Bernie O’Keefe was in his first semester in college and “wasn’t crazy about it,” as he puts it. He wanted to start his life and wanted direction, particularly because things were getting pretty serious with his girlfriend, Pat (with whom O’Keefe just celebrated 45 years of marriage). “I am the oldest of 10 kids,” he […]
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A native of Honolulu, Hawaii, Captain Culbertson – attracted by the challenge of serving in the military, something none of her female relatives had ever done – was recruited by the U.S. Navy in 1963 into a communications unit while a student at the University of Hawaii. By graduation time, she was promoted to Petty
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Rick Arnold has had a long military career as a helicopter pilot. When he joined the military, he was looking for educational opportunities. He knew the military would offer great training and would be an excellent job recommendation on his resume. Arnold originally joined the Air Force and trained as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist. He
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Born and raised in Arizona, Raul Sanchez joined the Arizona National Guard at 17. He found himself, like many young people, needing a sense of discipline and direction. His mother had raised him to believe in himself and knew that he could create his own story. Based on the trust that she had in her
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Few actresses can capture the imagination of generations of audiences with the certainty and charm of Loretta Swit*. As quick-witted, impassioned Major Margaret Houlihan of television’s most honored series, “M*A*S*H,” Ms. Swit became an American icon and, with its popularity now in worldwide syndication, new fans continue to enjoy her lavish portrayal of the sensuous,
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“You’d be surprised what an impact you can make, helping one veteran at a time.” Retired Major General John Scott assists disabled warriors in adaptive sports programs, and is active with Crosiers youth and veteran outreach missions. “Sometimes they just need a hand around their shoulder, and being told they’re loved.” Scott gave nearly four
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Larry Leighton grew up in Lexington, Nebraska, and after high school he enrolled at the University of Nebraska. At the height of the Vietnam War in 1968 he cut short his academic career and joined the U.S. Army as an enlisted man. He applied for and was accepted to Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill,
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Mel Brody enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951 when he was 18 years old, hoping to be stationed with his big brother, who had been recalled to active duty in support of the Korean conflict. His brother Aaron also served in the Navy during World War II, spending weeks in a life raft
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Harold Bergbower knows too well the price of freedom is not free. He is a 97-year-old World War II veteran. He joined the Army Air Corps in May 1939. His unit arrived in the Philippines in July 1940. On December 8, 1941, he was injured by bomb shrapnel, taken to the hospital at Clark Field,
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Honoring Arizona’s Veterans is recognizing our Cold War veterans this year with the 2017 Phoenix Veterans Day Parade theme, “Silent Sacrifice: Honoring our Cold War Veterans.” Many of our younger generation might not be really clear on just what the Cold War was, as it certainly is different from other conflicts in which the
ABOUT THIS YEAR’S PARADE THEME: Just what WAS the Cold War, anyway? Read More »
