MILITARY & VETERANS
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE PURPOSE
The Military & Veterans Affairs Committee (MVAC) is dedicated to assisting the Glendale Chamber with current and future committee programs and events. It also helps to create a strong relationship between the local business community and military units in the community.
COMMITTEE'S PRIORITY PROJECTS
Military Appreciation Ceremony
Luke Golf Tournament
Military Transition Support Program
Thunderbird Mountain Flag Program
Luke Air Force Base Newcomers Orientation
PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY COMMITTEE
Military Appreciation Month Donations
The Glendale Chamber’s Military and Veterans Affairs Committee (MVAC) is proud to stand beside those who have worn our nation’s uniform. With deep gratitude for their service and sacrifice, MVAC recently donated $1,000 each to three organizations that make a profound impact on the lives of servicemembers, veterans, and their families. By investing in these nonprofits, we help ensure that those who defend our freedom receive the care, advocacy, and community they deserve.
Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) Chapter 1260
The Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) is a nationally recognized Veterans’ Service Organization representing the professional and personal interests of enlisted members and their families. AFSA stands out as one of the few associations able to lobby directly with Congressional and Military leaders on Capitol Hill and within the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Locally, AFSA chapters promote professional development, foster community involvement, and create a strong sense of camaraderie among members. Each September, Luke Air Force Base hosts AFSA’s solemn 24-hour run in honor of POW/MIA service members—a living testament to remembrance and resilience.
Soldier’s Best Friend
Few bonds are as powerful as the one between a veteran and a service dog. Soldier’s Best Friend enriches lives by pairing U.S. military veterans coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with service or therapeutic companion dogs—many of which are rescued from shelters. These unique partnerships offer healing, hope, and purpose. The program transforms two lives at once, reducing veteran isolation while also giving abandoned animals a second chance. With training provided at no cost to the veteran, Soldier’s Best Friend is a shining example of compassion in action.
VFW Post 40 – Pat Tillman Memorial
Rooted in Avondale, Arizona, VFW Post 40 embodies the values of service, honor, and advocacy. Named in memory of Pat Tillman, this post continues his legacy by creating a welcoming space for veterans and their families. Through camaraderie, outreach, and ongoing support, VFW Post 40 ensures that no veteran feels alone on their journey after service.
Together, these organizations reflect the spirit of strength, sacrifice, and community. MVAC is honored to support their missions and reaffirm our commitment to those who have given so much for the freedoms we cherish.
If you would like more information about the Glendale Chamber’s Military and Veterans Affairs Committee (MVAC), visit
glendaleazchamber.org/MVAC or call 623-937-4754.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Ed Logan
Committee Chair
Air Force Association - Frank Luke
Chapter
Maria Brunner
Committee Co-Chair
Credit Union West
Marci Aguayo
Global Credit Union
Isabel Booth
Dignity Health
Anne Schoolcraft
Quail Run Behavioral Health
Bill Pennington
Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) Chapter 1260
Laura Roman
Homes for Heroes
Kathy Lowery Gallowitz
Vangaurd Veteran
Chaplain Stephen Gardener
Hospice of the Valley
Leslie Olson
Glendale Community College
Carl Alvarez
First Command Financial Services
Larry Santor
Retired
Mario Roman
Roman Realty Group
Matt McDonald
Silent Service 3D Printing
Mik Milem
Soldier's Best Friend
Billy Lewis
Luke Air Force Base
Brandi Paucek
Bison Ventures, Informed Mortgage Lending
Ron Kidder
Properly Managed, LLC.
MSgt Jeffrey P. Szymanski
Luke Air Force Base
Yareli Roudybush
First Command
MILITARY APPRECIATION
CEREMONY
Our service men and women dedicate their lives to serving our country, but many of them go above the call of duty and become the backbone of our local communities.
The Glendale Chamber Military & Veterans Affairs Committee will recognize these incredible service men and women in November at the Military Appreciation Ceremony.
LUKE GOLF OUTING
Every April, the Glendale Chamber hosts the Luke Golf Outing at Falcon Dunes Golf Course. Many MVAC members volunteer at the event and companies sponsor veteran players to join their foursome. It is a fun day for the business community to give back to service members with a portion of the proceeds donated to the committee.
MILITARY TRANSITION SUPPORT PROGRAM
The purpose of this program is to connect Glendale Chamber members with transitioning service members, Veterans, and/or military spouses to:
- Familiarize them with civilian career options.
- Provide informal mentorship, friendship, and encouragement.
- Educate them about differences of civilian vs. military culture.
Service members/Veterans attend Business After Hours (typically the 3rd Thursday of each month) and are introduced to a Military & Veterans Affairs Committee member. They share their top three career interests with the committee member and are also introduced to a chamber member from a similar business. Members are encouraged to offer informal mentoring and a short-term job shadow experience.
Are you a transitioning Servicemember, Veteran, or Military Spouses trying to find your career match in the civilian workforce?
Click here for more resources.
THUNDERBIRD MOUNTAIN FLAG PROJECT
In 2018, the Glendale Chamber Military & Veterans Affairs Committee and over 1200 community members rallied together to participate in a human chain to carry (hand-over-hand) the flag to the newly installed flag pole at Arrowhead Point. Now, the flag is permanently displayed as a point of pride for residents and visitors alike.
The Chamber's MVAC is tasked with caring for the flag. Committee members and community volunteers make sure the flag gets replaced when it has been damaged by strong winds and is raised and lowered to half staff at the appropriate times.
LUKE AFB NEWCOMERS ORIENTATION
Once a month, MVAC members volunteer their time to attend Luke AFB's Newcomer Orientation. We welcome the new service members to Arizona, provide them with a swag bag with useful community information, and answer any questions they may have about the area.
FLAG REPURPOSING & RETIREMENT PROGRAM
The MVAC, in partnership with Veterans IV Veterans Motorcycle Association, has worked hard to establish itself as Glendale's premier flag sanctuary and has become a collection point taking in U.S. Flags needing retirement within the state. Once collected, the flags are properly retired in our custom built incinerator and laid to rest in an ossuary at Dignity Memorial's Resthaven cemetery.
If you, or someone you know, has flags that need to be retired, please contact Merlin with Veterans IV Veterans at (801)718-3960.
MILITARY DISCOUNTS
Does your business offer a special discount or preferred rate
for active military or veterans?
If so, let us know, and we will feature you below.
*Please note that offers/discount may be discontinued at any time by the partner company.
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT PHOENIX WEST/TOLLESON
Book your corporate rate for Exclusive Active Military & Veterans Discount here.
Park West
VIP Pass - Click here for full list of discounts.
All active-duty military members will receive 10% off on all projects.
No application fees for credit checks to any active military member.
Sands Chevrolet
Chevrolet offers a special Military Discount Pricing for active, reserve and retired military personnel, including discharged veterans within one year of discharge date who purchase or lease a new vehicle from Sands Chevrolet. The program provides for a special discounted price, (varies by vehicle type), which combined with the discounted doc fee of $75, amounts to a discount ranging from several hundred to more than a thousand dollars off! This is in addition to any other factory rebates that the customer and vehicle may qualify for.
Visiting Angels
Is an in network provider with the VA and proudly serves our veterans.
Arizona Life Chiropractic Center
To show our appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our Vet's, we offer $5 off all adjustments (12% discount). Dr. Cathcart will work toward fixing the reason for the pain instead of covering it up! Call us to get started! Arizona Life Chiropractic Center: 602.242.7537, ArizonaLifeChiropractic.com, 4150 W. Peoria Ave, Suite 134, Phoenix, AZ 85029
Semper Fi Heating & Cooling
Receive a 20% discount if anyone in your family ahs served in the military.
Resource Library
Do you want to learn more about the amazing work our community is doing for our local military members?
Click the links below to review some of the briefings our committee has received.
Arizona Department of Veterans' Services
