As a way to show our support for active military and our veterans, the Glendale Chamber of Commerce formed a Military & Veterans Affairs Committee. We plan to share our efforts with the community through a monthly communication.
Does your business honor our heroes with specials and discounts for active military
Military & Veterans Affairs Committee in April 2016
The Military & Veterans Affairs Committee is the largest Glendale Chamber Committee with 33 members. Currently two of the major projects the group is involved with include resurrecting the Military Appreciation event to honor Luke Air Force Base personnel who volunteer in the community and providing a permanent lighted flag on top of a peak at Thunderbird Park in north Glendale. The Annual Luke Shoot Out Golf Tournament is also promoted and marketed through the committee.
If you are interested in being actively engaged with the committee, please e-mail a short biography and a description regarding how your participation will be productive to the needs of the military and veteran community. Please send your information to Harry Shapiro, staff liaison, at
hshapiro@glendaleazchamber.org.
Brigadier General Scott L. Pleus Leaves Luke Air Force Base
Harry Shapiro, the General's wife Jennifer Pleus and General Pleus at farewell reception.
After a two year command of the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base Brigadier General Scott L. Pleus has moved on to Washington D.C. as the Director of the F-35 Integration Office at the Pentagon. The new F-35 fighter jet was introduced to Luke Air Force Base under the command of General Pleus. He is a command pilot with over 2,300 hours of flight time including combat time earned during operations Desert Storm and Southern Watch.
A New Commander Arrives at Luke Air Force Base
Committee Chair Sgt. Jeff Turney, Brigadier General Leonard, his wife Maria Leonard and chamber liaison Harry Shapiro at welcome reception.
Brigadier General Brook J. Leonard returns to Luke Air Force Base as the new Commander of the 56th Fighter Wing. He was a student with the F-16 Initial Qualification Course at LAFB from January 1994 to February 1995. General Leonard's position prior to arriving at Luke was the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force in Washington D.C. His military education began at the U.S. Air Force Academy receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering. The General has more than 2,900 flight hours including 576 combat hours.
Thunderbird Park Peak Flag Program
Flag on top of Thunderbird Mountain.
An unknown person put a flag on top of one of the peaks at Thunderbird Park in north Glendale. Only hikers and someone looking closely at the peak can see the flag. While hiking one day, Sgt. Jeff Turney notice the flag and thought it should be seen from the road and lower trails, so he installed a solar light. He presented a proposal for the Military & Veterans Affairs Committee to assist with installing a permanent larger flag in a solid base. The committee has taken on the project. First a permit must be obtained from the City of Glendale. Once the project is approved, the committee will move forward to acquire the materials and the manpower needed to complete the mission. We will ask for donations and volunteers in the near future.
Arrowhead Army Recruiting Office Seeks Qualified Applicants
SSG Sheppard, SFC Estrada, SSG Conner, and SSG Browning
The Arrowhead Army Recruiting office (located right outside the Arrowhead Mall) is recognized as one of the best in the State of Arizona. Known for providing red carpet treatment for those who wish to serve their country in the United States Army or the Army Reserve. Currently they are seeking qualified applicants between the ages of 17 to 34. High School graduate. Good physical health. Must be of good moral character.
For more information please visit the links below.
Stand Up For Veterans is a collaborative, community-based effort that honors and supports our veterans by providing access to employment, education, and community resources to address the holistic needs of veterans and their families. Attorneys and court representatives are on hand to immediately address and help with legal issues. Employers are in attendance, some of whom can hire veterans on the spot. Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, health care and social services are available. Republic Services provides free lunch for veterans and their families while Glendale Community College offers a welcoming setting for this opportunity to provide veterans with a hand-up, rather than a hand-out.
