March 21, 2023

Veterans Heritage Project Salutes ‘Stories of Service’ at Annual Gala

Bob Dalpe, Dave Rosenfeld & Mitch Wentzel with 100-year-old veteran Sam Baker

The Event: Saluting Stories of Service Fundraising Gala

The Cause: Veterans Heritage Project

Location: Chateau Luxe

Presenting Sponsor: SRP

Honorees: Col. James H.P. Kelsey, US Army (Retired), Storyteller Award Honoree | Justin Yeck, Alumni Service Award Honoree

Entertainment: Presentation of Colors, National Anthem & Armed Forces Service Medley performed by Arizona State University Naval ROTC & Musical Theatre of Anthem

Emcee: Avah Montgomery

Auctioneer: Ana Aja

Notable Moments: All hearts were touched by the presence of Sam Baker, the 100-year-old WWII veteran in attendance as well as the incredibly moving Armed Forces Service Medley performance. Supporters were wowed as Avah Montgomery, the poised, sharp and confident 10^th grader, commanded the crowd as she guided the program as event emcee. At the core of the program was Major General Barbara G. Fast (US Army, Retired) who shared riveting stories about her time in military intelligence as the Army’s first female Deputy Chief of Staff, G2 (Intelligence) of the 2nd Armored Division.

***Gala Chair Flora Tromelin and Col. Aaron Heimke, US Army (Retired)***

***Anita Daghestani, LTC Dana Allmond, US Army (Retired) and COL Aaron Heimke, US Army (Retired)***

***Jean & LTC Bob Jeffery, USAF (Retired)***

***Kelly Montana, Pam Hall, Lonnie Lopez & Jim Hall***

***Executive Director Michelle DiMuro, Honoree James Kelsey & Barbara Hatch***

***Honoree Justin Yeck & Rob Reifschneider***

***David Upah, Pat Little-Upah, Joan Monroe & James Monroe***

***Joe & Marci DuBois, Frank*** ***& Judy Lambert with Lauren & Jim Wilson***

***Thunderbird High School JROTC Color Guard***

***Allison Newlen, Madeline Kummeth, Montie & Jim Kelsey with Nate & Heather Kummeth***

***Board Members Mike Burns, Barbara Hatch, Chet Fuller, Joshua Bonebrake, Michelle DiMuro, Anita Daghestani, Mitch Wentzel, Flora Tromelin, Kerry Ahern, Shelly Yeck & Beth Johnson***

***Lauren Quinlan with Student Volunteers Kacie & Kennedy Keller & Artemis Kupersmith***

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