Art Sloane
Two important walks to raise funds and items for veterans in need and homeless are coming up in May.
Steps For Vets, run by US Vets Initiative which runs over 300 units of affordable housing and training programs for homeless and in need vets, will take place at 6:00 a.m. on May 7. There are three events which are a 10K, five K and one mile. Registration is $50 for 10k, $30 for five K and $20 for one mile. All races will be at AZ Falls Park, 5802 E. Indian school Road, Phoenix. Cross St. is 56th St. Races will be timed by StartLine Racing. Awards will be awarded to the top finishers in each category. If you need more information call Rachelle Hales at 623-432-2756 or email [email protected].
The sixth annual VA2K 2016 Walk and Roll sponsored by the employees of the VA Hospital will take place from 6:30-10:00 a.m. May 18 at Steele Indian School Park at the Third St. entrance. Join the fun and show your support for homeless and in need veterans. The event will have music, face painting, cheer squads and a 1.2 mile walk. No charge but donations of new socks and underwear accepted. For questions call Allison Ghan at 602-568-8239.
The Memorial Day Committee of Arizona, which conducts services each Memorial Day at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, started small but the services have now grown to over 3,500 persons in attendance. Since it so warm more funds are needed to support this observance for items such as water, chairs and a sound system. Contributions may be sent to Treasurer Mel Brody, 8989 N. Gainey Center Dr. Unit 146, Scottsdale, AZ 85258. For more information call 480-473-9076.
Burritos, 4090 S. Arizona Ave in Chandler is offering a 50 percent discount to veterans with ID of a VA card or Retired card and for fire and police in uniform; phone 623-703-0217.
The Patriotic Day celebration at Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School usually held in April will be held this year at 9:00 a.m. on May 9, 2720 East Liberty Lane, Phoenix in the Ahwatukee area. This is the 23rd annual celebration and will include guest speakers and musical presentations and the parent, teacher, student organization will be hosting a breakfast for visitors immediately following. I have attended for many years and recommend it; many veteran groups will be in attendance.
The Marine Corps/Law Enforcement Foundation charity, where 98 percent of donations are used to assist and support the families of our nation’s fallen heroes, will be hosting A Gathering of Heroes from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on May 12 in JD’s at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort where seven Medal of Honor recipients are confirmed to be in attendance. The following day (May 13th), the foundation will be hosting a golf tournament with registration starting at 7:30 a.m. at the Desert Mountain Golf Club, followed immediately by an Awards Banquet. There is no charge for the Gathering of Heroes event on May 12 where Medal of Honor books signed by attending recipients will be available for purchase and is open to all who wish to meet the recipients. For those who want to also participate in the golf tournament, the cost is $500/individual and there are several levels of sponsorship available. Individuals interested in participating in the golf tournament need to contact Tournament Chair Kirk Tushaus at 480-505-4043 as soon as possible. For more information call 480-515-1062.