This episode of Veterans AZ shines a spotlight on the Arizona Veterans Mission Group, a nonprofit that provides legal assistance to veterans to help them receive the care and benefits they deserve. Join AVMG Director Anna Mineer and attorney Derek Debus to learn how they are helping veterans navigating the often complex world of VA benefits and the legal system.Learn more about the Arizona Veterans Mission Group: https://arizonaveteransmissiongroup.org/About Veterans AZ (VeteransAZ.org) Veterans AZ is a video series that shares the stories of Arizona veterans and focuses attention on the many organizations and programs that serve veterans in the Valley of the Sun. The program is produced as part of the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission's efforts to increase communication and awareness about veterans, their accomplishments, and the services and organizations supporting those who have worn the uniform of the United States armed forces. Produced by the City of Scottsdale, Veterans AZ features news and information from across the Valley of the Sun and Arizona. Veterans AZ is also available in your favorite podcast app. Arizona governments are encouraged to air Veterans AZ on your channels – find full episodes, graphics, caption files and other resources in the Veterans AZ media portal: https://scottsdale.canto.com/v/VeteransAZ/

In this episode of Veterans AZ, we sit down with Shawn Banzhaf and Michelle Loposky who are part of the team at the Pat Tillman Veterans Center at Arizona State University.The Pat Tillman Veterans Center assists active-duty, veteran and veteran-dependent students with their military education benefits and offers programs, events, and a place where student veterans can connect with and support each other. Shawn and Michelle are both U.S. Army veterans - learn about their experience and all of the things the Pat Tillman Veterans Center does to support military learners. (https://veterans.asu.edu/)About Veterans AZ (http://VeteransAZ.org) Veterans AZ is a video series that shares the stories of Arizona veterans and focuses attention on the many organizations and programs that serve veterans in the Valley of the Sun. The program is produced as part of the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission's efforts to increase communication and awareness about veterans, their accomplishments, and the services and organizations supporting those who have worn the uniform of the United States armed forces. Produced by the City of Scottsdale, Veterans AZ features veterans news and information from across the Valley of the Sun and Arizona. Veterans AZ is also available in your favorite podcast app.

This episode of Veterans AZ features an interview with Margy Bons, the founder of Military Assistance Mission – an Arizona nonprofit dedicated to helping our military service members and their families. Margy founded MAM in honor of her son, Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Adam Marzano, who died in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom.MAM strives to provide financial assistance each year to 120 Arizona active duty, guard & reserve military service members. Each year approximately 2,500 military members and families benefit from MAM’s morale/event programs such as Operation Holiday Giving, Seats for Soldiers, and Baby Bundle Bash. Learn more about Military Assistance Mission at https://azmam.org/.About Veterans AZ (http://VeteransAZ.org) Veterans AZ is a podcast and video series that shares the stories of Arizona veterans and focuses attention on the many organizations and programs that serve veterans in the Valley of the Sun. The program is produced as part of the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission's efforts to increase communication and awareness about veterans, their accomplishments, and the services and organizations supporting those who have worn the uniform of the United States armed forces. Produced by the City of Scottsdale, Veterans AZ features veterans news and information from across the Valley of the Sun and Arizona. Veterans AZ is also available in your favorite podcast app.

This episode of Veterans AZ focuses on a unique partnership between veterans of the United States Marine Corps, and veterans of Federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI. The Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation provides scholarships to the children of fallen United States Marines and Federal Law Enforcement Officers. Nationwide since 1995, the foundation has provided more than $90 million in assistance and support to the families of our nation’s fallen heroes.The Arizona chapter was founded in 2004, and since then has raised more than $1.9 million for families here. Their annual fundraiser a golf tournament is June 9 at Grayhawk in Scottsdale. MCLEF-AZ hosts the Gathering of Heroes dinner the night before at American Legion Post 34 in Cave Creek Arizona.Learn more at https://www.mclefaz.org/About Veterans AZ (http://VeteransAZ.org) Veterans AZ is a video series that shares the stories of Arizona veterans and focuses attention on the many organizations and programs that serve veterans in the Valley of the Sun. The program is produced as part of the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission's efforts to increase communication and awareness about veterans, their accomplishments, and the services and organizations supporting those who have worn the uniform of the United States armed forces. Produced by the City of Scottsdale, Veterans AZ features veterans news and information from across the Valley of the Sun and Arizona. Veterans AZ is also available in your favorite podcast app.

Veterans AZ - Comrades to the CorpsThe latest episode of Veterans AZ is a conversation with Jason Duren and Jim Pomosh - Marine combat veterans from different eras who have developed a unique friendship, recorded on location at Jason's business: Cider Corps in Mesa, Arizona. About Veterans AZ (http://VeteransAZ.org) Veterans AZ is a video series that shares the stories of Arizona veterans and focuses attention on the many organizations and programs that serve veterans in the Valley of the Sun. The program is produced as part of the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission's efforts to increase communication and awareness about veterans, their accomplishments, and the services and organizations supporting those who have worn the uniform of the United States armed forces. Produced by the City of Scottsdale, Veterans AZ features veterans news and information from across the Valley of the Sun and Arizona. Veterans AZ is also available on YouTube or in your favorite podcast app.

This episode of Veterans AZ is a conversation with Frank Lambert – a West Point graduate who went on to serve with the 1st Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam. In March 2022, Frank was honored with the Veterans Heritage Project’s Storyteller Award, which recognizes a veterans willingness to share their story with others – something Frank Lambert has done many times over the past decade.Thank you to the Veterans Heritage Project for arranging this interview - visit them at http://VeteransHeritage.orgAbout Veterans AZ (http://VeteransAZ.org)  Veterans AZ is a video series that shares the stories of Arizona veterans and focuses attention on the many organizations and programs that serve veterans in the Valley of the Sun. The program is produced as part of the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission's efforts to increase communication and awareness about veterans, their accomplishments, and the services and organizations supporting those who have worn the uniform of the United States armed forces. This program is produced by the City of Scottsdale, but features veterans news and information from across the Valley of the Sun and Arizona.  Find episodes at http://VeteransAZ.org; Veterans AZ is also available in your favorite podcast app.

The second season of Veterans AZ features two interviews with people contributing to Arizona's veterans legacy. First we meet Nikki Stratton, granddaughter of USS Arizona survivor Donald Stratton. Nikki shares the story of her grandfather's harrowing escape from his burning ship on Dec. 7, 1941, and how he defied the odds to recover from his wounds and get back into the fight before the war's end. Learn how Nikki continues to honor the legacy of the Grand Canyon State's beloved battleship as sponsor of the new USS Arizona - an attack submarine currently under construction, and through her work with the USS Arizona Legacy Foundation (http://USSAZLegacy.org).We also learn about MANA House -- a transitional housing facility started by veterans for veterans. Army veteran Cole Hickman tells us about this amazing place where those who have served our nation can get a hand up to end struggles with homelessness. About Veterans AZ (http://VeteransAZ.org)  Veterans AZ is a video series that shares the stories of Arizona veterans and focuses attention on the many organizations and programs that serve veterans in the Valley of the Sun. The program is produced as part of the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission's efforts to increase communication and awareness about veterans, their accomplishments, and the services and organizations supporting those who have worn the uniform of the United States armed forces. This program is produced by the City of Scottsdale, but features veterans news and information from across the Valley of the Sun and Arizona.  Find episodes at http://VeteransAZ.org; Veterans AZ is also available in your favorite podcast app.

In this episode of Veterans AZ, we commemorate Veterans Day - we honor and thank United States veterans around Arizona and across the world. Saying "thank you for your service" is a kind gesture that many offer when meeting a veteran. In this episode, we meet Arizonans who are putting incredibly meaningful actions behind those words -- truly supporting veterans in our community who need it the most. We will meet Army veteran Stephen Kirby and his dog Scout, and learn how the Dogs 4 Vets program helps veterans handle the stresses and challenges of post-service life through the power of canine companionship. (https://www.dogs4vets.org/)First, we sat down with three hidden heroes. Sharon Grassi, Anne Adkinson, and Bree Shields are Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellows. They are among the 5.5 million military caregivers in the United States who shift the focus of their lives to caring for wounded, injured and ill servicemembers in their families. (http://HiddenHeroes.org).About Veterans AZ (http://VeteransAZ.org) Veterans AZ is a video series that shares the stories of Arizona veterans and focuses attention on the many organizations and programs that serve veterans in the Valley of the Sun. The program is produced as part of the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission's efforts to increase communication and awareness about veterans, their accomplishments, and the services and organizations supporting those who have worn the uniform of the United States armed forces. This program is produced by the City of Scottsdale, but features veterans news and information from across the Valley of the Sun and Arizona. Veterans AZ is available on YouTube or in your favorite podcast app.

When a loved one serves in uniform, members of their family almost always shoulder part of that burden. Whether it's a spouse raising a family alone while a servicemember is deployed, or the mothers and fathers who carry worry and fear while a son or daughter goes into harm's way. In these ways, military service is very much a family affair. In this episode of Veterans AZ, we honor Gold Star Families. Gold star families – spouses, children, parents, siblings or others whose loved one died in service to our nation – are part of our country’s military community who have made an incredible sacrifice. About Veterans AZ (http://VeteransAZ.org) Veterans AZ is a video and Podcast series that shares the stories of Arizona veterans and focuses attention on the many organizations and programs that serve veterans in the Valley of the Sun. The program is produced as part of the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission's efforts to increase communication and awareness about veterans, their accomplishments, and the services and organizations supporting those who have worn the uniform of the United States armed forces. This program is produced by the City of Scottsdale, but features veterans news and information from across the Valley of the Sun and Arizona. Veterans AZ is available in your favorite podcast app or you can find video episodes at VeteransAZ.org.

This episode of Veterans AZ is dedicated to Korean War veterans - the 5.7 million who served, nearly 37,000 who gave their lives, and nearly 8,000 whose fate in the Korean War remains unknown. We meet three Arizonans, each with a unique connection to the Korean War: a United States Marine who served in Korea; a Korean-American who has found new purpose in thanking the brave service members who fought to preserve a free country; and an Army veteran who joined well after the Korean War, but honors Korean War veterans today.The episode also features a conversation that profiles the incredibly meaningful work being done by Hospice of the Valley and their veteran volunteers to honor veteran patients in their care. About Veterans AZ (http://VeteransAZ.org) Veterans AZ is a video series that shares the stories of Arizona veterans and focuses attention on the many organizations and programs that serve veterans in the Valley of the Sun. The program is produced as part of the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission's efforts to increase communication and awareness about veterans, their accomplishments, and the services and organizations supporting those who have worn the uniform of the United States armed forces. This program is produced by the City of Scottsdale, but features veterans news and information from across the Valley of the Sun and Arizona. Veterans AZ is available on YouTube and in your favorite podcast app.

Service in the military demands full commitment of mind and body. And that service can take a toll, especially for the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who go into combat on behalf of our nation. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD - is an all too common side effect of military service, particularly for our combat veterans. June is National PTSD Awareness Month – an effort to shine a light on issues related to PTSD, reduce the stigma associated with it, and help ensure that those suffering receive proper treatment. This episode of Veterans AZ is dedicated to spreading awareness and hope. If you or a loved one suffers from PTSD - there are people who want to help, and who can help. First we speak with two young men - United States Army combat veterans of the war on terror. Chad Arruda and Adam Bigelow are our Arizona Veterans of the Month. Their military service is laudable - but since then, they have dedicated themselves to helping fellow combat veterans heal the hidden wounds of war through the PTSD Foundation of America (http://PTSDUSA.org).The episode also features an interview with Dr. Brandi Luedtke - a clinical psychologist and the program manager of the PTSD clinical team at the Phoenix VA Medical Center. *About Veterans AZ (http://VeteransAZ.org) *Veterans AZ is a video series that shares the stories of Arizona veterans and focuses attention on the many organizations and programs that serve veterans in the Valley of the Sun. The program is produced as part of the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission's efforts to increase communication and awareness about veterans, their accomplishments, and the services and organizations supporting those who have worn the uniform of the United States armed forces. This program is produced by the City of Scottsdale, but features veterans news and information from across the Valley of the Sun and Arizona. Veterans AZ is also available in your favorite podcast app.

“All gave some, some gave all” -- the latest episode of Veterans AZ is dedicated to those service members who lost their lives in the line of duty. We remember them on Memorial Day and should remember them always. This episode features an interview with Maj. Jim Geiser, USMC (Ret.), a longtime Scottsdale resident and Vietnam veteran who has dedicated his post service life to honoring the Fallen – fellow veterans who died in military service to the nation. Learn about his involvement creating the Arizona State University Veterans Memorial Wall, and about his latest project - the Scottsdale Memorial For the Fallen. Did you know a large relic from the USS Arizona (BB-39) is now the centerpiece of a new tribute to the state’s namesake ship right here in the Valley? In this episode you also will learn how a conversation about a flag more than a decade ago led to a piece of the USS Arizona being delivered to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, who built an incredible new memorial built around it. You will also meet Jan Scruggs, a man who channeled his traumatic experience in Vietnam to create one of the most meaningful and impactful memorials in the world – the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The first episode of Veterans AZ launched on a very special day: March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day, established in 2012 as the one day each year that we specifically honor and thank veterans who served in the longest conflict in U.S. History.Vietnam veterans comprise the largest living group of veterans in the nation, men and women who sacrificed and served with honor, but rarely received a "welcome home."This episode of Veterans AZ features a conversation with Mike Burns, a Scottsdale resident who, in 1965, was in charge of 200 young Marines in the unfamiliar territory of South Vietnam. Also featured is Tom Kirk, Unites States Air Force - a resident of Anthem, Arizona, who flew 67 combat missions over Vietnam until the fateful day when he was shot down, beginning more than 5 years as a prisoner of war in the infamous Hanoi Hilton.A vignette is included that tells the story of Jay Vargas, from Winslow, Arizona, who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions above and beyond the call of duty leading his Marine regiment in Dai Do, Republic of Vietnam. To these brave men and to all our Vietnam Veterans we say, thank you, and welcome home.Find video episodes at VeteransAZ.org, and listen in your favorite podcast app.