By: Kathy Lowrey Gallowitz, LtCol, USAF, Retired
Uncategorized

Are you recognizing civilian Veteran Champions in your community? State?

Appreciating civilians who go above and beyond supporting those who serve and sacrifice for our freedom is important. Showing your gratitude refuels them and inspires others.

Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Patriotic Awards Luncheon, April 1, 2022 in Phoenix, AZ. Gold Star Mom and founder of America’s Might Warriors, Debbie Lee (top middle) received the prestigious Copper Sword Award. Sergeant HyeJung Park, (top R) PhD candidate at Arizona State University, received two scholarships, $5000 from the Military Officers Association of America and $1000 from the Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce.

It was a pleasure to meet Arizona’s newly appointed TAG (The Adjutant General) Major General Kerry L. Muhlenberg (top L).

Other award civilian Veteran Champion award recipients not pictured above include Kingman’s Mayor Jen Miles (Copper Star), District 17’s State Senator J.D. Mesnard (Copper Shield) and The Ability Center of Phoenix (Copper Eagle).

You don’t need to host this kind of large-scale event to show your appreciation. Even the smallest of gestures are important and well received.

This is how I recognized Veteran Champions at leadership development events I was hosting.

Civilian Veteran Champion award recipients at John C. Maxwell’s Live2Lead, February 25, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. Recipients include: top L to R: Mary Carducci, co-founder of Mann & Carducci Co., L.P.A.; Cristina Villarreal, co-founder Loud and Clear Advisors, Deacon Todd Tucky, Volunteer Military Ministry Leader at St. Mary Catholic Church in Delware Ohio. Bottom L to R The Honorable Sharon Kennedy, Ohio Supreme Court Justice, Leah M Cottrill-Mescher, SERVPRO of Delaware, OH.
Civilian Veteran Champion award recipients at John C. Maxwell’s Live2Lead, March 17, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. Recipients include: Top L to R Mike McCormick, Mike McCormick and Associates, Rich Brown, Compass Tech International, Erik Yassenoff, CPR Solutions, The Honorable Evelyn Stratton, Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice, Mike Schoedinger, Schoedinger Funeral and Cremation Service, Bottom L to R, Todd Reigle, Equitable Mortgage and Jana Davis, Central Ohio Transit Authority.