmy F TomaKarina VillegasKrystal VillegasShatavia WashingtonDarryle Jahvar WigginsManuel Anthony Watts KittlesonDemi Carissa YoungMengli YoungAndrea Marie Thompson Britny Torres Brittany Leigh Torres Jesus Alan Valenzuela Opal Leann Vaughn Marguerite MichelleVan DunkCongratulations Graduates!We wish you success in allyour endeavors.Classic Desert Properties& Property Management480-510-6002www.ClassicDesertProperties.comCONGRATULATIONSSENIORS!(520) 568-2245SUN LIFE 44765 W. Hathaway Rd,FAMILY HEALTH MaricopaHours:CENTERMon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pmwww.SunLifeFamilyHealth.orgArturo VegaRonnie James JeffreyVickreyJesus Rodolfo Villalobos Sophia Elizabeth Wahlgren Justin Riley Warren Dalton Ray WilkeyPUT YOUR HEALTH INTO THESKILLED HANDS OF A DOCTORWHO HAS TAUGHT OTHERS.Dr. John A. DonohueDC, CCSP, FIAMA, GIC, MUAC, EMRJarkeveous Quinte Williams Leslie Erin Williams Katelyn Marie Wilson Spencer Bailey Wilson Austin Edward Wisshack-Kurz Joel Ryan Wresh44302 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Hwy.520-494-7788MaricopaChiropractor.comCongratulations Class of 2011!Jennifer Xayakham Gayle Lynn Yarberry Jesus Luna Zendejas Tyler John Zieglgansberger Alexandra Zografos Alexandria ZuccarelloJune 2010 19

Congratulationsto Maricopa High School’sGraduating Class of 2011Special Congratulations to ourgraduating Fry’s AssociatesOpal Vaughn • Shawn Groves • Latrincia LightnerNathan McClelland • Ryan Myers • Autumn Stafford

EDUCATION21 InMaricopa.com June 2011Holocaust victim sharessurvival story with studentsBy John StapletonBorn on June 1, 1928, Magda Willingergrew up in the small town of KravaloNad Tisza in the Carpathian Mountainsof the modern day Czech Republic.Nazi forces invaded the town in 1939.“What happened was because ofhatred,” Willinger said, “and that’s aterrible emotion that can consume.”At the request of language artsteacher Kimberly Frankel, Willingercame to Maricopa Wells Middle Schoolto tell her story of the Holocaust.“We were no longer allowed togather. My non-Jewish friends, who Igrew up with, no longer wanted to bearound me, and we had to wear patchesthat identified us as Jews,” Willingertold hundreds of students.When Willinger was 15, her father,Solomon Weisberger, was in one of thefirst groups of Jewish men to be takento concentration camps, leaving hermother and two younger sisters andher to fend for themselves. At the time,it was believed the camps were justlabor for the Nazi army.Jews were segregated and laterisolated into buildings with one roomfor an entire family and very little foodto share. “One morning in 1944 wewoke up to the military surroundingus, and everyone was rounded up atgunpoint,” Willinger said.Willinger and her sisters, mother,grandmother and other women of thefamily were put on a train and sent totheir first camp.“It was a two-day ride, with nowater and no food. Eighty to 90 peoplejohn stapletonMagda Willinger brought the audience to tearswith her remarkable survival story.were crammed into each freight car,and some people did not make it out,”Willinger said. “And the babies, thebabies that were there; they seemed tohave an internal knowledge to not cry.They knew they had to be quiet. It’slike they knew what would happen.”Willinger reflected on the momentwhen her mother placed Willinger’s2-year-old sister, Lillian, in the armsof her grandmother. At the timeWillinger and her mother thoughtthose too young or too old to workwould be taken to a camp where theywould be cared for. It was not untillater that they discovered what reallyhappened.Willinger and her mother endedup in the Auschwitz concentrationcamp. Though at 16 she was too youngto work, she remained beside hermother, lying about her age and theirrelationship to avoid being separatedand sent to a different camp.Willinger was frail, and the womenof the camp survived on what shedescribed as a “starvation diet.” Herfrailty made her vulnerable on threeseparate occasions when the guardspulled her out of line.“Those unhealthy were taken out,never to be seen again. My motherpulled me back each time,” shesaid. “We were told they were beingexterminated. We didn’t want tobelieve it, but you smelled the burningflesh and saw the smoke rising. Deathhovered over your head all the time.”Willinger admitted there weretimes when she no longer wanted tolive. She said it was her mother whopushed her forward. “We lived for eachother.”Willinger and her mother returnedto their hometown after the war endedin hopes they would be reunited withother family members. “We would goevery day to the railroad to see whowould return. We thought my fatherwould have made it.”Her father, grandmother and sistersdid not survive.When Willinger finished her story,many students and faculty membershad to wipe away tears. Despiteher emotional memories, Willingergraciously took the time to answerstudents’ questions. She talked abouttolerance and the need to respecteach other. After receiving hugs anda bouquet of flowers, she presentedthe school’s library with a copy ofher mother’s book, “The EnduringSpirit,” which chronicles their story of“I had to come hear her story,”said P.E. teacher Steve Pappas. His89-year-old father, James, served inWorld War II as a counter intelligenceofficer and was also involved in theliberation of a concentration camp.“As time goes on, these stories will nolonger be firsthand, and certain things“This was an amazing experienceand what affected me was how muchher mother cared for her,” 13-year-oldCrystal Turner, 14, added, “Thiswas one of the best privileges of mylife and not too many people get to bea witness to this. I am amazed thatMagda was able to move on past that“She made me want to be a better14. “The way her and her mom stucktogether makes me want to be closer to“I thought the kids were terrific,”said Willinger. “Despite what Hitlertried to do, we are still here to tell thestory. I want them to know we are allone people, and the day I came to thiscountry was the one of the best days ofsurvival.should not ever be forgotten.”Valeria Ortiz said.experience.”person,” said Tempest Fischbach,mine.”my life.”

June 2011 InMaricopa.com 235th graders testify at ‘congressional hearing’By Scott BartleStudents from Michael Russoniello’sfifth grade class at Santa RosaElementary School testified in front of amock congressional hearing on May 20at the Maricopa Unified School Districtboard room.Students from Maricopa HighSchool’s AP Government and Politicsclass commenced the We the Peopleprogram, which is sponsored by theCenter for Civic Education, by providingan exhibition for the crowd andelementary students who followed.The fifth graders testified in front ofa packed house of witnesses. Theygave six-minute prepared statementson questions about citizenship andthe United States Constitution beforetaking questions from the members of“Congress.”“This event was the culmination of ayear’s worth of work in civic education,”scoTT bartleTeacher Michael Russoniello said ClaytonDetweiler’s preparation went “far above andbeyond my expectations.”Russoniello said. “My students spentcountless hours writing their papersboth at school and at home.”Russoniello called the event “themost powerful and meaningfulexperience of my entire educationalcareer. Most of the time teachers putin endless hours of time and effort intoa child’s success, but never truly get tosee the fruits of their labor. Tonight myclass held a simulated congressionalhearing which required them to defineand apply concepts they learned inclass. Many students were able torecite parts of the U.S. Constitutionby line and verse. What an honor it isto sit in a room and discuss politics inan open forum with the future of ourgreat nation.”Among the first group of fifthgraders to testify was Nicole Rocco.Rocco appeared confident andcomfortable during her group’spresentation, but afterward admittedto having butterflies.“It was scary,” the 10-year-old said.“I felt like there was a bunch of peoplejust staring at me.”MUSD governing board members,administrators and high schoolstudents all volunteered to judge thefriendly competition as did severalmembers of the community, includingthe well-qualified Pinal County JudgePro Tempore Joe Estes. The judges tookturns presiding over the high schoolexhibition and five fifth grade units.There was an added bonus forRocco’s and her classmates’ preparationof the event, which was shown live onMaricopa’s government access channel.“I didn’t know I would be on TV,” shesaid. “I feel famous.”Participating Santa Rosa Scorpions:Jenny Arias • Elijah Ballard • Ivana Crespin• Clayton Detweiler • Lauren Johnson • MarcosLeon • Tyler Miller • Rose Montana • SophiaOsbeck • Timahdri Overton • Leslie Reyes• Ashlie Richards • Nicole Rocco • Annisa Ruiz• Logan Spaulding • Emmanuel ValdezParticipating Maricopa Rams:Omar Barba • AJ Beltran • Karrisa Browning• Patrick Duffy • Fernando Estrada • BreeLockridge • Brian Nechamkin • SophiaWahlgren • Joel WreshFaith Baptist ChurchCome see the difference!Dr. Mat Echols, Pastor• Warm, friendly services• Heart-felt music• Bible preachingFather’s Day • A gift for every dad10 a.m. Sunday School11 a.m. Morning Service(520) 568-4990Services at Sequoia Pathway Academy19287 N. Porter Rd. (Honeycutt & Porter)www.faithbaptistchurchofmaricopa.org“A Friendly Bible Believing Church for the Entire Family”

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COMMUNITY26 InMaricopa.com June 2011Local vets help open military exhibitat libraryBy John StapletonMay 20 was Armed Forces Day anda fitting time to open an exhibit ofhistorical military artifacts displayed atthe Maricopa Public Library.Library Director Joe Guntercommenced the program with anexcerpt from Tom Brokaw’s book, “TheGreatest Generation:” “After talkingto so many of them and reflecting onwhat they have meant in my own life, Iknow that it is those small ceremoniesand quiet moments that this generationis appropriately honored. No fanfareis required. They know what they haveaccomplished and they are proud.”Mayor Anthony Smith, CouncilmemberJulia Gusse, VFW Post CommanderJack McLain and Patricia Brock, presidentof the Maricopa Historical Society,were among the morning’s speakers.“Freedom is not free,” Brock said.“And we must always be grateful andmindful to those that have sacrificed forour liberties.”Smith reflected on memories of hisfather, who served under Gen. GeorgePatton in World War II, and his mother,who worked in a munitions depotin southern Indiana. He spoke of amemory he had as a child, the last tworemaining soldiers of the Civil War andthe passing of the last veteran of WorldWar I. He also noted the importance ofrecognizing those remaining veterans ofWorld War II.“We can’t do anything to slow downdeath’s sting,” said Smith. “But we canalways remember the veterans whoserved with honor.”Gusse, a “first generation American,”enlisted in the Air Force at age 18. Sheshannon williamsBrian Shaw points out a display to his daughter Dante at the Maricopa Public Library. The exhibit of biographical profiles, artifacts and documents fromMaricopa veterans will be on display through Aug. 20.spoke proudly of the achievementswomen have made in the service anddonated to the library two children’sbooks by Robert Kennedy on behalf ofAmerican Legion Post 133.Councilmembers Marquisha Griffinand Marvin Brown attended as didPolice Chief Kirk Fitch. Several veteransfrom the community attended inuniform.McLain, a Vietnam veteran, addedsome humor to the event as he spokeof the Veterans of Foreign Wars’reputation. “There’s a stereotype ofVFW; that it’s nothing but a bunch of oldguys drinking beer in a smoky room,” hesaid. “Well, part of that is true; we arenot anti-beer.”He also talked of the work of the VFWas they prefer “to stay under the radar”with their community involvement andtheir support of veterans. “We make itour business to help those veterans inneed,” said McLain, adding that threeWorld War II veterans are members ofthe local Post 12043.Brian and Malena Shaw came withtheir children, daughters Dante, 7,Mahala, 11, and their 12-year-old sonEli, who said he liked looking at theammunition and bazooka on display.“I think it’s all fascinating, especiallyto see and meet the World War IIveterans,” Mahala said.Malena Shaw said, “We take everyopportunity we can to teach our childrenthe history of our veterans andwhat they have done for our country.This is something we had to come to.”Leamon “Bud” Ryan also came andtook the children by surprise whenhe introduced himself as the personthey were looking at inside the glassshowcase. The photo displayed wasRyan in 1950 when he entered the Navyas an 18-year-old. He also explained themedals he was wearing to the event.The exhibit of biographical profiles,artifacts and documents from Maricopaveterans will be on display through Aug.20 at the Maricopa Public Library.