F E AT U R E NOMINATIONS FROM PAGE 41 was founded in 2001, leading to the eventual creation of the AVHOF Society in 2007. “A lot of them aren’t ever honored,” Seago continues. “It’s like when we had that real tragic summer; we just had such terrible heat. Some of these people, even handicapped veterans, went out and took water to people. It’s just over and above what you would think someone would do.” Nominees must be of good moral character and have no felony convictions, the Criteria and Nomination Form states. They must also have been born in or entered military service from Arizona or at some point been a permanent resident of Arizona for a minimum of five consecutive years. An honorable discharge or retirement certificate verified by a U.S. military service document is required, as are military and civilian photographs. A selection committee will review nomination packets, and a background check will be conducted. Selectees are forwarded to the governor for approval. The Class of 2022 will be honored at the annual induction ceremony luncheon.
The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame has honored 472 people, 206 of whom are deceased and 266 of whom are living, since its inception in 2001. (Photo by David Minton)
only honored 472 people — and 206 are deceased and 266 are living,” Seago says. Guest speakers and dignitaries help honor each year’s class, and in the past have included governors, the Scottsdale mayor and more. “All of these people gather, they’re onstage, we have a luncheon, we honor each one,” Seago describes. “The secretary of state, and Col. (Wanda) Wright at the ADVS (Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services), they present the medallions and the plaques to each one; they each have their photograph made; and they’re honored that way. It’s a very wonderful event.” Seago says there’s “nothing like it.” “There are a lot of people doing things and they’re doing it in good faith and happiness, but yet they aren’t ever given an opportunity to be awarded for their service,” Seago reiterates. For more information on Unified Arizona Veterans, go to azuav.org. For complete details on nomination criteria and the selection process, and to nomPictured, from left, are retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ed Logan, Air Force veteran Debra Undhjem and retied Army Sgt. Maj. inate a veteran, hover over the Anna “Lea” Seago. Logan and Undhjem are 2020 inductees “Nominations & Scholarships” of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, while Seago was inducttab and click “Arizona Veterans ed in 2013. (Photo by David Minton) Hall of Fame Nomination.”
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Usually in late October, a date has yet to be determined. “We usually have something like that because it’s a very touching situation whenever these people are there, because they are honored out of 600,000 people here that are veterans or military, however you want to call it. … Right now, we have
Sound of Freedom | MARCH/APRIL 2022
