Emotional messages underscored by deep respect and a heart-stopping gun salute pierced the air at the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Cost of Freedom five-day tribute held at the Camp Verde Community Center Field in the Fort Verde State Historic Park. “This has been so inspiring and makes me so proud to be an American,” said Camp Verde resident Sandra Allen. “Watching the parade as the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) came into town was so emotional. There was a group of motorcycle … [Read more...] about Honoring Vietnam Veterans with Camp Verde Tribute
Veterans
Gentle Giants Transforming Lives in Chino Valley
The girl with the pink leggings and brown cowboy boots pats the tri-colored pony on the neck, sits up straight in the saddle, and with reins confidently in hand, commands “Walk on.” As Majesty responds with a gentle stride, Lizzie smiles. And for Dani Mackin of Prescott, this is what a miracle looks like. Dani is Lizzie’s mom. She describes her 9-year-old’s serious social anxiety as paralyzing. “She wouldn’t talk to people. She would do what we call ‘a possum,’ and just freeze, or run away … [Read more...] about Gentle Giants Transforming Lives in Chino Valley
Hopi Artist Uses Art to Heal Other Veterans
Prescott artist and U.S. Army Veteran Filmer “Fil” Kewanyama draws on the ceremonies and symbolism of his Hopi heritage to portray the ancient spiritualism guiding his people. “The majority of my work depicts and chronicles the Hopi way of life,” Kewanyama said. “What I feel and know is very important and sacred to me. One meaning of the word Hopi is ‘peaceful.’ We are encouraged to live good lives by being at peace with ourselves and everything around us.” Through his paintings, digital … [Read more...] about Hopi Artist Uses Art to Heal Other Veterans
Flagstaff Receiving Its First Veterans’ Homes
Hello, Northern Arizona! Back in 2011, I was serving on City Council and was invited to attend a Veterans Round Table at the American Legion hosted by (then) Coconino County Supervisor Mandy Metzger (District 4). It was there that a local man told a story about his brother, a United States Veteran who had passed away recently. He had been ill for a while and was receiving care through the VA. He was being taken care of in a veteran’s home, but that home was in Phoenix. It was the closest … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Receiving Its First Veterans’ Homes
Supporting Veterans through High Country Stand Down
Veterans in the U.S. are among the most respected individuals in the country for which they have served. They were willing to give the ultimate sacrifice to protect the liberty, democracy and equality that is so special to the place we call home. We owe them all a great debt of gratitude. However, many of our veterans need more than our thanks when returning home to stand down, as 11 percent of adults experiencing homelessness are veterans. Five years ago, former Coconino County Supervisor … [Read more...] about Supporting Veterans through High Country Stand Down
Veterans Finding One-Stop Shopping at NAU
Success comes in many forms, including the newly remodeled, 1,600-square-foot Veteran Success Center (VSC) located in the University Union Fieldhouse at Northern Arizona University. For a veteran student, success can mean finding a safe space on campus to interact with other military-affiliated students and relax, watch TV and play ping-pong. It can also mean connecting with resources to help in academic and professional careers, or learning about educational benefits earned through … [Read more...] about Veterans Finding One-Stop Shopping at NAU
War2In Training Veterans to be Building Inspectors
After a pipeline is put in, a bridge built or a skyscraper constructed, who can tell you years later whether it is still structurally sound? We have all heard of devastating situations where pipelines have burst, bridges failed and buildings fell. But there is a way to ensure that these structures are still safe. There are a variety of techniques, including ultrasound and radiographs, categorized as Non-destructive Testing or NDT. We live in a world of aging infrastructure as well as new … [Read more...] about War2In Training Veterans to be Building Inspectors
CCC Establishing Veterans Scholarship
Over the past few years, Coconino Community College professor Bryan Bates has had more and more military veterans show up as students in his classroom. "Some do well, but many times, some are really struggling," said Bates, who has been a science professor at CCC since the college opened in 1991. "These men and women in the service have done an incredible job serving our country and I just get the sense that they're not getting the support they deserve when they come … [Read more...] about CCC Establishing Veterans Scholarship
