ed that only 1% of the master sergeants from highly technical fields would be promoted to chief master sergeant.
Eleven years after the U.S. Air Force became a separate military service, momentum began to grow for a change to the enlisted rank structure.
Master sergeant (E-7) was the highest enlisted rank a person could achieve when the Air Force became a separate service in 1947.
After the Korean War, Air Force officials realized the enlisted corps suffered from stagnation in rank and it was then that Congress enacted the Career Compensation Act of 1958. The act allowed Air Force officials to create two new ranks, senior master sergeant (E-8) and chief master sergeant (E-9.) It was decid -
There were 58,000 master sergeants who qualified for promotion and a board was held to review records and look for demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills. Of those, only 625 airmen were selected to the rank of chief master sergeant. They were all promoted on the same day, December 1, 1959.
In honor of the anniversary of this historic establishment, Luke Air Force Base officials, along with Fighter Country Foundation, came together to recognize retired, current and recently selected chief master sergeants during an appreciation event December 1.
“We’re here to build relationships with each other and give back to the other chiefs before us,” says Chief Master Sgt. Jason Shaffer, 56th Fighter Wing command chief.
“We have so many amazing chiefs here with us today. We are here on December 1 to build relationships with each other and keep remembering what they’ve
When the Air Force was established in 1947, the highest enlisted rank one could achieve was master sergeant (E-7). After the Korean War, the need to expand promotion opportunities became evident and the Air Force created two more ranks — senior master sergeant (E-8) and chief master sergeant (E-9). On December 1, 1959, 625 airmen were promoted to chief master sergeant. (Susan
done for us.”
Shaffer says he hopes this will become an annual event to recognize the Phoenix-area chief master sergeants who have done so much for the airmen of Luke Air Force Base.
2023
U.S. Air Force Maj. Aaron Johnson, 69th Fighter Squadron F-16 instructor pilot, and Dennis Gardeck, Arizona Cardinals offensive linebacker, take off in the F-16D Fighting Falcon dubbed “Mig Killer” on a familiarization flight. (Senior Airman Noah D. Coger/56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)
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“To the retirees here today, thank you for what you’ve done for our Air Force and thank you for what you continue to do for us because you inspire us to work harder every day,” Shaffer says.
As part of the event, all chief master sergeants in attendance were invited to place their vote on picnic tables painted by various squadrons on base.
The competition was set up as way for Fighter Country Foundation to display the heritage of the squadrons, according to Ron Sites, Fighter Country Foundation president and chief executive officer.
“We are so proud to be part of Luke Air Force Base,” Sites says. “We wanted to pay back to the squadrons who took time to help
us display military culture and tradition. Each squadron who painted a table got $100 as well as paint supplies. The first, second and third place received prizes of $1,500, $1,000 and $500 payable to their squadron booster club.”
The first-place recipient was the 56th Training Squadron, followed by the second-place group the 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, and third place was the 56th Operations Support Squadron.
“Fighter Country Foundation is committed to ensuring that Air Force culture and tradition does not fall short ever,” Sites says. “We are honored to support the men and women who protect us and our country. This event is just one way we can give back to those who give so much.”
Interoperability is a key component of the collective ability to address global security challenges. Exercise Swift Strike aims to strengthen interoperability for American and Canadian air controllers and air battle managers.
“War is dynamic. It doesn’t happen on a script,” says Royal Canadian Air Force Capt. Dennis Williams, 42 Radar Squadron instructor air battle manager.
“Having these opportunities to integrate
fully with our partners benefits everyone in the end. You need to be able to go to war next to someone who is at the same level and in the same mindset as you.”
Swift Strike is a bilateral exercise between the U.S. Air Force and the RCAF, hosted by the 607th Air Control Squadron. The 401 Tactical Fighter Squadron and the 42 RS from the 4 Wing, Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada, participated in the exercise at Luke Air Force Base in November and December.
“We came to Luke for their excellent facilities and the awesome weather,” Williams says. “The weather allows us to fly every single day. Plus, having the hospitality of our U.S. Air Force counterparts benefits us.”
The exercise allowed the 42 RS to work with 607th ACS radar equipment while learning from 607th ACS Airmen, ensuring controllers from both countries can work together.
“The system we control off of in Canada is very different than what they have here,” Williams says. “What you see here at the 607th ACS is what you would see in a deployed scenario, so for us to get that experience and training, we need to come to places like Luke.”
For the 607th ACS, the exercise serves as a unique training opportunity for the unit’s
airmen.
“With exercises like this, there’s also the people aspect,” says U.S. Air Force Maj. Kyle Childress, 607th ACS assistant director of operations. “Learning customs, courtesies and just meeting one another is important, because down the line we may all be working together in a deployed environment.”
Exercise Swift Strike is also opening the door for further cooperation between the U.S. Air Force and the RCAF. Both Williams and Childress see potential for the future.
“401 TFS and deployed affiliates from across the RCAF were honored to partake in Exercise Swift Strike 2022. The deployment’s training objectives were to validate high readiness ‘deployability,’ hone our tactics, techniques and procedures alongside our American allies, and to employ air-to-surface munitions from a deployed location,” says RCAF Lt. Col. Reid Surkan, 401 TFS commanding officer.
“Those training objectives have been met with outstanding success. The Canadian contingent would like to thank Luke Air Force Base staff and fellow American war
FROM PAGE 10
fighters for enabling the deployment’s success.”
With the success of Swift Strike, the 607th ACS, the 42 RS and the 401 TFS are confident that their airmen will be able to operate within the fast-paced environments that deployments and exercises bring.
Reservations for dinner or parties can be made throughout the year; including wedding receptions, birthday parties, and company events (623-512-0852).
As the city grows, so must the roadways. Therefore, Yuma Road is slated to be widened in the near future to accommodate current and future growth. A new building will be established near the current location, on the same property, prior to the existing building being torn down. Since Roman had help from his contemporaries with building and decorating the current building; so Myra wishes to continue the theme of a ‘community build’ when taking down current décor and then placing it at the new building. Community members are encouraged to sign up at Roman’s to assist.
The next generation of Roman’s family is firmly entwined in the business, as Myra’s daughter Sarah Curtis, who grew up working for her Papa, is the General Manager at Roman’s. Roman’s Oasis is located on the SE corner of Cotton Lane and Yuma Road, at 16825 W. Yuma, Goodyear, Az 85338 623-932-0922
More than 3,000 men, women and children of Luke Air Force Base participated in the Fiesta Bowl Parade, which featured various decorated floats, giant balloons, antique cars, charitable groups, local military and law enforcement organizations, and marching bands. In its 50th year, the Fiesta Bowl Parade honors individuals or groups whose actions show a commitment to driving economic growth, championing charitable causes and executing innovative experiences. Senior Airman Dominic Tyler of the 56th Fighter Wing snapped a few pho
Support the men, women, families, and mission of Luke AFB. You can show your support with the F-35 Sound of Freedom custom license plate.
OUR MISSION fightercountry.org/plate
OUR MISSION Support the men, women, families, and mission of Luke AFB. You can show your support with the F-35 Sound of Freedom custom license plate. https://fightercountry.org/plate
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Arizona Cardinals players visited Luke Air Force Base in November to learn about the airmen and travel on familiarization flights, which allow civilian and military personnel to learn about flight operations that they might not
was an opportunity to inform community partners on military operations and unique mission sets. U.S. Air Force
U.S.
Members of the 56th Component Maintenance Squadron show Cameron Thomas, Arizona Cardinals offensive linebacker, how to attach an Air Intercept Missile 9X to an F-35 Lightning II. Maintenance airmen are responsible for ensuring all components of aircraft are operable and mission ready.
Agroundbreaking ceremony for a new splash pad was held recently as Luke Air Force Base sets to create more recreational opportunities for airmen and their families.
The splash pad will be operated by the 56th Force Support Squadron, which is responsible for various mission support services around Luke AFB.
“Taking care of our airmen means that
we’re also taking care of their families,” says Col. Anthony Mullinax, 56th Mission Support Group commander. “There are some unique challenges that come with being a military family and, for us, enhancing the quality of life for those airmen and families is crucial.”
Covering 3,500 square feet, the pad will incorporate a new sidewalk around the perimeter as well as a new shade cover
over the pad, totaling 4,250 square feet of coverage. The new splash pad will be incorporated into existing wellness and recreational facilities, such as the child development center and the military family readiness center.
The construction contract was awarded to Bhate Environmental Associates Inc., with the project expected to be complete by the summer.
Discover an oasis of luxurious fun and relaxation in the heart of the sun-splashed Sonoran Desert. The iconic Wigwam Resort offers seasonal menus at all three delicious restaurants with farm-to-table freshness and special events including a Patio Party Spring Brunch. There are sparkling pools, three championship golf courses, and an award-winning spa. Plus, there are tennis courts, lawn games, and quiet spaces everywhere. Find your magical place in the sun where there’s beauty, fine food, and limitless horizons to feed body and soul.
The Luke Air Force Base chapel kitchen recently celebrated its grand reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It was remodeled to better serve airmen and their families. Airman 1st Class Jakob Hambright was there to catch the moment.
Airbase Arizona Flying Museum welcomes its newest exhibit thanks to the Arizona Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.
Sand Shark, an AH-1F Cobra attack helicopter, is on permanent display and becomes the first major exhibit to honor Gulf War-era veterans.
While not the original Sand Shark,
this Cobra is painted with the markings of one assigned to Nomad Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, in West Germany that was deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990 and served during Operation Desert Shield.
Fashioned after the fabled UH-1 Iroquois (Huey), the Cobra is the first dedicated attack helicopter employed
by our military forces. Huey helicopters were designed to be cargo and air ambulance vehicles when they were sent to Vietnam in 1962.
However, it soon became apparent that, without any armament, Hueys and their crews were sitting ducks for enemy fire. Initially equipped in the
field with a variety of weapons, Hueys soon proved to be such an effective attack aircraft that they revolutionized military thinking about helicopter deployment.
While the Huey achieved legendary achievement as a gunship, its bulky form, speed and maneuverability limitations called for a vehicle designed specifically to be a fast attack platform. Bell Helicopters answer was the AH-1 Cobra.
Originally equipped with the same engine, transmission and rotor system as a UH-1, Cobras carried a crew of two. They featured a much lighter, slimmer and streamlined fuselage with a fighter jet-style armor protected tandem cockpit that placed the pilot behind and above the co-pilot gunner.
From his front position, the gunner controlled a wide range of devastating weapons, including cannons, rapid-fire
mini guns, grenade launchers, 70mm rockets and TOW anti-tank missiles.
Cobras could deliver about twice the ammunition load of a Huey, arrive at the target faster, and loiter longer. Its speed and climb rates were better than Hueys, and Cobras were much quieter. They soon replaced Hueys in Vietnam as escort-and-attack choppers.
Cobras entered service in Vietnam in 1968. After the U.S. withdrawal in 1973, Cobras remained a backbone of Army, and eventually the Marine Corps, fast response capability. They were used in the invasion of Grenada in 1983, Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989, and operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and the Gulf War.
As with all the exhibits at Airbase Arizona Flying Museum at Mesa’s Falcon Field, there are no ropes or cordons around Sand Shark. It’s found on the main museum floor with a Huey nearby and surrounded by the amaz-
ing selection of other aircraft dating back to World War I.
Along with the aircraft and other exhibits on display visitors can book rides on several of historic WWII planes including two training planes, an amazing twin-engine C-45 cargo plane, a B-25 Mitchell bomber and our magnificent four engine B-17 “Flying Fortress” bomber.
They can also take a ride on our C-47 Skytrain cargo plane that, in 1944, was part of the largest military rescue operation of WWII. A complete history of that mission is described in a special exhibit inside the museum. Family Fun Days — $5 per person or $10 per family — have returned on selected Saturdays for the winter-spring season.
Guests can review the museum’s many special programs and events, book flights, check hours, make group reservations and learn a lot more about the 100 years of military aviation history on display at azcaf.org.
Military service personnel — whether active duty, retiring or retired — sometimes need to reinvent themselves and
get additional education when entering the civilian workforce, and in order to meet the demands of technology-driven jobs.
Furthering your education is important, whether you are going to remain in the military, are planning to retire from the service or have already retired. It’s the next step in achieving your goals and preparing a secure future.
There are a number of questions that immediately come to mind as you map out your future education plans: What should
you study, how are you going to pay for it, what type of school is the best fit for you and where should you attend?
There are several factors to consider when determining what you should study.
Ask yourself what you are interested in: business, computer technology, health services, education, etc.
Next, research future job trends. This allows you to align your skill set and interests with the workforce needs of the near and
foreseeable future, to ensure that you’ll be positioned for a long and rewarding career.
When it comes to paying for college, there are several important factors to consider. The first is tuition cost, which can vary widely. Research all available scholarships, and then apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so you can secure financial aid.
Determining the best type of school to attend can depend largely on your chosen field of study. There are schools that specialize in certain fields; however, these facilities have a narrow focus with limited offerings and students often miss out on many educational opportunities.
The bottom line is that you should consider a fully accredited school that allows you to affordably explore numerous options and pursue a wide variety of courses in your chosen field of study.
Community colleges are perfect for students who are looking for an affordable way to build a strong educational foundation, explore their passions, get credentials and earn a degree.
Those who serve, work or reside in the West Valley should consider Glendale Community College. GCC’s tuition is extremely affordable, it offers over 100 degree and certificate programs, plus it has a very helpful Veterans Services Center.
The Glendale Community College Veterans Services Center is a one-stop shop for veterans who want to transition from military life
to civilian life through higher education. The Veterans Services Center’s academic advisers assist in planning academic paths, identifying federal and state benefit options, certifying education benefits, and connecting veterans with services, on and off campus.
In addition to Active Duty Military Tuition Assistance, the GCC Veterans Services Center services numerous different VA education benefits. The VSC also guides student veterans through degree planning as well as class selection and registration.
The academic advisers at the GCC Veterans Services Center are deeply knowledgeable on the countless scholarship and financial aid options that are available to veterans. The services that GCC provides are not limited to academics; as part of the career counseling, the advisors at the VSC will help veterans explore civilian career options and learn about job search tools.
When disabled veterans return from service, many need emotional, mental or physical support.
Having a service dog can often help.
Thanks to the American Service Animal Society’s Dogs4Vets program, they can train their dogs in a hands-on way.
Gerad, a disabled veteran, and Debbie Claseman founded the program in 2005 after they saw a need for no-cost training for service dogs.
Their son, Shaun Claseman, is continuing their vision. He served as executive director recently but has been with
the Gilbert-based nonprofit for seven.
Their facility is set up similar to a home, allowing veterans to train their pets in real-life skills, such as opening and closing doors or drawers, turning lights on and off, and putting items in trash cans.
As part of classes, veterans and dogs also go on outings to places such as gro -
cery stores, restaurants, malls, the light rail or the airport.
The organization has about 11 classes, with eight students each, every week. Veterans come to class once a week for about an hour.
“We help them to train their dog, so they understand the entire process. They are part of the entire process,” Shaun says. “They understand everything, and they know why we do things the way that we do them.”
Dogs are trained using positive reinforcement methods.
New classes start in March and September. The March classes are full, and the organization is now accepting students for September.
Each class has a minimum of two trainers. There are around seven trainers on staff, some of whom are volunteers. They have backgrounds as animal behaviorists and have gone
through the training program themselves.
Generally, the program takes anywhere from a year to a year and a half to complete. Some students have needed up to three years.
Shaun says that there is often a noticeable change in the veterans and the dogs throughout the course of the program.
“The whole reason we do this is to see the transformation of the team from when they started to when they complete our program. It’s really something to behold,” Shaun says.
“We have students who, when they first started the program, couldn’t sit in a class or in a room with one or two people. Now, they go on speaking engagements in front of hundreds of people with me. We have students who stayed at home, hadn’t left
their house. They now have the confidence to take their family out to the park with their dogs, to go camping and to get out and enjoy life.”
Shaun often takes students on visits to veterans’ organizations, military groups, churches, schools, other nonprofits and businesses to talk about the organization.
“Instead of just me talking about our program, they can hear about how the program has helped or changed a veteran’s life,” Shaun says.
The program starts out with basic obedience and safety, which typically takes three to six months. The last part of the pro -
Glendale is proud to be the home of Luke Air Force Base and its mission to train the world’s best fighter pilots!
gram focuses on task training.
“That is individualized to the veteran’s needs. … When we get into the task training, it’s a lot of oneon-one work, getting the dog to do the tasks that each veteran needs them to do,” Shaun says.
Dogs can help with a range of tasks, including seizure alerts and diabetes detection.
“With that detection, they can also retrieve the insulin kit or go to the refrigerator, open up the refrigerator, get some juice and bring it to their owner. … You can use scent detection to get them to learn what to do when your blood sugar changes,
which it is dropping too low or getting too high,” Shaun says.
Each year, Dogs4Vets helps anywhere from 80 to 100 veterans with service-connected disabilities to train their service dogs.
Training and the associated equipment are provided at no cost to the veterans.
The program is funded through a state income tax credit, grants and private donations. To enter, veterans must apply. There’s a $25 application fee.
Veterans also need to provide copies of their dogs’ vet records and doctors’ notes stating they would benefit from having service dogs.
If they are accepted, they go through an orientation
where they receive training handbooks and information on the classes. During orientation, dogs are evaluated and fitted for any special training equipment.
Veterans can bring their own family dogs, or Dogs4Vets will help find a service animal. They work with a number of local rescues.
Many of the rescues they work with have current and former students who know what to look for in potential service animals.
Once veterans are in the program, they are enrolled for life. So, if they have to train anoth -
er dog in the future, they can re-enter the program when space is available.
Shaun says about 80% of the dogs in the program are rescues.
“We look at it as helping to save two lives at one time,” Shaun says.
Some of the canines have served as military, Border Patrol or police dogs. Shaun says that they often are easier to train, but they may need special instruction to unlearn some of their past training.
“They aren’t allowed to interact with people as much, or they aren’t allowed to touch items,” Shaun says. “They weren’t allowed to pick things up with their mouth. They would alert their handler. Now, we want them to pick things up and hand things to
their handler and different things like that.”
The dogs range from miniature pinschers and chihuahuas to great danes and English mastiffs. Shaun says larger dogs are better suited for certain tasks.
“As long as the dogs have the right temperament and are socialized, most of them can do just about anything,” Shaun says.
“If you have problems and need help with balance, then a smaller dog wouldn’t work. If you need any physical tasks like bracing or mobility, then you would need to have a larger dog. But when you are
anxiety or depression, then just
FROM PAGE 30
about any dog can do it.”
Shaun says dogs can accomplish more than most people realize.
“If you’ve had a dog for a while, they know what your normal is,” he says. “So, if you are having a good day, they are more excited. They are having a good day. If you’re not feeling well and you are having a bad day, they are glued to your side. So, they know what your normal is, and they respond accordingly. We typically fail them by thinking they are just a dog and they aren’t capable of doing much more than that.”
Service animals become an important part of their owners’ lives.
“They can give somebody their confidence back, allow them to participate in everyday life that we can take for granted. … A service dog can give the owner or handler unconditional love and will always look out for them,” Shaun says.
3240 S. Lindsay Road, Gilbert 480-802-9339, dogs4vets.org
The Decades Wall includes the history of the country, including Arizona- and Peoria-specific events that have been instrumental in shaping the community and society. (City of Peoria/Submitted)
The Decades Wall shares a bit of history
The city of Peoria recently unveiled its new legacy project — the Decades Wall.
This expansion project includes the history of the country, including Arizona- and Peoria-specific events that have been instrumental in shaping the community and society throughout the last decade.
“It not only means a lot for the community, it means a lot for the
state of Arizona,” outgoing Mayor Cathy Carlat says. “This is a legacy project that has to do with our centennial, 100 years, and so we wanted to step up and take part in what we care about the most, which is being
part of the state of Arizona, state 48. That’s big for us.”
The Decades Wall is a vertical monument that highlights major historical events in the country, like Robin Williams’ death by suicide in Paradise Cay, California, and the Patriots winning their fifth Super Bowl in Glendale.
Peoria is showcased, too — Pioneer Community Park, the dedication of the Sen. John McCain Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza, and the historic passage of the “Brandon Act,” named in honor of Peoria resident Brandon Caserta. Caserta — a former U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class — died by suicide and inspired a movement advocating for more support for mental health in the military.
“It means the world to us, to be honest,” says Brandon’s father, Patrick Caserta. “His legacy is important to save lives. That’s what we do.
His whole life, we lived in Peoria. We moved three times in Peoria. He went to grade school, middle school and high school here. He loved Peoria.”
New landscaping, signage and directional wayfinding has been added, along with an additional monument that allows for future expansion.
The wall is an addition to the preexisting Decades Walk, a monument that highlighted the initial 100-year anniversary of Arizona with historical events from 1912, Arizona’s inaugural year, to 2012. The wall is still only half filled in, though, with history happening from 2013 until 2021. It has room to fill with events through 2032.
“This is the kind of thing that grounds (residents),” Carlat said. “It gives them a foundation in Arizona and in the city of Peoria when they learn about our history, and they start to feel a part of that knowledge and they can see us moving on. Because our history is the foundation
on which we build our present and on which we build our future.
“So, as more people move here and more people get used to what’s going on in the city of Peoria, they can become a part of our history, too.”
The wall shows the growth of the booming city and the pride that comes with being a part of it.
“I am beside myself with being proud,” Carlat says. “I am proud of the city of Peoria as it is. That’s because I know a lot of our history and I’ve been able to be a part of our history.”
The Centennial Plaza Decades Walk is located at Peoria’s Centennial Plaza Park, 9875 N. 85th Avenue, and is open to the public for viewing.
The Centennial Plaza Decades Walk
9875 N. 85th Avenue, Peoria peoriaaz.gov
•Veteran Benefits Counselorworks directly with Veterans Affairs on developing and filing applications for benefits & claims
The West Valley Veteran Success Center is dedicated to supporting service members, veterans and their families. Surprise Resource Center, 12425 W. Bell Road, Suite 124
•AmeriCorps Memberspecializing in veteran benefits navigation services •Be Connected Navigatorproviding connection to veteran supportive resources
Services are offered in partnership in partnership with the Arizona Coalition for Military Families, Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, Northern Arizona University and Rio Salado Community College.
Coming from a military background, Stephanie and Robert Tipton have a strong desire to serve their community.
When they landed at Luke Air Force Base from Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgom-
ery, Alabama, they brought along something they wanted to share with the West Valley: Frios Gourmet Pops, a frozen dessert franchise on wheels.
They’re now making their way around the West and Northwest Valley on their Frios Sweet Ride, covering Buckeye, Goodyear, Avondale, Surprise, El Mirage, Peoria, Tonopah and Glendale.
“While stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base, we fell in love with not only the Frios product, but the happiness-driven at-
mosphere the brand creates for its guests,” Stephanie says.
“It took a few years for us to finally decide to take the leap and jump on board with our own location in the Phoenix area, but we’re thrilled to begin serving up smiles to our friends and neighbors in West Valley.”
Frios fans can book a Frios Sweet Ride to crash their parties and celebrations, such as weddings, birthdays and community gath-
erings.
“Frios offers a frozen dessert experience like no other, and we are honored to be the first Happiness Hustlers to share that with our friends and neighbors in West Valley,” Stephanie says.
“No matter your age, background or environment, one taste of a Frios pop can immediately transport you to a nostalgic place, reminding you of the sweet memories of childhood and igniting that same feeling of excitement you had as a kid hearing the ice cream truck down the street. I know our community will absolutely love what we have to offer, and I’m excited to bring this experience to the Phoenix metropolitan area and serve our community along the way.”
The company embeds itself in the community and leads nationwide philanthropy partnerships. The Tiptons are following suit by making appearances at schools and nonprofits and giving 20% of sales back to them.
“We want our customers to feel welcome no matter who they are, or where they are from, and strive to be inclusive,” she says.
“Through our mobile Frios Sweet Ride, we are able to spread happiness and give back to the people and communities that we serve. We plan on giving back through donations to local school districts and supporting nonprofits of all types.”
Frios Gourmet Pops offers tasty frozen desserts of all types, including creamy and fruity flavors, and select pops that are low in sugar or without dairy, wheat, soy, nut and dyes.
“We want to serve our community in a fun, innocent, safe and happy environment,” Stephanie says.
“Our goal is to leave people better than we found them, with bigger smiles on their faces and more joy in their hearts. The magic of a Frios pop is that it can transport you back to a moment in time from your childhood or to a beautiful beach through a tropical tasting pop.”
Offered in a wide variety of flavors, Frios are made with quality ingredients and real fruit. Frios’ signature flavors include pineapple mango, fruit punch, blue raspberry, cotton candy, root beer float, blueberry cheesecake and key lime pie. The menu features seasonal pops as well, like Christmas tree cake and peanut butter cup and Nutter Butter.
The Tiptons have been stationed at Luke Air Force Base since January 2018 and joined the Air Force 10 years before that in San Antonio.
Stephanie is trained as a mental health technician, specifically a certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor, while Robert works in diagnostic imaging and is a registered X-ray and ultrasound technologist.
Having served in the U.S. Air Force for almost 15 years, and now venturing on this new opportunity of entrepreneurship, the Tiptons’ commitment to their community
is endless.
“Our commitment to serve others comes from the heart. We care about the mental health of others, and sometimes we just need to be greeted with a smile,” Robert says.
619-738-1816
westvalley@friospops.com friospops.com/locations/phoenix instagram.com/frioswestvalley facebook.com/frioswestvalley
