Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society

06/14/2026

Today, we honor more than the fabric of the American flag, we honor what it represents.

Today let's recognize the symbol our flag brings us- freedom, unity and sacrifice that has stood for generations of Americans.

And thank you to the brave men and women who have defended that flag through their service. We will never forget the courage and commitment behind the red, white and blue.

06/14/2026

Celebrating 251 years of the United States Army 🇺🇸

For more than two centuries, the U.S. Army has stood strong in defense of our nation. Since its founding in 1775, generations of Soldiers have protected the freedoms we cherish and carried on a legacy of selfless service.

Happy 251st Birthday to the United States Army!

06/14/2026

Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society Board Members had a booth at the DAV Department of Arizona Annual Convention held in downtown Chandler over the last several days. Pictured are Society President Pat Upah and Vice-President Karen Craig.

06/12/2026

Given during the recent Patriotic Awards Luncheon hosted by the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society, the Unified Arizona was proud to present their Native American Veterans Scholarship to Tonya Keaton! 🎓🇺🇸

Tonya is a U.S. Army veteran, Navajo woman, and mother dedicated to advancing healthcare in underserved communities. With a career in medical imaging as a Computed Tomography Technologist and cross-training in mammography, she is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Administration at the University of Arizona Global Campus and expects to graduate in May 2027.

Her goal is to strengthen the healthcare system within the Navajo Nation, increase Native American representation in healthcare leadership and improve access to quality care for underserved populations.

06/09/2026

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society is proud to assist organizations like the Archangels, as they meet their mission and provide support to Arizona's military servicemembers, veterans, their families and survivors.

Archangels was one of the eleven organizations that received funding through the Society's Our Success is Your Success Support Program. The current application window closes on June 30th -- get more info on our website at www.avhofs.org

What an unforgettable Military Appreciation Night! We at are overflowing w/ gratitude for everyone who made this evening special for our Military Veterans, Service Personnel & their FAMILIES! 🏈🎉🏟🪖🇺🇸🌎

From heart-pounding football action & spectacular fireworks to the powerful Star-Spangled Banner sung by our incredible US Air Force Airmen (who also posted the flag ), the night was pure heartwarming joy!

Huge shoutout to Arizona Rattlers’ Kasey Bjorklund for setting up $17 tickets so fans could attend & directly support our mission. As a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3), every donation goes straight to serving Military Veterans, First Responders & FAMILIES, no salaries!

Heartfelt thanks to the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society for their “Our Success is Your Success” program. They helped us buy 10 VIP tickets given to currently serving US Service Members & their FAMILIES (incl. some amazing kiddos, our future heroes!).

Your efforts strengthen those who served, who serve today & who will serve tomorrow. We love you! We are stronger together. One team; One fight!

Help us keep supporting the heroes who protect our freedoms, donate now at: https://givebutter.com/archangels (instant tax receipt!) or visit Archangels.org.Every gift, share & kind word matters.

Thx for standing w/ those who serve.
U.S. Army
United States Air Force

One team; one fight!
Amore antidotum
Love is the antidote
❤️💚💙🏈🎉🏟🪖🇺🇸🤟🙏

06/08/2026

The Society is pleased to share the recent Veterans Voice column written by Paula Pedene, for the Arizona Republic.

During the recent 19th Annual Patriotic Awards Luncheon, the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society highlighted and honored Arizona veterans and high school students through the award of scholarships. Scholarship recipients were recognized for their dedication and service to the veteran community. This year’s event demonstrates that investing in education helps strengthen our nation’s future. 🇺🇸

Swipe to read the full article.

06/05/2026

The Society is proud to announce Christian “Miguel” Comas Arenas as the recipient of our Veteran Family Member Scholarship. 🇺🇸 📚

Miguel is a freshman at the University of Arizona majoring in Nursing with a plan to specialize in pediatrics. As a military brat, his family included military service members, healthcare workers, and civil servants. He learned about the significant impact that quality healthcare has on others through his family and was inspired by his uncle, a Registered Nurse and vocational program instructor, further reinforcing his choice to pursue a medical career.

06/03/2026

The Society, in partnership with the Military Order of the Purple Heart, is proud to award the Robert J. Puskar Scholarship to Erik Romero! 🎓 🇺🇸

Erik is a Marine Corps veteran, having completed two deployments to Iraq. Originally from a small town in Mexico, he is also a first-generation college student and attends ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business. After serving in the Marines, Erik pursued a degree in Financial Planning with the goal of empowering underserved communities through financial education.

06/01/2026

The Society is deeply saddened to share this announcement of the passing of COL Bruce Crandall, Medal of Honor Recipient. COL Crandall was also a member of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, Class of 2007.

It is with profound sadness that the Congressional Medal of Honor Society shares the passing of Medal of Honor Recipient Colonel Bruce P. Crandall, U.S. Army (Ret.), who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Ia Drang in Vietnam. He passed away peacefully at his home on May 31, 2026, at the age of 93.

A legendary Army aviator, Colonel Crandall was awarded the Medal of Honor for repeatedly flying his UH-1 Huey helicopter into intense enemy fire on November 14, 1965, to deliver critical ammunition and evacuate wounded Soldiers. Completing 22 flights through relentless enemy fire, his actions saved countless lives and became one of the most celebrated acts of courage in Army aviation history.

With Colonel Crandall's passing, there are now 63 living Medal of Honor Recipients.

Please join us in extending our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Crandall family.

To learn more about Colonel Crandall's remarkable life and legacy, visit: https://www.cmohs.org/news-events/press-releases/passingofbrucecrandall/

06/01/2026

We are proud to recognize Alain Monroy as one of our AVHOFS Veteran scholarship recipients! 🇺🇸 📚

He began his career being commissioned through ROTC and then served in the Army with the 82nd Airborne and 25th Infantry Divisions. During a combat deployment to Afghanistan, he witnessed the mental and emotional strain of sustained high-stress operations, and the reintegration challenges soldiers face when returning home leading him to pursue a master’s degree in social work at ASU.

Alain plans to return to active duty as an Army Behavioral Health Officer, continuing his commitment to support the well-being of those who serve.