Sound of Freedom November December 2022

BY SUSAN GLADSTEIN Sound of Freedom Contributing Writer

TheLuke Air Force Base Chaplain Corps takes great pride in being able to strengthen, develop and fortify the spiritual tness, as well as the military readiness, of service members and their family members.

“ is has been a fantastic year of partnership and collaboration between Fighter Country Foundation and the Luke AFB Chaplain Corps,” says Chaplain Lt. Col. Raymond “John” Boyer, 56th Fighter Wing chaplain.

“We’ve been able to accomplish some incredible events to spiritually care for airmen and families and help enhance their spiritual tness.”

Hundreds of Luke airmen and their families have attended various retreats and date nights. e Bondurant Dinner and Dash Date Night allowed the chaplain team to present “Preventative Marriage Maintenance” given the unique automotive setting. Principles discussed were communication, understanding, listening, trust and setting

spouses as a priority.

“Our marriage really needed this,” one participant says.

According to Boyer, these unique opportunities allow couples to experience a fun, shared memory together — something they can remember and talk about the rest of their lives together.”

“We hardly go out on date nights. I know we should, but this was amazing to have this opportunity. ank you for putting it together for us,” another participant says.

Marriages aren’t the only priority of the Luke Chaplain Corps. Events geared toward single parents and caregivers provide relaxation, rejuvenation and resources that are unique to these groups.

“I’m so thankful for this opportunity,” says one of the participants at the Single Parent Night Out event. “I have no social life. Since I’m in the military, I obviously don’t live near family and my daughter’s father is at our old base still. If I want a social life, it’s $10 an hour, and I’m only a senior airman. It’s not a ordable to me since I already pay $250 a week in day care.”

Deployed families were also highlighted at Operation Santa and a Family Day at the World Wildlife Zoo.

“ is is such an amazing experience for both the deployed/deploying parent and the military kids,” Boyer says.

“So many times, the kids get le out and they have to make great sacri ces of their parent leaving for long periods of time during deployments.”

Operation Santa is a way children can be

thanked and recognized for their service to the country, according to Boyer.

“It’s incredible to watch the children’s eyes light up when they’re told they can go on a shopping spree,” he says. “As they enjoy this unique experience, it’s heartwarming to know that in a small way they are being recognized for their service and sacri ce.”

Parents attending the event felt immense gratitude by the community coming together to recognize their children.

“I just can’t believe this generosity,” one parent says. “It’s incredible to see the love and support shown to our military kids and families of those who are deployed.”

Young, single airmen living in the dorms were also treated to resiliency events.

“We’re so thankful to have FCF partnership in caring for our young, single airmen, many of whom live in the dorms,” Boyer says. “Often they can feel so isolated, and alone, and opportunities like this give airmen the chance to build friendships and develop their community.”

Fighter Country Foundation’s mission is to support the men, women, families and mission of Luke Air Force Base.

“We are incredibly fortunate to be part of this mission, and we’re continuously humbled and honored to get to do this,” says Ron Sites, FCF president and chief executive o cer.

“I can’t tell you how amazing it feels to read testimonials from a resiliency retreat or hear the responses from the airmen and their family members. So, again, we’re very fortunate to get to do what we do, and the family members greatly appreciate it.”

Warfighters, families are strengthened through programs

Hundreds of Luke airmen and their families have attended various retreats. (Luke Air Force Base Chaplain Corps/Submitted)

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Paradise Valley Daughters of the American Revolution members Kitty Woodward and Janis Remy photographed by Dennis Murphy.

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‘I Didn’t See It Coming’

Arizona NORML names a new political director

BY HOPE PETERS Sound of Freedom Sta Writer

Army veteran, social worker, political candidate and small-business owner Sarah Tyree says she was honored and surprised when Arizona’s National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) tapped her for its political director.

“I hope I can reach or exceed everybody’s expectations,” Tyree says. “I didn’t see that coming.”

When former political director Jon Udell moved to an acting co-director role on the board of Arizona NORML, the search began to find a new voice to add to the organization’s board of directors. After a weekslong application and interview process, the board voted to appoint Tyree to the position.

“I didn’t actually apply; they reached out to me and asked me if it was something I was interested in,” she says.

Tyree began her work as political director for Arizona NORML the week of October 24.

“I will be working with legislators and, hopefully, city councilmembers on policy that impacts people that utilize cannabis, whether it’s for medicinal or recreational uses,” Tyree says. “Some of my focus is on

veterans.”

Tyree says she will address homelessness or the unsheltered community as well.

“This is also really important,” she says. “They just get harassed on a regular basis … you know, rent cap is a whole other discussion.”

In a statement, Udell says he was “thrilled” to welcome Tyree to the organization.

“Sarah has a demonstrated track record of advocacy and deep experience working with nonprofits,” he says.

“We anticipate her appointment will not only strengthen our advocacy at the state Capitol but also bolster our long-running efforts to forge strategic alliances with other nonprofit organizations. With Sarah at the helm, we plan to redouble our efforts to serve disproportionately impacted communities of color, which have suffered arrests at (three to four times) the rate of lighter-skinned communities.”

Tyree is a native Arizonan, born in Laveen and raised in Maryvale. She was raised in a single-parent home, surviving abuse and poverty to graduate from Trevor G. Browne High School at 17. After high school, Tyree joined the U.S. Army and served the country for eight years.

Her Army experience has helped her decide her future.

“I served from 2005 to 2013. I did my eight-year contract,” she says. “I started off in aviation, fixing helicopter radios. … But it just wasn’t for me.”

Tyree then went into civil affairs, which she likened to international social work, and that was a better fit.

Tyree’s employment in the nonprofit sector allowed her to work with vulnerable and systemically oppressed populations. She recently served as the medical special needs coordinator at Luke Air

Arizona’s National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) chose Sarah Tyree as its new political director. (Sarah Tyree/Submitted)

Force Base, where she continued to give back to her sisters and brothers in arms by serving their families.

Tyree ran Arizona state Senate to represent District 5 in 2020 and in this year’s election. She lost in the Democratic primary in August.

“I have run for office in two cycles,” she says. “I am assuming part of it is that I am fairly progressive. I come from a more conservative background where we were taught all drugs are bad, and that included cannabis, and now here I am being a cannadvocate. There are still a lot of people in Arizona who still feel that way about cannabis.”

When campaigning as a candidate for office, Tyree attended meetings and spoke to dispensary vendors.

“I would say, ‘Hey, I’m a candidate and I want my voters to know more about what you, your business does … whether it is providing quality soil or your packaging keeps things fresh,’” she explains.

Small-business owner

At 21, Tyree earned bachelor’s degrees in social work and political science and a master’s in social work. Tyree is a certified clinical hypnotherapist and certified life coach. She runs her own therapy practice, Intuitive Transformations, in Laveen.

As a small-business owner, Tyree believes in autonomy. She appreciates the freedom of choice that allowed her to step away from a world of survival and move into a world of abundance.

She got involved with NORML after meeting Allison Stein, who currently co-chairs the state chapter of NORML, via one-time Arizona NORML Director Mikel Weisser.

“I met Allison via Mikel prior to his passing in the 2020 cycle,” she says. “Mikel was the first person who reached out to me as a brand-new candidate and (was) fully on board with me. He ran in my district previously, so he was very knowledgeable. And then I met Allison, and Allison and I do connect on NORML issues but we both very much connect on DCS (Department

of Child Safety) issues.

“So, both of those things are something that we have continually stayed in contact about over the past couple years. I was very thankful to be an A-rated candidate in the 2020 cycle because it was my first time to be a cannacandidate. And then I was lucky enough to get it again this time.”

Tyree says she believes her willingness to go to NORML rallies and push the cause helped her land the appointment.

“I have gone to some of their rallies and supported some of the issues that are happening to some of our voters right now,” she says. “I think that’s why, because I was one of the few candidates willing to go out there, regardless of the impact it had on my race. … These are the things I believe in.”

Arizona NORML

3770 E. Bowman Place, Suite 1, Tucson 520-576-0871

arizonanorml.org

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America Across Wreaths

Volunteers remembering veterans this December

BY CHRISTINA FUOCOKARASINSKI

ParadiseValley Daughters of the American Revolution members Kitty Woodward and veteran Janis Remy are avid supporters of the military.

is fall and winter, the two are honoring veterans by placing wreaths of remembrance on graves at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona as part of Wreaths Across America on Saturday, December 17.

At the North Phoenix cemetery, at 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, volunteers like Woodward and Remy will transform the colors of the desert to those of green and red.

e public ceremonies around the world are held at noon Eastern Time Arlington, Virginia, or 10 a.m. in Phoenix.

Wreaths are $15, and if they’re purchased through the Paradise Valley DAR, $5 is returned to the chapter. ey use those funds to purchase additional wreaths and for other veterans projects. Wreaths must be ordered by Monday, November 21, via wreathsacrossamerica.org/AZ0025P (location ID #AZNMCP). Order forms can be requested through waa@paradisevalleydar. com. e DAR’s goal is 500. e women are attempting to set up tables in area stores to boost sales. ey are con rmed to have one at the National Memorial Cemetery on Veterans Day.

Locally, more than 14,000 wreaths have been placed at the National Cemetery.

“But there are more than 70,000 graves, so we would love to see more graves receive a wreath,” says Woodward, co-chair of the Paradise Valley DAR chapter’s Wreaths Across America committee.

When the public purchases wreaths, they can request them to be placed on a speci c grave.

“ is year, we have some special,

Kitty Woodward, right, and Janis Remy are avid supporters of the military. The two are members of the Paradise Valley DAR. (Dennis Murphy/ Contributor)

Janis Remy, left, and Kitty Woodward will place wreaths of remembrance on graves at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. (Dennis Murphy/Contributor)

sponsored the wreath.

“We had such great feedback last year from that that we had to continue. I’m a veteran myself. I just have it in my heart for these veterans. is is just such a wonderful thing for me to be involved in. My father was a veteran. He served in the Canadian Air Force as a pilot trainer. I always knew I wanted to do something for my country, but I was able to serve. I was in the Army Reserves as a rst lieutenant, went through o cer candidate school. I had a blast.”

Woodward raised her children when she was younger but serves her country this way.

“It’s my way of serving the country and honoring the veterans who served and gave up their lives,” she adds. “It makes me feel like I’m part of the United States.”

ans’ wreaths were placed nationwide in 2021.

is year, there will be more than 3,100 participating locations placing veterans’ wreaths by more than 2 million volunteers.

e DAR is an organization devoted to preserving American history and o ers programs to promote patriotism and completes community service projects. DAR members can trace their lineage to ancestors who served in the American Revolution.

National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in North Phoenix is one of three in Arizona, with the others in Prescott and Tucson.

“It’s important to note that we’re not decorating the graves,” Woodward says. “We are here to remember not their deaths but their lives.”

Wreaths Across America

WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday, December 17

WHERE: National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road

FROM PAGE 12

grave-speci c nametags that we’re going to put on the wreaths,” she says.

Remy adds, “It has their name and who

Wreaths Across America started as a simple gesture of thanks, which grew into a national movement of dedicated volunteers and communities. More than 2.4 million veter-

COST: $15 for a wreath

INFO: Visit the following websites: wreathsacrossamerica.org/AZ0025P, waa@paradisevalleydar.com

Preserving a Legacy

AFB hosts Vietnam Security Police Association

BY AIRMAN MASON HARGROVE 56th Fighter Wing Public A airs

The56th Security Forces Squadron hosted the 27th reunion for the Vietnam Security Police Association on October 7 at Luke Air Force Base.

e Vietnam Security Police Association (VSPA) is an association of U.S. Air Force veterans who served in Vietnam and ailand between 1958 and 1975. e purpose of the organization is to preserve the history and legacy that was made in southeast Asia.

“ e impact of this event will be seen and felt for many years to come by each of the respective unit members that participated,” says Chief Master Sgt. Jason Parrish, 56th SFS security forces manager. “Each member was impacted in their own way that they will carry for the rest of their lives. e unit coming together to plan and execute the event builds our resolve and commitment as an organization.”

Parrish highlighted the rich history and the vital role that the 56th Security Police Squadron played in the Vietnam con ict, while assigned to Nakhon Phanom (NKP) Royal ai Air Force Base, ailand. e actions of those 56th SPS Defenders and all USAF Se-

U.S. Air Force veterans wait for the memorial service speech during the Vietnam Security Police Association annual reunion on October 7 at Luke Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman Mason Hargrove/Submitted)

curity Police during the Vietnam Con ict serve as the cornerstone of their career eld today.

“ e Defenders who served as escorts on the buses will never forget the looks and smiles on the faces of the VSPA members and families as we welcomed with the full police escort and with salutes as they entered the installation gates,” Parrish adds.

members of the VSPA gather at various Air Force bases to memorialize

Every

those who were lost in the Vietnam War.

During this year’s event, the 56th SFS showed a static F-35 Lightning II display and a weapons and equipment display for the VSPA members. A coining ceremony for the attending Luke AFB Defenders also took place to honor those still serving.

As the largest career

eld in the Air Force, Defenders have always kept protecting mission assets as their No. 1 priority.

“The most important thing in the association is the brotherhood we’ve formed,” says Ret. Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Nelson, VSPA president. “The love and support we have for each other doesn’t exist anywhere else.”

From fighting in the jungles of Vietnam to standing sentry in Thailand, past and present Defenders have and will forever share a bond that will never be broken.

U.S. Air Force veterans stand and listen to the memorial service speech during the Vietnam Security Police Association annual reunion. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Mason Hargrove/Submitted)

U.S. Air Force airmen from the 56th Security Forces Squadron stand at the firearm display during the Vietnam Security Police Association annual reunion. The airmen showcased the capabilities of the various firearms and allowed VSPA members to hold and inspect the firearms during the VSPA annual reunion. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Mason Hargrove/Submitted)

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We provide robust, tailored academic experiences that will prepare students for the future of their choosing: whether it is going to college or trade school, running their own business or working for someone, joining a branch of the military, or in service to others.

Our district’s focus is academic success. We believe this is achieved when we foster a culture that supports the highest level of individual success. This includes access to quality instruction at the course level and key professional life skills necessary for postsecondary success, including at the workplace and the collegiate level. Students and teachers will engage in lessons that are rooted in academic and career skills while structurally providing reteaching, intervention, multiple opportunities for demonstration of mastery, self-reflection, and clear communication of student progress between key stakeholders: students, parents/guardians, teachers, and administrators.

The Agua Fria High School District prepares all students for postsecondary success through exposure to workforce-focused experiences and authentic opportunities to learn essential employability skills. There are components of excellence among our highschools and Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs. We provide all students a rich educational opportunity and defined pathways to success.

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Aetna Medicare is a HMO, PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our DSNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex and does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. If you speak a language other than English, free language assistance services are available. Visit our website, call the phone number listed in this material or the phone number on your benefit ID card. In addition, our health plan provides auxiliary aids and services, free of charge, when necessary, to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to communicate effectively with us. Our health plan also provides language assistance services, free of charge, for people with limited English proficiency. If you need these services, visit our website, call the phone number listed in this material or on your benefit ID card. If you believe that we have failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with our Grievance Department (write to the address listed in your Evidence of Coverage). You can also file a grievance by phone by calling the Customer Service phone number listed on your benefit ID card (TTY: 711). If you need help filing a grievance, call Customer Service Department at the phone number on your benefit ID card. You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/cp/complaint_frontpage.jsf. ESPAÑOL (SPANISH): Si habla un idioma que no sea inglés, se encuentran disponibles servicios gratuitos de asistencia de idiomas. Visite nuestro sitio web o llame al número de teléfono que figura en este documento. 繁體中文 (CHINESE): 如果您使用英文以外的語言，我們將提供免費的語言協

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Lt. Col. Barry Rosen blatt, left, Susan Paige and Matt Smith are hosting an art exhibit at the OneOhOne Gallery in Downtown Mesa. Many of the artists are veterans. (OneOhOne Gallery/Submitted)

Artist Susan Paige sponsors exhibit for sculpture students

BY MORGAN OWEN

ThisNovember, Susan Paige and her husband, Barry Rosenblatt, will sponsor an exhibit in the OneOhOne Gallery for the sculpture students at the Mesa Arts Center.

“Mesa Arts Center Students Sculpture Ex hibit” is one of several exhibitions Paige and Rosenblatt sponsor each year at the OneO hOne gallery to support emerging artists in the Mesa area.

The show will feature whimsical sculp tures produced by Matt Smith, head of the sculpture department at Mesa Arts Center,

and his students, who used welded metal, papier-mache, concrete and mixed media to produce their sculptures. The majority of these students have never had the opportu nity to display their artwork, making this an exciting and rare instance for them.

Paige, an abstract artist and gallery direc tor by trade, says many talented artists never get the opportunity to display their art be cause the gallery scene is competitive. For Paige, sponsoring these exhibitions is not only rewarding, but the students “produce great art because they have a show to look forward to.”

“Eclectic” is how Paige would describe

this particular exhibition. For her, that de scriptor captures the show’s essence, from the medium of the sculptures to the artists’ ages, as some of the artists featured are over 80 years old.

Many of the student-artists attend class es through the Mesa Arts Center’s Veteran Program. Classes for veterans are free at the center, made possible through funding provided by Boeing. Rosenblatt is a retired lieutenant colonel and has been taking free classes at Mesa Arts Center for years. According to Paige, the veterans love the

Susan Paige creates her papier-mache sculpture, “Flying Goddess,” with her husband, Lt. Col. Barry Rosenblatt. (Susan Paige/Submitted)

A concrete sculpture by Matt Smith. (Matt Smith/Submitted)

sculpture classes because of the required hand-eye

and the satisfaction of seeing something they formed.

“They’re excited to show off their stuff,” Smith adds.

Smith instructs many sculpture classes at Mesa Arts Center including a metal sculpture and papier-mache.

“The average person takes (my) classes to learn about the creative process, and next thing you know, they become artists. They do really good work, (and) it’s exciting that the students are all looking forward to it,” Smith says.

Shows like Paige’s also allow emerging artists and students to sell their artwork.

“That is one of the most gratifying things, is that they are actually selling their art because I give them a show,” Paige says.

In support of the students, Paige adds that the sculptures for sale in the “Mesa Arts Center Students Sculpture Exhibit” would be well displayed in a yard or home.

Smith recounts that many of the students in his sculpture welding class have gone on to use their new skills professionally. They’ve sold their works at art fairs, and several students have started generalized welding businesses. Smith adds that the Mesa Arts Center is a valuable resource for emerging artists because it grants them access to more expensive equipment they may not be able to afford at home, such as plasma cutters.

The Mesa Arts Center offers a diverse range of educational programming in addition to hosting visual and performing arts concerts and the Mesa Contemporary Art Museum. But students at the center rarely get the opportunity to exhibit their work beyond short two-week exhibitions twice a year. By sponsoring an exhibit in the OneOhOne gallery, the sculpture students get a whole month to display their artworks, Paige says.

The “Mesa Arts Center Students Sculpture Exhibit” will be open in the OneOhOne Gallery from November 4 to November 26. On November 11, there will be a Meet the Artists Reception for anyone who wants to meet the artists as part of OneOhOne’s monthly “Second Friday Night Out” event.

“Mesa Arts Center Students Sculpture Exhibit”

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, November 4 to November 26

WHERE: OneOhOne Gallery, 101 W. Main Street, Downtown Mesa

COST: Free admission

INFO: 214-207-9277

Vet ans Day

DEALS

Restaurants honor service members with discounts

BY KAILA MELLOS

Restaurants around the Valley are doing their best to remember veterans with deals on November 11. Military and veteran IDs are necessary for many of these discounts. Visit the restaurants’ websites for information on all Valley locations.

American Legion Post 34 6272 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek azpost34.com

On Veterans Day from 4 to 7 p.m., American Legion Post 34 will offer free steak dinner meals to veterans. Nonveteran guests can enjoy a dinner for $15. According to American Legion Post 34 Cmdr. Brian Fernandez, the meals are provided as a tribute for those who served in the name of freedom and liberty. Entertainment will be provided.

Bar Louie

Multiple locations barlouie.com

Bar Louie is inviting all active and retired military to enjoy a complimentary Bar Louie Craft Burger on the house! Available all day and late at night, veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a complimentary selection of a Bar Louie Craft Burger. Recipients must show a valid military ID to redeem the offer, which is valid for dine-in only.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Multiple locations bjsrestaurants.com

BJ’s Restaurants are recognizing those who

have served our country by once again teaming up with Dr. Pepper to offer a complimentary meal from an exclusive menu and a Dr. Pepper beverage to all current and former military personnel with a valid military ID. The complimentary meal is available for dine-in only.

C2 Tactical 7000 E. Mayo Boulevard, Suite 1050, Phoenix 8475 S. Emerald Drive, Tempe c2tactical.com

C2 Tactical is offering 50% off range fees to active military and police officers. For a limited time, veterans or active-duty military can also enter to win a free membership. One membership will be given for each location of Tempe and Scottsdale. For those who want to experience an adventure, C2 Tactical was voted the Best Indoor Gun Range in Arizona and hosts a variety of group packages with a selection of pistols, shotguns or semiautomatics.

Cider Corps

Multiple locations cidercorpsaz.com

Cider Corps, a veteran-owned and family-run craft cidery, has a year-round discount for servicemen and -women. Active military and veterans get a 30% discount on all beverage purchases made at the cidery’s taprooms in Gilbert and Mesa. Cider Corps serves its craft

ciders by the glass and flight. It also has canned four packs to go.

ComicX 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Suite 95, Phoenix comicx.us

America’s first comic book-themed restaurant is honoring real-life superheroes this Veterans Day. The restaurant, located at Desert Ridge Marketplace, offers veterans 50% off of all entrees with the presentation of military ID or if dressed in uniform.

Dickey’s Multiple locations dickeys.com

Dickey’s is giving away a free pulled pork sandwich to veterans who use the code VETFREE. Veterans can redeem the offer in store for carryout and online for pickup all day at their nearest Dickey’s.

Jocque Concepts

Multiple locations jocqueconcepts.com

The restaurant group Jocque Concepts will offer a 25% discount on food purchases for vet-

Thirsty

erans and active military on Veterans Day at all of its concepts in Old Town Scottsdale and Arcadia, which include Diego Pops, Eat Up Drive In, The Hot Chick and The Montauk. Discount not valid on alcohol.

Kasai Japanese Steakhouse 14344 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale kasaiteppan.com

Kasai Japanese Steakhouse is offering 50% off an entrée to veterans and first responders when they show their ID. Happy hour is daily till 6 p.m. and includes $2 off all beer and wine, $3 off all cocktails, $2 off all appetizers, and discounts on select sushi items. Enjoy select items at discounted prices with all the food, all the fire and all the fun of our teppanyaki experience.

Koibito Poké Multiple locations koibitopoke.com

The healthy fast-casual restaurant Koibito Poké is honoring veterans with $5 off in-store orders on Veterans Day at its locations in Scottsdale, Arcadia and Chandler. Koibito Poké offers classic poké bowl selections as well as chicken and veggie options.

Marcellino Ristorante 7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale marcellinoristorante.com

Marcellino Ristorante in Old Town Scottsdale is honoring Veterans Day by offering a 10% meal discount to veterans and active military. The discount applies to those who show a valid military ID. The offer is good for dine-in only and excludes alcohol and packaged products.

Miracle Mile Deli 4433 N. 16th Street, Phoenix miraclemiledeli.com

Every day, veterans receive a 10% discount at Miracle Mile Deli. But, on Veterans Day, they see 20% off with a valid ID. Valid for takeout or dine-in. The family-friendly restaurant is one of Phoenix’s most iconic dining institutions. For more than 70 years, the establishment has been owned and operated by three generations of the Grodzinsky/Garcia family. Customers have become accustomed to Miracle Mile’s signature New York-style favorite sandwiches such as the straw, the New Yorker and the triple decker.

Youngtown proudly supports Luke Air Force Base and our brave aviators who put themselves in harm’s way while protecting our freedoms. Fulfillment of their mission is critical to our region, the state and the nation.

Miracle Mile Deli

Squeeze

Squeeze

lunch

a year-round

discount for

military and veterans at its three loca tions

Scottsdale and Tempe. The

a

of

pair.cupworks.com

A specialty coffee shop in Downtown Mesa, Pair Cupworks will offer veterans and active military 10% off any coffee or tea drink on Friday, November 11. Located inside the Ci der Corps taproom, the café serves espressos, lattes, pour-overs and artisanal teas as well as seasonal coffee drinks.

Patent 139 Brewing Co. 1949 W. Ray Road, Suites 11-13, Chandler patent139brewingco.com

on veterans’ purchases at the Mill on Veterans Day. At the Queen Creek Olive Mill, guests can take an Olive Oil 101 Tour, dine outside with Di Oliva Italian Bistro & Bar, and shop the market. Discount not valid on alcohol.

Rainbow Ryders

715 E. Covey Lane, Suite 100, Phoenix rainbowryders.com

Myke’s Pizza

Robson, Suite 103, Mesa

Located

the end of the East Valley Vet erans Day Parade route, Myke’s Pizza is a per fect spot to refuel for the day. The local-favorite pizza spot offers a year-round 10% discount for active military and veterans. Known for its hand-crafted pies, Myke’s pizzas have gained a cult following for its elevated spin on tradition al styles like salami with spicy honey and pine apple with pickled chilis and pork roll.

Pair Cupworks

31 S. Robson, Suite 103, Mesa

All active military members and veterans will receive happy hour pricing all day and a free pint glass to thank them for their service. The barbecue plate special will also be of fered at a discounted price of $20 and includes smoked tri-tip, pulled pork and St. Louis ribs. It comes with a side of verde coleslaw, housemade pickles, and a kona roll with fig butter.

Queen Creek Olive Mill Multiple locations queencreekolivemill.com

The agritourism destination where award-winning extra virgin olive oil meets farm-to-table dining is offering a 20% discount

Fulfill your bucket list with a one-of-a-kind experience as Rainbow Ryders invites you to join for a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Experi ence the gorgeous scenery of Deer Valley and enjoy the Sonoran Desert vistas from up above. For active or retired military personnel, Rain bow Ryders is offering this hot air balloon flight at a discounted rate of $175 per person. Bring your family and friends, and don’t forget your camera. You’ll want to share your pictures with everyone. This deal also includes shared sun rise basket flights as well.

The Roaring Fork 4800 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 1700, Scottsdale

your country.

a Veteran?

Call today.

may

A licensed agent will answer your call. 1-844-404-6878 (TTY: 711)

8 AM–8 PM, 7 days a week, from October 1 to March 31

8 AM–5 PM, Monday - Friday, from April 1 - Setpember 30

deserve more support. That’s why

healthy. They’re designed

top of your other health

Call to find out if this plan is right for you.

Visit us online. aet.na/veterans

Learn more about our plans.

Aetna Medicare is a HMO, PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our DSNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex and does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. If you speak a language other than English, free language assistance services are available. Visit our website, call the phone number listed in this material or the phone number on your benefit ID card. In addition, our health plan provides auxiliary aids and services, free of charge, when necessary, to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to communicate effectively with us. Our health plan also provides language assistance services, free of charge, for people with limited English proficiency. If you need these services, visit our website, call the phone number listed in this material or on your benefit ID card. If you believe that we have failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with our Grievance Department (write to the address listed in your Evidence of Coverage). You can also file a grievance by phone by calling the Customer Service phone number listed on your benefit ID card (TTY: 711). If you need help filing a grievance, call Customer Service Department at the phone number on your benefit ID card. You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/cp/complaint_frontpage.jsf. ESPAÑOL (SPANISH): Si habla un idioma que no sea inglés, se encuentran disponibles servicios gratuitos de asistencia de idiomas. Visite nuestro sitio web o llame al número de teléfono que figura en este documento. 繁體中文 (CHINESE): 如果您使用英文以外的語言，我們將提供免費的語言協

roaringfork.com

Roaring Fork restaurant in Scottsdale salutes local veterans with special discounts. With proper military identification, retired and active military can enjoy 15% off their entire meal. This deal only applies to dine-in patrons, beginning at 4 p.m. (alcohol, tax and tip are not included).

Salt & Lime Modern Mexican Grill 9397 E. Shea Boulevard, Suite 115, Scottsdale saltandlimeaz.com

Salt & Lime in Scottsdale offers a year-round 20% discount for veterans and first responders. The modern taco spot makes every day a fiesta with daily happy hour, weekend brunch, specialty tacos, and margaritas by the pitcher. Discount not valid on alcohol.

Someburros

Multiple locations someburros.com

Have tacos and burros at Someburros! Veterans, active military and first responders can enjoy a 25% discount off all orders up to $100

at this Arizonan staple. It serves Sonoran-style Mexican food, including its famous crispy crunchy shredded beef or chicken tacos ($3.45 each), soft and pollo asado, fish, or carne asada taco ($3.95 each).

Streets of New York

Multiple locations streetsofnewyork.com

Streets of New York Pizza will offer a 20% discount for veterans, active military, police and firefighters on Veterans Day. From gourmet pizzas to create-your-own New York pizzas, gluten-free options, and pizza by the slice, it has something for everyone. Offer valid at participating locations only. Discount not valid on alcohol.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub

Multiple locations

thirstyliongastropub.com

Thirsty Lion Gastropub will honor veterans. The four locations in Tempe, Gilbert, North Phoenix and Chandler will offer a free entrée and nonalcoholic beverage for those with proof of military identification. The offer will be valid on all menu items from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Thumb 9393 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale thethumb.com

The Thumb is offering 15% off all food on the menu for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. The Thumb is famous for its award-winning barbecue and being featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” This one-ofa-kind barbecue bistro is located inside a gas station/car wash/artisan gift market. It’s a fun, unique place to bring the entire family and the family car. Family dogs are also welcome in the outdoor dog patio.

15350 W. McDowell Rd, Goodyear www.OsborneJewelersinc.com

at Desert Ridge, SanTan Village and Chandler Viridian and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Tempe location.

Roaring Fork

A Flight Back in Time

BY BILL QUEHRN

Airbase Arizona Flying Museum Docent

for more than

now the heart of a major display at Airbase Arizona

Museum at Mesa’s Falcon

not find anywhere else.

World War II. The mission is detailed in the Gregory A. Freeman book “The Forgotten 500,” which is available in the Airbase Arizona Flying Museum gift shop.

is a quick summary of the mission.

Mission of

of American airmen during WWII were shot down in Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia during years of relentless bombing runs against a crucial target: the

oil fields that supplied the Ger-

‘The Forgotten 500’ honored at Mesa museum

mans with nearly a third of their fuel supplies. Serbian farmers and peasants risked their lives to give refuge to our downed soldiers while they waited for rescue, and in 1944, Operation Halyard was born.

The risks were incredible. The starving Americans in Yugoslavia had to carve out landing strips large enough for C-47 cargo planes — without tools, without alerting the Germans, and without endangering the villagers. And, those unarmed C-47s had to make it through enemy airspace, land and take off on those rugged runways, and fly back without getting shot down themselves.

The museum’s exhibit includes a panel display that tells the mission story and photographs of people involved. It was prepared by the Halyard Mission Foundation, which makes periodic presentations in the museum’s Mission Briefing Room.

The mission was conducted by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Developed during WWII, the OSS was the intelligence agency created to coordinate espionage activities behind enemy lines for all branches of the armed forces including the use of propaganda, subversion and post-war planning.

The agency’s top-secret and clandestine nature led to the classification of details regarding Halyard. What can be told today is that mission rescued 500 airmen considered lost and returned 500 veterans home.

The C-47 Skytrain, known to our British allies as Dakotas, was a treasured asset of WWII. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower once prepared a list of the most valuable tools to win the war. Skytrains came in at No. 2.

Skytrains served as cargo carriers, troop transports, med-evac carriers, and planes that towed gliders behind enemy lines in every theater of the war. It was developed from the Douglas DC-3 passenger liner of the 1930s, which is regarded in aviation history as one of the most versatile and reliable aircraft ever produced.

While the museum’s C-47 had an admirable military service record, the very nonmilitary look of the passenger cabin reflects its use after the war as a corporate plane for Hoover Vacuum Cleaner Co.

The museum’s Halyard Mission exhibit is particularly special because the father of one of my fellow docents was among those rescued. For visitors, it is an amazing display by itself.

Paired with a ride on our C-47 that participated in that mission, it offers a flight back in time experience you can’t duplicate anywhere else.

Airbase Arizona at Falcon Field

2017 N. Green eld Road, Mesa azcaf.org

For museum/PX store: 480-924-1940

For rides/ ights: 480-462-2992

For admission details, visit the website Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays

Honored to Serve

BY JOHN HECKENLAIBLE Glendale Community College

In the same way that veterans were proud to serve and ac tive-duty military personnel continue to sacrifice for their nation, the staff and faculty at Glendale Community College are hon ored to educate U.S. veterans.

Since its beginning, Glendale Com munity College has been dedicated to helping veterans, active-duty personnel and their dependents with their aca demic careers.

Over the decades, the number of vet erans taking classes at GCC has grown steadily to nearly 1,000 per year. To better serve this large population, the faculty, staff and administration at Glendale Community College dedi cated a building to veterans and in the spring of 2017.

The GCC Veterans Services Center and the college’s long history of helping veterans have helped name it a Veteran

Supportive Campus by the Arizona De partment of Veterans Services.

The Glendale Community College Veterans Services Center is a one-stop shop for veterans who want to transi tion from military life to civilian life through education. The goal at GCC is to provide academic opportunities, from certifications to degrees and from refresher classes to getting cred its to work toward transferring to a university.

The academic advisers in the Vet erans Services Center are veterans themselves and also serve the role of VA Certifying Officials. They assist in planning academic paths, identifying federal and state benefit options, cer tifying education benefits, and con necting veterans with services both on campus and in the surrounding com munity.

In addition to active-duty military

tuition assistance, the GCC Veterans Services Center helps with six VA ed ucation benefits. The VSC also guides student-veterans through degree plan ning as well as class selection and reg istration. The academic advisers at the GCC Veterans Service Center have a deep knowledge of the numerous schol arship and financial aid options that are available to veterans and can guide them on the most appropriate path.

The services that GCC provides are not limited to academics; as part of the career counseling, the VSC will help veterans explore civilian career options and learn the job-search tools.

Glendale Community College is proud to be the school of choice for such a large population of veterans. It will continue to serve our veterans with the same pride that our veterans exhibited when they served the United States.

GCC is proud to educate veterans, active-duty military

Glendale Community College Veterans Services Center was named a Veteran Supportive Campus by the Arizona Department of Veterans Services. (GCC/Submitted)

Honorary Commanders

56th FW welcomes Class of 2022

BY SOUND OF FREEDOM STAFF

LukeAir Force Base named its 2022 honorary commanders during an induction ceremony on October 14. The honorary commander program seeks to help build relationships with the surrounding communities by connecting local and civic leaders with various unit commanders. Photos by Airman 1st Class Jakob Hambright.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Fany E. Colon De Hays, 56th Force Support Squadron commander, coins Chris Calcaterra and Alex Tsakaris, honorary commander inductees.

Airmen from the 56th Fighter Wing and honorary commander inductees attend an induction ceremony, which marked the beginning of the honorary commander’s two-year commitment to serve.

 U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kristen Schnell, 56th Comptroller Squadron commander, coins Gabe Hill and Kevin Michalzuk, honorary commander inductees.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jason Shaffer, 56th Fighter Wing command chief, coins Thomas Maynard and Jenni Thomas, honorary commander inductees.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Rueschhoff, 56th Fighter Wing commander, addresses attendees of the honorary commander induction ceremony.

Honorary commander inductees and 56th Fighter Wing airmen participate in a social hour before an induction ceremony.

Medicare Open Enrollment Period

ant that all eligible individuals take time to evaluate plan options.

BY SCOTT MATHIS Southwest Regional Veteran Executive Humana

Asa veteran who proudly served our country, I understand how overwhelming the different layers of health care coverage can be, especially after turning 65.

If you’re one of the 18.2 million members of the U.S. veteran population who are now in this age group, including 254,000 in Arizona, you may also want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan to complement your existing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and potentially reduce any gaps in your health care coverage.

During the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period, which runs through December 7, it’s import-

To start, I recommend conducting a personal needs assessment to identify the type of care needed. Next, look to see if your doctors and hospitals are in network, as well as whether dental, vision and hearing are included. Finally, veterans should consider Medicare Advantage plans, as they often include benefits designed to address social challenges that can negatively impact health, such as food insecurity and isolation or loneliness.

Some additional considerations include:

• Work alongside existing veteran benefits.

For veterans, finding a plan that complements their existing VA benefits can make things easier for them. For example, Humana offers Honor plans, which are designed with veterans and their families in mind and recommended by USAA.

• It’s more than just medical coverage. Often, loneliness affects veterans differently from civilians. Looking for plans with additional benefits that might support mental health ser-

vices and increase access to fitness programs or even transportation services to doctor appointments can help keep veterans connected to their communities. There are also plans for eligible individuals that can provide allowances to pay for healthy foods, rent and utilities, pet supplies and more.

There’s much to consider as people eligible for Medicare evaluate plan options, so be sure to use free, available resources.

The Medicare Plan Finder on medicare. gov can help compare plans and benefits and get estimated plan costs, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, you can visit humana.com/medicare/veterans or call toll free 1-888-372-2614, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week, to speak to Humana customer care specialists who collaborated with USAA to receive special training to better serve veterans’ health care needs. Many specialists are veterans themselves and can make it easier for you to manage your health.

HOMETOWN HEROES