Sound Of Freedom - May/June - 2021

MAY/JUNE 2021

HISTORIC JOURNEY

SELFLESS SERVICE

56th Fighter Wing airman grants 56 wishes for children

Bilateral amputee to ride bike across United States

Glendale Veterans Court

MAY/JUNE 2021 |

Sound of Freedom

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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

Volunteer Emory makes sure the toy section is in order. (Photo courtesy of Fighter Country Partnership)

Thrift shop volunteers, airmen and InstantHandz move store displays and inventory from the old club to the new location at the old bowling alley in January 2020. (Photo courtesy of Fighter Country Partnership)

Deep Sense of

Community

Luke AFB Thrift Shop pays it forward

BY KRISTIE CANTERBURY AND LAUREN HEFFNER

T

he Luke Air Force Base Thrift Shop moved into its new location one year ago, thanks, in part, to the Luke Spouses’ Club, which invested more than $100,000 to create the fun shopping experience.

All current and retired Air Force, Army, Marines, Coast Guard and Space Force families are invited to peruse the reasonably priced new and used goods.

“We serve ages 0 to 100,” says Lucinda Carmichael, the thrift store chair and a retired Air Force veteran.

The store sells clothing, kitchen items, toys, furniture and home décor for 75% to 90% off retail, providing hundreds of dollars in monthly savings. This is vital to military families who endure frequent moves. Shop staff members invite their new neighbors to stop by.

The inventory isn’t only for helping new

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Sound of Freedom | MAY/JUNE 2021

PCS arrivals but other newbies as well. The thrift shop sells cribs, slings and clothing at reasonable prices.

The Luke AFB Thrift Shop boasts a deep sense of community, thanks to the active-duty spouses and military retirees who donate hundreds of hours of their time each month.

Ellen Anderson, a veteran and seven-year volunteer, enjoys her time at the thrift store.

“Life is good,” she says buoyantly.

The benefits snowball from there. Volunteering helps military spouses, who can add the activity to their resumes.

In partnership with the Airman and Family Readiness Center, the Luke AFB Thrift Shop supports the Airman’s Attic program by providing additional savings on already low-priced goods. As part of its Layette Program, it provides a welcome basket to parents after the arrival of their newborns.

The Luke Spouses’ Club provides free uniforms to all airmen in active status;

Volunteers finish a thrift shop day in April. (Photo courtesy of Fighter Country Partnership)

manages Cinderella’s Closet to lend evening gowns, handbags and accessories for special events; and serves as a collection point for the new Luke AFB Food Pantry.

Luke AFB Thrift Shop is the primary fundraising source for the Luke Spouses’ Club and its welfare account. These profits are used for college scholarships for military dependents, grants to Luke AFB organizations, and charitable contributions to base organizations and the community.

Since opening the new space in May 2020 — and despite the challenges that came with COVID-19 — the thrift shop donated $45,000 to the community. This year, it invested $25,000 in scholarships for dependents seeking higher education and supported Luke Library and Month of the Military Child programs, the Luke AFB Freedom Fest, and $2,000 to the new Luke AFB food pantry.

Info: bit.ly/3xvfq4d or lukespousesclub. org. The thrift shop’s hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays.

Contents

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

HISTORIC JOURNEY

SELFLESS SERVICE

56th Fighter Wing airman grants 56 wishes for children

Bilateral amputee to ride bike across United States

Executive Editor Christina Fuoco-Karasinski 480-898-5631 christina@star-times.com Staff Photographer Pablo Robles

Glendale Veterans Court Sound of Freedom

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| or the United States Air Force.

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 2021 Force Base MAY/JUNE

ON THE COVER

26

Bilateral amputee and Army vet Steve Martin will ride his bike across the country.

(Photo by Pablo Robles)

Contributors Sinobia Aiden, Kristie Canterbury, Staff Sgt. Amber Carter, Lin Sue Cooney, Senior Airman Caitlin Diaz-Gorsi, Lauren Heffner, Bill Quehrn, Claire Spinner, Airman 1st Class Dominic Tyler Graphic Design Veronica Thurman vthurman@timespublications.com Production Manager Courtney Oldham production@timespublications.com

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2 Deep Sense of Community Luke AFB Thrift Shop pays it forward 8 ‘Honor, Courage, Commitment’ Traveling art exhibit shares Marine Corps’ talents

36 25 Legendary Status The Bell UH-1 Huey helicopter revolutionized modern warfare 26 Helping Hand Anthem veteran honored with keys to new vehicle

12 Providing Resources New hub for support services launches in Surprise 27 Giving Back Vistancia club, Walmart team to help veterans 14 Salute to Service 30 New Lift Station Coming HOV surprises Goodyear veteran with tribute Luke Air Force Base contracts with Felix Construction Company on job 16 Historic Journey Bilateral amputee to ride bike across United States 32 Understanding Veterans Glendale to proceed with new military court 18 Luke AFB Debut First Danish F-35s land at Luke Air Force Base 34 Showing Respect 20 Selfless Service Veterans Day goes beyond November 56th Fighter Wing airman grants 56 wishes 36 In Photos Lesko visits Luke Air Force Base 23 Highlighting Teamwork Luke defenders, law enforcement train for real-world response

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Sound of Freedom | MAY/JUNE 2021

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

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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. ®2021 Affluent Publishing LLC. Printed in the USA.

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‘Honor, Courage, Commitment’

Sound of Freedom | MAY/JUNE 2021

aj. Gen. James W. Lukeman says more people can benefit from understanding the history, traditions and culture of the Marine Corps.

“Through artwork, we are able to convey those experiences in a very personal and powerful way,” says Lukeman, the chief executive officer of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

The foundation is sponsoring the traveling combat art exhibit “Honor, Courage, Commitment: Marine Corps Art, 1975-2018.” The tour kicked off at the Pima Air & Space Museum.

The exhibit features 36 works of art by 15 combat artists, focusing on the Marine Corps service immediately following the Vietnam War through recent years. The exhibit will travel across the country through mid-2023.

Most of the artwork is from the inaugural Combat Art Gallery exhibit at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia. The selected pieces include 34 works on canvas and two sculptures.

“The initial National Museum of the SEE EXHIBIT PAGE 11 Marine Corps has a very rich combat art

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BUSINESS EXHIBIT FROM PAGE 8 collection,” says Lin Ezell, former museum director and the traveling exhibit’s curator.

“There are 9,000 works. The bulk of the works were created by Marines when they were in service. The Marine Corps instructs them to go to war, do art. It’s unscripted and left to the perceptions and expressions of the arts. The collection probably had its biggest growth spurt during Vietnam.”

It’s a rich commentary on the men and women of the Marine Corps who are “no better friend, no worse enemy” in their engagements around the world, Ezell says.

“Marine Corps art is up close and personal,” she says. “It is about the individual Marine — in combat, during training or while delivering assistance during times of great need.

“This art helps us better appreciate those who have worn the uniform and those who continue to serve today.”

War takes a terrible toll, not only on the person who fights but the family or loved ones he or she leaves behind, Ezell says.

The Virginia museum attracts about 1 million visitors per year, which is a testament to

its message.

“They’re largely from the East Coast, although a good number of people get there from around the world,” Ezell says. “There are a lot of people who will never make that voyage, so we’re bringing the collection to other locations.

“Through this, we’ll forge a great partnership with the museums where the exhibit will live for a few months. It’s a win-win proposition for us.”

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Providing Resources New hub for military support services launches in Surprise

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

V

eterans, service members and their families now have a new place to access resources, support and assistance in the West Valley.

In partnership with the Arizona Coalition for Military Families, Arizona Department of Veterans Services, NAU, Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation and Rio Salado Community College, the city of Surprise recently launched the West Valley Military and Veteran Success Center within the Surprise Resource Center at the AZ TechCelerator Campus, 12425 W. Bell Road, Suite 124.

The center includes a variety of military and veteran support services and resources, made possible by the support of partner organizations and all West Valley cities.

Support services at the Surprise Resource Center will be rolled out in phases. The first phase of services is available now and includes a part-time Be Connected navigator as well as a full-time AmeriCorps member provided by the coalition and NAU. Both services aim to provide greater opportunities to access the benefits and services crucial to the well-being of current and former military personnel and their families.

“This collaboration draws in such a wide variety of partners that are all unified under one goal — providing support and assistance to

SERVICES Arizona’s service members, veterans and their families,” says Thomas “This is a wonderful partnership that has led to the need for exWinkel, former U.S. Marine and director of ACMF. panding services off the base, as obtaining base access can be a barrier “We are so appreciative of the willingness of these partners to ex- for some veterans. We now have an additional home and an army of pand access to the vast ecosystem of support that exists across Arizo- community partners to help us continue the mission and legacy of na for military and veteran families — including the Be Connected working with West Valley veteran populations in a location that proprogram, our nationally recognized public-private partnership. This vides easier access. We are delighted to support West Valley Military new center further expands our collective reach.” and Veteran Success Center and provide educational support services A longtime coalition partner, the city of Surprise offered this space for our military communities at this new location and at Luke Air to demonstrate its commitment to veterans.

Force Base.”

“Honoring and supporting the veteran community has always been The donor agencies are ADM Group; Archimedes Hill Investments; a priority for Surprise,” says Surprise Mayor Skip Hall. “We are thank- AZ Pro Graphics; the cities of Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Glenful that we have community partners who feel the same way and have dale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Surprise and Tolleson; Credit come together to help our Surprise Resource Center offer expanded Union West; EPCOR Water; Grainger Foundation Inc.; Henkel Conresources and one-on-one guidance to connect our brave heroes to sumer Goods Inc.; John F. Long Foundation; JPMorgan Chase & Co.; programs and services that will help them thrive well into the future.” Liberty Utilities Corp.; Lockheed Martin Corp; Maricopa County InThe AmeriCorps staff member, who holds a dedicated office in Sur- dustrial Development Authority; Mellon Family Foundation; OCM prise Resource Center, is a part of the statewide NAU initiative that Recycle West; Pop-a-Lock of Phoenix; the Kroger Co. Foundation; works to unite people and help them tackle challenges through con- Tohono O’odham Nation and the town of Youngtown. nection to resources.

For more information on the West Valley Military and Veteran Suc“This partnership offers an exciting opportunity to expand services cess Center, call 623-222-1658 or visit the city of Surprise website at in the West Valley and will serve as a model for other community surpriseaz.gov/veterans. partnerships across the state,” says Andrew Facemire, AmeriCorps Service members, veterans and their families anywhere in Arizona program coordinator, Center for Service and Volunteerism. “We’re can also access statewide resources and services — at no cost — by excited to be a part of this collaboration.” calling the Be Connected Support Line at 1-866-4AZ-VETS (866Russ Dickerson, NAU’s assistant director for the AmeriCorps pro- 429-8387) and visiting beconnectedaz.org. gram, emphasizes the importance of the center’s focus on service to those who have served.

“We here at the Center for Service and Volunteerism are very excited about our part of the project with the West Valley Military and Veteran Success Center. It’s an important project and a great expression of National Service,” Dickerson says.

In addition to the full-time AmeriCorps staff member, the center will house a Be Connected Navigator. The navigator will work to proVALLEYLIFE organization that and VALLEYLIFE isisis aaa non-profit non-profit organization VALLEYLIFE non-profit organization that provides provides programs programsthat and vide connections to veteran supportive resources that exist across Arservices to men, women, and children with developmental disabilities. services to men, women, and children with developmental disabilities. provides programs and services to men, women, izona and help to troubleshoot barriers to accessing those resources.

The second phase of this initiative will include the deployment ofand an children with developmental disabilities.

Arizona Department of Veterans Services veteran benefits counselor through a pilot program, which will establish a satellite office and create access for service members residing in the West Valley.

We are currently looking for caregivers throughout the Phoenix metro Counselors are accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Afarea including Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix and Scottsdale. fairs and advocate for Arizona’s service members, veterans and their families with receiving federal and state veteran benefits. The counWe are currently looking for caregivers throughout the Phoenix Applicants must pass a metro selor’s services will be available three days a week beginning this fall. area including Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix and Scottsdale.

We are currently looking for caregivers background check and drug throughout test.

“We always aim to eliminate barriers to accessing benefits for Arizona’s veteran community,” says Retired Air Force Col. Wanda Wright, the Phoenix metro area including Glendale, Peoria, Reliable transportation is required.

Arizona Department of Veterans Services director. “We don’t want Phoenix and Scottsdale. anyone to be more than 50 miles away from a VBC. This collaboration helps us put VBCs closer to the people who need them.”

Please apply at www.valleylifeaz.org This new location in Surprise not only allows a space for military Applicants must pass a background check and and veteran specific services but also full wraparound services at the drug test. Reliable transportation is required. same spot because the center is located within the Surprise Resource Center, which offers general social service support.

“Through the support of Luke Air Force Base, we have served active Please apply at www.valleylifeaz.org military members and their families since 1979,” says Greg Pereira, Rio Salado vice president of student affairs.

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F E AT U R E S Hospice of the Valley volunteer Ron Garner and patient Kenneth Hamrick salute each other at The Groves community in Goodyear, where the Korean War veteran lives. (Photo courtesy of Hospice of the Valley)

Salute to Service

Hospice of the Valley surprises Goodyear veteran with tribute

I

BY LIN SUE COONEY

t was an emotional day to remember for veteran Kenneth Hamrick.

The staff at The Groves in Goodyear invited family and friends to a patio party to celebrate his 89th birthday.

His Hospice of the Valley care team had another surprise in the works: a Salutes visit to honor his military service. Hamrick served as an Army private for two years during the Korean War. “I loved this special honor,” he says softly.

“It took me back to when I enlisted, 16 weeks of basic training. I was proud to serve.”

Hamrick recalls a few scary memories, like hearing the order: “Fix bayonets.” His eyes narrow a bit. “That means you’re going to fight.” His most painful recollection — losing his cousin to the war. His favorite memory? “Well, my favorite thing was coming home,” he laughs. Then he sobers. “In one piece,” he adds.

After presenting Hamrick with a handmade quilt featuring a patriotic theme, Army reservist Ron Garner proudly saluted a man he described as “kind, humble and

14

Sound of Freedom | MAY/JUNE 2021

most deserving of such an honor.”

“It just makes my day. It’s really special for me to bond with a person who has served,” Garner says. “I mean, the man is 89 years old and is wearing his veterans hat. His service to our country is obviously significant to him.”

The visit was also extremely touching for Hamrick’s family, who shared how much they cherished the moment the two men saluted each other.

“This means so much. My dad never spoke of the war while I was growing up and probably doesn’t know how much I respect his service. We have our freedom because of men like him,” says daughter Kim Vancs.

“This tribute was emotional for me.”

At Hospice of the Valley, several people worked behind the scenes to make this happen, including Eileen Dullum, a volunteer coordinator; Samantha Inciong, a community liaison; social worker Katie Cozby; nurse Shannon Seidel; and team leader Sarah Ellis.

Arizona is home to more than half a million veterans.

The agency’s Saluting Our Veterans pro-

gram reflects a commitment to honor veteran patients like Hamrick for their service to the country and for the sacrifices they and their loved ones made.

Since the program started in 2011, Hospice of the Valley volunteers have made nearly 3,000 tribute visits. These trained volunteers, who are veterans themselves, provide an intimate face-to-face meeting — bestowing a ceremonial pin and a small flag.

The two veterans spend time reminiscing about their years of service, often surprising family members who are delighted to hear stories they have never heard before. These moments are priceless gifts to veterans, who relive their past with pride, while families are left with precious new memories.

Salutes visits are a beautiful way to bring comfort, dignity and compassionate care into someone’s life at a deeply meaningful time. To learn more about becoming a volunteer for this or other programs, visit hov. org/volunteer or call 602-636-6336.

Lin Sue Cooney is director of community engagement for Hospice of the Valley.

Join us as we remember and honor our heroes on this Memorial Day

Fulton Homes stands in solace with the 56th Fighter Wing this Memorial Day, honoring our heroes who have gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom.

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

F E AT U R E S

HISTORIC

Fifty-one-year-old bilateral amputee Steve Martin, an Army veteran, plans to ride his bike across the country beginning in mid-May. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

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Sound of Freedom | MAY/JUNE 2021

F E AT U R E S

JOURNEY Bilateral amputee planning to ride bike across United States

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI rmy veteran Steve Martin lost his legs as a result of injuries he sustained from a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. The Goodyear resident was a contractor at the time and didn’t qualify for VA benefits.

He handles it in the best way — he shrugs it off.

“I have a great life,” he says. “It’s weird to think that getting wounded creates opportunities. If I didn’t get hurt, I’d just be working. It’s kind of a weird blessing. It created opportunities I wouldn’t have had.”

Beginning in mid-May, the 51-year-old bilateral-below-the-knee amputee, who refuses to allow physical limitations to stop him from achieving his goals, will start pedaling a standard bike with his prosthetic feet and follow the blind Paralympic cyclist Shawn Cheshire on a 4,000-mile journey.

Martin says the ride will be one part fun, one part painful. The ride will start in Florence, Oregon, on May 17 and end in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on July 8.

“It’s going to hurt my butt,” he says with a laugh. “It’s a lot of time to sit on a little seat.”

Martin is planning to ride an average of 84 miles per day, with 113 miles scheduled as the longest ride in any single day. He and Cheshire will also veer off the trail to stop at schools for the blind in four states, as well as at police stations and fire departments. Another stop is at the Ottobock facility in Louisville, Kentucky. The company makes prosthetics, orthoses and exoskeletons. Martin says he wants to share his mo-

tivation with others who are facing similar limitations in body or mind.

Originally, Cheshire and Martin were going to ride a tandem bike, but the Paralympics committee nixed that idea. When Cheshire, who lives in Florida, stopped competing in 2019, she brought up the trek again.

“We started talking about how fun it would be for two fake legs and a blind girl to ride across the United States,” he says with a laugh.

“The story writes itself.”

They’re riding their own bikes for 4,000 miles. The two and an accompanying rider will wear Bluetooth headsets to guide Cheshire.

“We’re in her ear,” he says. “We’ll tell her we’re coming to a hill, get your gears ready; or there’s a sharp turn coming; or we’re riding in town, don’t run into a parked car. It’s going to be a challenge or 4,000 miles of bad jokes.”

Following in family’s footsteps Martin, who attended Horizon High School, joined the Army at the end of 1990 and spent six years there.

“I hated college,” Martin says. “I’m the middle of five boys. My brother, who’s the next oldest in age, said we should go in the Army. I went down and enlisted.

“He changed his mind. My dad did three tours of Vietnam. My grandpa was in World War II. It wasn’t really anything I was thinking about, though.”

After the Army, he was with the Arizona Guard until 1999. He returned to the Middle East as a contractor, and in 2008 in Afghanistan he was catastrophically injured.

“I went back over with the State Department, and I was assigned to an Army unit as a civilian adviser,” he says.

“I was out doing a mission and the Humvee was blown up. When you think about it, I

trained with the guys. I ate with the guys, the only different was where the pay came from.

When you look from the outside in, you couldn’t tell the different. We were all doing the same job.”

The stinger was, because he was a contractor, he couldn’t receive VA benefits for his injuries — even though he’s a veteran.

“There aren’t a lot of wounded civilians.

That’s not something people are used to hearing. People get it confused. I was in combat and the bomb didn’t care that I was a civilian.

Two of us in the Humvee lost both legs, but all four of us survived.”

Martin tried to save his legs for about a year and a half, but he was content with entering HonorHealth Osborn Medical Center for the surgery to remove them.

“Before, I was told I would never walk again — and have a life of pain, medication and limited mobility,” he says. “I had no chance of doing things I wanted to do. I walked into Osborn and three days later rolled out as a double amputee.

“It wasn’t a hard decision. I knew what I had, and I was willing to take the chance. I was told about phantom pain. That quality of life is horrid. It’s a little rough on the brain. It makes things hard. I took a chance, and it’s worked out well. I have a great life.”

As a bilateral amputee, Martin has run 60 half-marathons and 18 full marathons.

He has also hiked the Grand Canyon and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Professionally, he was the first and only double amputee to serve as a state trooper in Arizona.

“I plan to get every mile and every minute out of my body,” Martin says. “I want to be active. I want to run my life. I want to show the world that losing my legs may have altered my path, but it did not stop me.”

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F E AT U R E S A Royal Danish Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 308th Fighter Squadron lands at Luke Air Force Base. The first two of seven RDAF F-35s arrived at Luke AFB as Danish pilots prepared to begin the F-35 training program. Luke AFB trains fighter pilots from around the world, building stronger partnerships with trusted allies to fight as one coalition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dominic Tyler)

Luke AFB Debut

First Danish F-35A Lightning II fighter jets land at Luke Air Force Base

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS DOMINIC TYLER 56th Fighter Squadron

R

oyal Danish Air Force pilots delivered the first two RDAF F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to Luke Air Force Base on April 13 in preparation of pi-

lot training.

The aircrafts, assigned to the 308th Fighter Squadron, will eventually be joined by five other Danish F-35s for use in the F-35 training program. According to the U.S. State Department, as stalwart NATO allies, the United States and Denmark cooperate extensively to promote peace and stability internationally.

“Today is a historical day for the partnership of the U.S. and Denmark,” says U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matt “Hail” Cisar, 308th FS commander. “We’ve been preparing for the first Danish jets for years. Now that they’re here, we’re excited to train our first Danish fighter pilots.”

SEE DANISH PAGE 19

18

Sound of Freedom | MAY/JUNE 2021

Two Royal Danish Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighter jets assigned to the 308th Fighter Squadron soar over Luke Air Force Base. These are the first two of seven RDAF F-35s to arrive at Luke AFB as Danish pilots prepare to begin the F-35 training program. Luke AFB trains fighter pilots from around the world, building stronger partnerships with trusted allies to fight as one coalition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dominic Tyler)

DANISH FROM PAGE 18 Pilots from all around the world participate in the F-35 training program. Royal Danish Air Force Lt. Col. Nick “Kin” Hansen, 308th FS senior national representative, mentions the importance of building relationships between allied countries.

“We have to be able to operate together with different nations in the fifth-generation Air Force,” Kin says. “When we have to go in to fight war together, we find comfort knowing we’ve gone through training from the same place.”

Luke is training fighter pilots from many countries, such as Italy, Netherlands, Norway and Singapore.

“It’s truly remarkable to come into a fighter squadron in which a U.S. pilot might fly a Danish jet alongside a Dutch pilot flying a U.S. jet,” Cisar says. “It shows all the work that’s gone into the F-35 program, the partnerships and how much we rely on each other to get the mission done.”

The F-35 training program is designed to integrate pilots, foreign and domestic, into a common set of tactics and advanced technologies, enabling them to execute the mission as one unit.

Royal Danish Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph “Kobi” Drummond, 308th Fighter Squadron chief of flight operations, taxis a RDAF F-35A Lightning II at Luke Air Force Base.

Luke is training fighter pilots from Denmark as well as other countries, such as Italy, Netherlands, Norway and Singapore.

The F-35 training program is designed to intigrate pilots, foreign and domestic, into a common set of tactics and advanced technologies, enabling them to execute the mission as one unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dominic Tyler)

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F E AT U R E S

Selfless

Staff Sgt. Janet Kim, 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-35 avionics craftsman, has helped grant 56 wishes to children with critical illnesses as a volunteer supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Kim volunteers in the community to stay resilient while developing several skills that have helped her grow professionally and personally. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Caitlin Diaz-Gorsi)

Service 56th Fighter Wing airman grants 56 wishes for children

BY SENIOR AIRMAN CAITLIN DIAZ-GORSI 56 Fighter Wing Public Affairs

C

ommunity involvement and selfless service are common attributes of service members, and one airman at Luke Air Force Base set the bar high in granting children’s wishes through the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Staff Sgt. Janet Kim, 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-35 avionics craftsman, has granted 56 wishes for children with critical illnesses following her assignment to Luke in 2016.

“I felt like I needed to get out and do more,” Kim says. “There’s nothing like being able to see a smile on a kid’s face, knowing that you’ve granted their one true wish.”

The process of granting wishes can take a few days to several weeks. To help grant a wish, Kim first meets with families to discuss the child’s wish before she begins the logistics of bringing their dream to life.

“We have wishes where it’s super simple and before we even get through the door, they’re like, ‘I want to go to Disneyland and meet Mickey Mouse,’ (so) we make that part of their itinerary,” Kim says. “And then we have wishes

20

Sound of Freedom | MAY/JUNE 2021

where they don’t know what they want and you talk about it with them.”

In December 2020, Kim combined her work life and passion of working with children by helping a young boy, Liam Marshall of Mesa, to be a pilot for the day.

“I have seen how unique some of the wishes are across the nation,” Kim says. “It was awesome to incorporate what I currently do with what I ultimately want to do. I waited five years for an opportunity like this, and it was amazing to see everyone work together to make Liam’s wish come true.”

As rewarding as volunteering to grant a child’s wish is, it does not come without challenges. “(The hardest part is) having those hard talks with kids and making sure that you are mentally and emotionally sound to (be there for them),” Kim says. “There are kids who truly just wish to not have cancer or to have a kidney, and that’s something (I have to tell them) we simply can’t make happen.”

Her strong desire to volunteer has helped Kim develop into the leader she is today. “(Volunteering) has definitely prepared me to have tough talks,” Kim says. “I joined (the Air Force) super young, not really knowing how to deal with those kinds of situations.

(Volunteering with kids) gave me a leg up on being able to do this with my troops and workplace relationships. It has strengthened me, and I feel it has made me a better overall supervisor.”

Tech. Sgt. Christopher Murphy, 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit specialist training monitor and Kim’s supervisor, is proud of her accomplishments, both inside and outside of work.

“Through her hard work and perseverance, Kim has overcome obstacles only to better herself mentally and emotionally to become the well-rounded mentor that she is today,” Murphy says. “Her commitment to her job and dedication to lead and educate those around her can be seen through the development and success of her airmen.”

Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 56th Fighter Wing commander, thanked Kim for her selflessness by presenting her with his commander’s coin.

“Staff Sgt. Kim has taken our USAF core value of ‘Service Before Self’ to mean not only her dedication to her work in the military service, but she has also taken it upon herself to prove a priceless service to these kids within our local community,” Kreuder says.

“She’s exactly the kind of airman we want others to emulate.”

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F E AT U R E S

Highlighting Teamwork Luke defenders, law enforcement train for real-world response

BY STAFF SGT. AMBER CARTER 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

D

uring a basewide exercise, the Luke Command Post Giant Voice System announced, “Lockdown, lockdown, lockdown — real-world incident,” triggering a full-scale emergency response.

While almost everyone on the base sheltered in place, the screams of sirens and racing vehicles showcased the rapid, integrated response of the ones who have sworn to serve and protect — the defenders and the local police officers.

Although officials determined the emergency was a false alarm, the actions taken showcased the strong relationship the base shares with community emergency response teams.

“Our integrated response is more than having supporting reinforcement provided by our local law enforcement departments,” says Maj. Kimberly Guest, 56th Security Forces Squadron commander. “Security Forces, the Office of Special Investigations, the U.S. Marshals, Maricopa County Sheriff ’s Office and Glendale Police Department SWAT were inside the (threat area), seamlessly supporting each other.

“The immediate and in-depth mutual response was highlighted during this real-world response. Over 100 law enforcement officers were on scene clearing the (threat area) within minutes,” Guest says.

Luke Air Force Base is no stranger to the importance of partnerships, having multiple foreign partners training and flying together with the ultimate goal of fighting as one team.

This idea carries over into base security as

Airmen from the 56th Security Forces Squadron and officers from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office train at the scene of an exercise at Luke Air Force Base. Security forces, MCSO and the Glendale Police Department all participated in the exercise, which evaluated the training, readiness and capability of Luke airmen to respond to an active shooter. At the conclusion of the exercise, a real-world threat was announced and every law enforcement member participating in the exercise rapidly transitioned to the integrated response. Exercises ensure airmen meet warfighting needs with a continuous drive toward more effective and efficient training, sharpening their real-world skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Carter)

well with the 56th SFS, Glendale Police Department and the Maricopa County Sheriff ’s Office training and working together.

“The sheriff ’s office, local law enforcement and military often have different missions, practices and procedures,” says Capt. Shawn Braaten, MCSO District II commander.

“Combined training (enhances) communications, best practice tactics and an awareness of current SFS procedures. Integration (provides) environmental awareness for the sheriff ’s office, familiarity of the venue and SFS procedures. There are several differences between organizations, policies, procedure, mission and tactics. The objective of the integrated training is to enhance safety for all involved and all stakeholders.”

When the exercise turned into a possible real-world threat, the partnership between local police and on-base security forces showcased the importance of the partnerships between the different departments, according to Lt. Marc McCauslin, GPD patrolman.

“Teamwork was highlighted,” McCauslin says. “There were three agencies and many people working this event with a vast diversity of experience and training, including ranks from upper management to line level. There were no egos to compete with, as all parties worked with the same goal in mind: to save lives and stop the threat. I was very impressed with everything and everyone I observed

during the response.”

Training together not only helps them to work together seamlessly, but it allows the local law enforcement to supplement security on the base.

“In addition to routine patrolling and deterrence of criminal activity throughout our communities, intelligence sharing occurs daily for any potential or credible threats to our airmen, both on and off the installation,” Guest says. “Intelligence sharing assists and informs force protection recommendations to our members, families and community.”

According to Guest, working side by side with community partners creates an environment of undeniable support, in training and in real-world operations.

“Integrated response doesn’t change the level or quality of training for either department, on base or off, but it does build rapport, mutual understanding and strengthens our partnerships, especially for real-world responses,” Guest says.

Luke’s relationship with local law enforcement impacts not only the current security but the future of the base’s security as well.

“The partnership, training support and real-world support are unparalleled,” Guest says.

“The routine training focus and interoperability has been a point in which our defenders and airmen have benefited and will continue to benefit (from) for years to come.”

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F E AT U R E S

Legendary Status The Bell UH-1 Huey helicopter revolutionized modern warfare

BY BILL QUEHRN Airbase Arizona Museum Docent

I

magine designing a 1950s-era family station wagon that would someday be tasked to be an ambulance, a multipassenger and cargo hauler, and finally an armed military assault vehicle.

That’s not far from the story of the U.S. Army’s Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, which achieved legendary status in the Vietnam War. Originally ordered in 1953 as an Army air ambulance, UH-1 Iroquois became universally known as Hueys.

It revolutionized modern warfare, completing every task it was handed, from medical evacuation, food and supply delivery into battle zones, search and rescue, observation and troop transports to eventually becoming extraordinarily capable assault helicopter gunships.

Vietnam’s impenetrable jungles, rice paddies and mountains made traditional troop movement virtually impossible, as American forces learned when troops were deployed to fight communist north forces in 1962.

Hueys proved to be able to COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE get troops into target areas.

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Info: 480-924-1940, azcaf.org Hueys were soon equipped with machine guns, grenade launchers, rocket pods and other weapons, often through innovations in the field, as the gunship concept developed.

The Huey crew’s ability to lay down withering fire forward was augmented by the exceptional performance of the so-called door gunners.

These courageous crewmen stood unprotected in the Huey’s open side doors to fire handheld weapons at targets below and behind the choppers as they flew over hostile territory.

Huey’s amazing assault vehicle performance led the U.S. Army to create a new unit, the First Air Cavalry Division, built on Huey capabilities in 1965. Though later versions and other helicopters were developed during the war, Hueys remained in Army service in Vietnam until the United States’ withdrawal in 1975.

Like so much of America’s Vietnam War experience, the Huey was

assigned a bewildering variety of tasks to try to perform an impossible mission. Huey crews not only performed each task brilliantly, but they rewrote several chapters of military strategy and laid new foundations for future wars. More than 7,000 Hueys and their crews flew 36 million sorties in 11 years of combat, well earning their legendary status.

The Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum at Falcon Field in Mesa has a UH1B Huey and a later-version Bell AH1F Cobra in its collection of historic military aircraft in the museum hangar.

Outside, there is a UH1M Huey, thanks to the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation’s Southwest Chapter, which fully restored these magnificent Vietnam Veteran aircraft.

Visitors are welcome to visit in the Hueys, which are monuments to the 58,000 Americans who died in service to their country in Vietnam.

MAY/JUNE 2021 |

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NEWS

Helping Hand Anthem veteran honored with keys to new vehicle

F

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

or combat-wounded veterans, transitioning from the military back to civilian life can be challenging.

That, combined with the cost of a new vehicle, can put added burdens any family.

To help, Wells Fargo teamed up with Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa and Military Warrior Support Foundation to present a payment-free 2020 Ford TRKS Edge to retired U.S. Army Specialist Phillip Rousu of Anthem during a special key ceremony on April 21 at the dealership.

“It means a lot to our family to receive a payment-free vehicle,” Rousu says.

“It means there are really good people and organizations, such as MWSF, Larry H. Miller

26

Sound of Freedom | MAY/JUNE 2021

Ford Mesa and Wells Fargo, who care about us wounded service members and are willing to go out of their way to make our lives better after we return from combat. Financially, this will allow us to sell our current, old vehicle and have extra income to purchase our first home and move to Flagstaff sometime very soon. So, you can imagine how excited and honored we are.”

The donation was made through Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Transportation4Heroes program, which awards payment-free vehicles and provides one year of family and financial mentorship to combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star families.

According to the foundation, the counseling has helped families in its program pay down an average of about $17,500 in debt.

Rousu was born and raised in Arizona. He joined the Army in 2012 to follow in his brother’s footsteps and gain experience in the medical field.

Rousu served as a ranger medic in 3rd Platoon, B Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th

Retired U.S. Army Specialist Phillip Rousu of Anthem receives a payment-free vehicle from Wells Fargo, Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa and Military Warrior Support Foundation. (Submitted photo)

Ranger Regiment. In 2015, while deployed to Afghanistan, he was wounded in combat during a night raid and later received a Purple Heart for his injuries. After his deployment, Rousu continued his service at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and served until he medically retired in late 2016. Throughout his military career, he received many awards, including a Combat Medical Badge, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He lives in Anthem with his wife and two children.

Wells Fargo Auto, a division of Wells Fargo Consumer Lending, started the Sponsored Vehicle Donation Program in 2015 and, since then, has worked with auto dealerships across the country to sponsor the donation of more than 40 payment-free vehicles and family and financial mentoring, valued at over $1 million, to combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star families through Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Transportation4Heroes program.

NEWS

Giving BACK

Vistancia club teams with Walmart to help veterans

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

T

From left to right are Jim Reavis, Bob Meizinger, Russell Brown, Colleen Tucker, Scott Duke and Bryan Young. (Photos by Pablo Robles)

he Trilogy at Vistancia Veterans Club works to engage military veterans within its gated community.

It cultivates friendships and creates missions and opportunities that support the in-need or at-risk veterans.

In addition, the 219 members advocate for legislation that promotes benefits to military veterans and their

families.

“We’re very active,” says Jim Reavis, the manager of charities. “We’re formed in a way to give back, and we support many charities. It’s always to help veterans in need.

“We do that through U.S. Vets, the Grand Village Center, Veterans First Limited, which is a group for females who have been physically and mentally abused in the service and after. Basically, it’s a group for females who have been physically and mentally abused in the service and after the service. We also help Mana House and the Coast Guard.”

Last Thanksgiving, they supported the annual St. Mary’s Food Bank turkey drive and the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots.

“The people in Trilogy are extremely generous,” he says.

The club was founded six years ago, and Reavis has been a member for three. It has 82 Army members, 64 Air Force, 43 Navy, 24 Marines, five Coast Guard and one Royal British Navy. Fifty-six of those 219 are retired military.

Reavis is a veteran himself. In the Air Force, Reavis was stationed in Canada, Africa, Germany, Iceland, Michigan, Louisiana, Florida, Colorado and England.

“I spent 24 years in the Air Force,” he says. “So many people helped me along the way and guided me and helped me throughout life. What I learned in the Air Force is I want to help people for the rest of my life.

“As a senior NCO (noncommissioned officer), we always try to give back. Many of us within the group now continue to give back. We’re at 218 strong at the moment. Twelve of them are female veterans.”

Walmart Community Grant Program and local Walmart stores have given money to the organization, which allows it to support the charities.

With the Walmart grant monies, the charitable veterans shop at local Walmart stores to purchase equipment, household and nonperishable items. They also provide personal hygiene items for the men and women

who receive support from these organizations.

The grant is competitive. Walmart receives more than 150,000 grant applications per year.

“We’re really appreciative for this,” he says.

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NEWS

New Lift Station Coming Luke Air Force Base contracts with Felix Construction Company on job

BY CLAIRE SPINNER

T

he Glendale City Council has consented to the building of a new wastewater lift station at Luke Air Force Base.

Felix Construction Company has been contracted with the job of creating the wastewater lift station, which will connect Luke Air Force Base’s wastewater to the city of Glendale’s.

Luke Air Force Base operates and maintains its own water treatment and collection infrastructure. Its wastewater treatment plant was constructed in 1942 but has been upgraded throughout the years. After environmental assessments in 2017, it was determined that the wastewater treatment

plant may be in its final years of operation, indicating that it was time to consider alternatives.

The new plan will be the first time Luke Air Force Base has used an off-base service provider. Upon the finished construction of the project, the current wastewater treatment plant will be decommissioned.

The lift station project has a budget set just over $4 million, and the contract specifies for a substantial amount of construction work to be completed by December 31. Per the terms of Luke Air Force Base, the lift station must be fully operational before May 1, 2022. Luke Air Force Base will be covering the costs to the city for the lift station’s building and operation.

According to the meeting’s agenda, the

wastewater lift station initiative was created because “well designed and maintained infrastructure is an important element of strong neighborhoods and business corridors and it is critical for the attraction of quality economic developments. The benefits of this project will ensure reliable wastewater treatment for Luke Air Force Base and increased sewer revenue for the city of Glendale.”

The lift station project comes at the heels of an announcement from Gov. Doug Ducey regarding groundwater contamination at Luke Air Force Base, a problem that has not yet been addressed by legislation. The implementation of the lift station opens the door for future collaborations with Luke Air Force Base and the city of Glendale.

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Sound of Freedom

31

NEWS

Understanding Veterans

Glendale to proceed with new court for the military

G

BY SINOBIA AIDEN

lendale’s City Council has supported the implementation and establishment of a Veterans Court in the city.

During the April 13 city council workshop, Presiding Judge Nicholas DiPiazza unveiled details about it via a PowerPoint presentation to the governing body.

With the overwhelming support of the city council, the court team aims to open the Veterans Court on October 1.

The Veterans Court is an initiative that the Mayor Jerry Weiers has supported for several years.

“This is something I think everybody knows I’ve been wanting to have for quite some time with the work that I do with veterans,” Weiers says.

32

Sound of Freedom | MAY/JUNE 2021

The Veterans Court’s mission is to enhance public safety and decrease the number of recidivisms among veterans, while appropriately judging cases involving veterans and ensuring justice for victims and the accused. Veterans courts throughout the country vary in approach.

Veterans Court is an important tool and valuable resource to Glendale and the West Valley, says Jay Crandall, city spokesperson.

“A significant number of veterans who returned from Vietnam and, more recently, from Iraq and Afghanistan experienced difficulty adjusting to civilian life, often due to traumatic brain injuries,

AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER other injuries and substance abuse problems,” Crandall says. “Veterans Court aims to provide a vehicle for the VA to engage these veterans and to offer treatment and other resources and services as an alternative to jail time.”

According to Crandall, nearly 95% of veterans in the criminal justice system have substance abuse issues directly related to their criminal charges. Many of these veterans are also homeless. The recidivism rate in regular courts is between 70% to 80%.

In comparison with regular courts, the recidivism rates in veterans courts nationally average at 25%, according to Glendale City Court documents.

The Lake Havasu City Veterans Court reported 5.6% recidivism after its first five years, after serving 296 veterans, according to city court documents.

Deputy Court Administrator Patrick Scott says achieving drug and alcohol sobriety is critical to reducing the rate of recidivism and homelessness by veterans. Veterans courts require commitment and accountability by defendants and, in return, connect veterans with assessment, comprehensive treatment plans and services tailored to their individual needs provided by the Veterans Administration.

“We already have a Mental Health Court to service part of our population that is fragile,” says Councilmember Joyce Clark, who represents the Yucca District. “This is recognition of another part of our population that is also fragile and needs extra help.”

Veterans Court will also provide peer support, monitoring, support by the Veterans Administration and other local community-based support groups.

“There’s another part of this that I don’t know anybody else is even thinking about; a lot of our veterans are getting into trouble and losing their jobs and their families, and next thing you know they’re homeless,” Weiers says. “If we can solve those problems before they become major problems, we’re going to start the process of starting to solve the homeless problem.”

The new Veterans Court will be a collective effort led by Glendale’s City Court, defense attorneys, prosecutors, the Veterans Administration and community support service providers.

The first Arizona veterans court was in Tucson in 2010. It was then joined by Maricopa County in 2011, followed by Phoenix Municipal Court in 2012. Phoenix has been a mentor court for years, helping other jurisdictions get started.

Since then, an administrative order was issued by Maricopa County Superior Court authorizing a collective East Valley Veterans Court, which covers Chandler, Carefree-Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and Tempe. Flagstaff, Bullhead City, Mesa, Phoenix and Tucson also have municipal veterans courts.

According to the Glendale City Court, a separate effort is underway in the Maricopa County Justice Courts that will accept cases from the 26 justice courts involving defendants who are veterans.

“I think it’s about time we start a process for veterans through the judicial system,” says Councilmember Jamie Aldama, who represents the Ocotillo District.

“Just because we start today, it doesn’t mean we immediately start seeing change. It is a process. A lot of times we just think we’re going to start tomorrow and see the results. It’s going to take time, but if we don’t start today, we’ll never start.”

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

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- 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

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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

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MAY/JUNE 2021 |

Sound of Freedom

33

NEWS

Showing Respect Veterans Day goes beyond November

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

The Veterans Memorial is located at Rio Vista Community Park, 8866 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria. (Submitted photo)

T

ad Snedicor of the Peoria Veterans Memorial Board says many Vietnam War veterans are worried about today’s generation and its respect for the nation.

But when the Peoria Veterans Memorial Board collected letters from children ages 8 to 10 and distributed them among patients and visitors to the VA Hospital in Phoenix, the tide turned.

“In their letters, they expressed their thanks for what they have today,” says Snedicor, the board’s chairman. “We took the letters to the VA Hospital, and it was amazing.

“It brought them to tears. It gave them hope. Not only did I get those (letters) to veterans in Phoenix but to the VA in New Mexico and Texas, too.”

The board is responsible for the Veterans Memorial at Rio Vista Community Park, 8866 W. Thunderbird Road. Throughout the year, the board receives applications for inclusion on the memorial. For $125, veterans can be honored with a presence on the wall.

John Sefton, Peoria’s director of parks, recreation and community facilities, says the board is appointed by the mayor and council.

It was established with the creation of the Rio Vista Recreation Center and the first phase of the memorial.

In 2016, the first phase was created with the veterans in mind. There is shade for re-

34

Sound of Freedom | MAY/JUNE 2021

spite and a seating area.

“The honor wall is for families and loved ones to recognize their person who has served the community,” Sefton says. “This coming November will be our fifth year of installing names on the honor wall. We now have over 280 names on the wall.”

Snedicor says the memorial is not only great for families but the veterans as well.

“They don’t have to have died in battle,” he says. “They could be active duty, reserves — just as long as they served in any form or fashion. They all put themselves at risk. It has the same requirements as the National Cemetery, and they don’t have to have lived in Peoria.

“On the other side of the granite wall is a list of every major battle with a little paragraph about each. Kids can learn what we have done as a military to protect the freedoms that we have today. They can reflect there and think about the battles and what has taken place. We have a Huey there named after John McCain.”

When the Moving Wall, a half-sized replica of the Vietnam Wall, came to town, the board was asked to recruit volunteers to help assemble it.

“About 200 volunteers came,” Snedicor says.

“We worked with veterans to assemble it. The school district had buses come out. Kids spoke about the Vietnam War. It was great.

“The city was awesome in providing food,

water and all the resources we needed during the event. The city and the district had outside resources get together and make it impactful to all.”

Snedicor is a veteran himself. He served 20 years in the U.S. Marines, including combat time in Iraq.

“I was primarily stationed overseas,” he says. “I was in Okinawa and on the West Coast. I was in Barstow, California, and Guam as well. In 20 years, you get to places.”

The board is also working on a Veterans Trail with the parks and recreation board. It collaborates with the community resource center in Peoria and law enforcement to help homeless veterans.

“We help them with housing,” Snedicor says. “We work with the VA to get resources to help homeless veterans get out of homelessness. The board is there to facilitate projects or things that need to be done.”

Snedicor says Sefton is a great asset to the board.

“John is the guy I talk to, and he gets the things I need to accomplish our tasks,” he says. “We have a very supportive mayor and council, too. They’re very pro-veteran. It’s the partnership we have between the city, the city offices, the director of parks and recreation, and obviously the connections we have with other cities and with our senators and congresspeople who help.”

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35

NEWS

Lesko visits Luke Air Force Base Rep. Debbie Lesko recently visited Luke Air Force Base to meet with the 56th Force Support Squadron and others. The Air Force captured images while she was there.

Rep. Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) speaks with 56th Force Support Squadron Rep. Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) speaks with 63rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit airmen while visiting the Ray V. Hensman Dining Facility at Luke Air Force airmen during an immersion visit at Luke Air Force Base.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matt Davis) Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matt Davis)

Rep. Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) visits the base Child Development Center during an immersion visit at Luke Air Force Base.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matt Davis)

Rep. Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) and staff stand with members of the 56th Fighter Wing leadership team during a group photo in front of an F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft at Luke Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matt Davis)

Rep. Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) speaks with 56th Force Support Squadron Airmen while visiting the Ray V. Hensman Dining Facility.

Rep. Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) speaks with Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 56th Fighter Wing commander, during a leadership immersion meeting.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matt Davis)

36

Sound of Freedom | MAY/JUNE 2021

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matt Davis)

★ LET FREEDOM RING ★ 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.

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Sound of Freedom

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