Veterans’ Voice

Art Sloane

Ernest W. McFarland and the American Dream. The public is invited to experience the new memorial to honor Ernest McFarland. McFarland served as U.S. Senator, Senate Majority Leader, Governor, as Chief Justice of the AZ Supreme Court and was a Father of the GI Bill – helping millions of veterans obtain educations and zero-down home loans since WW II. The memorial took several years to complete and features a main triumphal arch to symbolize the doorway to opportunity for all Americans.

Paula Pedene, former public relations officer of the VA Medical Hospital and clinics and owner of Pedene Public Relations was awarded by the Public Relations Society of America the Professional for the year. She was selected for her efforts in providing Dr. Sam Foote strategies, resources and PR counsel to help expose the VA wait time scandal. She did this while fending off her own whistleblower reprisal case which she settled in 2014. Paula told me she was very honored to earn this award and “hope that in the near future our veterans will obtain the world class health care they truly deserve.”

Agent Orange has been causing problems for many families for many years. Agent Orange is tied into Vietnam but it was also used in Korea and in the United States. A little known but very important fact of Agent Orange is that it may be passed on to family members through genetics causing many childhood diseases. For these reasons and many others Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1011 that meets the third Wednesday each month in Mesa will be presenting an agent Orange Town Hall meeting from 9:00 a.m.-noon February 13 at the First United Methodist Church building, 15 East First Avenue in Mesa. Jack McManus from Washington, D.C. headquarters of the Vietnam Veterans of America and an authority on Agent Orange will speak aided by Larry Mitchell, a local veteran. For more information call Michael Marks at 480-266-7883.

Civil Air Patrol, United States Air Force Auxiliary Color Guard has a group of young cadets who earned first place in state competition for five consecutive years. They have presented the colors at many community services such as Memorial and Veteran’s Day services and funerals of veterans. In order for this six member group to attend National Cadet Competition in Alabama, they need to raise funds for their participation. If you would like to help them send contributions to U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol, Arizona Wing, Squadron 302, Deer Valley Airport, 932 West Deer Valley Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85207.

It always is worth asking if a business gives a discount to veterans. I shopped at Chandler Fashion Mall yesterday and received a discount of 15 percent at two shops, The Walking Store where I bought a pair of sneakers. That was $20 and the Harry and David temporary store. The first will give it to you if you are active duty or retired and the second if you are a vet also. Always ask!

Art Sloane may be contacted at 480-802-6810 or [email protected].