Phoenix, Arizona - Governor Doug Ducey yesterday honored 22 Arizona veterans who continue to go above and beyond to serve their communities at the 9th Annual Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame recognizes veterans who continue to serve others after honorably serving our nation.
“Our veterans sacrificed in countless ways to serve our country, and many continue to serve in extraordinary capacities long after they put aside the uniform. Today, we honor them,” said Governor Ducey. “My thanks to these heroes — the ones who have made service a lifelong calling. They represent the best of us, today and everyday, and Arizona is grateful for all they do.”
At the ceremony today, 22 veterans were inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. Their service efforts include helping veterans with disabilities and mental health issues, improving library services, raising money for scholarships and veterans programs, providing resources to veterans in need and more. They joined more than 400 other inductees who have been recognized for their post-military service to their communities and the nation.
Arizona is committed to providing veterans with the resources they need. The Fiscal Year 2020 budget added $1.2 million to the Be Connected program to expand services for Arizona’s veterans. The program focuses on early intervention by connecting Arizona service members, veterans, families and helpers to information, support and resources, such as peer support and behavioral health services.
The inductees include:
Arlen Allen, Jr., Army veteran, Phoenix
William Bates, Army veteran, Sierra Vista
FrancisBlain, Marine Corps veteran, Lake Havasu City
John Burns, Army veteran, Phoenix
Patricia Carlisle-Thompson, Army veteran, Wittmann
James Consolato, Jr., Air Force veteran, Golden Valley
Robert Conte, Army veteran, Sierra Vista
Kenneth Dowse, Navy veteran, Tucson
James Fuller, Marine Corps veteran, Mesa (posthumous)
Dennis Gardner, Navy veteran, Gilbert
Roger Gowen, Navy veteran, Gold Canyon
Bruce Hamilton, Army veteran, Sonoita
Ludwig Kuttner, Marine Corps veteran, Hereford
Larry Leighton, Army veteran, Sun City West
Thomas Meaker, Marine Corps veteran, Laveen
Paula Pedene, Navy veteran, Scottsdale
Victor Peterson, Jr., Air Force veteran, Buckeye
Michael Russell, Army veteran, Glendale
Jack Sanders, Air Force veteran, Tucson
Thomas Sheets, Marine Corps veteran, Phoenix
Donald Watts, Air Force veteran, Peoria
Michael Wold, Navy veteran, Carefree