James Thomas Murray Arrowsmith

James Thomas Murray Arrowsmith served aboard the USS Howard W. Gilmore (AS-16), a Fulton-class submarine tender based out of Key West, Florida.

During his service, he provided maintenance and operational support for nuclear submarines, focusing on reactor systems, electrical components, and mechanical functions.

Cathy Arroyo Buhner served as an Electronics Technician, First Class, in the U.S. Navy from 1977 to 1985.

Chris J. Brewer

Chris Brewer was aboard the USS Guadalupe during the Vietnam era.

He currently lives in Mesa and works with the veteran art and ukulele program through the Mesa Art League.

Gabriel Carbajal is an amazing young man who recently joined the military. Gabriel is a graduate of Higley High School Class of 2024, and is from Mesa, Arizona. Carbajal is a shining example of an exceptional young man. He excelled in school, built strong friendships, and is known for his strong work ethic.

Beyond that, he’s a devoted brother to his two beautiful younger sisters and a loving son.

Now, he takes great pride in having the opportunity to serve his country. Gabriel is currently stationed at Travis Air Force base where his career as an Airplane technician has taken off at full speed. His family is so proud of their Hero, stating “God bless all of our Military men and Women and families.”

Mike Grill

Mike Grill served his country as part of the U.S. Air Force from 1969 to 1986.

He was a Vietnam veteran from 1971 to 1972.

Grill is currently active with the Arizona Art Alliance Veteran classes and Mesa Art League Veterans art Class.

Kent entered the United States Air Force in May of 1986.

Following basic training and several levels of technical training for aircraft maintenance he was assigned to his first duty station at Andersen AFB in Guam. Kent worked in the aero repair shop which focused on flight controls and landing gear among other things on the B-52 and KC-135 aircraft based there.

Following a couple temporary duty assignments, he was next stationed at Carswell AFB in Fort Worth, TX.

His service time concluded in January, 1990.

Carl Heinze proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1988.

Joe joined the military in May 1963 and was sent to training the following month at Ft. Ord, California.

After completing engineering training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he shipped out to Vietnam in 1964, then to Thailand with the 809th Engineers until he completed his orders in 1965.

Afterward, he was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, where he oversaw Special Services and younger soldiers preparing for Vietnam.

Upon his honorable discharge on Monday, June 27, 1966, the special services disc jockey dedicated the song “Monday, Monday” to him.

David Hoffman

David Hoffman served 3 years active duty in the Army where he repaired electronic test equipment.

After Army active duty, David transferred to the AZ Army National Guard serving 4 years as a helicopter weapons system repairer. He then transferred to the Ohio Air National Guard in an Air Control Squadron worked with setup and repair of SATCOM and radio equipment.

David activated and deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base Kuwait with an Air Control Squadron in support of Operation Southern Watch.

Under Operation Noble Eagle, he deployed to Bolling Air Force base four separate periods between 2007-2010 in support of Operation Noble Eagle Joint Air Defense Operation Center (JADOC) for monitoring the air space over the National Capital Region as a Maintenance Controller, Communication Superintendent before retiring in May 2011.

Jim deployed to Japan and then was to go to Korea to work as a packer in the Airborne division.

In Korea, there was some mix up with his orders. While he tried to explain that his orders were to be with Airborne, he was told to board a train to go somewhere else. He was then told to load up.

Jim followed the order and ended up with a group that was very poorly supplied during the brutal winter of Korea. Food was scarce. He remembered another solider that was rotating out, gave him a can of corn, which is all he had left, and he shared it with his team.

Eventually he made his way back to the main part of the army and when he checked in, they had him marked down as AWOL because he’d ended up in the wrong place.

Jim was proud of his time in Airborne, eventually jumping behind enemy lines.

This year, Lee Huff was recognized by the Hometown Heroes Banner Program for his service to veterans, spanning decades.

While working with both Congressman Greg Stanton and Congressman Andy Biggs office, he helped transform the lives of innumerable veterans.

Among many things, Lee helped veterans with their benefits, assisted in replacing missing awards or decorations, helped with VA benefits, and helped transfer over 20 cars to veterans in need of transportation.

Arthur Hughes served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1966.

Michael L Jackson served in the U.S. Navy from 1980 to 1988.

Formal and Honorable SGT Tyler Kay, U.S. Army (2004–2007) was born and raised in Indianapolis and now proudly calls Mesa, Arizona home.

SGT Tyler Kay served with distinction in the U.S. Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. A member of a company that logged over one million combat miles and helped write the Army’s SOP for convoy security, he completed more than 250 combat missions in Iraq.

In Afghanistan, he served as the Sergeant of the Guard and was the youngest Platoon Sergeant at Bagram Airbase, overseeing gate security during a pivotal time in the war.

SGT Kay’s service exemplifies courage, leadership, and unwavering dedication.

PFC Donald Carl Kirtley BTRY B 2/71st ADA was born in Superior, Arizona, and is the oldest of five.

PFC Kirtley swore in on April 27, 1973, and left Corrections for Basic Training in Fort Ord, California. After graduating from Fort Ord, he was assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas. After 19 weeks, PFC Kirtley graduated and was off to his first duty station.

From there he went to Okinawa, Japan, to Vietnam and then Korea. He was able to address his short-term goals as a solider. PFC Kirtley was a truck driver and loaded ships at all of these locations.

PFC Donald Carl Kirtley received a National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Sharp Shooter Badge.

Thomas Kulik proudly served in the United States Army from Feb 14, 1946, to July 22, 1947
 as a technician 5th, Truck Driver Grade.

He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and served with the Headquarters Troop, 12th Cavalry in Japan.

Ronald Leemaster

Ron served faithfully in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962. He was a high school track standout and watched over his single mother and younger siblings. Ron was humble and hardworking, and spent much of his life working on the railroad and hauling gas and grain across the country as an independent truck driver.

Everything he did was to provide for his family, including his two daughters who were the first in the family to graduate from college. He was an incredibly smart and witty man, and an avid reader of U.S. and world news.

In 1982, Ruth Lim joined the United States active reserves and posted to Tucson 6251st hospital unite. She served at operation desert storm from January to May of 1991.

Ruth joined the air guard, and the air force retiring at the rank of LTC in the air force reserves. She served at Luke’s airport base

Alejandro Lujan

Alejandro joined the Air Force straight out of high school, in 2020.

He was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. He loved Alaska. He would call his family and tell them about all the beautiful scenery. And thinks about going back every day.

Pat Lynch

Pat Lynch was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1949.  He graduated from Westwood High School in 1967. Pat Lynch is a decorated Army Vietnam veteran (Silver Star, Bronze Star, Air Medal with “V” device) whose assignment was crew chief on a UH1 (Huey) helicopter.

Pat, a retired Boeing 757 Captain, America West Airlines, is a contract pilot fighting wildfires for the US Forest Service.

In 1988, Pat founded Operation Freedom Bird, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing a unique healing journey and therapeutic program helping combat veterans from all wars to continue healing from symptoms of post-traumatic stress and unresolved grief and loss.

During four days in Washington, D.C., approximately 50 veterans shared their experiences and paid tribute to their fallen comrades-in-arms in a supportive environment of fellow veterans and professional counselors.

Louis H. Maldonado served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946 and was stationed in the Philippine Islands. The Battle of Luzon.

Maldonado received the following recognitions: Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Independence Ribbon, WWII Victory medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 bronze star.

Chris signed up to serve in the Marine Corps during his Junior year of high school.

He reported to boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island located in South Carolina on August 2nd 1983.

After completing his basic training, Chris attended avionics classes in Memphis Tennessee and Norfolk Virginia. During his training Chris received a meritorious mast and the rank of Private 1st class.

He was then stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point North Carolina and served as an Aircraft Inertial Navigation Systems Technician under MAG 14 mobile field group and his A6 Intruder squadron VMA (AW) 332. Chris’s deployment included time in Iwakuni Japan and Olongapo Philippines.

Chris was honorably discharged from the Corps in August 1st 1987 with the rank of Corporal. His decorations earned included The Good Conduct Medal, The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and The Rifle Marksmanship Badge.

Steven Marquez

Steven served in the U.S. Marines from 2010 to 2016. He and his brothers in arms were hit by an IED three different times. The hardships he faces and still continues to face is a testament to what a Marine was, is, and will continue to be.

Steven’s deep pride in his time of service is both profound and unwavering. Though he is humble about his contributions, he is truly deserving of recognition. As one of the few who have served, his dedication and sacrifice stand as a powerful example — even if he rarely gives himself the credit he so richly deserves

Manuel Mendoza

Manuel Mendoza was born in Miami, Arizona, June 15, 1922.

Manuel was a recipient of the Medal of Honor and received many honors throughout his service.

Mendoza entered the U.S. Army at Fort MacArthur, California, November 1942. He served in both WWII and Korea.

Staff Sergeant Manuel Mendoza was then recognized for his actions on October 4, 1944, in Mt. Battaglia, Italy, where he was credited with single-handedly breaking up a German counterattack.

Mendoza was nicknamed the “Arizona Kid” for his actions in combat. Following his Army career, Mendoza found employment as a foreman at one of the largest nuclear plants in the country. He passed away at age 79.

Mendoza received the Medal of Honor, March 18, 2014; Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with five Bronze Service Stars, Presidential Unit Citation with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantryman Badge (Second Award), Honorable Service Lapel Button-World War II, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and the Italian Cross for Merit of War Unit Citation.

Amanda Moore

Amanda served in the U.S. Army from 1995 to 2004.

Samuel Negrete II

Samuel Negrete was born in Phoenix and raised in Mesa, Arizona, where he still resides today.

In 2022, he joined the Marine Corps Reserves, continuing a strong commitment to service.

Since 2017, he has been actively involved in the community through the Travis Manion Foundation, mentoring high school students and helping to shape future leaders.

Samuel currently continues that mission by working at Mesa High School.

Casper Nicoll

Casper Nicoll attended Mesa High School before serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was stationed in Panama, where he helped guard the Panama Canal.

After the war, Casper came home to Mesa, raised a family, and became a general contractor.

Casper passed away in Mesa in 1997.

Don Nicoll, Jr

Don Carlos Nicoll, Jr. grew up in Mesa and attended Mesa High School.

He served as a Navy Corpsman attached to the Marine Corps.

Kent was killed in action at Iwo Jima in February 1945. His sacrifice and service are remembered with deep honor and gratitude.

Sven Olson

Sven Olson enlisted as a Private in the Army National Guard because he wanted to serve during natural disasters and emergencies.

For the first half of his military career, he was a traditional Guardsman. Sven would serve one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer, and was able to respond to forest fires, floods and earthquakes.

However, when the Sept. 11th, 2001, attack changed the world, Sven was ordered to active duty and remained on active duty for almost the remainder of his military career, which included multiple combat deployments overseas and retiring as a Military Diplomatic Officer from the US Embassy in Ukraine.

Coral Palmerton Hoffman

BMC (Palmerton) Hoffman served in the U.S. Navy/U.S. Navy Reserves from 1986-2011.

She served as a Yeoman and Boatswain’s Mate and also served as her last unit’s Senior Enlisted Advisor and Acting Executive Officer while the unit underwent several transitions in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

During her last deployment, Coral was a marshalling yard supervisor for port operations in Kuwait and supervised the movement of cargo, equipment and vehicles for deployment to the war fighter.

Coral was awarded the Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/”M” Device/Silver Hourglass, National Defense Service Medal (2), Navy Achievement Medal (4), Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Expert Rifleman Medal, Expert Pistol Shot Medal, Sea Service Deployment Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Medal, Flag Letter of Commendation (2), Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal (6), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Ribbon, and Army Commendation Medal.

Devin Passmonick

Devin graduated from Dobson High School and attended the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT), where he earned the 2006 Rookie of the Year award in the Law Enforcement program. It was there that he decided to serve his country by joining the U.S. Navy.

After completing Navy Boot Camp and A-school, Devin was assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. As an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Fuels, Devin was responsible for fueling aircraft on the flight deck—a critical role on one of the Navy’s largest ships.

He later transitioned to the ship’s Security team in preparation for their deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

During his time in the U.S. Navy, Devin received the Navy “E” Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Rifle Marksman Ribbon.

After his service, Devin returned to his hometown of Mesa.

Jason Prokop

SSG Jason Prokop proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, from 2002 to 2011.

During his service, SSG Prokop was a combat medic. He died in the line of duty trying to render aid to a motorist on the freeway.

Rosa Regalado

Rosa Regalado is a retired veteran with 20 years of active-duty service. She deployed six times in the Navy and the army.

Rosa was a single mother that raised a son and daughter while in the service.

Rosa was a grand marshal for 2024 for OEF.

Rosa was the only female in her family that served in both branches. Her 22-year-old son is currently serving in the United States Navy as an aircraft electrician.

Rosa was deployed multiple time, enduring many injuries. During her service, she earned multiple medals and took pride in serving our country and in setting an example to her family.

Volunteering for military service in 1966 was a decision Clifford Richeson Sr. never regretted. It was a hot topic back then.

Years later, he sat and wondered what they would have him do, where they would have him go, or if he would come back with parts missing or in a body bag.

When thinking about whether he would do this again, Richeson said
“You bet. I am not a hero; I want to protect the country my family and friends live in. God bless America.”

Nancy Riley was in high school when she was administered the Skills Knowledge Test (SKT) prior to induction. She was instructed to ignore questions in the electrical and mechanical categories. As she was taking the test she answered in those categories if she knew the answer. She picked up the attendance reports during the class period she worked in the school office. She often had to wait for the shop teacher to finish his instructions to the class so she learned bits and pieces. Nancy’s scores for the SKT were General 95%ile, Administrative 95%ile, Electrical 75%ile, and Mechanical 50%ile. She was approved for service. Two weeks after high school graduation Nancy was flown to San Antonio, Texas and transported to Lackland AFB. Nancy was appointed Dorm Chief. After basic training Nancy was assigned to Admin Technical Training at Amarillo AFB in Texas. She served as a Chapel Guide and was a member of the Monkey Drill Team. The drill team marched in a parade in Panhandle. The main street was not paved, just dirt. There were horses in the parade which left “presents” whenever nature called. The drill team was placed after horses. The team performed moves such as “T-Bird Split” during the parade. Nancy was lucky to avoid the “presents.” A SAC officer invited Nancy to tour the SAC facility located on the base. Not many airmen were permitted to tour those facilities. After completing the tech school training and attaining typing a minimum of 30 words per minute (she had never typed prior to the training) on a manual typewriter, Nancy was assigned to March AFB just outside Riverside, California. She was assigned to the Base Personnel Office in the OJT (On the Job Training) office as one of the four staff. Each staff member had a different specialty prior to assignment to the office. The office in the cubicle next to OJT was Classification and Testing which had four staff members. The only female member showed Nancy around the building and even invited Nancy to attend her wedding the next week. She showed me the only utility closet with a sink which could handle filling the forty cup coffee maker on the ground floor. After filling the coffee maker Nancy take it to her office on the second floor. She didn’t even drink coffee! Nancy volunteered as hostess to the annual Thanksgiving Dinner for base staff and family. Nancy spent most of her off duty time at the Community Center. She helped out wherever she could. At Christmas time she helped the director make ribbon bows for the twenty or so trees which lined the ballroom. At the Christmas Ball Nancy was presented with a WAF of the Year plaque. Nancy was sent to Washington, D.C. on temporary duty to interview for a position at the Pentagon. She was transported in different aircraft at each of the three stops. The first was a cargo plane with the aisle filled with luggage and other cargo. She sat with her back against a window and her feet on top of the cargo because there was no room on the deck for her feet. One of the transfers put her into a huge cargo plane where the pilot invited her into the cockpit to watch the approach to Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio. Then on to the final stop at Andrews AFB in Maryland. She was billotted at the WAF barracks at Bolling AFB in Maryland. In her free time Nancy was able to visit the sites on the National Mall, including descending the Washington Monument by the stairs all the way down. The interview was successful; Nancy was transferred to the Office of Space Systems at the Pentagon, a male squadron at Ft. Myers, Virginia and billotted at Boling AFB in D.C. Buses left for Boling on the hour with the last leaving at 6 p.m. The buses were always full. There was a boat that left at 5:30 p.m. which went to Boling AFB which Nancy rode daily. Nancy’s duties required a Top Secret Special Access Required clearance for her work in the back room. Since she had married while on leave to the Pentagon, she worked as the office receptionist until her husband’s background was cleared. There was a courier who delivered paperwork from a company in Sunnyvale, California. When he learned I would be leaving the Air Force he arranged for his company to hire me while my husband served in Thailand. The officer in charge of the admins took his secretary and Nancy to lunch on Secretaries’ Day. Five years late Nancy became a member of the organization that initiated that day. That same officer invited the Air Force staff and spouses to Thanksgiving dinner at his home. About six weeks later my husband and I were scheduled to march in Richard Nixon’s first inaugural parade. Nancy’s husband was on orders to transfer to Thailand but needed the date his flight would leave Travis AFB in California before he could sign out on leave. Nancy was able to apply for a discharge based on marriage, which had been changed to require specific conditions. So Nancy avoided marching in the parade. She contacted people, including a U.S. Representative, and successfully obtained his travel date. He ended up with two weeks leave instead of the 30 days to which he was entitled before an overseas transfer. As Nancy’s husband drove past Amarillo AFB on the way to the west coast, they saw that the base had been closed, as had Nancy’s short Air Force career.

Frank Romano served in the United States Air Force for 43 years.

His postings took him all over the world, including during the Berlin crisis and as well as tours in war zones.

He retired at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

Frank and his wife Pat, are longtime Mesa residents

Ramon Rubalcaba

Ramon Rubalcaba proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1999 to 2005.

Ramon is originally from Kearny, AZ, but has been a Mesa resident since 2006.

He is currently a member of the Mesa VFW 1760 and East Valley Veterans Parade Board.

Lisa Sandoval

Lisa served proudly in the U.S Army from 1993 to 1997. She is an extremely dedicated and loyal person.

Lisa has worked hard putting on great parades for the Mesa Veterans every year.

She has also helped Veterans purchase homes and is very involved in the Veteran community in Arizona.

Ashley Santarossa joined the U.S. Navy in 2014 and is currently serving.

David Sauer

David Sauer was a young man eager to serve his country, joining the U.S. Marines right after graduating high school.

David is a U.S. Marine Combat Veteran who served in Afghanistan. He proudly served his country from 2010 to 2014.

Senior Airman Christopher Scala served in Security Forces in the US Air Force from 2019-2023.

After attending boot camp at JBSA-Lackland, he attended tech school and was stationed at Vandenberg AFB which later transitioned to Vandenberg SFB in 2021.

He was the recipient of several ribbons during his 4 years of service, to include shooting expert and weapons marksman.

He participated in six Space X missions as well, providing security on launch days on their ATV patrol team.

Christopher was awarded the Air and Space Achievement Medal for outstanding achievement in 2023 for filling a critical position in support of security and law enforcement operations at Space Systems Command Headquarters in LA.

After enlisting in 1998, Travis was stationed at Marine Barracks, 8th and I, in Washington D.C. on Presidential Honor Guard.

After two years there, he went back to his infantry unit at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina with Third Battalion, Sixth Marines.

After getting into special forces, Travis deployed to Afghanistan in September of 2001.

After returning, he was stationed in Camp Pendelton as Military Police for a year when the Iraq war started in 2003.

Jerry Strait

Jerry was a decorated Vietnam combat veteran, serving in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971.

He was a machine gunner on Hamburger Hill, with the 101st Airborne Division.

Andrew Trotti served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1971.

Lewis Wagner III

Lewis Wagner, III followed his father’s commitment to military service.

Lew served as an Area Specialist for the Middle East. He was stationed in Turkey and served in the Middle East during a critical period in our history.

He is proficient the languages Farsi and French.

He was awarded or authorized the following decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons:
Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster,
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with one oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour, Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with two oak leaf clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and Air Force Training Ribbon.

Lewis was honorably discharged in 1991.

Daniel Ybarra

Daniel Ybarra joined the military right out of high school. He was stationed in San Diego.

Daniel got out of the military after his daughter Dani was born, so he could spend more time with her.

Danny attended Holmes elementary school, Mesa Junior High School, and then Mesa High School.

Danny is an amazing, big brother and a great role model.

Richard Zacofsky

Richard Zacofsky proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1971.

Richard honorably served as a Communications Technician with Top Secret clearance.

He served mainly on Guam.