Gabe and Julian with Art Sharf when he previously received the Award.
Nancy Stutman
Jewish War Veterans Copper State Post 619 is proud to announce the installation of Commander Julian Wyatt and Communications Director Gabriel Forsberg into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Julian Wyatt is a decorated combat Jewish War Veteran who served 30 years in the United States Navy. He retired as a Lieutenant Commander with a Bronze Star. Julian has proven himself to be a true leader who prioritizes his team and community, putting those needs before his own. His positive attitude, leadership experience, and ability to think outside the box has served JW V Post 619 well.
Julian is a published author of two books: “Becoming Jewish” and “Freedom From Within: A Prison Karma Yoga Experience: Teaching Yoga to Incarcerated Veterans and Juveniles in Phoenix, Arizona.” He is the Director of the Prison Yoga Project Phoenix where he teaches yoga and mindfulness meditation to incarcerated people in the local jails in Maricopa.
In all of his endeavors, Julian tries to make a positive difference in the community. As Post Commander of Jewish War Veterans, Copper State Post 619, Julian has increased the makeup and size of the JWV Board which has resulted in more members assuming ownership of the administrative functions and members feeling connected. In addition to JWV, Julian participates in five other nonprofits throughout the Valley, including Hospice of the Valley and Soldier’s Best Friend, where his “best friend,” Baxter, was trained. In all of his endeavors, Julian strives to make a positive difference in the community.
Gabe Forsberg is a remarkable woman who has devoted much of her life to serving the needs of veterans. Gabriel “Gabe” Forsberg served in the Army and Air National Guards from 1973 to 1975 as a Private First Class. She later earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration while working full-time which was a testament to her discipline and commitment to professional excellence.
Gabe was the Strategic Planner and Arizona State Women Veteran Coordinator for the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services (ADVS) from 1997 until her retirement in 2013. Wanda Wright, Director of the Office for Veteran and Military Academic Engagement at Arizona State University has said “Gabe has proven herself to be one of the most generous, dedicated, and quietly impactful leaders I have ever met. What sets Gabe apart, however, is not simply her résumé of achievements, It is her character. She is not one to seek recognition or publicity. She works behind the scenes connecting people, building coalitions, mentoring emerging leaders, and advocating fiercely for vulnerable veterans. Gabe has changed countless lives by supporting veterans facing homelessness and trauma and ensuring women veterans are visible and heard nationally.”
Gabe has given over 25,000 hours to veteran organizations such as: Paralyzed Veterans of America; Army Women United; VFW Auxiliary, Post 1433, Glendale, AZ; Jewish War Veterans Post 619; and established the Women’s Section of Maricopa County StandDown, Phoenix. In addition, she also devotes Wednesdays to assist at the Phoenix VA Medical Center.