Ross Dunfee The first successful English colony settled in America was at Jamestown, Va., in 1607—and the migration was on—primarily of British, German, and Dutch extraction, but immigrants arrived from throughout Europe. Communities were settled and financed primarily by privately-organized British settlers or families using free enterprise without any significant English royal or Parliamentary government…
Tag: SOT
June 2021, Features
U.S. Military History: D-Day
Ross Dunfee So, what does the “D” stand for in D-Day? Stop! Do not keep reading until you attempt to answer the question. Okay, now you can read on. Most people who celebrate the holiday do not know the answer. Some people believe it is in reference to June 6, 1944, when, in World War…
Features, May 2021
Memorial Day
Ross Dunfee The killing was over. The four-year long Civil War officially ended at Appomattox, Va. April 9, 1865. There was a large division between the northern states (largely industrial) and the southern states (largely agrarian) over slavery, states’ rights, and westward expansion. The election of Lincoln was the last straw, and one month after…
Features, April 2021
U.S. Military History: Armed Forces Day
Ross Dunfee Armed Forces Day is celebrated May 15 this year but with Memorial Day also in May this Armed Forces Day article is printed in April to avoid printing two articles in May. Clip and save. Each of the Branches of Military Service (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard) has a day to…
Features, March 2021
Vietnam Veterans Day
Ross Dunfee When did the Vietnam War begin? France maintained colonial rule of Vietnam from 1864 until the Geneva Accords of 1954. During that time, multiple wars occurred in the area (including Cambodia and Laos). The Geneva Accord divided Vietnam into north (Communist rule) and south (the Republic of Vietnam) and that enticed the U.S.…
Features, February 2021
Presidents Day
Ross Dunfee While Presidents Day is a federal holiday, celebrated on the third Monday of February, it is not really a national holiday. Splitting hairs? In 1968, Congress passed the Monday Holiday Act for observance of Washington’s birthday, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day to be celebrated on a Monday, but the actual dates for the…
Features, January 2021
Inauguration Day
Ross Dunfee The ink was barely dry on the Declaration of Independence. The thirteen British Colonies, in their view, were no longer a part of Great Britain but they also were not conjoined by any body of law. On June 12, 1776, the day after appointing a committee of five to prepare the Declaration of…
Generals, October 2020
Remember Our Fallen U.S. Veterans
Wreaths Across America (WAA) When a volunteer places a wreath on a veteran’s grave on National Wreaths Across America Day, we encourage them to speak that veteran’s name aloud, thank them for their service and sacrifice, and reflect on that person and their life. Along with our wreath-laying ceremonies at cemeteries throughout the country, WAA…
Generals, April 2020
SOT-AZ introduces HOHP
Ceil Levatino This month I’d like to introduce you to an organization that you support each time you help SOT-AZ raise funds, and to some programs our members are personally involved with. Welcome to HOHP (Honoring, Hiring, Helping Our Heroes) HOHP is dedicated to assisting veterans and military families in Pinal County, by providing services…
October 2018
Mark Your Calendar for the SOT-AZ Golf Tournament November 11
BJ Foster The Robson Ranch SOT-AZ Golf Tournament will be held on November 11 with a 1:00 p.m. shotgun. The entry fee will be $100 per person. That includes 100 raffle tickets if your team’s entry fee is paid by September 15. The entry fee will also include a sleeve of Srixon balls, dinner…