Richard Askinazi, honored by Jewish War Veterans Copper State Post 619, served as a founder, leader, and member of the organization devoted to helping veterans for 30 years.
The Jewish War Veterans (JWV) Copper State Post 619 exists in the East Valley because of a handful of truly committed veterans. One of its most active members was founder Richard Askinazi who was honored recently at the Post’s 30th Anniversary luncheon. Over this period, the Post has grown to more than 100 members and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. This money is distributed to veteran organizations that help hospitalized, homeless, and otherwise in-need veterans in the Phoenix area. “Our veteran community owes Rich and the other founders their sincere gratitude,” says current Post Commander Dan Tilsner.
Sadly, the Post recently lost Richard Askinazi, whose passion was helping veterans in need. From 1953 to 1963, Askinazi served as a PFC in the Army, stationed in Germany and Korea. Upon returning from service, he joined JWV Post 500 in New York. After moving to Arizona, Rich immediately became a founding, active member of Post 619 where he served as Sr. Vice Commander in 1995 and Post Commander from 1996 to 2000.
Not one to sit still, Richard became JWV Department of Arizona and Nevada Commander from 2001 to 2007. He attended three national conventions, volunteered at the VA Hospital for eight years, marched in the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, and generously sponsored a room at the Arizona State Veteran Home. Of course, he participated yearly in the Poppy campaign, helping to raise thousands of dollars yearly for needy veterans.
Anyone wishing to honor Richard Askinazi’s memory and passion for helping veterans may make a donation to Jewish War Veterans Copper State Post 619, P.O. Box 13113, Chandler, AZ 85248.
JWV meets the third Sunday of the month from September through June in the Sun Lakes IronOaks Country Club for free lox, bagels, donuts, coffee, and tea at 9:30 a.m. followed by a speaker at 10 a.m.
To learn more about this special group, visit the JWV Facebook page www.facebook.com/CopperStatePost619. Anyone wishing to be part of a serious, professional organization with a laser focus on its mission, please email [email protected] or phone 706-631-0025.