There’s no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits. But if you file your PACT Act claim—or quickly submit your intent to file—by August 9, 2023, you may receive benefits backdated to August 10, 2022. So don’t wait, apply today. Learn more about the PACT Act...
ATTENTION VETERANS!! Looking for work?
The Arizona Department of Veteran Services is hiring a Legislative Policy Administrator. Closing date is 7/23/23 so don't wait!
See the full job listing for more information. Good luck!
The city of Glendale is planning a new tiny home community for some Valley veterans, that will include 50 cottage-style homes near 63rd Ave & Grand Ave. Read full article...
SUPE is a nonprofit organization that has been providing substance use prevention education for 20 years.
SUPE understands the unique challenges veterans face and the increased risk they may have for substance use disorders due to various factors, including the stresses associated with military service and transitioning to civilian life.
SUPE has created a comprehensive guide called "Preventing Substance Use Among Veterans" that includes the following:
This guide aims to help veterans who are struggling with substance abuse, as the issue is becoming increasingly concerning.
For more information, visit learnwithsupe.org
Women Marines Association (WMA) AZ-1 Chapter meeting for all women Marines in Arizona who wish to attend our 2 general meetings in July and August. You do not have to be a WMA member to join our meeting, but membership is encouraged.
July 7, 2023 at 6PM on ZOOM (virtual only):
JOIN ZOOM MEETING
Meeting ID: 860 6766 8924 Passcode: 701937
If using your PHONE ONLY: DIAL-IN: 1-669-900-9128
Meeting ID: 860 6766 8924 Passcode: 701937
Aug 12, 2023 at 10AM (In-Person only):
Meet at: San Tropez Apartment Homes Clubhouse - 2700 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Discussion Topics: Chapter President Welcome Message, Officer Reports, Upcoming Events, Membership, Community/Socials, Fundraising/Donations, Preserving our Legacy opportunities, Operation Rose Garden (signature event), new and old business, etc.
For those who weren't able to attend, here are the materials from the Veterans Caucus on June 26th, 2023.
Please feel free to share.
A save the date as well as a call out for sponsors with table and individual seat costs for the 21st Annual VMLC Heroes Patriotic luncheon.
Location: Arizona Biltmore at 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85016
Date: Nov 7th, 2023 starting at 11:00AM.
One of the largest veterans events in the state with room for 700 guests!
Mike Broomhead from Radio Station KTAR is the MC
This years Guest speaker is Colonel Kim Nichole Reed-Campbell (born June 6, 1975)[3] is a retired United States Air Force officer and Command Pilot.[1] She was decorated for piloting her A-10 Thunderbolt II back to base in southern Iraq after taking heavy anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) damage in aerial combat over Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. After her tour of duty in Iraq ended, Campbell gave lectures throughout the United States about her experience, including one at the National Air and Space Museum. Campbell was promoted to the rank of major in 2006.
NCLS 2020: Colonel Kim Campbell - YouTube
Please share with people, organizations or companies who may be interested in attending this event or assisting in our mission.
The mission of the VMLC is to provide a forum for community leaders to advocate initiatives that enhance the quality of Veteran’s health care and services in Arizona, and to raise funds to primarily assist Arizona Veterans in crises at the Phoenix VA Health Care System and the Arizona State Veteran Home that fall outside federal and state funding guidelines. Three main programs: Returning Warrior, Mental Health and Native American Sustainability (NAVSU).
- Flyer for 21st Annual VMLC luncheon in Phoenix
- Sponsor Packet for Heroes Patriotic Luncheon
Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret
Herberger Theater, Stage West
222 E. Monroe St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Tickets still available for all 3 Phoenix show times:
Fri June 9, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
Sat June 10, 2023 @ 1:00 pm
Sat June 10, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
*Tickets are FREE to Veterans, Military, First Responders, their families, and the families of our fallen heroes. Tickets can be ordered by calling the Box Office at (602) 252-8497. Tickets may be picked up at Will Call the day of the show.
Tickets also available through HerbergerTheater.org or GarySiniseFoundation.org.
Army Green Beret Danny Payton is a modern-day warrior fighting battles that range from tribal Afghanistan to his own living room. As the corrosive gears of war begin to rip apart his family, his integrity, and his soul, Danny is thrust into his final, eternal mission. On the other side, with Valhalla beckoning, he discovers that combat can be fueled by vengeance or by love…it just depends which price you are willing to pay. You've heard the war stories of the "first in." This is the untold true story of the last out.
Written by: U.S. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Scott Mann
Directed by: Karl Bury
After each Last Out production, there is a talk back: a very special conversation that takes place between the audience, the Last Out cast, and a representative from the Gary Sinise Foundation. Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret, and the talk back that follows, is an opportunity for the audience and the cast members to connect, to validate the service of those who’ve fought for our freedom, and to recognize the struggles of the military family. Last Out provides an opportunity for deeper reflection and opens a dialogue that helps bridge the military – civilian gap and honor our Families of the Fallen.
Veteran-centered virtual Statewide PTSD Awareness Summit, Tuesday June 27, 2023 from 3:00PM to 5:00PM. Please feel free to share.
Location: George Willie Memorial Veterans Stand Down
Twin Arrows Navajo Casino & Resort
22181 Resort Blvd
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
The Navajo Nation Veteran Resource Events - Twin Arrows on 29 June 2023
Native Americans have an incredible military tradition with the largest percentage of military and combat service in the United States. The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American reservation by area and population; it supports the largest veteran population with at least 15,000 men and women who have served. We would like to honor these individuals and families by providing veteran resource events to provide essential food, water, firewood and gain access to other available resources, programs and benefits they have earned.
POC Mr. John Davison - 928-286-7446
Reveille Foundation and the Veterans Medical Leadership Council are leading the efforts to support the event from the valley. Bob Dalpe is the POC from the valley. 623-910-8195
We are looking for more items to be donated, mostly looking for healthier food items.
As medical issues in the isolated communities are still a challenge, we need items such as:
Join Miss Mesa USA at Black Rifle Coffee Company for a 10 mile Ruck March on Memorial Day - Monday May 29th at 3:30AM in Mesa at Power & Ray Rd.
*Tickets are FREE to Veterans, Military, First Responders, their families, and the families of our fallen heroes. Tickets can be ordered by calling the Box Office at (602) 252-8497. Tickets may be picked up at Will Call the day of the show.
Fri June 9, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
Sat June 10, 2023 @ 1:00 pm
Sat June 10, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
Army Green Beret Danny Payton is a modern-day warrior fighting battles that range from tribal Afghanistan to his own living room. As the corrosive gears of war begin to rip apart his family, his integrity, and his soul, Danny is thrust into his final, eternal mission. On the other side, with Valhalla beckoning, he discovers that combat can be fueled by vengeance or by love…it just depends which price you are willing to pay. You've heard the war stories of the "first in." This is the untold true story of the last out.
Written by U.S. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Scott Mann
Directed by Karl Bury
After each Last Out production, there is a talk back: a very special conversation that takes place between the audience, the Last Out cast, and a representative from the Gary Sinise Foundation. Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret, and the talk back that follows, is an opportunity for the audience and the cast members to connect, to validate the service of those who’ve fought for our freedom, and to recognize the struggles of the military family. Last Out provides an opportunity for deeper reflection and opens a dialogue that helps bridge the military – civilian gap and honor our Families of the Fallen.
Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret
Herberger Theater, Stage West
222 E. Monroe St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
In remembrance of those Service Men and Women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms and liberty, the Casa Veterans Ministry invites you to attend our Memorial Day Rosary Service on Sunday May 28th from 4:00-5:30pm in the San Damiano Auditorium at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Blvd, Scottsdale AZ. We will also remember those Veterans who have died after completing their service. (No registration needed).
You are also encouraged to submit the name of your beloved deceased veteran to be recognized at this special Rosary uniquely composed to honor them. To submit, just click on the following link, find the tab for the Memorial Day Rosary and simply type in the NAME/RANK/BRANCH OF SERVICE for your beloved veteran as instructed.
The Arizona Warrior Getaway is in Williams, AZ from July 31st – August 4th. Eight spots left…
Warrior Getaway serves American servicemen and women who have visible and invisible injuries as a result of military service. Veterans, along with their families, are provided a safe space for respite, spiritual renewal, and healing. Families experience fellowship with others facing similar difficulties, and find new hope in Christ.
Join Joni and Friends for a wide range of accessible family activities, powerful speakers, counseling opportunities, and time in God’s Word. Come to experience spiritual renewal and refreshment alongside other families who understand the unique challenges you face.
We are reaching out again to invite you to our 1st Annual Charity Mother's Day Gala and Fashion Show on May 12th, 2023 from 6-9pm, Red Carpet event starts at 5:30pm. If you are unable to attend, we do want to offer options of support through sponsorship of tickets or through donating items for our silent auction and raffles.
If you are interested in donating, please let us know if you need the items to be picked up within the next week.
If you're able to drop donations off, feel free at QW-Global Maternal Wellness at 1405 W Dobson Rd, Ste. 1, Chandler, AZ 85224.
Visit EventBrite to purchase tickets. Promo Code to save $5/Ticket is "Military5"
The Arizona Summit on Volunteerism and Civic Engagement provides the opportunity for individuals, groups, leaders, and representatives of Arizona's volunteer, civic engagement, and service-learning communities to further develop and foster their skills to better serve Arizona communities.
The Summit consists of plenary speakers, workshops*, and networking opportunities designed to inspire, energize and mobilize civic engagement leaders of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
The Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family (GOYFF) will be engaging community members and stakeholders through an in-person, one-day event. Join community leaders, educators, young people, businesses/corporations, foundations, and other professionals to identify impactful opportunities to give back to Arizona communities through the power of volunteerism and civic engagement.
*Download the 2023 Workshop Schedule
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
8:00AM - 5:00PM
Phoenix Convention Center South Building
33 S. 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Registration and Exhibit Hall will open at 8:00AM and the event will begin at 9:15AM
General - $70
Student/current AmeriCorps Member Discount Rate - $25
Exhibitor - $175
Includes: Two event registrations; One, six-foot table; Logo included on printed event materials
Brain Health Leaders, please pass along this invitation to those in your network who could benefit! Thank you for all you do.
The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona Veterans Services Team is proud to present accredited Mental Health First Aid Training. This one-day, 8-hour certification course will cover how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. You will gain the necessary skills to reach out and provide initial support to individuals who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and connect them to appropriate care.
Register for this training / learn more. If the training is full, please add your name to the wait list to be notified of cancellations and future trainings. Opportunities for Sponsors/Vendors also!
May 5th – 6th, 2023 at DESERT WILLOW CONFERENCE CENTER
Reminder!! Rays of Hope, the Brain Injury Alliance’s free conference for survivors of all types of brain injury is coming up next month. Register today!
Video of results:
This Department of Veterans Affairs OIG report found that VBA Did Not Ensure Complex Appeals Were Decided by Appropriate Staff. No wonder so many claims are denied!
Veterans Administration Benefits Counselors
Tom George & Mark Ferber
(602) 535-1215
They can help with just about any sort of disability claim to include re-ratings for a higher percentage (which both are highly successful at accomplishing). They work for the VA, they're not 3rd party VSO's.
Located in East valley, but they do calls virtually for all of the Phoenix area.
Veterans & VSO's be aware!! Here's a recent OIG finding titled, "Veterans Are Still Being Required to Attend Unwarranted Medical Reexaminations for Disability Benefits". In this recent report, it appears the VA has found this to be a problem and alerted the regional offices of the need to correct it.
The Franciscan Renewal Center (Casa) Veterans Ministry, in conjunction with the Peoria Unified School District Faculty/Alumni Showcase, is sponsoring an event to increase community awareness of the military service experience of our women veterans, particularly those who have served in Vietnam and other conflict areas.
The event will be held at the Franciscan Renewal Center (5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ) on Sunday, May 7th, 3-5 pm, with a reception to follow (A $10 donation is asked at the door).
The program will begin with a shortened version of “A Piece of My Heart,” a play based on the true stories of six courageous women sent to Vietnam. Afterwards, a 45 minute panel discussion entitled: “We Were There Too” will feature local Valley women veterans who will share their stories of service and sacrifice during the conflicts in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Get your tickets here!
WASHINGTON — On Jan. 1, 2023, the Department of Veterans Affairs will open enrollment for Veterans Affairs Life Insurance — the first new VA life insurance program for Veterans in more than 50 years — extending VALife access to millions of Veterans.
VALife will provide up to $40,000 of whole life insurance for all Veterans, age 80 or under, with service-connected disabilities rated from 0-100%. Acceptance in the program is guaranteed, and no medical underwriting is required.
It will also allow Veterans to complete their application online, receive instant decisions, and perform self-service functions — including electronic payments and beneficiary updates.
“All Veterans deserve to know that their families will have financial support when they pass away,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “VALife is a critical step toward making that goal a reality, helping VA provide more life insurance to more Veterans than ever before in our nation’s history.”
VALife will increase Veteran access to life insurance in several ways:
VALife premium rates are competitive with, or better than, similar coverage available in the private sector, and $40,000 of coverage is more coverage than other like products offered. The policy will build cash value after the first two years of coverage when the face value goes into effect. If a Veteran passes away during this two-year waiting period, the named beneficiary will receive all premiums paid plus interest. Unlike S-DVI, Veterans will not be able to get a waiver for their premiums.
VA currently serves nearly 6 million Veterans, service members and their families with more than $1.2 trillion of insurance. Veterans currently enrolled in S-DVI will have the option to keep their current coverage or switch to VALife. These Veterans can apply for VALife at any time after Jan. 1, 2023; however, if they apply between Jan. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2025, they can also retain coverage under S-DVI during the two-year waiting period for the VALife death benefit to go into effect.
Veterans will no longer be able to apply for S-DVI after VALife launches Jan. 1, 2023. However, eligible Veterans still have the opportunity to apply for the program between now and Dec. 31, 2022.
To learn more, visit VALife. Information can also be found in the final rule.
To contact us, please use the email address above. We'd love for you to send us information on upcoming veteran events in Arizona, veteran-related volunteer opportunities, contact info for good VSO's and helpful veteran organizations in AZ, helpful resources for veteran and/or spousal benefits, as well as any other useful information for veterans. There is no charge to post events or other information on this website. However, not all information submitted to us will be posted. MilitaryVeteransAZ.com, in its sole sole discretion, will decide what information is posted to this website.