Be Connected

Resource Navigation Training
2022-08-31 09:00 - 11:00, 2022-07-27 09:00 - 11:00, 2022-06-29 09:00 - 11:00, 2022-03-30 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Phoenix) | Virtual Event via Zoom
Everyone in our community is invited to attend Military/Veteran Resource Navigation training. This is the signature training developed by the Arizona Coalition for Military Families to equip members of our community to be an open door to connect service members, veterans and their families to support and resources. Over 5,000 Arizonans have attended this training.
There is no cost for this training and all are welcome!
Register: https://2023acmfnavigationtraining.eventbrite.com
For questions or more information, email Events@ArizonaCoalition.org.

Rim Country Veteran Stand Down
2022-08-27 10:00 - 15:00 | Star Valley Moose Lodge 852, 4211 E. HWY 260, Star Valley, AZ, 85541
Star Valley Moose Lodge 852
4211 E Hwy 260 Star Valley
Saturday, August 27, 2022 – 10am – 3pm
Veterans and their family members are invited to the Veteran Standdown. This resource fair brings together helpful support services for veterans, their families and pets. Veterans are encouraged to attend to learn more about services available for housing, benefits, education, financial assistance, veterinary services, legal services and much more.

Veteran Stand Down - 4th Annual San Carlos Apache Veteran's Celebration
2022-08-27 09:00 - 13:00 | 99 san carlos avenue, san carlos AZ, 99 San Carlos Avenue, San carlos, AZ, 85550, United States
San Carlos Apache 4th Annual Veteran’s Celebration
August 27 from 9 AM – 1 PM
Burdette Hall
99 San Carlos Avenue, San Carlos, AZ 85550
SCAVA Stand Down Flyer 2022
The San Carlos Apache Veterans Association and the VHA—RCS Vet Center San Carlos office are putting on the 4th Annual Veteran’s Celebration—Stand Down. This event is FREE & OPEN to ALL Veterans, family members, and community members. This event is aimed at helping Veterans & their families learn more about their benefits, connect with providers at the Tribal, State, and Federal levels. Also, this is a time to connect with other veterans and build camaraderie.

Traditional Prayer
Service Providers for Veterans
Community information tables
Guest Speakers & Entertainment
Free Hair Cuts
Mobile Vet Center
DoD surplus will be available for Veterans

For more information, contact: Veronica Duncan, (928) 200-7739, Veronica.Duncan@va.gov or Anthony Bush Jr., (928) 228-9362

Veteran Stand Down: Sierra Vista
2022-08-19 09:00 - 14:00 | 2950 E. Tacoma Street, 2950 E. Tacoma Street, Sierra Vista, 85635, United States
CSV Stand Down Flyer 2022
Cochise Serving Veterans Stand Down
8/19/2022 from 9 am – 2 pm, with the opening ceremony at 10 am
2950 E Tacoma Street, Sierra Vista, AZ, 85635

Lunch provided by Texas Roadhouse
Transportation is available

For more information, contact: csvchair@gmail.com or csvvicechair@gmail.com

Veterans and their family members are invited to the Veteran Standdown Event. This resource fair brings together helpful support services for veterans, their families and pets. Veterans are encouraged to attend to learn more about services available for housing, benefits, education, financial assistance, veterinary services, legal services, and much more.
For more information, visit: www.cochisevets.org

Navajo Code Talkers Day
2022-08-14
August 14 – Navajo Code Talkers Day: An official state holiday in Arizona
Governor Ducey on March 29 signed legislation sponsored by Senator Jamescita Peshlakai that makes National Navajo Code Talkers Day a legal state holiday every year on August 14. Under the legislation, if National Navajo Code Talkers Day falls on a day other than Sunday, the Sunday following August 14 is to be observed as the holiday.
Each year on August 14, the nation remembers and recognizes the unique contributions the Navajo Code Talkers made to U.S. history during World War II. The United States government recruited and enlisted more than 400 Navajo men to serve in standard communications units. The Navajo Code Talkers used their unbreakable code to assist in every major operation involving the United States Marines in the Pacific theatre, including during the battle of Iwo Jima where they successfully transmitted more than 800 messages without error.
Navajo Code Talkers Day was established through a presidential proclamation by President Ronald Reagan on August 14, 1982. In 2014, Arizona passed legislation declaring every August 14 Navajo Code Talkers Day in Arizona. View the 2021 Navajo Code Talkers Day proclamation HERE.
Ahéheeʼ means “thank you” in Navajo.

Barney H. Kengla Memorial White Mountain Veteran Stand Down
2022-08-12 09:00 - 15:00 | Show Low City Gym, 620 E. MCNeil, Show Low, AZ, 85902
Veteran Stand Down Flyer
Friday, August 12, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Show Low City Gym
620 E. McNeil
Show Low, AZ 85902
This event is open to all Veterans in the Arizona White Mountains
area who are in need of the following resources:
~ Veterans Benefits
~ Security Security
~ Vocational Rehabilitation
~ Free Hot Meal
~ Health Services
~ Job Services
~ Pet Supplies
~ Hair Cuts
~ Other Services
Proof of military service is required.
For more information, please contact: (928)369.8455, fishersforveterans@gmail.com

Purple Heart Day
2022-08-07
Purple Heart Day – August 7
This day was created for Americans to remember and honor the nation’s brave men and women who sustained injuries or were killed while serving and were awarded the Purple Heart. Originally called the “Badge of Merit”, the medal was first awarded by George Washington in 1782. The award was renewed in 1944 to specifically honor those who have been wounded or died in service to the country through the armed forces.

There have been more than 1.8 million Purple Hearts awarded.

To honor this day, reflect on the bravery demonstrated by U.S. service members and veterans. Recognize the courage displayed by so many in the face of danger, the valor of the injured and the heroism in making the ultimate sacrifice for America.
Photo courtesy of DVIDS.

Coast Guard Day
2022-08-04
August 4 – Coast Guard Day
This day celebrates the founding of the United States Coast Guard. Originally called the “Revenue Marine”, the organization was created officially on August 4, 1790 by Alexander Hamilton, who was serving as Secretary of the Treasury. The name we know today, U.S. Coast Guard, was given officially in 1915 through an act of Congress signed into law by Woodrow Wilson. Today, the U.S Coast Guard is within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. There are more than 56,000 members of the Coast Guard who operate 243 Cutters, 201 fixed and rotary wing aircraft and more than 1,600 boats. According to gocoastguard.com, on an average day, the U.S. Coast Guard:

conducts 45 search and rescue cases;
saves 10 lives;
saves over $1.2M in property;
seizes 874 pounds of cocaine and 214 pounds of marijuana;
conducts 57 waterborne patrols of critical maritime infrastructure;
interdicts 17 illegal migrants;
escorts 5 high-capacity passenger vessels;
conducts 24 security boardings in and around U.S. ports;
screens 360 merchant vessels for potential security threats prior to arrival in U.S. ports;
conducts 14 fisheries conservation boardings;
services 82 buoys and fixed aids to navigation;
investigates 35 pollution incidents;
completes 26 safety examinations on foreign vessels;
conducts 105 marine inspections;
investigates 14 marine casualties involving commercial vessels;
facilitates movement of $8.7B worth of goods and commodities through the Nation’s Maritime Transportation System.

PHOTO Courtesy of DVIDS:
Petty Officer 3rd Class Steve Scheren, a rescue swimmer from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., is hoisted into an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter during hoist training in the Pasquotank River near Elizabeth City, Wednesday, May 29, 2013. Aviation personnel must complete hoist training evolutions on a regular basis to maintain their qualifications. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brandyn Hill), 5/29/2013, U.S. Coast Guard District 5.

Air Force Day
2022-08-01
Air Force Day: August 1
This day recognizes the nation’s Air Force. First observed in 1947, the day was first designed by President Harry S. Truman as a day “in recognition of the personnel of the victorious Army Air Forces and all those who have developed and maintained our nation’s air strength.” The modern holiday marking the Air Force Birthday is held on September 18.

2022 Virtual Technology & Cybersecurity Externship
2022-07-31 - 2022-09-01
The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation invites you to apply for our 2022 Virtual Fall Cybersecurity and Technology Externships.
Virtual externships are paid structured, two-week programs. Alongside fellow externs across Arizona, you gain industry knowledge and learn about required skills directly from employers themselves. We will prepare you to enter the workforce by developing your job-ready skills through resume/LinkedIn workshops, mock interviews, financial education, mentorship, and project-based learning.
Applications will open at the end of July 2022.
Sign up here to join the interest list!
Fall 2022 Externship Dates:

Technology: September 19 – 30
Cybersecurity: October 10 – 21

Want to know more about the program?

Spring 2022 Technology Externship Recap
Spring 2022 Cybersecurity Externship Recap

Virtual Homeless Summit
2022-07-28 13:00 - 16:00
Virtual Homeless Summit Flyer
The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) is proud to announce its annual Virtual Homeless Summit: “Perseverance Through Difficult Times” taking place Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 1 – 4 p.m.
Join ZoomGov Meeting: Dial in: +1 551 285 1373 US
Meeting ID: 161 748 2786
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1617482786?pwd=[REDACTED]
Agenda includes the SAVAHCS VA Director remarks, City of Tucson and Tucson Community’s response to homelessness,
special populations within the homeless community, employment, Peer Support and more!

PTSD Awareness Day
2022-06-27
June is PTSD Awareness Month and June 27 is PTSD Awareness Day. The color teal is used for PTSD awareness.
PTSD is treatable.
PTSD is caused by experiencing or witnessing trauma.
PTSD is recognized as an illness and there is no shame in seeking treatment for any illness.
PTSD can manifest in different ways in different people.
Learn more at https://www.ptsd.va.gov/ and call 866-4AZ-VETS (866-429-8387) for resources and support.
The Senate recognized June 27 as National PTSD Awareness Day at the urging of Senator Kent Conrad. Conrad wanted to honor a North Dakota National Guard member who had committed suicide after two tours of duty in Iraq. In 2014, the entire month of June was designated National PTSD Awareness Month by the Senate.

Webinar Hosted by Senator Sinema's Office
2022-06-22 11:00 - 12:00
Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s Office is honored to host an informative webinar on 6/22 at 11 AM MST on the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. You’re invited to join this virtual event with the Phoenix VA Health Care System for an overview of the program as well as information on its application & appeal process. Register at https://bit.ly/PHXVA622 to receive the meeting link.
Learn about the program at: https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/

AZ Hires Vets Event in Tucson
2022-06-22 09:00 - 15:00 | 2805 E. Ajo Way, 2805 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, United States
AZ Hires Vets!
The next hiring event for State of Arizona jobs is being held in Tucson on 6/22 at 2805 E. Ajo Way at the Kino Sports North Complex Event Center. The job fair will be open to Veterans, Military Members & spouses only from 9 AM-Noon and then open to the general public from noon to 3 PM. Registration is requested at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgegl5YMPIW3gKaKBj1v6vkn7z5xKKxgP4R-dCDAhGny9_AQ/viewform. Be prepared for an on-site interview! For more information on State of Arizona jobs for Veterans – visit https://hr.az.gov/veterans. #AZHiresVets

Flag Day
2022-06-14
June 14 is Flag Day.
The official American flag was adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777 which was necessary as a result of the Declaration of Independence so the newly formed nation could unite under one flag.
Fun Facts About Our Flag

To display the flag 24 hours a day, it must be properly illuminated. Take the flag down in inclement weather.
The colors of the flag represent the characters of our nation and her people. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.
A teenager designed our current flag. Robert G. Heft, of Lancaster, Ohio was 17 when he submitted the design in a contest in 1958. It was chosen by President Dwight Eisenhower.
There is a body of federal law called the U.S. Flag Code that outlines the etiquette related to displaying, honoring and disposing of the American flag. Respectful burning of damaged flags according to established protocol is acceptable.

National Hire a Veteran Day
2022-06-12 08:00 - 17:00
July 25 is National Hire a Veteran Day
On this day, the nation is asked to focus attention on the outstanding addition veterans make to the workforce.
Hire veterans, transitioning services members, their spouses, and family members is the focus every day of the Be Connected Career Navigation team! From matching transitioning service members to SkillBridge opportunities to working to offer training to employers to add to the network of more than 200 Arizona Veteran Supportive Employers – The Be Connected team works with job seekers and businesses to match the skillsets and expertise of applicants to the needs of employers who recognize the value of military service and have policies that support the lifestyle of military family members.
Learn more at www.ConnectVeterans.org/Roadmap and complete a form to register for no-cost Career Navigation services at www.ConnectVeterans.org/Career

Women Veterans Day
2022-06-12
June 12 is Women Veterans Day.
Although the observation of Women Veterans Day is not yet a nationally recognized holiday, many Governors sign Proclamations recognizing the importance and significance of Women Veterans.
In honor of Women Veterans Day, we invite you to learn more about the journey of Women Veterans by watching this video, https://bit.ly/WomanVetVideo hosted by Col. Wanda Wright, Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services. Follow along with the slides at https://bit.ly/WomanVet that include contact information & details about VA benefits for women veterans.
According to WomensHealth.VA.gov, there are more than 2 million Women Veterans in the US today. Women are the fastest-growing segment of Veterans and are estimated to rise from 4% in 2000 to 18% in 2040.
Did you know…

On June 12, 1948 President Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act paving the way for women to begin serving as permanent members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.
The first Women Veterans Day was celebrated in 2018 and is only recognized by certain states.
The purpose of Women Veterans Day is to pay tribute to the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act – the first official national recognition of the essential role of women in the United States military.

Healing of Memories for Women Veterans
2022-06-10 08:00 - 2022-06-12 17:00 | 7415 E Elbow Bend Rd, , Carefree, AZ, 85377, 7415 E Elbow Bend Rd, Carefree, AZ, 85377, United States
Spirit in the Desert is offering an in-person Healing of Memories Workshop for Women Veterans on June 10-12, 2022 at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, 7415 E. Elbow Bend Rd, Carefree, AZ, 85377. The event is FREE for women veterans and registration is required.
The Healing of Memories workshop is a safe place for participants to explore personal histories and gain insight and empathy for themselves and others.
This Institute for Healing of Memories retreat is a response to the emotional, psychological, and spiritual wounds inflicted by war, human rights abuses, and other life-changing traumatic circumstances. The workshop is life-changing! Here, participants learn ways to overcome anger, loss, grief, and guilt. Not only is it a step on the journey to personal healing, but also it contributes to the healing of interpersonal relationships.
Click below for more information. The cost is FREE for women veterans.
https://spiritinthedesert.org/programs/retreats-in-arizona/healing-of-memories-for-women-veterans/
Retreat Leader is Graciela Marroquin.
https://spiritinthedesert.org/people/graciela-marroquin/
To register, call 651.687.9767 or email Mike Wold, U.S. Navy vet & workshop coordinator at michael_w_wold@msn.com.

Memorial Day
2022-05-30
This Memorial Day we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
Memorial Day Traditions and Rituals
Cities and towns across the United States host Memorial Day parades each year, often incorporating military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations. Americans also observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. Some people wear a red poppy in remembrance of those fallen in war—a tradition that began with a World War I poem.

National Poppy Day
2022-05-27
National Poppy Day is Friday, May 27. Join in this national event by honoring our fallen and supporting our living heroes. Learn more at: https://www.legion.org/poppyday
The tradition of wearing a poppy dates back to 1920, when it became the memorial flower of
The American Legion Family. The American Legion Auxiliary has used poppies for many years to
raise awareness and support for our nation’s veterans, active-duty servicemembers and their families.
This year, The American Legion Family is continuing to bring attention to this symbolic flower
by calling upon all Americans to honor the fallen and support the living on National Poppy
Day®, May 27, 2022.

Virtual National Poppy Day program on Friday, May 27: https://www.facebook.com/events/541277884184505

Boots to Business Job Fair
2022-05-26 14:00 - 16:00
Veterans in the Prescott area are invited to an in-person job fair on May 26 from 2 – 4 PM at Yavapai College. Learn more at https://bit.ly/B2BYavapai.

Resource Navigation Training
2022-05-25 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual Conference Center

Mental Health Fair - Mesa PD
2022-05-21 10:00 - 14:00 | Eagles Community Center, 828 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, AZ, 85204, United States
Join the Mesa Police Department as we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month and end stigma through knowledge.
Date: 05/21/2022 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Eagles Community Center, 828 E. Broadway Road, Mesa.

Dozens of local behavioral health providers will be available with resources.
Education break-out sessions.
The Mesa Police Department Mental Health Support Team and other City of Mesa Department departments will be available to answer questions about behavioral health initiatives.

Arts in Service
2022-05-13 17:30 - 19:30 | Mesa Arts Center, 1 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ, 85201, United States
You’re invited to the Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. in Mesa, on Friday, 5/13 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM for a free event celebrating the artwork of local service members & veterans created through the Arts in Service program. Speakers will reflect on the program and refreshments are provided. Learn more at www.MesaArtsCenter.com.
View the Event Flyer

Military Spouse Appreciation Day
2022-05-06
May 6, 2022, is Military Spouse Appreciation Day. It is a day where we take the time to recognize the support & sacrifices made by spouses within the U.S. military & how each spouse plays a vital role in the mission. Thank you for all you do, military spouses! #NationalMilitarySpouseAppreciationDay

VA Town Hall
2022-05-05 09:30 - 11:00 | Virtual Event
Veterans and Community Stakeholders Urged to Attend VA Town Hall
CONTACT: Dennis May, 202-461-6191, Dwayne E. Campbell, 202-461-6191
Thursday, May 5, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (mountain)
VA’s Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans, in conjunction with the Center for Minority Veterans will be hosting a virtual Town Hall. Veterans and community stakeholders are invited to participate in a Veterans Town Hall to discuss how the VA is serving the needs of all Veterans. Representatives from Phoenix VA Health Care System, National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, and Phoenix VA Regional Office will be present to answer questions and address concerns.
Microsoft Teams
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetupjoin/19%3ameeting_NTA2Mjg2NDEtNzY5Yi00MGFiLThiYjYtYmI1ZGM4YmU4MGRi%40t hread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e95f1b23-abaf-45ee-821db7ab251ab3bf%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22b6b2e349-543a-4e81-b2f9-f02c696390ca%22%7d
Or call in (audio only)
+1 872-701-0185
Phone Conference ID: 472 361 940#

12th Annual Statewide Symposium
2022-04-20 - 2022-04-21
Save-the-Date! The 2022 Statewide Symposium will take place on April 20 & 21, 2022.
Learn more and find a replay of the 2021 event at: ArizonaCoalition.org/Symposium
