February 8, 2018
The Military & Veterans Affairs Committee provides recognition and assistance to our local military community, which is comprised of active duty personnel, reserve personnel, veterans and their respective spouses and families; helps members of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce conduct more business with Luke Air Force Base;
and encourages businesses to hire veterans.
LAFB 56th Fighter Wing Annual Awards Banquet
A few of the Military & Veterans Affairs Committee members attended the 56th Fighter Wing Annual Awards Banquet held at the Wigwam Resort recently. The event was heartwarming and attended by 400 military and civilians from the area.

Base Commander, Brigadier General Brook J. Leonard opened by saying “This evening we celebrate the ‘Spirit of Warrior’ as we honor the awesome contributions made by the men, women and organizations across Thunderbolt Nation.” The General added “I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our community partners and distinguished guests. Thank you for your faithful support of the 56th Fighter Wing and the United States Air Force.”

There were 64 military and civilian nominees with 16 awards presented.  

Luke Shoot-Out
The 38th Annual Luke Shoot Out Golf Tournament will be held Friday, April 6th at Falcon Dunes Golf Course, 15100 W. Northern Avenue. Check in begins at 6:30 am with a shotgun start at 7:30 am. The tournament is a four-person scramble with four hole-in-one prizes including a 2018 Dodge Ram, four closest to the pin prizes, putting contest, on course contests, an awards luncheon and a great raffle.

If you are interested in playing or would like to be a hole sponsor, the price for a single civilian golfer is $120. For military personnel and veterans, it is $85. Hole sponsorship is $185, which allows you to put an item in the golfers goodie bags and sit at your sponsored hole, if you wish. If you have a foursome and sponsor a hole, you will save $50. The cost is $615. Non-golfers wishing to attend the luncheon is $40. Hole sponsorships are available. Please contact the Chamber for more information at 623-937-4754.

Proceeds will benefit the projects sponsored by the Glendale Chamber of Commerce Military & Veterans Affairs Committee.

Thunderbird Peak Flag Program
The Military & Veterans Affairs Committee and other concerned citizens have approached the City of Glendale to construct a permanent flagpole at Arrowhead Point of Thunderbird Conservation Park. The public was requested to complete a short questionnaire on line over the past few months. The survey responses will be compiled and will be presented to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission then brought back to the City Council.

Currently, a local resident has been putting a 10-foot flag atop the peak, which has created interest in a movement to amend the conservation park regulations to allow the flag. The Military & Veterans Affairs Committee has expanded the request to make it a 20-foot permanent flagpole with solar lighting.

Funding for the project will be raised by the committee so there is no cost to the City of Glendale for the flagpole.

Military & Veterans Affairs Committee Sponsors Flagpole
at the Treasure House
Treasure House Glendale is a supportive living community for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is the vision of Kurt and Brenda Warner who believe that all people, regardless of their ability, have a purpose for their life. It was inspired by all that their son, Zachary, has accomplished in his life, despite the diagnoses and labels given to him.

The facility is located at Aspera northwest of 75th Avenue and Loop 101. It will house 24 young adults.

The Military & Veterans Affairs Committee will install a 30-foot flagpole in front of The Treasure House with donations from Dignity Memorial and Century 21 Northwest Realty. The grand opening of the facility will be announced soon.

Mayor's Big Dog Run
Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers along with other west valley mayors present the Mayors’ Big Dog Run on Saturday, April 7th. The Big Dog Run is a fundraiser for Veteran’s scholarships at Glendale Community College. The event is held on even numbered years.

The riders will gather at an area to be determined outside of Luke Air Force Base where breakfast will be served. They will proceed into Luke Air Force Base and ride down the tarmac. Then proceed to the University of Phoenix Stadium where the riders will go into the facility and circle the football field. The Big Dog Run will culminate at ISM Raceway, formerly Phoenix International Raceway, where everyone in the ride will be allowed to stay and watch the races.

A donation of $60 per person will include the ride, breakfast and tickets for the ISM races.

Luke Days
“The Future of Airpower” is the theme of this year’s Luke Days celebration during the weekend of March 17th and 18th. The event is an opportunity for citizens to see their nation’s airmen and air power up close.

Featured will be military and civilian air acts, including headliners the Navy Blue Angels. There will be military and civilian static displays. A Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math village featuring organizations and schools from around the valley with interactive displays, a kids zone, food booths, vendors and much more.

Upcoming Events
Our Military & Veterans Affairs Committee members work hard to advocate for active and former Military. One way they do this is by holding various community events.

Click here  for a list of upcoming events backed by some of our members!
Please contact Chair of the Military & Veterans Affairs Committee,
Dr. Jeff Turney, through our Chamber liaison,  Harry Shapiro , at
623-937-4754 if you would like to learn more or have any suggestions
on where we can be of assistance.

Does your business honor our heroes with specials and discounts for active military and/or veterans? If so let us know! Email you company name and a discount description Jackie Peyton at  info@glendaleazchamber.org.
Glendale Chamber of Commerce's Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
623-937-4754 | hshapiro@glendaleazchamber.org