Veterans Day Parade honors military in Arizona
Few actresses can capture the imagination of generations of audiences with the certainty and charm of Loretta Swit.Ms. Swit became an American icon because of her portrayal of Major Margaret Houlihan in the television series, "M*A*S*H."She narrated the film "Never the Same: The Prisoner of War Experience" because she was so moved by the military and veterans.
Ms. Swit has been nominated for eight awards, including the Golden Globe Award.
She made her Broadway debut in "Same Time, Next Year" and "The Mystery of Edwin Drood." She won the Sarah Siddons Award for her performance in the Chicago production of "Shirley Valentine."The Vagina Monologues are in New York, Chicago and London.
The original "Cagney and Lacey" is one of her 25 movies, but she was prevented from shooting the series because of contractual obligations to "M*A *S*H".The Kid from Nowhere is one of the best TV films of all time.
Ms. Swit has sung and danced her way through most of television's musical specials, most notably "The Muppet Show" with Kermit and Miss Piggy and a Broadway television special.
Ms. Swit has starred in a number of films.
She was known as Eleanor Roosevelt in sellout runs in Los Angeles and Chicago.Eleanor met her granddaughter at a meet and greet.She continues to see this show on her calendar.
Her wildlife series, " Those Incredible Animals," was shown twice weekly on the Discovery Channel for five years, and later aired on Animal Planet in over 30 countries.Ms. Swit is a leader in the Humane Environment and is passionate about animals.She has a second book in the works and the proceeds from her recent book will support the Animal Alliance Foundation.She was named Woman of the Year by both the Animal Protection Institute and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
Mike has military memories that are close to his heart.He practices a lesson his grandfather taught him when he was a child."If you don't inject a little humor into each day, it's a wasted day."You can see the humor in his eyes.
In 1943, he was drafted and sent to Camp Wheeler, Georgia.He was sent to England and France for 23 months after basic training.He participated in the liberation of a few towns in France.He has a fond memory of visiting a monastery with almost 20 men.The squad leader was in front of them in the line.There was a tree in the entryway.Each man picked a pear on his way in.After the squad went inside, he reminisced about the bare tree.
The moment that Rizzo lived through an explosion is one of the most notable events in France.The rest of the men thought he was dead.Everyone was gone when he woke up.
During his time in Germany, a fellow soldier sitting on the edge of his foxhole, brushing his teeth during a critical time, as well as being injured by shrapnel lodged in his legs during an encounter while on night patrol, are just some of the memories that come to mind.The smile on his face came from the latter recollection.
His grandfather was a big part of his life.He learned from his grandfather that volunteering for anything is not a good idea.They would have done it on their own if the job was easy.The most challenging part of his military career was trying to stay alive.He was very close to not coming back five times.While serving as a security guard in Germany, he trained with the Browning Automatic Rifle.
He was awarded the Bronze Star and other notable medals for being at the right place.They are all displayed in his living room, next to a portrait of him after a combat injury.
Mike Rizzo is a humble veteran who doesn't need much recognition for his time served and feels lucky to have made it out of service alive.War is not like movies.He said that people suffer and die while being dirty and hungry.He wants to share this message with the world.He is proud and happy to be one of the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshalls, a position that allows him to positively affect other veterans.
Francis (Frank) Doherty was born in Detroit, Michigan.At the age of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was given a non-combat assignment.He was called back to active duty during the Korean War in 1950 after returning to Detroit and pursuing a degree at the University of Detroit.He was attached to Company H, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, and his mission was to be a machine gunner.
Doherty and his division were overrun from the back of their position on May 17, 1951.He was hit in the face with a grenade.Even though he was injured, he showed his bravery by helping a wounded comrade to safety and exposing himself to the enemy.The rest of the division needed cover fire to get to safety.He set a new perimeter after he got to a safe area.The Bronze Star with the Letter "V", the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantry Badge were all given to him by the 2nd Infantry Division for his actions during this battle.
He used his G.I. after returning from Korea.Bill was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserves after completing his degree at the University of Detroit.
While on active duty, the lessons he learned made him appreciate life and the service members protecting our freedom.Life is too short to argue over small things.
The couple raised eight children together.Even with eight children, he cared so much about his community that he remained in the Boy Scouts and enjoyed passing down his knowledge to the younger generations.
When asked what Veterans Day means to him, he said, "It is a great honor to be a veteran because its means we're alive, and makes me appreciate that people get to enjoy the freedom of speech and religion."People have the ability to be free and do what they want.
The Korean War Grand Marshall of the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade is very flattered by the honor.He will be taking an Honor Flight this year to visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial.A past Faithful Navigator with the Knights of Columbus, as well as being involved in the Boy Scouts, is one of the many things that Doherty is a member of.
The Military Historical Tour was held in July of 2016 in Korea.During that visit, he led a discussion about his experiences during the war.
Santo Graziano was born in the U.S. Army.Santo was born after his father met and married an Italian girl while he was stationed in Italy during World War II.Santo and his brother joined the military after graduating from college, following in their father's footsteps.The military gave me that experience because I wanted to do something different in my life.
Vietnam was what he didn't expect.Carol, who nominated him as a Grand Marshall, says that while she was growing up, he was not able to speak about his experience during his service, and it is only recently that he has begun to talk about that time.She relates that he shared a story about sleeping with rats the size of cats and how he would never get a good night's sleep.
It's clear that Graziano doesn't want to relive his time in Vietnam.He admits that it is difficult to explain why the Vietnam War was okay.Too many people died.It was difficult for anyone to comprehend the situation.
He earned a number of medals, including the Bronze Star, National Defense Service, Overseas Service and Army Commendation, after serving two years in active service and another year in the Reserves.
During his time in Vietnam, the veteran learned how lucky he is to live in the United States."We take for granted the little things that we have and other countries don't have."Most of Vietnam did not have plumbing at that time.
Being in the service taught Graziano the importance of giving back.He admits that he takes pride in volunteer work.He started the Food for the Poor Project by picking up day-old bread, rolls, cookies, pies and other goodies at one location.60 volunteers gather leftovers from six different businesses six days a week and donate them to the less fortunate at St.Vincent de Paul Becker House.Many of the homeless at St.Vincent de Paul are veterans.I would say close to 50 percent.
He is thankful for the support of his wife Joan and his daughter Carol who nominated him as a grand marshal.Carol wrote that her father was the most humble person she had ever met.He saves the leftovers for someone on the street corner who needs it.He donates his time and money whenever he can, and always has a smile on his face.
After graduating from high school, Anthony Irby joined the U.S. Army.Ronald Reagan delivered his famous "tear down this wall" speech a year before the dissolution of the USSR.
Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in the same year.Irby was assigned to the 32nd Medical Supply, Optical and Maintenance (MEDSOM) under the 44th Medical brigade in Fort Bragg, NC.He became a member of the ghost unit.He was involved in campaigns for the defense of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Southwest Asia.It was a tense time, and Irby was constantly on high alert, as well as being exposed to dangers that included blown-up oil fields and burn pits.
Irby had a number of medals to his name, including the Army Commendation medal and two Kuwait Liberation medals.His transition back to civilian life was not easy.He was homeless often, sleeping on friends' couches, in parks, and in his car.He obtained a degree at Phoenix College because of his faith in God.Irby joined the Arizona National Guard and worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
After 9/11, Irby was sent to Iraq with the 3666th Maintenance Company of the Arizona National Guard, where they faced suicide bombings and rocket fire.Many members were injured by IEDs.Irby had an internal injury.He was treated at the VA Medical Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
He didn't letPTSD stop him from helping others.He realized he could serve in the war on poverty, especially among homeless veterans.He was the Homeless Veterans Outreach Coordinator for the Phoenix VA Regional Office.The Phoenix VA Health Care System has partnerships with community providers.The alliance helped reduce chronic homelessness among veterans by providing a model of best practice for the country.
Irby graduated from the University of Phoenix with a degree in Human Service and has been appointed to serve on the City of Peoria Veterans Memorial Board.He was a commissioner of the City of Phoenix Military Veterans Commission, which helped organize the USO presence at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
Anthony Irby and his wife Karen have three beautiful daughters, Azuriah, Aurorah and Arianah.
Gene Wood was an advisor to the Army and the National Guard in the southeast part of the United States.His experience includes helicopter mechanics, a leadership role as Crew Chief, as well as the advisor to the Technical Assistance and Fielding Team (TAFT) between the Saudi Arabian and United States Armies in Desert Storm.He was in charge of the Saudi Army's first helicopter battalion.
Wood remembers a time when the war broke out and the 18-person TAFT team performed all of the operations with the Saudi Army, while he advised them.Wood talks about the concept of team while sharing his experiences.
During his time overseas, he learned a valuable lesson: to be patient with other countries and populations of people they served around, especially those who don't understand what American servicemen do.The most important aspect of Wood's job was to take care of the servicemen under his supervision.
The Bronze Star, Air Medal, Master Air Crewman's Wings, as well as the Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding achievements and service to the United States are some of the career accomplishments of Wood.
Wood was inspired to work for U.S. Airways because of the work he did in the military.The patience and safety of others is a strong purpose for him.
It is easy to see that Wood is a patient and caring veteran who also attributes the success of veterans to those that support them back home.She took great care of the home front when he was away from it.
Wood wants civilians to understand the true purpose of observed holidays like Veterans Day and Memorial Day, as well as the difference between the two.He says that we should honor those who have served and died on Veteran's Day and Memorial Day.
Wood is honored to represent veterans.He always makes a point of thanking veterans, in and out of uniform, for their service and contributions to our country.
Whether it's equality, suicide prevention, community engagement or bravery, when it comes to veterans, Abby Malchow is there.She is a proud Iraq war veteran who served with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40 and led an all-male crew that included three Iraqis.The Navy Logistics Specialist joined the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America to connect with others.Many veterans struggle with post-traumatic stress.
Malchow was selected to be one of 22 veterans who went to Capitol Hill in order to garner Congressional support of the "Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act", demanding more effective care for those in crisis.Why 22?22 veterans take their lives each day.The new statistics say it is 20 a day.A shipmate died of suicide shortly after they returned from Iraq, and her best friend died two months later.He got rid of his beloved sports car when he closed his social media accounts.She immediately tried to reach him by phone.She received a call a couple of nights later.Malchow says to have the courage to ask if someone is contemplating suicide.
Malchow once again advocated on Capitol Hill for a bill named after a Revolutionary War veteran.There is equal treatment for female veterans at the VA.
Malchow was selected for the first class of the George W. Bush Stand-To Veteran Leadership Initiative.Her personal leadership project for the initiative is focused on providing targeted intervention through artificial intelligence on social media platforms to proactively identify and prevent veteran suicides in a collaboration with the VA's Crisis Line.She wants to make it easier to get help.She says that Congress is working on a phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.Simply saying, "Siri, call Veterans Crisis Line" is another option.
Malchow was nominated by her co-worker.They are on the board of the American Veterans at Intel employee resource group.The group helps veterans in the local community through volunteering and serves over 1,000 veterans at Intel in Arizona.
Malchow respects draftees who reported for duty when their nation called, but also those who volunteered in the past and present.She says that they should be honored for going into harm's way.Their courage is an inspiration.
I wanted to stand up for my country is what has held true my entire life.Ian Parkinson says that he was given the chance to do that in Afghanistan.He was inspired by his family's long history of military service, from father and uncles, Vietnam-era veterans, grandfathers, World War II veterans and great-grandfathers to family members serving in the American Revolution.Growing up, I was fascinated by the American military and history.He said that he was drawn to combat despite the inherent risk.Parkinson lost both legs above the knees when he encountered an IED on June 6, 2011.There were no soldiers who were seriously wounded.
Parkinson's parents were not willing to risk losing another son when he was a teenager.He joined the Army at the age of 19 and only did one three-year enlistment.He joked that he probably would have stayed longer, but an infantryman missing that many parts isn't in high demand.
Parkinson's parents were able to stay in San Antonio at the Fisher House for his surgeries.The young soldier wondered if he "jinxed it" when he played-acted what it would be like to lose an eye or a limb in war.It was incredible forward thinking, which is a critical quality for all service members.He still skateboards and doesn't care that he lost his legs.Parkinson says that skateboarding is at its core and that his center of gravity has changed.It is great exercise.
Parkinson serves and motivates others every day.He is a web developer with a bachelor's degree in Graphic Information Technology from Arizona State University, a finance officer for the Military Order of Purple Heart, as well as a motivational speaker.He says that he knew what was to come.I felt bad that someone else had to pick up the slack when I was gone.
Peter says, "I can think of no better example than Ian of an American serving with distinction and honor, asking nothing in return, and giving more than could ever be expected."
The Business Community Grand Marshall is Greg Debernard.
Margaret and Guido adopted Greg DeBernard after he was born in Salt Lake City, Utah.He graduated from the University of Utah in 1986.He graduated from the college in 1989.
He is the Regional Vice President of the USAA Phoenix Campus.The Senior Officer in this role is responsible for shaping and influencing workplace culture to align with USAA's mission, core values and commitment to service philosophy.He is in charge of Phoenix site management, the external community, military and government relations.DeBernard leads the enterprise litigation team at USAA.
In addition to his service for USAA, DeBernard was commissioned into the United States Army in 1986 and served until 2011.The majority of DeBernard's service was as a member of the California Army National Guard, where he held six commands, including a command of an infantry unit.
During his service, DeBernard gained an appreciation for the military.His father was a member of the Army Air Corps and served in World War II.This inspired him to apply for the ROTC scholarship.He was able to serve alongside people from all over the country and from other countries.The most important lesson that inspired him to join the military was the devotion to the person on your left and the right to make it through.
DeBernard is married to Jami and they have two children.Greater Phoenix Leadership is one of the memberships he is active in.Greg and Jami DeBernard incorporate a fit and healthy mindset into their daily living.The DeBernards have a passion for giving.They are masters of Rapport Leadership International and want to influence those around them to reach their highest potential.
Imagine a world filled with darkness and despair.The smell of rotten flesh and feces is pervasive in the air.What is eaten is unidentifiable and unnameable.Equipment, clothing, quarters, and food are covered in mud.This hell, nightmare, or punishment is what people from different walks of life would call it.The people who took part in this event were not being punished, but they could not leave.Some people who saw the end of the war did not leave it behind.The sick version of hell on Earth remained with them after they left the army.They had all of it in their mind.The wound never healed and the heroes could not get away.
Mental scars were caused by the World War I trenches.Many brave men were left behind in the trenches, but many others were not given the same opportunity.It was not uncommon for a man to be buried alive and for shelling to throw dirt onto him.Men were also killed by curiosity.A quick look over the trench wall could be fatal.The mud and water in the trenches could kill a man.The dampness around a man's foot would cause it to become gangrenous and require amputation.Nobody was safe in the trenches.
One man was familiar with the trenches.He was given the task of repairing and improving the trenches.Sergeant Charles Edward Dilkes was this man.He was the leader of the trench engineers.Dilkes led a group of men who would install first aid stations, create communication trenches, and repair damages to the various lines.Dilkes' position sounds like a non-combatant, but his every task was done under fire.Sergeant Dilkes put himself and his division in harm's way on every mission to ensure the safety and comfort of divisions fighting in the mud.Sergeant Dilkes was a strong man who encountered the horrors of the trenches.
Sergeant Dilkes served until the signing of the armistice.Dilkes collected his diaries and records after he was discharged from service to make a memoir.The trenches on the allied front were illuminated by his contributions to the war.Dilkes protected and laid waste to many great men.Not every soldier has the same level of intimacy with the trenches.
On November 22, 1916, it is 8 o'clock.You are tired.Your brain pounds against your skull as your friends scream at each other.You feel the dirt bite at your skin when you let go of your weapon and fall to your knees.You close your eyes because you are tired of watching the world around you.Tired of listening to your friend scream in pain at the sight of his missing leg.I'm sick of being hungry and cold.You don't like listening to the sound of bombs and gunfire.No matter how much you say you are not afraid, the smell of death and fear always creeps into you.No matter how much you try to convince yourself that you will come home, the doubt still hangs over you at night.You use your hands to wipe the dirt off your face.The living conditions of the trenches will be affected by the war.Your fellow soldier snapped you out of it.He tells you to keep shooting.You don't know what you're shooting at.You just want to rest, but you have to keep going.Someday you will be happy to see the sun.You are a young man who risks everything for his country.This is World War I.
The generation that sent their men to defend their nation is no longer with them.The men who put on their boots to fight for everything they believe in and set the example for the generations to follow have made an impact on our nation's history.The century that followed the event of WWI has seen a lot of violence and changes to our society.The world was shaped by the brave men that served in World War I.The war inspired events such as WWII, Vietnam, and the civil rights movement.The courage and boldness shown by those who gave their lives in the trenches motivated the fight for change.The last hundred years have seen our country face evil in the face and spit in its eyes.The bravery needed by these men and women was first demonstrated by our WWI veterans.
As a second-year participant and co-editor for the Cactus Shadows High School chapter for Veterans Heritage Project, I witnessed the impact of those who served.Those who have been on the front lines, those who defended us from thousands of feet in the air, and the people who stayed home to provide moral, physical and financial support are some of the stories I have heard.It is impossible to repay the experience of listening to the first-hand accounts of the struggles of WWII soldiers and then being able to appreciate the life I have because of them.
What life was like in the trenches of World War I?It was so bad that you couldn't shower for days on end.It was cutting your hands and fingers on the barbed wire that was surrounding you.You needed to fulfill your responsibilities even if you were somewhere else.It had become accustomed to violence and chaos.The impact was being created by the American soldier.
Although it may have been a century ago, the foreign policy and dramatic shift in culture still affect us today, despite the fact that World War I was the first global war.Modern technology, like machine guns and chemical weapons, merged with previous military tactics, such as digging trenches for shelter.The trenches of World War I were dug to protect the soldiers from enemy attack.A soldier is completely vulnerable when he runs out of familiarity and safety in the trenches.When the U.S. entered the war, many different groups ran out of their own trenches to support the effort.
The US entered World War I because they wanted to remain neutral and not engage in European affairs.When German U-boats began attacking civilian ships, the minds quickly changed.The U.S supported the allies in the Great War.The United States left its own trench of safety, isolationism, and neutrality behind to fight the war to end all wars while also trying to prevent further conflicts by proposing ideas such as the League of Nations.The war had a domino effect on the home front.Young American men were required to fight for their country in the brutal underground trenches along the Western European border.