Art Sloane
The new director of the Arizona Department of Veterans Services is Ted Vogt from Tucson. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force who served as an intelligence officer and commanded a unit that was responsible for providing counter-terrorism and threat information. He served in Afghanistan and the Middle East as part of Iraqi Freedom. He has served in many other capacities and as a civilian served in the Arizona House of Representatives.
Two restaurants are now giving discounts to veterans. Which Wich will give a 10 percent discount. It has a sandwich shop in Chandler and will open another in Gilbert. Uncle Bear’s Grill and Bar in Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek and Surprise offers a 15 percent discount. Remember, if you are a veteran always ask for a discount since most restaurants and businesses will give you one with a veteran ID.
Veterans in Chandler, be aware that there will be a Military Members and Veterans Benefits Expo from 9:00 a.m.-noon on October 19, at the Chandler Center For the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave, next to Chandler High School and at the corners of Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard. Explore your benefits, learn about veterans organizations, meet the mayor, discover employment and educational opportunities and have a free wellness check by the Chandler Fire Department. This event is sponsored by the City of Chandler and the Arizona Department of Veterans Services and is open to all veterans statewide. For information call 480-558-2052.
Almost two years ago the Arizona Legislature passed a program that veterans designation could be put on a driver’s license so those without an ID card would be able to prove they are a veteran and obtain a discount. After much time and when funds are available you may have veteran on your license starting September 16. This application form 40-5122 or commercial driver’s license form 40-5124 may be obtained and will be available on that date. You must bring a copy of verification that you are a veteran. There are many ways to do this but of course, the best is a copy of your DD214 or for WWII veterans a copy of your discharge. You may use your organization such as VFW or American Legion membership.
The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame evening reception and luncheon will take place on October 24-25 at the El Zaribah Shrine Auditorium, 552 N. 40th Street in Phoenix. On the evening of October 24, the reception for all past members of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame to meet the new inductees takes place. This year, for the first time, the public is also invited to meet this outstanding group of 20 inductees out of the more than 600,000 veterans in Arizona. The Governor of Arizona, Jan Brewer, will be in attendance this year at the reception. There will be a charge this year for all attendees except the inductees because no funds are forthcoming to underwrite the costs. Sun Lakes is a leader in members in the Hall of Fame with eight living members living here.
The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame honors no more than 20 men and women each year who after serving their country honorably then go on to serve their community for in most cases many years. These persons are selected from nominations from all over the State of Arizona by a committee of members of the Arizona Unified Veterans. This group is composed of representatives of about 50 veterans’ organizations in Arizona that meet 10 times a year to work on matters of interest to all veterans in the state. From these group meetings state wide legislation is arrived at and brought to the attention of our legislators. In addition, sub groups are formed to arrange for many functions such as the December 7 observances at Wesley Bolin Plaza, Memorial Day services at the National Cemetery and other veteran functions such as the Copper Shield Award, Copper Sword Award and the new Arizona Award.
If you would like to attend either function on October 24, or October 25, go to www.azuav.org or call Bob Madden at 602-999-5992 for costs and send to P.O. Box 34338, Phoenix, AZ 85067.
Art Sloane may be contacted at 480-802-6810 or [email protected].