Veterans and Longtime Supporters Honored at Annual VMLC Heroes Patriotic Luncheon
On Nov. 7, 2023, the Veterans Medical Leadership Council (VMLC) hosted its 21st Annual Heroes Patriotic Luncheon at the Arizona Biltmore Resort to honor several living legends who have proudly served our country.
Presenting Sponsor: GlobalMed
Event Chair: George Bliss
Honorary Chair: Martin Harvier
Honorees: Ollie Babbitts (Army / WWII) | Bud Woodall (Navy / Korea) | Terry Araman (Army / Vietnam) | Pete Tsinnijinnie (Army / Desert Storm & Cold War) | Kelsea Peterson (Army National Guard / Post 9/11) | Sandra Harris (USAF / Post 9/11) | Mike Broomhead (Civilian)
Tom Browning Community Heroes Award: MD Helicopters
Keynote Speaker: Colonel Kim “KC” Campbell
Entertainment: April Manchester-Miller & Valley Youth Theatre artists
Notable Moments: Attendees of the event were greeted outside of the Arizona Biltmore with incredible birds of prey and team members from the Arizona Raptor Center, an organization dedicated to the conservation of raptors. During the touching and emotional program, Col. KC Campbell, a retired USAF veteran and recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism, spoke about her near-death experience while deployed in Baghdad, Iraq. Campbell successfully landed her battle-damaged aircraft after an intense close air support mission. All who attended were moved by each story of heroism shared in the days leading up to Veterans Day.
Photos Courtesy of Marion Cartland