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Honoring West Valley Veterans

Veterans Day is a time to honor America's military veterans for their love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice. At Scorpion Bay, we’re grateful so many of our members and guests have served our country and we feel blessed to host each one of them.

But, what is the best way to honor them? One suggestion is to take time and listen to the Veterans in your life. Time is priceless and when you give your time to a Veteran, they can better understand and feel your gratitude. In addition there are numerous local Veterans events and charities that give a “hand up”, instead of a “hand-out.” Please see some of our suggestions below:

6 LOCAL EVENTS

1. Peoria Veterans Recognition Ceremony

The City of Peoria invites residents and guests to the Rio Vista Recreation Center for a special ceremony at the Peoria Honor Wall to remember and honor local veterans. For more information, contact Bill Moss, Arts & Culture Superintendent.

623-773-7133 | william.moss@peoriaaz.gov
When: Friday, November 11, 2022 at 8:00 A.M.
Where: Rio Vista Recreation Center: 8866 W. Thunderbird Rd., Peoria, AZ.
Fee: Free

2. Phoenix Veterans Day Parade

Approximately 45,000+ parade attendees will honor United States veterans on November 11 in downtown Phoenix. The parade route begins at Montebello and Central running southbound, then turns East on Camelback Road, and then turns South on 7th Street.

When: Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.
Where: The parade starts at Montebello and Central runs southbound, then turns East on Camelback Road, and then turns South on 7th Street in Phoenix.
Fee: Free

3. Veterans Appreciation Celebration at Glendale Community College

Glendale Community College will hold a Veterans' Appreciation Celebration, geared toward celebrating the college’s veteran population. There will be lawn games, free food and a heartfelt thank you from Glendale Community College's Veterans Services & the Associated Student Government. Note: Celebration will be held November 9. The campus is closed on Veterans Day.

When: Nov. 9, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Center Mall at GCC in Glendale, AZ.
Fee: Free

4. Veterans Day Tribute Festival

On November 11 at Goodyear Civic Square, enjoy a concert, live art demos, giveaways, children’s activities and food trucks in honor of local heroes, the military service men and women of the West Valley.

When: Nov. 11, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Goodyear Civic Square, 1900 N. Civic Square, Goodyear, AZ.
Fee: Free

5. Veterans Day Gourd Dance and Community Potluck

This event honors the memory of all Veterans who have served our nation. Gourd dancing begins at 11:30 a.m., conducted by the Arizona Territory Gourd Society. Due to COVID precautions, please bring packaged food instead of homemade for potluck.

When: Nov. 11, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E Washington Street, Phoenix.
Fee: Free

6. 9th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony and Fun Run at Estrella Mountain Community College

Join Estrella Mountain Community College and the City of Avondale for Veterans Day Ceremony and a family-friendly 5K fun run with bootcamp-like obstacles throughout! Bootcamp stations include ammo can lifts, tire flipping and more, all concluding with an awesome grenade toss! Don't worry, they're only dummy grenades!

When: Nov. 11, Run is at 8 a.m., Ceremony is at 9 a.m.
Where: Estrella Mountain Community College, North Plaza, 3000 N Dysart Rd, Avondale, AZ.
Fee: $11.11 for veterans, $25 for civilian

LOCAL VETERANS CHARITIES

There are numerous local Veterans charities in the Valley, but we picked two that are reaching veterans in a unique way to share:

Soldiers Best Friend in Peoria, Arizona provides service or therapeutic companion dogs to U.S. military veterans with combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Most of the companion dogs are rescued from local Arizona shelters, and the veteran and dog train together to build a trusting relationship that saves two lives and inspires countless others. The organization is focused on pairing and training service dogs at no cost to the veteran. Soldiers Best Friend has several ways to help including:

  • Sponsorships range from $25, which buys items for the companion dogs – up to $7,500. This amount allows a donor to sponsor a dog and their veteran, pay for the training and receive regular updates on the pair’s progress.
  • The organization is also in need of volunteers for a range of activities, foster families for the dogs before and during training, or several frequently used items they’ve added to their Amazon Wish List.
  • Additionally, a memorial scholarship honoring Army SPC. Frank W. Ball is also available for donations. Your tax deductible donation of any amount will help the SPC Frank W. Ball Memorial Sponsorship reach the goal of providing a veteran with a service dog in Frank’s memory.

Up By Their Bootstraps, a non-profit organization based in Goodyear, helps veterans by providing vehicles for veterans and their families. The organization was created to give a “Hand Up, not a Hand Out” offering assistance to U.S. military men and women, where needed, in a respectful manner. The non-profit works with members of the military and their families who are in need of housing, transportation, job training and business opportunities, whether they are deployed or have recently returned from deployment. To donate a car, make a contribution or let the charity know about a veteran in need, please contact the organization at 623.523.1975 or by http://upbytheirbootstraps.org/contact-us/

We remain grateful for those that have served and continue to serve and the sacrifices they and their families make to protect our freedoms.

Scorpion Bay is Arizona’s premier floating playground, offering everything from daily pontoon and ski boat rentals to slips for harboring your yacht (or dinghy). Come for the fishing or come for the frolicking—either way, incredible mountain views, fantastic dining and world-class marina services await less than an hour out of Phoenix. https://www.scorpionbayaz.com/