Sandy Schmalzbach

Jewish War Veterans Copper Post 619 of Sun Lakes recently held their annual Installation Banquet to officially install their new officers: Commander Mort Huskey, Senior Vice Commander Michael Levitt, Junior Vice Commander Bob Brooks, Junior Vice Commander Harve Kimmel and Judge Advocate Jesse Gersten.

Also honored at the event were Sandra Schmalzbach and Gary Kanowsky, who were named as Persons of the Year. Sandy was honored for her work as the Post’s Coordinator for Arizona Standdown. This is an annual three-day event held at the Colosseum where hundreds of volunteers and agencies help the thousands of homeless and needy veterans in our state by providing them with food, clothing, health and legal services and more. For many years, Gary has, in addition to entertaining the vets and their children with his magic tricks, helped raise money that the post donates to the many organizations that provide help to our vets.

The post meets on the third Sunday of every month, and everyone is welcome to attend and join, regardless of gender or religious affiliation, and you do not have to be a veteran. If you would like more information or are interested in attending a meeting or becoming a member, please call the commander at 480-883-0401.