The HeroZona National Veteran Summit, a multi-day experience for America’s veterans including Arizona’s 640,000 veterans, 38,000 active duty service members and 1,000 veteran owned companies, will return to Phoenix Nov. 5 through 7. The 2019 theme is advancing economic opportunity for the military community and includes executive roundtables, an awards dinner, employment summit, career fair, Bridge Forum and workshops.

“Last year, we had more than 1,500 U.S. veterans attend our summit and expect more growth this year with assistance from our new sponsors and events,” said HeroZona Foundation Founder and U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran, Alan “AP” Powell. “Our goal is to empower active military, their spouses and veterans through meaningful employment, successful entrepreneurship and education.”

The week-long engagement is spearheaded by the HeroZona Foundation and new partner, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes. 2019 sponsors also include Arizona Public Service ( APS), Phoenix Suns, USAA, Cisco, Maricopa Community Colleges, Goldwater Institute, Arizona Corporate Council on Veteran Careers and the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services.

Day one of the HeroZona National Veteran Summit will kick off on Nov. 5 at Sheraton Crescent Hotel (260 W. Dunlap Ave.) in Phoenix, with a Bridge Forum on mental health and veterans. The theme will include mental health professionals, veterans, first responders and law enforcement talking about how to help and hire those with PTSD and how to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. The Bridge Forum will be a partnership with the Department of Veterans’ Services, Arizona Coalition for Military Families, Be Connected, Arizona Police Association, Veterans Administrations and the HeroZona Foundation. Sponsors will include Arizona State University and the Department of Veterans’ Services.

The second day on Nov. 6 will also take place at Sheraton Crescent Hotel. The experience will include executive roundtable discussions, fireside chats and panels about topics of how military talent adds value to the workforce, what it means to be a military friendly business, entrepreneurship for servicemen, unemployment and lack of employment opportunities for military spouses, caregivers among other topics. The day will conclude with the HeroZona Awards Dinner to celebrate individuals and businesses making an incredible impact on veteran and military spouse employment in Arizona and represents the foundation’s three pillars: education, employment and entrepreneurship.

Day three of the summit will take place on Thursday, Nov. 7, at Talking Stick Resort Arena (201 E. Jefferson St.) in Phoenix hosted by the Phoenix Suns and include a HeroZona Military Hiring Event powered by U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes, workshop sessions and conclude with the Military Appreciation Night with the Phoenix Suns. The events will help military servicemen and veterans with interview skills, resume development, business plan development, mentorship and pathways to meaningful employment. HR experts, hiring managers and employers seeking military talent will be at the event.

HeroZona National Veteran Summit is free and open to active duty service members, National Guard and Army Reserve, veterans, military spouses and caregivers. To learn more about the HeroZona Foundation’s programs and HeroZona National Veteran Summit, visit herozonasummit.com.

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The HeroZona Foundation and the American Legion Travis L. Williams Post 65’s third “Play It Forward for the Arts” program is coming to The Academies at South Mountain (5401 S. 7th St.) in Phoenix on Saturday, Oct. 12, when a free Pinkfong Baby Shark mini show and family resource fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program will help children in preschool through first grade engage through the arts while offering multiple programs and resources to help families prepare students for preschool and kindergarten.

The Pinkfong Baby Shark mini show will have two free showings at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The live performance incorporates colorful LED lights with fun music and dance. With more than 2.8 billion Youtube views worldwide, Pinkfong has been featured on national platforms such as “The Ellen Degeneres Show,” “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” and “The Late Late Show with James Cordon”.

The resource fair will include inflatables for kids, over twenty-one different arts and culture groups and Phoenix Suns dancers and cheerleaders. Special appearances will be made by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego; Phoenix Suns mascot, the Gorilla; Diamondbacks mascot, Baxter the Bobcat; and the South Mountain Community College mascot, the cougar.

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Phoenix based nonprofit, the HeroZona Foundation, is looking to make a difference in the Greek life community through inviting leadership members of Arizona fraternities and sororities to Chris Brown’s Indigoat Tour at the Talking Stick Resort on Thursday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m.

“I’m excited for Arizona’s Greek life leadership members to experience the Chris Brown concert, it’s important to give back to the community and allow students to experience a live performance by a world renowned artist who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to do so,” says HeroZona Foundation Founder and U.S. Army Veteran, Alan “AP” Powell.

Fraternity and sorority members who attend the concert are encouraged to bring college students who they have helped mentor throughout their time at the university. Historically, African American Fraternities and Sororities continue their support of the community after graduating from college. Many of their programs include educational programs geared towards youth, and various community and social action programs. Invitations have been extended to the following organizations:
National Pan Hellenic Council, Inc.

• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
• Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

“This is an excellent opportunity for both undergraduate and alumni sorority and fraternity chapter members to enjoy a social event for all of the work they do in the community to make a difference,” says HeroZona Foundation Board Member, Farwest Secretary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Past Chapter President of the Phoenix Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Rhoshawndra L. Carnes.

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The HeroZona Foundation and the American Legion Travis L. Williams Post 65’s third “Play It Forward for the Arts” program is coming to The Academies at South Mountain (5401 S. 7th St.) in Phoenix on Saturday, Oct. 12, when a free Pinkfong Baby Shark mini show and family resource fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program will help children in preschool through first grade engage through the arts while offering multiple programs and resources to help families prepare students for preschool and kindergarten.

“I’m excited to offer children the opportunity to see a nationally acclaimed performance completely free of charge while simultaneously bringing resources to parents to help their kids succeed in the school year,” says Play It Forward Creator, U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran and HeroZona Foundation Founder Alan “AP” Powell. “Exposing students to the arts at a young age is vital to help foster creativity and growth.”

The Pinkfong Baby Shark mini show will have two free showings at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The live performance incorporates colorful LED lights with fun music and dance. With more than 2.8 billion Youtube views worldwide, Pinkfong has been featured on national platforms such as “The Ellen Degeneres Show,” “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” and “The Late Late Show with James Cordon”.

The resource fair will include inflatables for kids, over twenty-one different arts and culture groups, and Phoenix Suns dancers and cheerleaders. Special appearances will be made by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego; Phoenix Suns mascot, the Gorilla; Diamondbacks mascot, Baxter the Bobcat; and the South Mountain Community College mascot, the cougar.

Partners for the upcoming Play It Forward for the Arts experience with Pinkfong include the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Public Service (APS), the Greater Phoenix Urban League, Cesar Chavez Foundation, Roosevelt Elementary School District No. 66 and Laveen school districts, Phoenix Union High School District, City of Phoenix, National Head Start Awareness Month, Arizona In-Home Care Association, YMCA, Boys & Girl Club of Metro Phoenix, M.A.N. C.A.V.E., R Entertainment, African American Christian Clergy Coalition and the Salvation Kroc Corps Community Center. Media partners include Mega 104.3, 101.1 The Beat, La Campesina 101.9 and Entercom 101.5 Live.

The HeroZona Foundation’s Play It Forward program was created as an initiative to expose students to the arts at an early age and give them a head start with opportunities to learn, create and grow. According to studies from Momentum Worldwide, 76% of Americans say entertainment has influenced the person they are today and 73% of Millennials feel the world would be a better place if people went to more live performances.

The first Play It Forward for the Arts engagement was held in early 2019, when high school students from Phoenix Union High School District attended a performance of August Wilson’s award-winning civil rights play “Two Trains Running” at the Herberger Theatre. The second Play It Forward for the Arts event brought elementary students from the Roosevelt Elementary School District to see Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in concert through a performance by the Phoenix Symphony.

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The HeroZona Foundation’s Co-Founder and U.S. Army veteran, Alan “AP” Powell, will participate in the Veterans in Energy forum in Washington, D.C. on Sep. 13.

Veterans in Energy is a national employee resource group that provides transition, retention and professional development support to military veterans working in energy. Veterans in Energy works to provide opportunities for outreach, networking and mentoring to support the needs of the growing population of veterans who have chosen energy careers.

Powell will participate in a fireside chat with Ray Brooks, Arizona Public Service Customer Care Center manager and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, on the final day of the two-day forum as part of the program’s Veteran Service Group Spotlight. Brooks is also the Chair of APS’s Veterans Engagement Transition Retention Network (VETRN). The focus of discussion will be on grassroots level veteran-focused community partnerships and inside-out community action.

“I’m excited to participate in any dialogue that seeks to leverage the value that transitioning veterans bring to the civilian workforce,” said Powell. “Our nation’s veterans are making lasting contributions in the energy sector, and I look forward to this opportunity to learn more about Veterans in Energy and also to showcase the initiatives we’ve created in Arizona to support veterans and their families.”

The HeroZona Foundation’s annual HeroZona National Veteran Summit is a multi-day networking experience to improve America’s support of veteran companies through workshops, networking, entrepreneurial connections, and seminars. The summit will return to Arizona from Nov. 5 through Nov. 7. Other HeroZona Foundation programs include the Bridge Forum, Phoenix Tools 4 School, Veterans Reach to Teach, Honor Walk and Voting for Veterans.

Other forum highlights will include a networking breakfast, CEO panel, professional development courses, networking reception, base resiliency panel, among other events.

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12 News coverage of the HeroZona National Veteran Summit kick off event at American Legion Travis L. Williams Post 65.

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The HeroZona Foundation has announced its 16th annual invitation-only D.C. Caucus Brunch on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will take place at Georgia Brown’s during the Congressional Black Caucus and discuss everything Arizona has to offer, such as national events, the diversification of the state, economic impact and business development.

“We are thrilled to discuss the significance of Arizona as a state with legislature and businesses,” said HeroZona Foundation Founder and U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran, Alan “AP” Powell. “We want to increase awareness of what it means to make Arizona the best state to live, work and play.”

The brunch was originally started by deceased member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona, Ed Pastor and Powell has continued the tradition the last several years. The caucus brunch aims to bring together the Arizona Delegation, legislature, businesses and lobbyists to highlight opportunities offered by Arizona Office of Tourism, Arizona Commerce Authority, Visit Phoenix and Arizona Chambers. Sponsors for the event include the HeroZona Foundation, Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project(SRP), Arizona State University, Squire Patton Boggs, The National Newspapers Publishers Association (NNPA) and National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL). In attendance, there will be organizations like Our Voice, Our Vote.

The event will include notable speakers such as Special Assistant to the U.S. President and the Director of Strategic Partnerships and African American Outreach, Nicole Frazier; Civil Rights Leader and CEO and President of the NNPA, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.; President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis; President of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Donnell Williams; President, CEO and Founder of the U.S. Black Chambers Inc., Ron Busby Sr., and Vice Chair of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators for Arizona’s 27th District, Reginald Bolding. The event will be moderated by Arizona Corporate Council on Veterans Careers Co-Founder and Chairman and Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Hal Pittman.

The speakers will cover topics including what the White House offers to the black community, the use of social media with public issues, best practices between police and community relationships, African American home buying and best use of the real estate market, legislation passed across the country and Arizona and how Arizona can advocate and support veterans through business.

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HeroZona National Veteran Summit, a three day experience for America’s veterans, including Arizona’s 640,000 veterans and 2,000 veteran-owned companies, will host an invitation-only kickoff on Monday, September 9, with a press conference and commencement breakfast. The event will be held at the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 (1624 E. Broadway Road in Phoenix) from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Food will be prepared by Post 65 member, Michelle Daniels.

“HeroZona is excited for year three of the HeroZona National Veteran Summit, says HeroZoan Foundation founder and U.S. Army Desert Storm veteran, Alan “AP” Powell. We are thrilled to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to focus on this year’s theme of advancing economic opportunity for our military and veteran community.”

Speakers throughout the morning will include Arizona Corporate Council on Veterans Careers Co-Founder and Chairman and Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Hal Pittman; City of Phoenix Vice Mayor Jim Waring; Maricopa County Supervisor for District 5, Steve Gallardo; Arizona State Representative for District 27, Reginald Bolding; Arizona State Senate Representative for District 27, Rebecca Rios; and Phoenix Suns President, Jason Rowley. The national anthem will be given by Air Force Technical Sgt. for Religious Affairs at the Goldwater Arizona National Guard Base, Lisa Cimino; the Pledge of Allegiance will be given by Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 Post Commander of the, Jarvis Reddick, and the invocation will be given by Chaplain Daniel Butler. Moderating the event will be Entrepreneur-In-Residence at Singularity University and Co-Founder of the HeroZona Foundation, Aaron D. Bare. Powell will give post-opening remarks.

Other notable community leaders in attendance will include President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, Glenn Hamer; Arizona Director of Veteran Services’ and U.S. Air Force (Ret), Col. Wanda A. Wright.

There will also be a special announcement made by a representative from the CyberVET Program, which provides free training and employment opportunities to veterans, transitioning service members, National Guard and Reservists, and their spouses. The Arizona Corporate Council on Veteran Careers is partnering with Cisco, Amazon Web Services (AWS), NetApp, NDG, (ISC)2, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, and Onward to Opportunity (O2O), to have Arizona be the fourth state and first state in the West, to offer the CyberVetsUSA training program.

The three-day engagement will then return to Phoenix from Nov 5 through Nov 7 to empower veterans through entrepreneurship, education, and careers while focusing on the theme of advancing economic opportunity for the military community. It is spearheaded by HeroZona Foundation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes.

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In an effort to support local veteran and military families with the cost of their kids returning to school, the HeroZona Foundation, Arizona Corporate Council on Veteran Careers, American Legion Department of Arizona and the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services will giveaway backpacks and school supplies on Saturday, August 3, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 (1624 E. Broadway Rd.) in Phoenix.

“Our goal is to make sure that Arizona veterans and military families have the resources they need to send their children to school,” says U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran and Co-Founder of the HeroZona Foundation, Alan “AP” Powell. “We are so grateful to those who have served our country and want to help alleviate the stress of the cost associated with going back to school.”

The event is free and open to American Legion members, veteran families and their students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade. Supplies are limited, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Proof of American Legion membership or military ID will be required to attend this event. Children must be present with their family in order to receive the school supplies.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the Arizona business community to give back to Arizona’s military, veterans and their families,” says Arizona Corporate Council on Veterans Careers Co-Founder and Chairman and Post 65 member Hal Pittman, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.). “This Saturday’s backpack giveaway directly targets those military and veteran families who can use some extra support as kids head back to school.”

Veteran and military families will also get a chance to see the newly-renovated Travis L. Williams Post 65. Post 65 received generous donations from community sponsors and partners which aided in updating the building. Prior to this major makeover, the building had not received any upgrades in 20+ years.

“One of our four American Legion Pillars is Children & Youth, so being able to give back to those who served our great country and help children of military families understand that they are a part of a supportive community is very important to us, says American Legion Department of Arizona Adjutant, Angel Juarez.

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The Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 (1624 E. Broadway Rd.) in Phoenix, a veterans service organization dedicated to giving back to the South Phoenix community, will host a grand re-opening ceremony and breakfast on Tuesday, July 2, from 8 to 9 a.m., to celebrate its recent makeover and the start of a new chapter for South Phoenix veterans and community members.

Post 65 received generous donations from community sponsors and partners in the update of its building. The Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 was chartered in 1946, and the name was changed from R.H. Hamilton to Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 on April 17, 2010. Prior to this major makeover, the building had not received any upgrades in 20+ years.

The grand re-opening ceremony will feature special guests, including Arizona Attorney General, Mark Brnovich; Arizona State Senator for District 27, Rebecca Rios; Arizona State Representative for District 27, Reginald Bolding; Phoenix Vice Mayor from District 2, Jim Waring; Maricopa County Board of Supervisors from District 5, Steve Gallardo; Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services Director and COL U.S. Air Force (Ret.) Wanda A. Wright; and the Founder of the HeroZona Foundation, Post 65 Member and U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran, Alan “AP” Powell. Powell was the leader of the Post 65’s donations efforts.

During the grand re-opening ceremony, Post 65 will honor all of the companies and organizations that assisted with the updates. Founder and the Co-Chairmen of the Arizona Corporate Council on Veterans Careers, Post 65 member U.S. Navy Rear Adm. (Ret) Hal Pittman, and USAA Phoenix Regional VP and U.S. Army Col. (Ret), Greg DeBernard will present certificates of appreciation to organizations that supported the facility upgrades.The ceremony will be moderated by the Former Democratic Leader of the Arizona State House of Representatives, Art Hamilton; the Pledge of Allegiance will be given by Travis L. Williams Post 65 S.A.L. Commander, Dennis E. Prince; the National Anthem will be sung by Air Force Technical Sgt. for Religious Affairs at the Goldwater Arizona National Guard Base, Lisa Cimino, and the invocation will be led by Senior Pastor from Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Terry Mackey. Breakfast will be provided from Artisan by Santa Barbara Catering, and will be sponsored by Sonoran Technologies Founder and former U.S. Air Force combat pilot, Paul Smiley.

“The makeover of the Post has given the veterans, members and the community a chance to see a better tomorrow through collaboration, programs and change. There are many people we have to thank, but our collaboration with the Herozona Foundation has provided the Post with many new opportunities and the chance to change our present. The Post will embrace that change in order to move forward. We look forward to celebrating our Nation’s birthday with the grand re-opening of the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65,” says Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 Commander, Jarvis Reddick.

Companies assisting in the upgrades include Crescent Crown Distributing; Precise Sign Co.; The Phoenix Suns; Sentinel Fence & Contracting; Kenyon Architectural Studio; Mesa Airlines; Fortis; Shade Industries; Cox Communications; CPM Air LLC; Robson Resort Communities; Canyon State Roofing & Consulting; Impact Landscaping; Salt River Project (SRP); Lowe’s Home Improvement, Sunland Asphalt, Swire Coca-Cola and Arizona Public Service (APS). Additionally, local artist Adam Vigil (aka ABOMB The Artist), who created custom military murals on the walls of the interior and exterior of the building, will be presented with a certificate of appreciation.

“We are honored by the support we have received from local businesses, the City of Phoenix; Phoenix Mayor, Kate Gallego; City of Phoenix Vice Mayor, Jim Waring, and Phoenix City Manager, Ed Zuercher, who assisted us in the permit process of the much needed updates to the Travis. L. Williams American Legion Post 65. The makeover will enable Post 65 to better serve the public and continue to host much needed community experiences and events,” says Powell.

The Travis L. Williams Post 65 is made up of 900 members, including the Sons of the American Legion, Lady Auxiliaries and Legionnaires. Their four pillars include assisting: veteran affairs and rehabilitation, national security, Americanism and children/ youth. The legion hosts annual community programs for the South Phoenix community in partnership with the HeroZona Foundation. Community programs include Phoenix Tools 4 School, Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway, Holiday Bike Giveaways, MLK Celebrating the Dream, Memorial Day Salute to Veterans Block Party, Play It Forward: Engaging Our Youth Through the Arts, Veterans Reach to Teach: Veterans Who Served Our Country Now Serve Our Classroom, and the HeroZona Forgotten Heroes Breakfast.

“The Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 was named after my father who was a WWII veteran. He and his brother, Daremon Wayne Williams, purchased the land and created the structure in the early 50s. It has continually been owned and operated by African Americans since the day my father purchased it. Through the good and bad times, he always made sure that the Post 65 occupied the building. To have the Post 65 be renamed after my father is a great honor and to be alive to see the new changes and improvements to the building would have made my father and his brother very proud,” says the son of Travis L. Williams and Maricopa County Judge, Cody Williams.”

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