PHOENIX VETERANS DAY PARADE

Samuel Weinstein’s courage and resolve epitomize America’s Greatest Generation.

He enlisted in the Army in 1943 at age 19, one of nine children raised during the depths of the Depression. He wanted to be a paratrooper but was denied because the gear he had to carry weighed more than his wiry 119-pound frame.

Instead, he became a rifleman and saw combat in France as a member of Company E of the 103rd Infantry Division. It didn’t take long for Weinstein to distinguish himself.

On Jan. 4, 1945, near Behren, France, heavy fire forced his patrol to withdraw. Weinstein, by that time a sergeant, dragged a wounded soldier to cover, where he administered first aid. He carried him over 200 yards of exposed terrain through small arms fire to safety.

Weinstein placed the injured soldier on a passing tank and directed it to an aid station. He then returned to the fight. Months of combat ensued, and on patrol near Offuviller, France, Weinstein was shot in the mouth by a German sniper.

He dropped his rifle and ran across the road. Remembering what he had learned in basic training to “keep your piece with you at all times,” he ran across the road, retrieved his rifle, and again found cover.

By this time his tongue was swelling, and he could not breathe. The medics got him to an aid station, performed a tracheotomy, and saved his life. Weinstein had a trachea tube for roughly six months. He was hospitalized in Europe and the U.S. He lost several teeth from the sniper’s bullet, and his wounds required reconstructive surgery.

“My father is a true patriot and loves his country,” said his daughter and nominator, Lori Bruggeman. “Family is the most important thing to him. He grew up during the Depression and learned great work ethic and passed that on to his children.”

After recovering from his wounds, Weinstein became a sheet metal worker and spent about 40 years in the heating and air conditioning business. He is a survivor of lung and prostate cancer and at age 98, recently recovered from a fractured pelvis and hip replacement.

Although he continues to battle lung cancer, Weinstein lives independently. He has high praise for the VA Hospital for taking care of him not just after World War II but throughout the years.

“If I had to sum up my father in a few words … he is a survivor and my hero,” Bruggeman said.

Lew Bradley literally put his life on the line to save downed pilots in the Korean War.

His job as a rescue crew chief with the First Marine Air Wing was to jump or rappel from a helicopter and extract servicemen stranded behind enemy lines. He often ran through bullets or dove into freezing ocean waters to rescue the pilots.

This was the early 1950s; helicopters were primitive and did not have sophisticated safety gear—not even flotation vests. He had only two ropes to hoist the pilot and had to stay on the ground or in the water until they were on board. At times, Bradley said, those missions left him only a few minutes from hypothermia and death.

Bradley was required to spend nine months in Korea, but he extended his commitment there beyond the end of the war. After his military service, he became a field service engineer working with many kinds of aircraft. In 1981, he assisted at the Korean Air Lines Pilot Training Center on Jeju Island.

Bradley said the sacrifices made by those who served in the war were well worth it. The Korean people are the most appreciative and thankful people he has met, he said, and it has been great to see South Korea rise and flourish as a free and democratic nation. That success, he added, is in sharp contrast to North Korea, which is still oppressed by communist tyranny.

Bradley is very proud to have served in the Korean War and continues to do all he can to ensure the Korean War and its veterans are never forgotten.

He has served in several officer positions with the Arizona State Korean War Veterans Association, including chapter commander and sergeant at arms. He also serves in other veteran and service organizations, including the Marine Corps League, Unified Arizona Veterans, and Kiwanis Club.

Ed McCourt
Vietnam War

While most teens hoped to qualify for a driver’s license, Edward Francis McCourt earned the title U.S. Marine.

Determined to leave the tough streets of Chicago and a rocky family life, McCourt fudged his baptismal records in 1952 and enlisted in the Marine Corps. At age 16, he finished boot camp and was promoted to private first class.

Unfortunately, his ruse was discovered. Too young to serve, he received a discharge under honorable conditions. One year later – at the age of 17 and with his mother’s permission – he legally returned to the Corps and was able to retain his PFC rank.

Thus resumed a remarkable career. Serving first as an infantryman and later in reconnaissance, McCourt spent the next 11 years serving at seven different duty stations. In 1965, as a staff sergeant, McCourt transferred to the Second Battalion, Third Marine Regiment, as part of expanded operations around DaNang, South Vietnam, to counter the North Vietnamese Army and Vietcong.

It was in combat, guiding troops through jungles, swamps, and rice paddies, where McCourt’s leadership skills shined. On July 14, 1966, McCourt was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. Two hours later, he was awarded a field commission to second lieutenant — a rare “Mustang” promotion.

He returned to the U.S. that same year but soon requested orders to return to Southeast Asia. Within three weeks of that request, he led troops again in Vietnam’s Northern I Corps.

“He was an incredible leader of men,” said nominator Donna Daly. “His troops trusted him and were inspired by his dedication to his duty and his ability to rally his troops. They went into battle confident that he would help them accomplish the task, but also keeping in mind that they all wanted to return home.” 

McCourt earned the nickname “Machete Eddie” during his two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Vietnam Republic Cross of Gallantry with Palm (the equivalent of the Silver Star).

McCourt retired from active duty in 1973 as a captain. He then spent 25 years in law enforcement and high-risk security, retiring in 1997. He’s 86 years old and lives in Florence, Arizona, with his wife, Sue.

McCourt and his Vietnam service are prominently featured in the book “Ride the Thunder” by former Marine infantry officer Rich Botkin.

Tom Tostenson
Cold War

Tom Tostenson has spent a lifetime bringing spiritual comfort to those in need.

Tostenson served as a chaplain in the Navy from 1985 to 1998. He was deployed to Kuwait during the Gulf War, attached to Eighth Tank Battalion Second Marine Division, and served in Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield.

He was chaplain of the Test Pilot School at Naval Air Station Patuxent River from 1991 to 1994 and on board the guided missile cruiser USS HUE CITY (CG-66)  from 1994 to 1995. While assigned to Hue City, Tostenson was the director of several award-winning community service projects.

Tostenson achieved the rank of lieutenant in the Navy and his years of military service set a course for his life. He segued into hospital chaplaincy, continuing ministering to patients and staff at several facilities. In addition, he holds the rank of major in the Civil Air Patrol as a volunteer chaplain for the Falcon Field Squadron.

Tostenson also spent many years with Dignity Health, including time as market director for the Nevada service area. When allowed to retire from chaplaincy, he chose instead to assume a hospital contract to cover for a chaplain who was recalled to active military duty and deployed. That eight-month contract turned into a six-year job with the Banner Health system, filling in for other chaplains wherever and whenever needed.

His strong spiritual beliefs have led him to become a member of a local congregation, where he serves as treasurer and recently as a deacon, both in volunteer positions.

“I believe that he loves the chaplaincy and his service in military and paramilitary organizations so much that he is unlikely to ever fully retire,” said nominator Martha Bauder.

Today, Tostenson currently serves as the Wing Chaplain for the Arizona Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (US Air Force Auxiliary). 

Michael Quezada
Desert Storm

A fierce warrior with a relentless pursuit of perfection. That’s how one friend describes Air Force veteran Michael Quezada. As an enlisted aircraft communications/navigation technician, Quezada Michael deployed to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Spain to support missions during Operation Desert Storm.

His commitment and attention to detail contributed to a 100 percent success rate for more than 100 KC-135A and KC-135R combat missions. Those outstanding results earned him and his comrades a Galant Unit Citation.

Quezada spent 30 years in the Air Force, not just working on aircraft communication and navigation systems but as a leader. As a first sergeant, he supervised more than 300 airmen and women.

He served worldwide and supported many types of missions, including in support of Air Force One. After he retired, Quezada found a place to serve again as a unit deployment manager for the 55th Rescue Squadron based at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson. For more than 12 years, he helped deploy the 55th in support of operations worldwide, including Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve. He also worked to support our astronauts as part of an on-site alert rescue team during rocket launches at Cape Canaveral.

In his personal time, Michael also gave back. He has taught martial arts and self-defense classes for women and youth and firearm safety instruction. He has volunteered to aid families of deployed members with car maintenance, home repairs, and even keeping their spirits up when family members are away.

“Michael is a fierce warrior, a tenacious father, and an extraordinary friend,” said nominator John Spiekermeier. “Michael has taught me the meaning of selflessness — to always serve those who need it before you serve your own interests, to have unbreakable integrity, and to exceed the success of what you think is possible.”

Jonathon Rosenberg
Operation Iraqi Freedom

Jonathon Rosenberg is a decorated Marine Corps veteran who participated in some of the most intense combat faced by American troops in the 21st Century.

Rosenberg spent 22 years in the Marine Corps and completed multiple combat deployments as a Force Recon Marine and Marine Scout Sniper supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He was personally decorated on four separate occasions for valor in combat, including the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V. He fought intense battles in Fallujah, Iraq, and Sangin, Afghanistan.

In preparation for combat operations, Rosenberg completed and later instructed at some of the most grueling schools in the Department of Defense. These included Amphibious Reconnaissance School; the Scout Sniper Basic Course, where he was a high shooter; I MEF Urban & Aerial Sniper Course, Military Freefall Jumpmaster Course; and Marine Combatant Dive School. Additional assignments included the Pentagon and two years as the Senior Enlisted Advisor at Reconnaissance Training Company.

Rosenberg is a role model in both the civilian and veteran communities, to include his current place of employment, Amazon. He was the founder and president of the Warriors at Amazon, PHX5 Chapter, which was named one of Amazon’s most outstanding veteran chapters for 2021.

Rosenberg has led and supported multiple efforts in the greater Phoenix area to support veterans, including cemetery clean-ups, charity events, and Amazon’s participation in the 2021 Phoenix Veterans Day Parade.

While on active duty, Rosenberg completed his undergraduate studies at Liberty University (4.0 GPA) and Master of Arts in Global Security at Arizona State University.

Rosenberg is happily married to his wife, Marlene; they have two children, Harlow (9) and Maddox (7).

“Jonathon is a true Patriot and one of our best and brightest,” said nominator Marlene Correa.

George Poppe
Operation Enduring Freedom

George Poppe is a 23-year U.S. Air Force veteran who distinguished himself during wartime and later life as a role model and caregiver.

Over his career, George deployed seven times, including three deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

In his first two deployments to Afghanistan, George deployed as a first sergeant, serving as a principal advisor to six commanding officers and over 1,000 personnel.

During his last deployment to Afghanistan, he led his 14 personnel in aircraft weapons system maintenance supporting a fleet of 18 F-16 fighter aircraft. His leadership result in a 100 percent aircraft weapons release rate that directly supported American troops under fire.

He took a larger leadership role during his second tour of duty, working to support the mental and emotional well-being of his troops, who were deployed away from their families.

“I had the lucky fortune of serving with George in the twilight of his career,” said nominator John Spiekermeier. “He was able to show me that there are many ways to inspire and lead those whom we served with. From his rousing speeches to exceedingly positive attitude, even when times were difficult, he always bought encouragement when we needed it most.”

Since his retirement from active duty, he has served as a civilian, helping to deploy the pararescue men and women of the 48th Rescue Squadron at Davis–Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson. He continues to dedicate his work life to supporting our men and women in uniform.

Poppe faced another difficult challenge two years ago when a car accident fractured his brother’s family. He assumed the role of father to his nephew and raised him as his own, instilling the values and skills he learned as an enlisted airman.

“Poppe is the embodiment of the U.S. Air Force core values,” said Spiekermeier. “His integrity is unapparelled. His service to others could never be stopped. And he is truly excellent in all he does.”