Sound of Freedom - January/February 2021

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

A Place for

HEALING Dogs4Vets is about more than training service dogs

BRINGING THE HEAT

Senor Campos Salsa is a veteran’s project

A New Initiative

Sound of Freedom is published bimonthly by Times Media Group, a private publishing company. Times Media Group is in no way affiliated with Luke Air Force Base or the United States Air Force.

F I G H T E R C O U N T R Y PA R T N E R S H I P

Fighter Country Foundation: A year in review Luke AFB families with a deployed parent drive up to receive their gifts. (Photo courtesy Fighter

Resiliency in the time of a pandemic

Country Foundation)

BY BILL JOHNSTON Program Director Fighter Country Foundation

Prepackaged toys were ready to be given to Luke Air Force Base kids at the drive-thru event at Gila River Arena.

(Photo courtesy Fighter Country Foundation)

F

ighter Country Foundation’s mission is to support the men, women, families and mission of Luke Air Force Base.

It is an organization that brings people together to educate and provide awareness to the ways it can enhance the quality of life of those airmen and their families.

With the pandemic and the associated social distancing restrictions, Fighter Country Foundation knew it would not be able to put on its traditional events in the manner it did in the past.

It had to look for ways to continue them but keep everyone safe at the same time. It was important to try.

For the Back-to-School Bash, families drove up to the Gila River Arena while volunteers brought out prepackaged school supplies and clothing to them while they waited in their cars. Over the course of several days, hundreds of families received supplies for a successful school year.

For the annual Finance Expo, the event

2

would normally host hundreds of people at The Wigwam Resort to give them sound financial education on topics such as investing, tips on purchasing a Door prizes for attendees and professional resource providcar, budgeting and many ers prep to give out financial information to Luke AFB. more. This year, we provided (Photo courtesy Fighter Country Foundation) the same important financial Fighter Country Foundation would like to classes, but online. The expo was outdoor on a beautiful day in late October thank all its partners for helping it make 2020 at The Wigwam Resort. The socially distanced a successful year even in light of the pandemic resource providers gave mortgage, saving and and the struggles that many people are feeling.

Making someone resilient means giving budgeting information in various scheduled them the information that they can use to times slots throughout the morning.

The Fighter Country Foundation was able help in their day-to-day lives. The foundation to bring Operation Santa to the Luke AFB knows the events are important, but this year families who have a parent who is deployed. made them even more so. Military members Those kids drove up at The Wigwam Resort to and their families need to be resilient because get their $300 Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card of the challenges they face while they stand (thanks to Fiesta Bowl, USAA, Dick’s Sporting and defend the nation. Fighter Country FounGoods and FCF), a full dinner (thanks to Ru- dation has the mission to support, and it’s hapdy’s BBQ) and a hot chocolate and chocolate py to do its part in helping them build their resiliency.

Santa (thanks to The Wigwam Resort).

Sound of Freedom | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

Contents

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 Publisher Steve T. Strickbine Vice President Michael Hiatt Associate Group Publisher Laura Meehan, 623-777-1042 lmeehan@star-times.com JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

Executive Editor Christina Fuoco-Karasinski 480-898-5631 christina@star-times.com

A Place for

HEALING Dogs4Vets is about more than training service dogs

BRINGING THE HEAT

Senor Campos Salsa is a veteran’s project

A New Initiative

Sound of Freedom is published bimonthly by Times Media Group, a private publishing company. Times Media Group is in no way affiliated with Luke Air Force Base or the United States Air Force.

ON THE COVER

11

A veteran with his dog in the Dogs4Vets training session.

(Photo courtesy Dogs4Vets)

Contributors Airman 1st Class Caleb Butler, Brian Cano Sr., John Heckenlaible, Bill Johnston, Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder, Cathy Olague, Bill Quehm, Tom Scanlon, Master Sgt. Louis Vega Graphic Design Veronica Thurman vthurman@timespublications.com Production Manager Courtney Oldham production@timespublications.com

21

24

30

2 Fighter Country Foundation A year in review

26 ‘Next-Gen Debrief’ Luke AFB enters ASU’s Spark Tank 2021

11 Spicing Up Arizona Disabled vet Stephen Paul Campos increases the heat in Arizona

30 A Place for Healing Dogs4Vets is about more than training service dogs

33 One-Stop Shop Community colleges ease the transition to civilian life

15 Expansion Plans The West Valley is ready to fly with Luke 18 Landing Funding West Valley Partners advocate for approval of JTEs 19 Offering Support Credit Union West is committed to community 21 Life Lessons Patriotic entrepreneur unveils Luxury Motorsports

36 Award Winners Luke reinforces TFI with DoD-level maintenance prize 39 The Other Heroes of WWII Airbase Arizona presents program on the manufacturing victory

24 New Initiative Program creates combat-ready F-16 crew chiefs

4

Sound of Freedom | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

39

Advertising Representatives Barbara Duran, 623-847-4608 bduran@star-times.com Connie Williams, 623-847-4601 cwilliams@star-times.com Circulation

Sound of Freedom is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegratedmedia.com

Sound of Freedom sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable manner. This issue was printed on recycled fibers containing 10% post consumer waste, and with inks containing a blend of soy base. Our printer is a certified member of the Forestry Stewardship Council, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and additionally meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards.

Statements, opinions, and points of view express written consent by the writers and advertisers and are their own, and do not necessarily represent those of the publishers, editors, or Sound of Freedom staff. Although Sound of Freedom has made every effort to authenticate all claims and guarantee offers by advertisers in the magazine, we cannot assume liability for any products or services advertised herein. No part of Sound of Freedom can be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the express written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter at any time.

Postmaster: Please return all undeliverable copies to Sound of Freedom, 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282. All rights reserved. ®2020 Affluent Publishing LLC. Printed in the USA.

Your dream car deserves a dream rate No payments for 90 days

1

Need a new loan? Explore our Auto Loan Calculator and get estimated rates and monthly payments on financing.

• Lower your interest rate • Lower your car payments • Terms up to 84 months

Refinance Auto Loan RATES AS LOW AS RATES AS LOW AS

% 2.99 2.99

APR2

90 Days No Payment1

Apply online. Visit cuwest.org/refi today.

1

2

90 Days No Payment option will extend your loan by three (3) months, and finance charges will accrue on unpaid principal. This offer does not apply to refinancing existing Credit Union West loans.

APR= Annual Percentage Rate. Actual APR based on borrower’s credit history, year of vehicle, and loan terms.

Federally Insured by NCUA

Receiving PCS Orders?

Need to Sell or Buy a Home?

Lori & G-II

TM

602-574-5674 Lori Klindera & George “G2” Varrato II

MILITARY MARKETS

Operated by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC

LukeAirForceBaseSpecialist.com

Wanna get away?

Scenic 40 Acre Ranches from $35,900*

Country Lifestyle, City Convenience!

Colorado City Fredonia Page

• All Parcels are Surveyed and Staked

• Low 10% Down Seller Financing with Payments as low as $323/mo.**

15

89

ALT

89

• Title Insured

• Great Mountain views

160

Tuba City

Grand Canyon Nat’l Park

Lake Mead

Tusayan

Lake Mohave

Mohave County

93

to

Legend Ranch

64

s

La

Kingman

Laughlin Bullhead City Yucca

89 180

66

as

g Ve

Mountain Vista Ranches 40

Joshua Heights Stagecoach Trails

Williams

40

Flagstaff

Winslow

89A

Sedona

40

Chino Valley

93

Prescott

Lake Havasu City

17

Cottonwood

Camp Verde 17

Payson Parker

50

TH

Shown by Appointment 7 Days a Week Wickenburg

877-345-0296 AZ40AcreRanches.com La Paz

60

1969

ANNIVE RSARY

2019

Cave Creek

MARICOPA

Fifty Years of America’s Best Land Buys

5

TH

This offer is subject to availability. Brooks Realty & Advisory Group Ben F. Brooks III, Broker. We have Arizona Department of Real Estate property reports available. ** 10 Sun City $35,900 purchase price, $3,590 down, 7.9% int, 15 year, $16 p/mo service fee,Glendale 8.89% APR Phoenix Ehrenberg

1969

Scottsdale

Avondale Buckeye

Tempe

Mesa

Chandler 95

GILA

A N N I V E R S A RY

2019

Fifty Years of America’s Best Land Buys

RY 5600th ANNIVERSASuperior

Claypool

w

POOL TILE CLEANING

H Rebuilt Transmissions H Transmission Services H Automotive Repair H Financing Available FREE TOWING with major repair

BEFORE

WE HONOR MOST EXTENDED WARRANTIES

FREE

AFTER The Glendale

tar

5%

External Diagnostics & Estimates

Military Discount Active Duty Discount

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Exp. 2/28/2021

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Exp. 2/28/2021

623-584-4955

POOL SERVICES and REPAIR 623-695-9199 miraclepoolcare.com

3 YEAR/36,000 MILE WARRANTY AVAILABLE

623-584-4955

14075 W Grand Ave., Surprise, AZ 85374

Located behind Trader Joe’s 623-584-4955 • onthegoaz.com Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm • Sat 8am-1pm • Sunday by Appointment

Been Pete’s Has d Goodness Frie p ee D g in Serv Years!

For Over 73

Family Owned & Operated Since 1947

Thank you to our wonderful customers for your patience and support during these trying times.

20% OFF Any Order Over $9.00

Expires 2/28/21. With coupon only. Present coupon at time of purchase. May not be combined with any other offer. One coupon per person. Valid at all 8 locations.No locations.No cash value. Coupon cannot be reproduced. No digital or photographed coupons accepted.

FREE

Deep Fried Burrito

With Any Order Over $9.00

$2.35 Value

Expires 2/28/21. With coupon only. Present coupon at time of purchase. May not be combined with any other offer. One coupon per person. Valid at all 8 locations. No cash value. Coupon cannot be reproduced. No digital or photographed coupons accepted.

Need a menu?

Visit us at petesfishandchips.com GLENDALE

TOLLESON

NWC of 55th Dr. & Glendale 5516 W. Glendale Ave.

SWC of 91st Ave. & Van Buren 9309 W. Van Buren

M-Sat. 10am-10:30pm, Closed Sun. – No Phone Orders –

M-Sat. 10am-10:30pm, Closed Sun. – No Phone Orders –

Local Professionals, Professionals Restaurants, Restaurants and Service Providers Coupons

Classifieds

Properties

Products

Rentals

Events

Articles

Job Listings

Vehicles

Shop hundreds of famous brands with our discount links.

Find local trusted professionals.

Search hundreds of categories.

Scan this code with your camera phone to access the safe and secure site

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 |

Sound of Freedom

9

OMEGA DENTAL

GENERAL & COSMETIC DENTISTRY OPEN Same Day FOR ADULTS & CHILDREN ency

Emerg Welcome

FREE DIGITAL X-RAYS & EXAM

Clean

$

49

(in absence of gum disease) (new patients only)

FREE

SAT.

Teeth Whitening $

Full mouth x-rays, exam, oral cancer screening

Dentures From

$

295

*

49

Extraction From

$

90

(new patients)

*Restrictions Apply Mention This Ad

Call for details*

Special Discount On: Crowns, Veneers, Implant Crown, Deep Clean & Wisdom MILITARY Teeth Extractions DISCOUNTS 20% OFF

New Patients Welcome!

Celebrating Our 15 Year Anniversary in 2021!

Andrew Lam Ngo,DDS • Joseph Santoro, DDS FREE 2nd Opinion

CALL NOW FOR APPOINTMENT

(623) 535-8777

FREE Implant Consultation

SE HABLA ESPAÑOL 14551 W. Indian School Rd #200 • Goodyear, AZ

Southeast Corner of Indian School & Bullard

10

Sound of Freedom | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

We have a great selection of nearly new and gently used books, CDs, DVDs and more!

10

OFF YOUR % PURCHASE

Just mention this ad!

4 Rooms of Treasures!

Come see why our customers are

“Still Lovin’ Books”

At Luke Air Force Base: Between the BX and the Commisary, and next to Cleaners Hours: Mon-Sat: 9am to 5 pm • Sun: 12pm to 4pm For exclusive offers, discounts and news, Facebook.com/CaptainBookStore

SOUND OF FREEDOM AVAILABLE HERE

p U g Spicin

BUSINESS

Arizona

Disabled vet heats up Arizona with salsa brand

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

B

uckeye resident Stephen Paul Campos is continuing his father’s legacy in the Mexican food business with Senor Campos Salsa—salsa with a purpose.

A native of Modesto, California, Campos started working with his father, Art Campos of Campos Foods, at age 14.

“My father was a great role model,” he says. “I wanted to take over his business, but I wasn’t able to because of several factors.

“We ended up selling it. I’ve owned three taqueria-style restaurants in California. I loved our food, and it never really left me. I started with hot sauces and salsa. It’s my passion. My two passions are writing books and helping veterans and my salsa.”

Stephen Paul Campos followed in his family’s footsteps and makes salsa, which he sells through a website and farmers markets.

(Photos by Pablo Robles)

Resolving issues At the age of 19 in 1967, Campos enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to fight in Vietnam with the 199th Light Infantry.

Campos was in the Army infantry unit and sent to Vietnam in 1968 and 1969 and served a tour of combat duty there. When he fulfilled his duty, he returned home to join the family business of making tortillas and Mexican food products to sell to grocery stores.

“When I came back from Vietnam, I had a lot of issues,” says Campos, who is disabled.

“I had a hard time adjusting and knowing what I wanted to do. I worked with (my dad) for a while over several different companies.

I got involved with the wrong group of people when I came back. I was living the party life. Drinking was all I cared about. I wanted to forget about the war.”

In 1981, he received two drunken driving tickets and was sent to a year-long alcohol program that required him to attend AA meetings.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 |

Sound of Freedom

11

BUSINESS He was in denial that he had a substance abuse problem until 1982, when his girlfriend left him. His depression got the most of him.

“I started to think I was going crazy,” Campos says. “And then I started hearing a voice that (says) I should kill myself, I was a loser and going to hell. The voice got louder, ‘Kill yourself.’”

He prayed repeatedly until he fell asleep.

He was awakened by a vision of God, who said, “I love you.” The words broke his depression, and the light went back to darkness.

“I looked over on my bedpost, and there was my grandmother’s rosary,” he adds. “I knew for sure I had a visitation from God.” The next day, he started Alcoholics Anonymous and made 90 meetings in 90 days. He became a born-again Christian in 1982.

“I hadn’t resolved the issues with the Vietnam experience,” he says.

He didn’t acknowledge his problems until a divorce in 2004 and a move to Baltimore.

He lost “everything” in the divorce. He was saved by his Vietnam buddies, with whom he stayed in touch.

“There were three of us in 1968. After a horrific firefight with the enemy, the three of us got together and we said we would protect each other until the war was over,” he says about his friends Eric Yingst and Jim Dyckhoff.

Stephen Paul Campos, besides selling salsa, has penned a handful of books about his and fictional experiences in the military.

“We would reunite. I kept in contact with one; he lived in California. The other, he extended, and we didn’t know if he made it out alive or not.”

His friend found the third soldier on the internet, and they reunited at a ceremony honoring Vietnam veterans.

Stephen Paul Campos’ food line includes salsa and seasoning.

They’re available on his website and at farmers markets.

12

Sound of Freedom | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

“I was honored for the first time, and it broke my heart,” he recalls. “It completely melted me down.

“To honor the vow we made until death in 1968, we met at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.,” Campos says. “There were reporters who covered it. They ran our story about being rejected by the government and people. I was withholding any feelings I had about the Vietnam War until that day. It was an emotional day for all of us.”

Rescued by a woman After he left Washington, D.C., his then-girlfriend, Kathy Lucia, encouraged him to write about his experiences. A poet, Campos never wrote a book before. He agreed with Lucia.

“I thought it would be a good idea,” says Campos, who married her. “In that time, a lot of Vietnam veterans were not being honored for their service. Those who were in the war don’t want to talk about it. It was a tough time for us to adjust.

“The VA has unlimited resources now for PTSD and alcohol. There was no help during our time. The VA turned us away in the ’70s and ’80s. It wasn’t until the Gulf War that they started opening the VA up to everybody—all veterans. Before that, you couldn’t get help in the VA unless you were injured.”

BUSINESS He found a publisher and released “Charlie Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” in 2009. That was the first of many veterans-centric books that he made available on Amazon.

Salsa line In 1991, his father sold the company business and Campos started working in the insurance industry, where he still works full time.

In 2018, he started Senor Campos Salsa to follow up on his dream to follow in his dad’s footsteps.

“I started sending out samples to my friends and family, and they loved the taste and they kept asking me for more,” he says.

He’s proud to offer his father’s Senor Campos Salsa for the first time since 1991. Campos says his salsa is special because it’s smooth and mild enough for anyone to

enjoy the flavor. It also comes in chipotle barbecue-flavored salsa and holy ghost pepper salsa.

He sells his salsa and his accompanying tortilla chips at festivals, farmers markets and online. He’s hoping that after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, he’ll be able to sell it at grocery stores.

“I make my salsa from the heart,” says Campos, who has lived in Buckeye since 2008 with his fitness trainer wife. “I want everyone to enjoy the delicious flavor, but I have to warn you that it is addictive. It’s made with fresh spices and ingredients that my father started in 1947 and in 1965 with Senor Campos Restaurants.”

Stephen Paul Campos hopes, after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, to sell his goods at grocery stores.

Senor Campos Salsa senorcampossalsa.com Books: Search for Stephen Paul Campos on Amazon.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! IF YOU ARE BUYING, SELLING OR REFINANCING YOUR REAL ESTATE THEN YOU WILL NEED OURS. WE WANT TO BE YOUR FIRST CHOICE! PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY RIGHTS SINCE 1985 WE LEAD, WE DELIVER, WE PROTECT! TITLE INSURANCE - ESCROW - ACCOUNT SERVICING - TRUST SERVICES VETERAN / ACTIVE MILITARY / FIRST RESPONDER DISCOUNTS LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED WITH OVER 70 OFFICES STATEWIDE

WWW.PTAAZ.COM

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 |

Sound of Freedom

13

Goodyear Gold Buying SHOP. COMPARE. COME TO US LAST!

We Buy:

BUILDERS

• All Gold & Silver Jewelry

LTD

Welcome Back, Snowbirds!

• Sterling Silver Flatware • Tea & Coffee Sets • Candle Sticks, Trays • Gold/Silver Coins • Fine Watches

“We’ll work together to make your dream project come true.”

Bring this ad with you and receive

$

AN ADDITIONAL

Featured in Architectural Digest and Phoenix Home & Garden

25

When you sell $250 or more. Not good for coins or bullion. Limit one coupon per customer. Offers cannot be combined. Coupon must be presented at time of sale.

Expires March 31, 2021

If you’re not using it, wearing it, and the kids don’t want it, bring it to Don Lehman at Goodyear Gold Buying for on the spot cash.

No fancy promises or wild claims, he’ll pay you more than anywhere else for your precious belongings. You won’t be disappointed. You can bank on it!

Veteran Owned Goodyear Gold Buying is tucked away in the Estrella Professional Center at 15655 W. Roosevelt St., Suite 225, across Roosevelt St. from Walmart and behind Saddle Mountain Brewery. If you can’t find it, call 480-399-4919 Hours Mon - Fri. 10am - 5pm • Saturday by appointment

NOW OPEN IN SURPRISE! ZERO Down Payment for Military Families

FREE Consultation Payments as low as $99/month We have early morning and evening appointments available We offer metal braces, clear braces and clear Aligners Treating adults and children

Rusty Jones Orthodontics

15331 W Bell Road Suite 210, Surprise, AZ 85374

623.439.5999

2330 N. 75th Avenue Suite 100, Phoenix AZ 85035

623.849.0880 14

Sound of Freedom | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

• Local, family owned West Valley commercial / residential builders for over 40 years • Specializing in up to date architectural designs • Provides innovative and high quality products and services • Superb customer service from start to finish

Call for further information regarding our services

623-824-4481

or

602-540-4940

stacy@romackbuilders.com john@romackbuilders.com LICENSED - CONTRACTED - BONDED • ROC 054363

BUSINESS

Expansion Plans The West Valley is ready to fly with Luke

More jets like this will be taking off as Luke Air Force Base expands, meaning more jobs and more residents for the West Valley.

BY TOM SCANLON

(Air Force photo by Senior Airman Devante Williams)

E

veryone else in the West Valley is taking off—why not Luke Air Force Base?

As Goodyear, Buckeye and Avondale populations soar and Glendale expands via annexation and dramatic commercial projects (Red Bull, White Claw, a planned water park), the historic air base in the bull’s eye of the West Valley is hardly about to be grounded.

Indeed, it’s getting ready to soar like never before.

A mission expansion revolving around 144 new fighter jets is set to pump Luke AFB’s population—and the surrounding areas of Glendale and Peoria, as well as Goodyear, Litchfield Park and Avondale to the south.

Details of the expansion’s impact came out recently via the Luke AFB Targeted Growth Management Plan from the Maricopa Association of Governments. Luke is gradually ramping up for the F-35A Lightning II jets over the next six years.

Just as the roar of the jets is hardly confined to the base, the roar of Luke’s economic engine will spill into sur-

“The defense-related industry is a backbone of our economy.

The mission expansion ensures Luke AFB will continue to be an important regional player, especially in the West Valley.

The goals of the growth management plan are to support the base and leverage the opportunities presented.”

–Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers

rounding cities.

Glendale, for one, is ready for takeoff.

“The defense-related industry is a backbone of our economy,” says Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers. “The mission expansion ensures Luke AFB will continue to be an important regional player, especially in the West Valley. The goals of the growth management plan are to support the base and leverage the opportunities presented.”

Weiers is also the chairman of the Maricopa Association of Governments, so he had an early peek at the new study.

“This plan is a result of nearly two years of work,” he notes.

Litchfield Park and Goodyear also welcomed the study’s outline of growth. “The city of Goodyear is home to many military families, and we are very supportive of our men and women in service,” says Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord. “We welcome these service members and their families to our community with open arms.”

The Goodyear mayor has personal reasons to be excited about the expansion.

“As a military spouse for many years, I know the sacrifices these families make for our country and I am always proud of their contributions. They deserve a great place to call home for the time they are here, and I hope that they will be able to enjoy all that our region has to offer,” Lord says.

What might be called a financial contrail in the jets’ wake is expected to be huge.

By 2026, the defense spending in support of Luke AFB is expected to support approximately 13,900 total jobs, $820 million in

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 |

Sound of Freedom

15

BUSINESS total compensation and $1.5 billion in value-added impacts to the West Valley, according to the MAG study.

Base-supported jobs are projected to generate an average annual compensation of $59,400 per job.

And the impact is far greater than military jobs, with Department of Defense civilian contracts and goods and services that support them.

About 5% of Arizona ZIP codes have a higher concentration of defense contracts than the national average—and Goodyear 85338 has a 32% higher “location quotient” compared with the national average, according to the study.

In 2012, the Department of Defense designated Luke Air Force Base as the training home of 144 new F-35A Lightning II fighter jets.

The F-35A mission at Luke Air Force Base is projected to grow the local defense economy by 25%, with 90% of Luke AFB job impacts projected to occur in Glendale, Surprise, Goodyear and Avondale.

In all, direct defense spending is anticipated to increase by nearly $220 million, according to the study.

By 2023, the defense spending in support of Luke AFB is expected to bring not only 2,200 service jobs but also provide 14,000 jobs, $820 million in total compensation and $1.5 billion in “value-added impacts” to the West Valley, according to the MAG study.

The goal of the Luke AFB Targeted Growth Management Plan was to analyze four key areas: education, workforce and economic development, housing and transportation.

16

Sound of Freedom | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

About 5% of Arizona ZIP codes have a higher concentration of defense contracts than the national average—and Goodyear 85338 has a 32% higher “location quotient” compared with the national average. (Special to Sound of Freedom)

The study’s conclusion: “The analysis of the four key sectors indicates the West Valley is well-positioned to absorb the growth generated by the mission expansion and by more people moving to the surrounding communities.”

The 2,000-plus service jobs will bring twice as many to the West Valley.

“Many of those service members have families,” says Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder. He notes they are expected to be joined by an additional 4,717 household members, growing the base-related population to 23,704 by 2026. “Through these strategies, we will accommodate growth and provide both existing and new residents the best possible life experiences.”

According to the study, the Luke expansion will create “significant demand for gasoline stations, electronics and appliance stores, sporting goods, hobby, books and music stores (with an emphasis in sporting goods), furniture and home furnishings and food and beverage places (bars, craft breweries, and distilleries).”

The MAG study targeted jobs that will be in demand: • Trade occupations, such as industrial mechanics, aircraft maintenance, electricians, truck and bus drivers, and welding.

• Health care industry occupations, such as pharmacy techs, lab techs and licensed practical nurses.

• Public safety and administration occupations, such as teaching assistants and fire safety.

• Finance-related occupations, such as bookkeeping and clerical work.

Far more than jobs and financial impact, local leaders expect the expansion to continue the West Valley’s military tradition.

“Glendale is proud to be the home of Luke Air Force Base, and for generations we’ve welcomed servicemen and their families,” Weiers says.

GETTING VETS INTO HOMES Are you active-duty, a veteran, reservist, or surviving spouse of a veteran?

You can apply for a Veteran’s Administration loan with NOVA® Home Loans, a qualified VA Lender

500 OFF

$

CLOSING COSTS

This offer is valid only for loan applicants of Kathleen Martin with NOVA® Home Loans and buyers with Ali Ozer/India Ryer of Coldwell Banker. Coupon must be presented at time of application. Loan amount must be a minimum of $100,000 to receive up to the full $500 credit. This contribution of up to $500 will be applied as credit at closing and is valid for banked loans only. Coupon may not be redeemed for cash and amount of credit applied not to exceed the amount of buyer’s closing costs.

Not valid in conjunction with DPA financing. Additional terms and conditions may apply.

Call today to learn more about qualifying for a VA Loan!

KATHLEEN MARTIN

NATHAN RUSH

Senior Loan Officer

kathleen@novahomeloans.com

INDIA RYER, REALTOR®

Loan Officer Associate

480.363.0890 • india.ryer@azmoves.com

NMLS 1659127

NMLS 198573

602.432.8468

We can help you find the home of your dreams!

602.770.1946

ALI OZER, REALTOR®

nathan.rush@novahomeloans.com

602.628.1813 • ali.ozer@azmoves.com

www.mortgagesbykathy.com

www.theozergroup.com

NOVA NMLS 3087 / BK 0902429 / EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

COY OTE

LUBE, OIL & FILTER

39

TIRE ROTATION & BRAKE INSPECTION 99 +FREE

$

Up To 5Qts Premium Oil, Oil Filter & Chassis Lube (If Applicable)

Most cars & light trucks. With coupon.

Not valid with any other offers. Expires 3/5/21

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

BRAKE SERVICE

50OFF

$

PER AXLE

see dealer for details

Most cars and light trucks. With coupon Not valid with any other offers. Expires 3/5/21

DIAGNOSTIC SPECIAL

M-F 7:30-6:00, Sat 7:30-2:00

Insist on Auto Service that is…

Guaranteed Nationwide 12 Months orServices 12,000 WeMiles Offer:

COYOTE

Insist on Auto Service that is...

Guaranteed Nationwide 12 Months or 12,000 Miles

If Repairs Done on Same Day Diagnostic Charge Is Reduced 50%

Apply online for financial credit solutions.

ALIGNMENT

FREE • Factory Maintenance Shuttle 13127 W. Glendale Ave. • Engine Service Next to Pizza Hut • SW Corner of Dysart & Glendale Service

• Air Conditioning/Service Repair • Batteries and Electrical System • Brake Service • CV and Drive Axles • Computerized Diagnostics • Transmission Service • Radiators Suspension, The Card•For Your Car Shocks & Struts • Scheduled Maintenance • And Much More!www.CoyoteTire.com *6 MONTHS, NO INTEREST

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

(623) 536-9974

See Store for Complete Details.

M-F 7:30-6:00, Sat 7:30-2:00

Must present coupon at time of purchase.

Not valid with any other offers. Expires 3/5/21

30

$

END ALIGNMENT OFF FRONTWith Purchase of 2 or More Tires

Most cars and light trucks. With coupon Not valid with any other offers. Expires Expires 3/5/21

25

SPECIAL OFFER

% OFF

FOR NON-SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE SERVICE Maximum discount $50

Must present coupon.Does not apply to other specials.

Max value $50. Expires Expires 3/5/21

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 |

Sound of Freedom

17

BUSINESS

Landing Funding West Valley Partners advocate for approval of JTEs

I

BY SOUND OF FREEDOM STAFF

Clint Hickman, Maricopa County supervisor and board chairman. (Special to Sound of Freedom)

18

n 2019, during Congress’ consideration of the Fiscal Year 2020 budget, the West Valley Partners advocated for the approval of $28 million, which would enable Luke Air Force Base to acquire three joint threat emitters (JTE) for use by the 56th Fighter Wing on Barry M. Goldwater Range (BMGR).

In response to the partners’ request, the Arizona Delegation secured the funds to acquire the JTEs, which will ensure that the BMGR remains among the most capable training ranges in the world in support of F-35 Lightning II and F-16 Falcon training, as well as other joint force and partner training requirements.

“The West Valley Partners, made up of Maricopa County and all 13 West Valley cities, share a common goal: to ensure Luke Air Force Base receives the support needed to remain viable for decades to come,” says Clint Hickman, Maricopa County supervisor and board chairman.

“Working with our Arizona Congressional Delegation to acquire three Joint Threat Emitters for use by the 56th Fighter Wing on the Barry M. Goldwater Range means the installation will continue to receive mission critical equipment to support the F-35. I applaud the strong relationship shared between the West Valley Partners and our federal delegation.”

The addition of joint threat emitters is a major step in staying relevant and being able to adequately support the F-35

Sound of Freedom | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

“The new emitters are far more capable than previous generations.

They therefore will provide our F-35 pilots the ability to train to a more challenging threat environment.” suppression of enemy air defense systems training conducted from Luke AFB. Luke AFB and 56th Fighter Wing Cmdr. Brig.

Gen. Gregory Kreuder note the added benefits the joint threat emitters will bring to aviators using the Goldwater Range.

“The new emitters are far more capable than previous generations. They therefore will provide our F-35 pilots the ability to train to a more challenging threat environment,” he says.

Luke AFB confirmed in October that an initial group of legacy JTEs has arrived and been installed at BMGR, with an additional three new production JTEs set to arrive in in 2021 as a result of Congress’ funding approvals.

More work is underway to support the operation of the JTEs and their integration into the 56 FW training regimen.

The mission of the 56 FW is to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready airmen. The JTE nests directly into supporting the mission statement thanks to the support of Arizonans who advocated for this capability.

BUSINESS

Offering Support

BY CATHY OLAGUE

C

redit Union West recently hosted a campaign to showcase the company’s 70-year commitment to the brave men and women who have served and are serving our country by honoring their dedication and patriotism.

As a longstanding member of the Defense Credit Union Council, Credit Union West proudly supports military personnel and local communities.

“Credit Union West is honoring our legacy by supporting service members with quality financial services and stepping up in our community,” says Karen Roch, president and CEO. “One of our core values is giving back to the communities we serve and those individuals who serve our nation.”

From participation in community events and sponsorship of critical community nonprofits to providing scholarships for local students, and being the credit union of choice for Luke Air Force Base (Luke AFB), Credit Union West is a trusted financial resource for the military community across Arizona. Credit Union West supports the following organizations and many others: • • • • •

Luke Air Force Base.

Fighter Country Partnership.

Veterans Medical Leadership Council.

Glendale Stand Up 4 Veterans.

Association of the U.S. Army.

“As a not-for-profit credit union, we focus on reinvesting in our members and our communities,” Roch says. “A big part

Credit Union West is committed to community of the Credit Union West community includes our military service personnel and veterans—supporting them is a part of our DNA and a point of pride for our company and our staff.”

Credit Union West provides direct sponsorships, in-kind support, employee volunteering and more. Their employees provide financial education to newly assigned airmen at Luke AFB, champion Military Saves Week, participate in annual Financial Expos with Fighter Country Partnership, and support veterans pursuing their education. Credit Union West also provides scholarships to high school seniors who participated in a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program as a part of the Credit Union West Scholarship Program.

Info: cuwest.org/honoringservice

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 |

Sound of Freedom

19

You Want To [Enhance

Your Well-Being.]

We are Your Healthcare Team.

Our clinic offers high-quality, affordable therapeutic services to promote well-being and alleviate concerns due to stress, anxiety, mood, life changes, or chronic pain. Services are provided by Clinical Psychology graduate students under the supervision of our faculty psychologists.

Call for an appointment: 623-537-6000

MIDWESTERN UNIVERSITY THERAPY INSTITUTE

5865 West Utopia Road Glendale, Arizona 85308

www.mwuclinics.com

Your Family’s Home for Healthcare

The Source For All Your RV Needs

THE #1 BRANDS IN AMERICA • • • • • •

HUNDREDS OF NEW & PRE-OWNED RVʼS FOR SALE! RVIA CERTIFIED TECHS LOWEST PROPANE PRICES 6,000sf PARTS SHOWROOM COMPLETE RV DETAILING RV CONSIGNMENT PROGRAM

RV DAMAGE? • • • •

PAINT & FIBERGLASS REPAIR ROOF REPAIR/REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT INTERIOR RESTORATION COMPLETE RV COLLISION REPAIR. WE WORK WITH EVERY INSURANCE CLAIM!

623-974-3000 | ORANGEWOODRV.COM | 114th Ave. & Bell Road 20

Sound of Freedom | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

BUSINESS

Life Lessons Patriotic entrepreneur unveils Luxury Motorsports

BY BRIAN CANO SR.

R

ico Gilcreest says he thrives on supporting the armed forces through his business.

Gilcreest, owner of Luxury Motorsports Bell, opened a second ultra-luxury lot. The second location is located just outside Luke Air Force Base at 13812 W. Glendale Avenue.

“We specialize in affordable luxury and sports cars,” Gilcreest says.

Gilcreest, a resident of Goodyear with over 30 years’ experience in the auto industry, says his father’s U.S. Army examples helped shape his company’s core value system.

Gilcreest says he values each of his customers with an emphasis on military veterans and first responders.

“We back our first responders: nurses, cops, firefighters,” Gilcreest says. “We want to definitely let them know that we’re going to take care of them as well.”

Gilcreest says expanding to near Luke provided a perfect opportunity to build his growing brand around. He opened his new location to meet the potential capacity in the West Valley.

“We sell a lot of cars throughout the Valley,

and being that I live in the area, I want to concentrate on the Verrado, Estrella Mountains, Surprise area,” he says.

Gilcreest says his dealerships have a stressfree atmosphere, which means that there is no additional pressure put on the customer. He thinks too many salespeople in the industry take on an overly aggressive sales approach.

“We offer a no-haggle type atmosphere,” Gilcreest says. “We make the sales process easy.”

Gilcreest says his company’s COVID-19 mitigation policy makes it safer for customers wanting to hang out while their vehicles are test driven.

“We have disinfectant we use after the customers test drive them,” Gilcreest says. “We are going to protect our own, and our customers as well.”

The son of a veteran, Rico Gilcreest opened a second Luxury Motorsports near Luke Air Force Base. (Photo courtesy Luxury Motors)

Gilcreest says his staff offers “concierge service.”

“If you’re looking for a specific vehicle that we don’t have, we have the technology and the ability to find those vehicles and deliver them to our customers in a very easy manner,” Gilcreest says.

Gilcreest’s other facility is at 2141 E. Bell Road. For more information, visit luxurymotorsports.us or call 623-289-7375.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 |

Sound of Freedom

21

01

129

464

-5

-10

-15 Estrella Commons

Escalante

33º27’27.7”N 112º23’16.7”W

33º41’52.6”N 112º24’31.9”

I10 AND Estrella Pkwy

W Pinnacle Peak And 163rd Ave

-20

02

18

24

03

04

Throttle Bac ack

Enjoy njoy The View

28 324

Visit fultonhomes.Com for more information on our two newest communities in the West Valley

Fulton Homes is a proud supporter of Luke Air Force Base, the 56th Fighter Wing & their families.

80

F E AT U R E

Airman 1st Class Jaydon Aguon, 372nd Training Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief, prepares an F-16 for flight at Luke Air Force Base.

Aguon is enrolled in the sixweek F-16 Right Time Training course to learn basic flightline maintenance operations. The RTT class is a new initiative to provide small-group, instructor-led, hands-on training for F-16 crew chiefs after they complete technical training.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

New Initiative Program creates combat-ready F-16 crew chiefs

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS BROOKE MOEDER 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

T

he Air Force recently introduced a newly redesigned course for F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chiefs going through technical training.

After completing technical training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, F-16 crew chiefs will now proceed directly to their first duty station to attend Right Time Training with the 372nd Training Squadron, Detachment 12, which saves the Air Force money by cutting additional travel to additional duty stations.

“RTT is their on-the-job training and reduces lost time for inprocessing,” says Staff Sgt. Darion Hubbard, 372nd TRS F-16 crew chief

24

instructor. “That way when the airman gets to their unit, after going through RTT, they’re ready to do the job on their own. This means less time spent away from doing the job, which keeps them ready and consistent.”

Before RTT, new airmen went to Holloman AFB for their hands-on training first, then to their permanent duty station, where they lost time for inprocessing and specific airframe training. This led to a gap in time doing their new jobs, now within 45 days of inproccessing into their unit they go to RTT then right back to their units, Hubbard says.

The 372nd TRS, Det. 12, plays a critical role in producing combat-ready crew chiefs at Luke AFB. The six-week course features intensive, instructor-led, hands-on training to familiarize the airmen with location-specific maintenance

Sound of Freedom | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

operations. With a small class size of up to five students, instructors can offer students a more personal experience, Hubbard says.

“For training we go to the flightline to launch, recover and refuel the jet,” says Airman 1st Class Diego Garcia, 372nd TRS F-16 crew chief. “He just expects us to do our best, and if we’re struggling he just wants to see that we’re learning and capable of absorbing information.”

Smaller class sizes lead to better, faster and tailored training to the aircraft they are working.

“I take them to the flightline to get them familiar and comfortable with being around the aircraft and their new work environment,” Hubbard says. “We get hands-on with the jets. By the time my last class graduated, their grease-covered uniforms reflected all the hard

F E AT U R E

Staff Sgt. Darion Hubbard, left, 372nd Training Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief instructor, supervises Airman 1st Class Erick Moreno, 372nd TRS F-16 crew chief, while he inspects an F-16 before flight at Luke Air Force Base. Hubbard instructs the F-16 Right Time Training course and graduated a class of five students December 9. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

Airman 1st Class Erick Moreno, 372nd Training Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief and F-16 Right Time Training student, grabs a headset while preparing an F-16 for flight at Luke Air Force Base. During the six-weeklong RTT course, the students learn how to perform basic crew chief functions such as launching, refueling and maintaining aircraft.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

Staff Sgt. Darion Hubbard, top, 372nd Training Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief instructor, teaches his F-16 Right Time Training class basic aircraft maintenance procedures at Luke Air Force Base. While on the flightline, F-16 crew chiefs attending RTT class learn how to refuel aircraft, take oil samples, perform inspections and more.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

work and training.”

Luke AFB’s first RTT class graduated October 6 and its third graduated December 9.

In its first two iterations, the class has evolved to fit the needs of the students. Hubbard says the first class he taught spent two weeks in a classroom and the last four on the flightline.

The class he is teaching completes one week in the classroom and the last five weeks on the flightline.

“Now we’re just getting to the meat of what they need to do regarding daily sortie generations,” Hubbard says. “That includes lots of launching out and refueling aircraft, taking oil samples, doing their inspections and proper forms of documentation.”

Det. 12 is the largest training detachment in the Air Force and had a large part in the validation process for the course, Hubbard says.

When the airmen finish the new RTT course, they will be proficient in their job and able to hit the ground running at their first duty station.

“We want to ensure we send out quality crew chiefs,” Hubbard says. “We want to make sure that they’re ready to operate on the flightline and generate sorties day in and day out.”

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 |

Sound of Freedom

25

F E AT U R E

Lt. Col. Alexander Turner, 56th Operations Support Squadron director of operations, conducts a post-flight debrief with student pilots at Luke Air Force Base. Aircrews conduct postflight debriefs using whiteboards and maps, which are conventionally 2D, to review each pilot’s performance during aerial operations. Two Luke AFB airmen and an ASU student developed software to enable smartglasses to translate data captured from fighter aircraft into a 3D visual format pilots can use to debrief aerial training missions. The concept, known as the “Next-Gen Debrief,” is the Air Education and Training Command’s nomination for competition at the Air Force-level Spark Tank 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Caleb Butler)

‘Next-Gen Debrief’ Luke AFB enters ASU’s Spark Tank 2021

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS BROOKE MOEDER 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

L

uke airmen working with an Arizona State University student have developed a 3D augmented reality system that will revolutionize the way pilots conduct mission debriefs and will represent the Air Education and Training Command at Spark Tank 2021.

Maj. Kevin Hawkins, 56th Operations

26

Support Squadron wing intelligence chief; 1st Lt. Adam Treece, 56th OSS intelligence readiness chief; Lt. Col. Alexander Turner, 56th OSS director of operations; and Dylan Kerr, ASU digital culture Master of Arts student, teamed to adapt Microsoft HoloLens2 smartglasses into a tool that aircrews can use to conduct detailed mission debriefs from an interactive, 3D perspective.

The debrief process “is literally fundamental to how we learn every time we go out to train and fly,” Hawkins says.

The 56th Fighter Wing’s mission is to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready airmen. Instructors train students to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F-35A Lightning II aircraft in preparation for combat operations. While flying,

Sound of Freedom | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

aircraft sensors capture flight characteristics including critical data such as position, airspeed, altitude and actions in a 3D environment, Hawkins explains.

After each flight, instructors review the flight details with students to evaluate their performance while seeking ways to help them develop in a post-flight meeting called a “debrief.”

According to Hawkins, aircrews perform debriefs using whiteboards and maps, which are conventionally 2D. While pilots can us computers to view portions of the flight, such as the position of the aircraft on the map, software limitations make it challenging to visually recreate the full perspecSEE SPARK TANK PAGE 29

PROUDLY WELCOMING HOME THE VALLEY’S HOMETOWN HEROES Come discover Mattamy’s thoughtful home and community design – found in some of the most desirable locations in the Phoenix valley. Visit our Sales Centers and we’ll show you how to make a new Mattamy home your very own.

TO SHOW OUR APPRECIATION WE ARE HONORED TO OFFER

2,000 OFF

$

the purchase of a new home to all active and disabled military* HERE’S WHERE

Lone M

ou

ntai n

Pk

w y.

Buckeye

303

Proudly building homes all across the Phoenix Area.

Here’s where Hometown Heroes can find us in the West Valley.

101

SOLANO AT SIENNA HILLS

Jackrabbit Trl

Verrado Pkwy

FINAL OPPORTUNITIES FROM THE UPPER $200s

BROOKSIDE AT ARROYO SECO

FROM THE UPPER $200s

101

AZURE CANYON

51

VISTA DIAMANTE AT CAMELBACK RANCH

GRAND OPENING

For details, visit mattamyhomes.com/Phoenix

To learn more 87 about Mattamy Homes’ Phoenix area communities, visit us at click on the 202 101www.mattamyhomes.com/phoenix, QR code below, or call 623-300-2022.

MATTAMY HOMES CORPORATE OFFICE & DESIGN STUDIO

143

FROM THE MID $300s

ROOSEVELT PARK 107th Avenue

Estrella Pkwy

FROM THE UPPER $200s

SALES CENTER HOURS: Daily 10am-6pm, Wednesday 1pm-6pm

FOLLOW US |

*Offer is limited to active and disabled military and actively employed firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and teachers that purchase their home directly from Mattamy Homes. Must show proof of employment to be eligible for offer. Offer available on new homes at Mattamy communities throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area if the home purchase agreement is fully executed between 1/2/2021 - 3/31/2021.

Home purchase agreements fully executed prior to 1/2/2021 are excluded. Offers, incentives and seller contributions are subject to certain terms, conditions and restrictions, which may include use of designated lenders and closing agents. Certain incentives could affect the loan amount. Offer good for a limited time only. Mattamy reserves the right to change or withdraw any offer at any time. Prices subject to change without notice.

Offer is subject to borrower meeting approval guidelines. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Contact a Mattamy Home Funding LLC Loan Officer for financing details, or a Mattamy Homes New Home Counselor for home purchase details. Speak with a Mattamy Homes New Home Counselor for full details. E. & E.O. AZ ROC #249191B. MATPHX009 1/2021

The City of Peoria is a champion of Luke Air Force Base and works hard to protect the Base to ensure their mission’s viability for years to come.

AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER MILITARY MEMBERS, DOD CIVILIANS*, RESERVE, GUARD, MILITARY RETIREES & ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBERS SERVICES AVAILABLE:

• Transition Services (Active Duty to Civilian)

- Mandatory Separation\Retirement\Preseperation Counseling - Mandatory 5 Day Department of Labor TAP Employment Workshop - Employment Assistance - SBA quarterly Boots to Business Workshop - Higher Education Training - Resume Writing and Federal Employment Workshops

Monthly Dept. of Labor TAP Employmen t Workshop

• Discovery Center - Resources for relocation, transition, employment, housing, schools, and more!

• AMVETS – Provides medical records screening and assistance with VA disability claims • Personal Development Information & Resources - Like us on Facebook: Luke A&FRC • Military & Family Life Counselor Assistance • Financial Counseling Education • Relocation & Sponsorship Services • School Liaison Officer - Addresses educational issues involving military children and youth in the local school community U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO

On behalf of the Mayor and Council, City management and staff, we want to say “THANK YOU” for your service and dedication to our country.

City of Peoria

Litchfield Park Welcomes You LITCHFIELD PARK GATHERING JANUARY 9 & 10 - FREE ADMISSION - 10AM TO 5PM DAILY

Safety Measures in Place

For Your Protection

KIWANIS TROUT FISHING DERBY JANUARY 23 - REGISTER ONLINE AT EVENTBRITE.COM ADULT SESSION AT 7:30AM - KIDS SESSION AT 12:00PM

623-935-9040 litchfield-park.org

28

Litchfield Park proudly supports Luke Air Force Base

Sound of Freedom | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

Contact us for further information: (623) 856-6550 Email: 56fss.fsfr@luke.af.mil 7282 N. 137th Ave. Bldg.1113 Luke AFB, AZ. 85309 “We’re never the wrong place to go!” *Limited Services for DoD Civilians and their families

F E AT U R E SPARK TANK FROM PAGE 26 tive of each aircraft involved in the mission, he says.

He says forcing 3D data into a 2D environment is not natural, and during that translation of data “there’s opportunity to make mistakes or it’s just harder to learn and complete,” Hawkins says.

Hawkins and Turner envisioned a concept that would take full advantage of data captured by the aircraft’s sensors, and Kerr programmed the software to enable aircrews wearing the smartglasses to see the mission in 3D. “Augmented reality enables individuals who wear the smartglasses to interact with others and their surroundings,” Hawkins says. “We think it’s going to be really effective because we are able to see if the student pilots understand the information or not.”

An additional advantage about using smartglasses is that it moves debriefs into the virtual domain. As a result, pilots who are geographically separated can discuss the mission together, Treece says.

“Right now, if I want to debrief with someone who flew a mission from a different base we’d have to do that over the telephone,” Treece says. “But imagine if you put these headsets on and could debrief virtually and both could see the same thing at the same time. That would make it a much more efficient process.”

Initially, Air Force units submitted 305 Spark Tank 2021 projects to participating major commands for evaluation. The MAJCOMs selected 15 projects, including Next-Gen Debrief, to advance forward for Air Force-level review.

The winning entry will be announced during the Air Force Association Aerospace Warfare Symposium in February.

Hawkins says he is confident Next-Gen Debrief will succeed.

“If we go to the finals and win Spark Tank and they ask us what our way forward is, we think we can get units to use the system within six months or so after finishing Spark Tank,” Hawkins says.

Hawkins says that due to the classification level of some aerial operations, not all

units would initially be able to use the first version of the smartglasses to debrief, but they are navigating the approval processes for classified use. However, input from aircrews who use the technology following unclassified missions will be invaluable for future updates, he adds.

The team’s vision is for aircrews to maximize the use of augmented reality while planning, executing and debriefing the mission. To enable the vision, the team hopes to gain visibility during the competition and show people this is what the process should look like moving forward, Treece says.

“I think that there are many opportunities to use this as a jump-off point to introduce this type of technology into the way we do business,” Treece says. “In my mind, there are many more opportunities to make what we do that much more efficient.”

Hawkins says the goal in the six to 18 months following Spark Tank 2021 is to increase efficiencies in the way the Air Force operates. With this technology, they think they can do just that.

2021! GREAT TIME TO BUY A HOME WITH A VA LOAN!!!!

VA LOAN LIMITS HAVE INCREASED TO $548,250!

MORE THA NA 1000 HOM ES AVAILABL E IN YOUR ARE A!

Interest rates are still ar record lowes in the 2% range Call or Text: Find a home and see it today ! 623-321-2780 DELEX REALTY www.bravehomes.com 17224 N. 43rd Ave 102, Glendale, AZ, 85308

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 |

Sound of Freedom

29

F E AT U R E

A Place for

HEALING they needed to expand the program and create a 501(c)(3).

“We had a couple dogs in a garage at first,” Debbie says. “We now have had more than several thousand students. It got really out of control, so to speak, in a positive way. We love the idea of helping veterans train their own dogs to be service dogs.”

The first step to the program is to apply, which costs $25. During the first 20 weeks, the trainer focuses on teaching the service dog teams basic behavioral fundamentals.

They work closely with students and their dogs to ensure they are a team.

The next phase of the program involves our trainers taking the service dog teams to various public venues. This phase of training helps to facilitate stability and confidence while interacting with the public.

“We go out as a group and there are 15

Dogs4Vets is about more than training service dogs

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Sound of Freedom Executive Editor

G

erad and Debbie Claseman started Dogs4Vets in 2005 with the goal of helping a few veterans a year.

They wanted to offer service dog training at no cost. Generally, the cost is high to train a service dog, and it takes three to seven years to get a fully trained canine.

Due to the overwhelming demand for service dogs, the Clasemans quickly found

30

Sound of Freedom | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

to 20 veterans out for breakfast,” she says.

“What they don’t know is what’s under the table. Others don’t realize the dogs are there.

I don’t know any other program that can do that. We don’t allow shock collars, and we

F E AT U R E

Veterans have relocated from across the country to attend the Dogs4Vets program. Most of the trainers are disabled veterans or family members of disabled veterans. (Photo courtesy Dogs4Vets)

have no age limit on the dog either.”

The final phase of training focuses on teaching the dogs tasks that are specific to their owners. These tasks could include mobility assistance, retrieval skills and PTSD, such as depression, anxiety, hypervigilance and night terrors.

Dogs4Vets is one of the largest programs of its kind in the nation.

“It’s due to the nature of our organization, which is pretty amazing,” she says. “Ours isn’t all about training dogs. It’s about healing hearts, souls and families. The bonus is they get a professionally trained lifeline to help them.

“We invite their family. We have parties and celebrations—before COVID. We send birthday cards. It’s an amazing healing program. We put holistic healing into it with meditation and mindfulness. It’s a safe haven. We’ve created a safe haven for them to come to every week with their dog and train. They form friendships and renew their souls to overcome their anxiety. PTSD is a horrible, horrible thing.”

Dogs4Vets has two training centers, one in Gilbert and the other in tiny Pinedale.

The facilities resemble a home and is a residence, respectively, which allows for training dogs in a real-world environment.

The training center includes a full kitchen so they can train the veterans’ dogs to open and close a refrigerator door, a drawer or cabinet, or place items in a trash can.

There are stairs, ramps and other obsta-

cles available to train the dogs to safely assist disabled veterans with mobility.

A washer and dryer are available to teach dogs how to retrieve the laundry.

Besides being a training center for service dogs, the facility also is a place for our veterans to feel safe. If they need to talk or a shoulder to lean on, one of our trained staff members will be there to listen.

Veterans have relocated from across the country to attend the program. Most of our trainers are disabled veterans or family members of disabled veterans.

“It takes a year and a half to two years to go through the program,” she says. “When they finish, they are legitimate service dogs.

They learn now to call 911 and get medicine. They are valid lifelines.”

Debbie says the inspiration for the program came from her husband, Gerad, who is a Vietnam-era Navy veteran.

“We got the idea from him going to the VA hospital and such,” she says. “There’s not a lot of help for veterans in terms of recovering and transitioning into the real world.

“They’re trying to find their new normal.

Their dog has their back. There are a lot of folks out there who are providing dogs, especially rescues. To me, that’s a volatile situation, for obvious reasons. You don’t know the dog. What if it’s a breed they don’t

connect with? Our premise was to let them choose their own lifeline or buddy or dog they already have and work from there.”

The next group of classes starts in January. The certification lasts a year, so veterans and their dogs must return to be retested.

Before Dogs4Vets, Debbie taught early childhood education for a year. When they arrived at the idea of Dogs4Vets, Debbie earned a degree in animal behaviorism.

She requires all of the trainers to study animal behaviorism and have a background in medical and disability.

“When my husband retired, we took some time off and traveled,” she says. “We had this dream, and we took this dream and put it all together. It’s more than I thought it would be. I look at it as very rewarding, and what a gift.”

Dogs4Vets 3249 S. Lindsay Road, Gilbert Mailing: P.O. Box 13525, Chandler, 85248 480-802-9339, info@dogs4vets.org, dogs4vets.org

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 |

Sound of Freedom

31

2013 FIAT 500 2DR POP 204390A .........................................

$6,777

2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX LS 203517A .........................................

2013 FORD ESCAPE SE 204806A .........................................

2011 JEEP COMPASS LMD 200226A ......................................

$7,777 $9,777

2017 KIA SOUL 5DR 203644A ......................................

205104A ......................................

2018 NISSAN ROGUE S 205027A ......................................

2015 TOYOTA RAV4 LE 204789A ......................................

$15,777 $16,777 $16,777

$10,777

2015 FORD EDGE SEL

$11,777

2019 FORD ECOSPORT 5DR

2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS 204863A ......................................

2013 TOYOTA TACOMA 2WD

$12,777

204394A ......................................

29765...........................................

2017 FORD EDGE SEL

$17,777 $18,777 $18,777

2017 CHEVROLET CRUZE 4DR LT

204415A ......................................

205058A ......................................

2017 FORD EXPLORER BASE

$13,777

2015 FORD FUSION 4DR SE 204270B ......................................

2012 LEXUS IS 250 4DR 29695A ........................................

2016 FORD FLEX SEL 29713A ........................................

2018 FORD ESCAPE S

$13,777

200182A ......................................

2011 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE

$13,777

200253A ......................................

$14,777

203923A ......................................

$18,777

2019 CHEVROLET BOLT EV 5DR

$19,777

PROUD TO SUPPORT LUKE AIR FORCE BASE

2017 NISSAN MURANO SV

$15,777

F20337B.......................................

2014 HONDA ODYSSEY EX-L 203318A ......................................

$15,777

2017 TOYOTA RAV4 SE 203050A ......................................

29648A ........................................

$18,777

DISTRIBUTION CENTER 6031 BUCKEYE

$19,777 $19,777

6400 N 51ST AVE, GLENDALE | SANDERSONFORD.COM All prices are plus tax, title and $449 Doc Fee. All offers expire 3/3/2021 at close of business.

★ LET FREEDOM RING ★

FREE BREAKFAST, SHUTTLE & INTERNET

Youngtown proudly supports Luke Air Force Base and our brave aviators who put themselves in harm’s way while protecting our freedoms. Fulfillment of their mission is critical to our region, the state and the nation.

COMFORT SUITES GLENDALE

Government Rates Available

Award Winning

• HDTVs, Refrigerator, Microwave, Coffee Maker, Hair Dryer, Iron/ Board & Sofa Sleeper in ALL rooms • 24 Hour Business Center, Fitness Center and Marketplace • Heated Outdoor Pool and SPA • Laundry facility

YOUNGTOWNAZ.ORG

• Over 4,000 Square Feet of Meeting/Banquet Space • Less than 2 miles from Westgate City Center, State Farm Stadium,Tanger Outlet Mall • Just 7 Miles from Luke AFB • 1/2 Mile from Top Golf Facility • Pet Friendly

623-271-9005

9824 W. Camelback Rd. Glendale, AZ 85305 • www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/az296

32

Sound of Freedom | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

E D U C AT I O N

One-Stop Shop Community colleges ease the transition to civilian life

BY JOHN HECKENLAIBLE

M

aking the move from active duty to civilian life can be challenging.

At Glendale Community College, there is a focus on helping military personal get the education and training they need for a smooth transition.

Recently discharged and retired military service personnel as well as their dependents often need to reassess how their skills will translate into the civilian workforce. Oftentimes they find that they need to get additional training and education to meet the needs of the workplace and prepare themselves for a secure future.

The Veterans Services Center at Glendale Community College is standing by to help fulfill that mission.

There are a number of questions that immediately come to mind as you map out your academic plans. Items such as, “What will it be like adjusting to college life?”

“What should you study?” and “What type of school is the best fit for you?”

There are several factors to consider when determining what to study. The first is what are you interested in—business, computer technology, health services, auto technology, education, etc. The second thing is researching job trends so you can align your interests with the workforce needs of the future. At Glendale

At Glendale Community College, the Veteran Services Center academic advisement team and career services team can assist prospective and current students in their self-assessment and their academic and career plans.

(Photo courtesy Glendale Community College)

Community College, the Veteran Services Center academic advisement team and career services team can assist you in your self-assessment and help you with your academic and career plans.

Determining the best type of school to attend can depend largely on your chosen field of study. Consider fully accredited schools with plenty of course offerings that will allow you to affordably explore options and take numerous classes in your chosen field of study. Glendale Commu-

nity College offers 41 associate degrees, 61 certificate programs, and a range of nondegree offerings across nine fields of interest. Once you’ve decided on one of the fields, the academic advisers will work with you to chart your academic track.

The Glendale Community College Veteran Services Center is a one-stop shop for veterans who want to transition from military life to civilian life through higher education. The Veteran Services Center provides assistance in planning academic paths, identifying federal and state benefit options, certifying education benefits, guiding students through degree planning as well as class selection and registration.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 |

Sound of Freedom

33

Save Now On Home Security

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND PARTNERSHIP The City of El Mirage is proud of the steadfast relationship with our neighboring Luke Air Force Base.

Mayor Alexis Hermosillo Vice Mayor Monica Dorcey Councilmembers: Roy Delgado Mike Hutchinson Anita Norton David Shapera Donna Winston

Monitored by ADT ® the #1 home security company in the U.S.

GREAT

LOW PRICE

MONITORING

PER M O N T H

ADT® 24/7 Monitored Home Security 24/7 monitoring provides peace of mind Yard sign and window decals help deter crime Quickly connect to fire and emergency response May qualify for a homeowners insurance discount THIS OFFER IS ONLY AVAILABLE WHEN YOU

CALL:

1-833-986-0324

BASIC SYSTEM: $99 Parts and Install. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $27.99 per month ($1,007.64). 24-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $27.99 per month ($671.76) for California. Offer applies to homeowners only. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Premier Provider customers only and not on purchases from ADT LLC. Cannot be combined with any other offer. The $27.99 Offer does not include Quality Service Plan (QSP), ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty. GENERAL: For all offers, the form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account, satisfactory credit history is required and termination fee applies.

Certain packages require approved landline phone. Local permit fees may be required. Certain restrictions may apply. Additional monitoring fees required for some services.

For example, Burglary, Fire, Carbon Monoxide and Emergency Alert monitoring requires purchase and/or activation of an ADT security system with monitored Burglary, Fire, Carbon Monoxide and Emergency Alert devices and are an additional charge. Additional equipment may be purchased for an additional charge. Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. Prices subject to change. Prices may vary by market. Some insurance companies offer discounts on Homeowner’s Insurance. Please consult your insurance company. Photos are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect the exact product/service actually provided. Licenses: AL-21-001104, AR-CMPY.0001725, AZ-ROC217517, CA-ACO6320, CT-ELC.0193944-L5, DC-EMS902653, DC-602516000016, DE-07-212, FLEC13003427, GA-LVA205395, IA-AS-0206, ID-ELE-SJ-39131, IL-127.001042, IN-C.P.D. Reg. No. – 19-08088, City of Indianapolis: LAC-000156, KY-City of Louisville: 483, LA-F1914, LA-F1915, LA-F1082, MA-1355C, MD-107-1626, ME-LM50017382, MI-3601205773, MN-TS01807, MO-City of St. Louis: CC#354, St. Louis County: 100194, MS15007958, MT-PSP-ELS-LIC-247, NC-25310-SP-FA/LV, NC-1622-CSA, NE-14451, NJ Burglar Alarm Lic. # -NJ-34BF00021800, NM-353366, NV-0068518, City of Las Vegas: 3000008296, NY-Licensed by the N.Y.S. Department of State UID#12000317691, NYS #12000286451, OH-53891446, City of Cincinnati: AC86, OK-AC1048, OR-170997, Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Registration Number: PA022999, RI-3582, RI-7508, SC-BAC5630, SD- 1025-7001-ET, TN-1520, TX-B13734, ACR-3492, UT6422596-6501, VA-115120, VT-ES-2382(7C), WA-602588694/ECPROTEYH934RS, WI-City of Milwaukee: PAS-0002966, WV-WV042433, WY-LV-G-21499. 3750 Priority Way South Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46240 ©2020 DEFENDERS, Inc. dba Protect Your Home DF-CD-NP-Q420

LOCALS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AT THE WIGWAM World-renowned The Wigwam, right here in your backyard, is home to three of the West Valley’s best dining destinations.

Locals, guests, and visitors alike flock to Litchfield’s for the acclaimed Chef-driven farm-to-table culinary experience. For more casual fare, drop by Red’s Bar & Grill, famed for the Valley’s best burgers and a rotating selection of local craft beers, or treat yourself to a hand-crafted cocktail at the Wigwam Bar overlooking the resort’s Tower Pool.

Whatever mood you’re in, having easy access to The Wigwam is just another great perk of calling the West Valley home.

wigwamarizona.com | 888.457.8268

34

Sound of Freedom | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

JACKPOT VALLEY IS NON-SMOKING

WEST VALLEY Sun-Thur 10am - 2am | Fri-Sat 10am - 4am ddcaz.com | Loop 101 & Northern • An Enterprise of the Tohono O’odham Nation - Si’al Ke:k

NEWS

Award Winners Leadership from the 56th and 944th Fighter Wings, along with airmen from the 1K Maintenance Group, participate in a conference call with Barbara M. Barrett, secretary of the Air Force, as she congratulated the team for winning the 2020 Secretary of Defense Field-level Maintenance Award in the large category at Luke Air Force Base.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Monique Roux)

Luke reinforces TFI with DoD-level maintenance prize

BY MASTER SGT. LOUIS VEGA 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

T

otal Force Integration across the U.S. Air Force continues to prove its effectiveness as active-duty and reserve citizen airmen successfully demonstrate its potential.

The 56th and 944th Fighter Wings’ maintenance groups, referred to as the 1K Maintenance Group at Luke Air Force Base, will be recipients of the 2020 Secretary of Defense Field-level Maintenance Award in the large category.

“This is the best TFI organization I have ever had the privilege to be a part of,” says Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 56th FW commander, during a conference call with the Barbara M. Barrett, secretary of the Air Force, as she congratulated the team.

“I would offer up the 944th and 56th as a template for others that want to know what

36

‘right’ looks like. I couldn’t be more proud of the 1K maintenance team, and it’s a real honor for them to get the recognition at this level.”

Barrett is serving as the 25th secretary of the Air Force and is an instrument-rated pilot trained and certified for space flight. She earned degrees at Arizona State University and is honorary commander alumni at Luke.

“I guess that when you add it up, you’re ‘batting a thousand,’” says Barrett, referring to the 1K MXG title. “I am proud of my past association, and I am thrilled to know the recognition is coming your way from the full department. To be the recipient of this award is really a great statement of the constant excellence, the constant vigilance and the constant performance that your two teams combine to do.”

In the collective efforts to write the maintenance award package for consideration, Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Abney, 944th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Tactical

Sound of Freedom | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

Aircraft Maintenance section chief, and a small team of reserve and active-duty TFI partners worked together to prepare the package.

“The 56th could have sent in a package by themselves,” says Abney. “We chose to do it as a TFI. So, winning is even bigger because it shows how much of a force we are.”

Maintenance teams throughout the world, in all services, competed; and a total of six field-level Secretary of Defense Maintenance Award recipients were selected in three categories—large, medium and small.

The best of the best will be selected from the six field-level award winners and presented the Phoenix Trophy. All awards will be presented on January 13 at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. “This is a rare and commendable accomplishment,” says Col. Jim Greenwald, 944th FW commander. “My hat’s off to the entire 1K maintenance team. For our team to rise to the level that they beat out the other services—the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps—that is an incredible accomplishment. To have the secretary of the Air Force call us to say congratulations is something I have never experienced. This is a testament to the strengths of TFI.” Total Force Integration, which was launched in the late 1990s, refers to a blending of active, guard and reserve personnel and equipment to gain efficiency and effectiveness in support of the overall Air Force mission.

ÂŽ

HONORING OUR

HEROES As a "Thank You" to those who have or are currently serving in the military, or as a firefighter, police officer, or a teacher we'd like to give you a special discount on a brand new home!

Apply 1% of the base price of a new home from Woodside Homes Arizona toward the home options of your choice.

Choose from hundreds of upgrades and create your own wonderful place to call home_because you've done the same for us.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OUR ONLINE SALES PROFESSIONALS BELOW

Terry Barson

Sara Fritz

MyNewHome-Arizona@woodsidehomes.com 623-469-0153 In an effort to continually improve our plans and designs, Woodside Homes reserves the right to make modifications in materials, plans and specifications without prior notice. Prices are subject to change without notice. This advertisement is for illustration purposes only and not part of a legal contract. Models do not reflect racial or other demographic preferences. Eligibility: The program provides a credit towards home options in the amount of 1% of the base price of the new home. This discount program is available for active and retired military, and currently full-time employed firefighters, police officers, and teachers with current teaching certificates/degrees. Confirmation of service/employment required. The home must be used for a personal residence. The program is valid for sales contracts signed from 1/1/2020 to 12/31/2020. The program may be discontinued at any time without notice. If you are working with a REALTOR, they must accompany and register you on your first visit. See sales professional for full details. 01/2020

WoodsideHomes.com/Arizona

NIGHT OWL MONDAY & TUESDAY | 10PM- CLOSE $4 GAME OF BOWLING $4.25 SHOE RENTAL HAPPY HOUR DRINKS & FOOD

13525 N. LITCHFIELD ROAD | SURPRISE, AZ 85379 | 623-975-7529 | UPTOWNALLEYSURPRISE.COM JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 |

Sound of Freedom

37

Empowering Diasabled American Veterans to lead fuller lives with the aid of Service Dogs

OUR MISSION Support the men, ION OUR MISS women, families, and e men, pport thAFB. SuLuke mission of milies, and

women, fa ke AFB. mission of Lu

You can show your ow your an shF-35 You cthe support with the F-35 support with Sound of Freedom edom Sound of Fre e plate. custom license plate. custom licens

Arizona State Tax Credit

$400 Credit Single or Head of Household

$800 Credit Married, Filing Jointly

Make your donation online or by mail

www.Dogs4Vets.org

American Service Animal Society P.O. Box 13525, Chandler, AZ 85248 Please mail my receipt to: Name Address City, State, Zip Email

• Clean comfortable rooms or studio suites • Refrigerator and microwave in all rooms • Free hot breakfast every morning • Complimentary high speed Internet access • Fitness Center • Pets Welcome • Meeting/Function space available

14783 W. Grand Avenue Surprise, AZ 8S374

N

60

101

ra

/G

Call Hampton Inn & Suites

nd

LUKE AFB

Litchfield Rd.

303

.

Bell Rd.

e Av

fightercountry.org/plate

US

y.org/plate

ountr https://fighterc

US

60

Northern 101

/G

623-537-9122

ra

nd

Av e

.

www.facebook.com/ Hampton InnSuitesPHXSurprise

38

Sound of Freedom | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

EVENTS

The “World War II: The Home Front” program will focus on the manufacturing victory of the war at 1 p.m. January 9 at the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum at Falcoln Field. (Submitted image)

The Other Heroes of WWII Airbase Arizona presents program on the manufacturing victory

BY BILL QUEHRN Airbase Arizona Museum Docent

E

very Veterans Day—as we should every day—we honor our military heroes who have sacrificed to keep us free. But there were other heroes in World War II who also deserve to be honored.

That’s the subject of a program to be presented on January 9 at the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum at Falcon Field. They are the American workers who won what President Roosevelt called the Manufacturing Victory that helped the United States and our allies win the war.

In a nation as deeply divided as we are today, it can be difficult to understand or appreciate the willingness of Americans to sacrifice and achieve for a common cause as our World War II homefront heroes. But sacrifice they did, and their achievements fully lived up to the title they earned: the Greatest Generation.

The program at Airbase Arizona is titled “World War II: The Home Front.” Like any account of that era, it can only focus on something like a single grain in a trainload of rice. That said, each story in the program weaves into the tapestry of the monumental accomplishments of this group of heroes. Growing up in the eco-

nomically devastated years of the Great Depression, the Greatest Generation turned the United States into a production colossus that armed, fed and cared for a world at war.

Almost overnight, the national economy had to be transformed from a peacetime recovery pace to a wartime engine driving toward what President Roosevelt urged the nation to become—the Arsenal of Democracy.

One such story is represented on the museum floor by an Avenger TBM torpedo bomber.

The “M” indicates the Grumman Aircraft plane was actually built by General Motors.

GM turned car plants in New Jersey and elsewhere into airplane manufacturing facilities with blistering speed. It meant totally stripping and re-equipping the factories and then learning to build machines that fly rather than run on roads. It also meant finding people to train to build airplanes. With so many men called to serve, GM and other companies hired women, minorities, men who were considered essential and excused from service—essentially anyone who could do the work. With all that to overcome, GM turned out its first flying Avenger in just 11 months and one year later had produced over 1,000 of the vitally important U.S. Navy bombers.

Beyond that, the program describes how Greatest Generation workers were saddled with rationing of many goods and other limits on what they could buy, even though many were making good money working in defense plants—48-hour weeks in many plants.

They were called to save, or what today we call recycle, everything from car tires to kitchen fat. They were heavily pressured to buy war bonds to finance the war, all the while living in dread of the knock on their door delivering a telegram informing them of the loss of a loved one.

The program at Airbase Arizona will be held in the newly redesigned Mission Briefing Room at 1 p.m. The Avenger on the museum floor is one of over a dozen historic warplanes, including our B-17 bomber. If it isn’t flying that day, guests can climb aboard and walk through this iconic aircraft. The museum walls are lined with hundreds of artifacts from WWI to the Vietnam era. Admission to the museum is $15 for adults, less for seniors and children, and free for active-duty military.

Seating for the program is limited and firstcome, first-served.

If nothing else, “World War II: The Home Front” will certainly give you a different look at America in the 1940s.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 |

Sound of Freedom

39

THANK YOU,

Luke Air Force Base!

SALUTE TO THE

BRAVE 5800 W. Glenn Drive, Suite 275, Glendale, AZ 85301

623.937.4754 @glendaleazchamber

West y!

Valle

15350 W McDowell Rd, Goodyear www.OsborneJewelersinc.com 623-925-1815

40

Sound of Freedom | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

Stop say hello!

Stopinin&&&say sayhello! hello!

SADDLE MOUNTAIN totothe thethe to

SADDLE MOUNTAIN SADDLE MOUNTAIN BREWING COMPANY BREWING COMPANY BREWING COMPANY 15651 W. Roosevelt St. 15651 W.W. Roosevelt 15651 RooseveltSt. St. Goodyear, AZ 85338 Goodyear, AZ Goodyear, AZ85338 85338 623-249-5520 623-249-5520 623-249-5520

SU-TH 11A-10P FR SA 11A-11P SU-TH 11A-10P //FR &&& SA 11A-11P SU-TH 11A-10P / FR SA 11A-11P

Happy Hour All-Day MO TU-FR Happy Hour All-Day MO &&3-6P TU-FR Happy Hour All-Day MO &3-6P 3-6P TU-FR l A E A TFAFO AlM M A Z TTITIO --W IIN N II N G GB EBE EER RESSR S GG RR EG AR TE DDOlD PA AA O W ARR RDD D -W W IN TOO FOO AA MZ AIZNI G N GP P I OlllAA AW WAA N NN NI N

.

L .

A L C A C O C O L O L K K NK DDRRIIN .

L .

A L C A O C L L O T AT L E EA E

M O M .C O G .C IN OM W E .C R G E B N I R IN BBREW A T IN A N T U N N O I U A M O T EE LLL M OUN EM D D D S S D DD AA SA

SMBC_2020LukeAd_FNL.indd 1 SMBC_2020LukeAd_FNL.indd 1 SMBC_2020LukeAd_FNL.indd 1

12/4/19 5:47 5:47PM PM 12/4/19 12/4/19 5:47 PM

Physical Therapy CERTIFIED Physical T CERTIFIED Manual Therapy CERTIFIED Manual Th TRICARE Hand Therapy TRICARE Physical Therapy CERTIFIED TRICARE Hand Ther PROVIDER Industrial Rehab Manual Therapy Industrial PROVIDER Sports Rehab TRICARE PROVIDER Hand Therapy Physical TherapySports Reh CERTIFIED Industrial Speech Therapy Rehab Manual TherapySpeech Th PROVIDER

CERTIFIED TRICARE PROVIDER P: 623-289-1916 ApexNetworkPT.com

CERTIFIED Physical Therapy Manual Therapy TRICARE Hand Therapy Industrial Rehab PROVIDER Sports Rehab

P: 623-289-1916 Speech Therapy ApexNetworkPT.com

Physical Therapy Manual Therapy Hand Therapy

Industrial Rehab Sports Rehab

Speech Therapy

P: 623-289-1916 ApexNetworkPT.com

Physical Therapy Manual Therapy Hand Therapy

Industrial Rehab Sports Rehab

Speech Therapy

980 S Watson Rd, Ste. 101 • Buckeye, AZ 85326 980 S Watson Rd, Ste. 101 • Buckeye, AZ 85326 980 S Watson Rd, Ste. 101 • Buckeye, AZ 85326

P: 623-289-1916 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | Sound of Freedom P: 623-289-1916 ApexNetworkPT.com

41

ASK US HOW TO GET THE

AMAZING iPHONE® 11 FOR $0 WHEN YOU SWITCH TO AT&T

SERVICE DIRECTORY MIKE MORAN PLUMBING LLC

Military Discounts Available!

25 OFF $

A/C Repair!

Your West Valley Plumber for All Your Senior Citizen Discount Plumbing Needs 20 Years Experience Your West Valley Plumber

For All Your Plumbing Needs

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Senior Citizen Discount

623-293-7095 623-293-7095 20 Years Experience

COUPON REQUIRED

License #ROC209589

H Emergency Service H ALL Makes & Models H FREE Quotes for New Units H Financing Available H Local Family Owned Business H Friendly Service Every Time!

623.537.4830 LICENSED ROC#166569 BONDED & INSURED

www.acexpertek.com

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

623-293-7095 License #ROC209589

*FREE SECOND OPINIONS *EMERGENCY SERVICE *ALL MAKES & MODELS

**FREE QUOTES ON NEW EQUIPMENT** “FINANCING AVAILABLE” FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED ROC#313262 “World Class Service - Hometown Feel” www.airNOWac.com

A+

623-932-1674

REPAIR • SERVICE • UPGRADE

Turn this

Professional Handyman Over 25 Years Construction Experience

Find out how to get our most popular phones, call now!

855-401-1184

...into this!

TAKE 20% OFF YOUR WORKSHOP using coupon code: BBSURPRISE20

boardandbrush.com/surprise

Lawn Care

Electrical • Plumbing Water Heaters • Security Doors Ceiling Fans & Lights • Flooring Tiling • Painting • Remodel And More!

WHY PAY MORE? Mike 714-742-4527 Veteran

• Tree Trimming • Weed Removal/Spray • One-Time Cleanup

Specializing in

© 2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the Globe logo are registered trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property.

All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

42

Sound of Freedom | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

LARGE TREE TRIMMING

Antonio or Laura 623.206.3403

Sound of Freedom is a great place to reach customers in the Veterans Community.

To Advertise call 480-898-6465.

y a t S

Vacation

Cachet HOMES

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

MOVE-IN READY AND UNDER CONSTRUCTION CONDOMINIUMS Purchase includes a Cachet Elite Social Membership to the Wigwam Resort*

CONDOMINIUMS 1,522 to 1,961 Sq. Ft.

• 2 Bedrooms and 2 Bedrooms plus Den • Attached 2-Car Garage • Fabulous Outdoor Patio Areas • From the low $300s

AMENITY AREA INCLUDING

• Heated Pool and Spa • Exercise Room • Outdoor Kitchen & Entertainment area

CachetAtTheWigwam.com 623.385.0129 14200 W. Village Parkway, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 Corner of Litchfield Road & Village Parkway A Few Townhomes Remain!

Square footage and dimensions are estimated and may vary in actual construction. Floor plans and elevations are artist’s conception and are not intended to show specifi c detailing. Floor plans are the property of Cachet Homes and its affi liates. For further information, please see Sales Associate. All sales are subject to buyers receipt and review of a Arizona Subdivision Public Report. *See Sales Associate for incentive information. Prices, features, floor plans, elevations and incentives subject to change without notice.

FINANCING AVAILABLE

®

2-Piecneal Sectio

$

DAY EVERY

L W PRICES

2-Piece Sectional $748 (P-585-2PC) • Accent Chair $268 • Cocktail Ottoman $178 We have the BEST SELECTION and the BEST PRICES In Stock!

Queen Panel Bed

298

$

Cambeck Queen Panel Bed with Lights 298 (B192-QBED) $

Includes Headboard Footboard and Rails (Mattress and comforter set not included)

Twin Panel Bed $248 • Full Sized Panel Bed $278 • King Panel Bed $398 • Dresser $298 5-Drawer Chest $278 • Narrow Chest $248 • Nightstand $158 • Mirror $78

748

Ogden Mattress (OGD-50M)

Queen Queen Mattress Mattress

338 368

$ $

Twin Mattress $258/Set $348 Twin XL Mattress $298/Set $398 • AirCool Comfort Foam Full Mattress $348/Set $468 • Plush Comfort Foam $ $ Queen Mattress 368/Set 498 • 815 Pocketed Coils $ $ King Mattress 548/Set 748

While Supplies Last

AFW.com GILBERT, AZ (480) 500-4121 202 Santan Freeway & S. Power Rd. 4700 S. Power Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85296

GLENDALE, AZ (602) 422-8800 101 & Cardinals Way across from State Farm Stadium 5801 N. 99th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85305