Nov. 30, 2016

Military and Veterans Honored at Heroes Patriotic Luncheon

The Veterans Medical Leadership Council hosted its 14^th annual Heroes Patriotic Luncheon to honor military personnel and veterans. The Nov. 16 event at the Arizona Biltmore featured a raffle, a POW/MIA table recognition, the presentation of colors and a special giveaway for active duty military service members.

Keynote speaker Colonel Thomas H. Kirk Jr. (ret), gave attendees insight into his time as a USAF fighter pilot in both the Korean and Vietnam wars and shared the lessons he learned during his time as a prisoner of war. On Oct. 28, 1967, while leading the largest air raid of the Vietnam War, Kirk’s aircraft was hit by enemy fire over Hanoi, North Vietnam. He was ejected from his aircraft and immediately captured. He spent the next five and a half years as a prisoner of war at the “Hanoi Hilton” prison camp in North Vietnam, not being released until the end of the war in March 1973. For his outstanding bravery, heroism and combat leadership, he was awarded the Air Force Cross, four Silver Stars, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, nine Air Medals and the Purple Heart.

Sue Glawe, vice president of community relations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, served as honorary chair for the luncheon. Special guests included Tuskegee Airmen and The American Rosie the Riveter Association. The Community Heroes Award was presented to President Delbert Ray of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community for continued support of veterans.

Karl Nielson (US Navy, WWII), John Blehm (US Army, Vietnam), John Malta (US Marine Corps, Korea), Erin McLoughlin (US Air Force, OEF) and Zeny Stuart (US Army, OIF) were recognized for their outstanding service to the nation.

PHOTOS BY BILL PEDENE