In an effort to support local families with the cost of their kids returning to school, the HeroZona Foundation will host their 7th Annual ‘Phoenix Tools 4 School’ on Saturday, July 27, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix (7050 South 24th Street).

“Our goal is to make sure that Arizona students focus on getting a good education, instead of worrying about how to purchase the basic supplies necessary to start the year,” says U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran and Co-Founder of the HeroZona Foundation, Alan “AP” Powell. “Through providing the resources necessary for their school year, we are investing in our future leaders and building stronger communities.”

Phoenix Tools 4 School was voted the Best Annual Charity Event for the 2019 Best Of Our Valley Awards with Arizona Foothills Magazine. In just six years, the Phoenix Tools 4 School annual event has impacted over 40,000 students and family members by providing them with supplies needed for their education, such as book bags, notebooks, writing utensils and more. The event will also host college prep workshops, games and a free breakfast. The event is free and open to the public and this year’s event is expected to draw an estimated 15,000 attendees. This event is open to all students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade. Supplies are limited, so attendees are encouraged to show up early.

For the second year in a row, Phoenix Tools 4 School will offer workshops from Maricopa Community Colleges and Arizona State University for 7th and 8th grade students to prepare them on their path to higher education. The event will have a carnival atmosphere with attractions and games for the kids and their families after they pick up their backpacks. Special guest appearances will be made by Baxter, the mascot of the Arizona Diamondbacks; Sparky, the mascot of Arizona State University and the Phoenix Suns’ Gorilla.

This year’s event is supported by community partners such as APS, UPS, Bank of America,
Crescent Crown Distributing, Maricopa Community Colleges, ASU and Artisan by Santa Barbara Catering will provide the students with the free breakfast. Other event partners include Roosevelt Elementary School District, No. 66, Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65, Laveen School District, Phoenix Suns, Cesar Chavez Foundation, water delivery by Fry’s, and supply discounts from Dollar Days International. Supporters include Greater Phoenix Urban League, First Institutional Baptist Church and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. They will also have media partners on-site such as Mega 104.3, The Beat 101.1 and La Campesina 101.9.

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American Legion Travis L. Williams Post 65, a veteran and community pillar in South Phoenix, will host its second “Play It Forward for the Arts” program this Saturday, April 27, supported by Arizona Public Service (APS). The engagement will introduce students to the arts, with middle schoolers from Roosevelt Elementary School District No. 66 attending a special reception at APS corporate headquarters, and then enjoying the Phoenix Symphony’s production of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. In addition to Post 65, the program will be hosted by APS’s Network for Urban Engagement (NUE), Veteran Employee Transition Retention Network (VETRN), and Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Advancement (HOLA) employee groups.

The reception will run from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., then students will walk from APS headquarters to the Phoenix Symphony to enjoy the concert production at 1:00 p.m.

“We hosted our first Play It Forward engagement in February to honor Black History Month and educate students about those who helped pave the way for civil rights in our country,” said Alan “AP” Powell, U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran, HeroZona Foundation Co-Founder, and Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 Member. “We’re excited to host our second “Play It Forward” engagement, this time with middle school band members attending the Symphony. It’s going to be a fabulous experience.”

The program will host 60 students from various elementary schools and their chaperones. All students who attend the engagement will receive extra credit. The group will also meet community leaders, who will speak to the group prior to them enjoying the show.

Speakers at the event will include Arizona Public Service President, Jeffrey B. Guldner; Travis L. Williams Post 65 S.A.L. Commander, Dennis E. Prince; Chief Administrative Officer for the Roosevelt School District No. 66, Dr. Quintin Boyce; Chief Marketing Officer for the Phoenix Symphony, Todd Vigil; and Arizona State Senator for District 27, Rebecca Rios. The event will be moderated by former Arizona State Representative and Minority Leader Mr. Art Hamilton.

“This important partnership provides our students with an opportunity to experience the symphony first-hand in a way that allows them to learn and grow outside the classroom,” said Interim Chief Administrative Officer, Dr. Quintin Boyce. “We are grateful to the American Legion, APS and the additional partners involved in this Play it Forward event for investing in our students and families through this event.”

“Every child deserves enrichment through the arts and the Play It Forward program helps to make this possible,” says Rios.

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The HeroZona Foundation, Goldwater Institute and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program have announced a new military employment collaborative series highlighting Arizona’s veterans and military spouses. The kickoff event on Wednesday, April 24, will bring attention to the unique challenges faced by military spouses as they search for employment.

Regardless of the overall health of the economy, military spouses face challenges as they try to maintain meaningful employment while often moving multiple times during their spouse’s military career. From deployments to frequent moves to licensing and credentialing issues, military spouses are much more likely to face unemployment or underemployment as a direct result of their military lives; according to the Council of Economic Advisors, military spouses face an unemployment rate of 10%, while the average American is experiencing an unemployment rate of 4% or less.

“We’re excited to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Goldwater Institute and political leaders to discuss the challenges faced by military spouses, and importantly, how Arizona is working to empower them in the workforce,” said HeroZona Foundation Co-Founder and Desert Storm Veteran, Alan “AP” Powell.

Governor Ducey recently signed House Bill 2569, which makes Arizona the first state in the country to recognize occupational licenses from other states. The new legislation will have a tremendous impact on military spouses, especially those in licensed careers, as it will allow them to transfer a professional license from any other state to Arizona. This will allow military spouses to expedite their ability to work and contribute to the financial well-being of their families. Arizona is the first state in the country to create such an open pathway into license careers for military spouses.

“Military spouses face a number of economic challenges that result from the transient nature of military life,” said Eric Eversole, President of Hiring Our Heroes. “Arizona is setting a high bar as it creates and expands employment opportunities for military spouses that will enable them to thrive and achieve economic success.”

The event will feature discussions from policymakers such as Arizona Governor, Doug Ducey; U.S. Arizona Senator, Martha McSally; and U.S. Texas Representative, Dan Crenshaw. The event will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mountain Shadows Resort (5445 E. Lincoln Drive) in Paradise Valley. Other speakers includethe Director of National Litigation for the Goldwater Institute, Jon Riches; the President of Hiring our Heroes, Eric Eversole; President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Glenn Hamer; and Herozona Foundation Co-Founder Aaron Bare. The event will be moderated by retired Navy Rear Admiral Hal Pittman, co-founder of the Arizona Corporate Council on Veteran Careers.

“Not only do we owe our veterans and their families a debt of gratitude, but we also owe them every opportunity to succeed in meaningful careers when they return home from service,” said Jon Riches, Director of National Litigation for the Goldwater Institute and officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “Veterans offer unmatched leadership experience and in-demand skills that are valuable assets to employers and to our state. The Goldwater Institute is proud to partner in this effort to help veterans and their spouses get connected to career opportunities and thrive in Arizona.”

The following day on Thursday, April 25, there will be a Community Leadership Roundtable discussion hosted by the HeroZona Foundation and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Hiring Our Heroes program. The roundtable will take place at Squire Patton Boggs (1 East Washington Street) in Phoenix from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The community discussion will define the current and future labor force landscape, address ongoing challenges and establish pathways to meaningful careers for military connected talent. This event is by invitation only and will include military and civic leadership, industry partners and service organizations.

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The American Legion Travis L. Williams Post 65, a veteran and community pillar in South Phoenix and its title sponsor, Arizona Public Service (APS) along with the HeroZona Foundation, will host a new program called Play It Forward on Thursday, Feb 28, in celebration of Black History Month. The engagement will honor Black History Month by inviting Betty Fairfax High School, Linda Abril Educational Academy, Maryvale High School, South Mountain High School and Cesar Chavez High School, from the Phoenix Union High School District’s Black Alliance, to experience a special reception at APS corporate headquarters. In addition to Post 65, the program will be hosted by APS’s Network for Urban Engagement and Veteran Employee Transition Retention Network employee groups. Following the reception, the students will attend a production by Arizona Theatre Company.

The reception will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m., then students will walk across the street to the Herberger Theater to enjoy the performance of August Wilson’s play, “Two Trains Running”, at 7:30 p.m. The play is directed by Lou Bellamy and takes place during the 1960s in an African- American neighborhood in Pittsburgh, PA. The performance explores the civil rights movement and changing attitudes toward race.

“I’m excited to create this program as a member of the American Legion Travis L. Williams Post 65 to celebrate and honor Black History Month by educating the Phoenix Union High School District’s students and recognizing those who helped pave the way for civil rights in our country,” says U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran, HeroZona Foundation Co-Founder and Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 Member, Alan “AP” Powell. “I also want to give special thanks to the South Mountain High School Principal and Member of the Black Alliance, Brian S. Guilford, for his continued support in coordinating this event.”

The program will host ten students from each high school, principals, members of the Black Alliance and the director of the army JROTC. All students who attend the engagement will receive extra credit. The group will listen to community leaders speak prior to watching the play.

“The arts enrich us all, and it is especially fulfilling for APS to support Post 65 and the Arizona veteran community, and to share this opportunity with the deserving students of South Phoenix and Arizona Theatre Company,” says APS President, Jeffrey B. Guldner.

Renowned poet extraordinaire and founder of Homebase Poetry, “HB” Harold G. Branch III, will be a special guest at the event and read a poem about black history to the crowd. Speakers at the event will include former Democratic leader of the Arizona State House of Representative and Master of Ceremonies, Art Hamilton; APS President, Jeffrey B. Guldner; Arizona District 12’s Second Vice Commander and American Legion Travis L. Williams Post 65 Member, Felice Wimbish-Tribue; Arizona State Representative from District 12, Reginald Bolding; Phoenix Union High School District Superintendent, Dr. Chad E. Geston; Phoenix Suns President, Jason Rowley; and Arizona Secretary of State, Katie Hobbs.

“The Play it Forward program is yet another example of community enrichment created through the leadership and commitment of APS and the American Legion Travis L. Williams Post 65. I am proud to call both organizations community partners of the Phoenix Suns,” says Rowley.

“The Arizona Theatre Company is honored to be part of this initiative and are thrilled that the students will experience the work of one of the greatest American playwrights, August Wilson, and part of his 10 play cycle that illuminates the African American experience in each of the decades of the 20th Century. It is humbling to be included in such distinguished company and we are proud that Wilson’s words will add to the resonance of the evening,” says Managing Director for the Arizona Theatre Company, Billy Russo.

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The HeroZona Foundation and the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 will be hosting a special program on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 (1624 E Broadway Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85040). The program will celebrate the dream of Dr. King on Monday, January 21, 2019. The event will run from 4 to 6 p.m. and include recognition from the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Public Service (APS), and a variety of civil rights leaders, district council members and many other notable figures.

“I’m honored to partner with the American Legion Post 65 to celebrate and honor the great civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” says U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran and HeroZona Foundation Co-Founder, Alan “AP” Powell.

The Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 Commander, Jarvis Reddick, will begin the program with welcoming remarks and introductions will be given by the Former Democratic Leader of the Arizona State House of Representatives, Art Hamilton. The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by the Sons of American Legion Commander for Post 65, Dennis E. Prince Sr. and the invocation will be given by the Senior Pastor at First Institutional Baptist Church, Dr. Warren H. Stewart Sr.

“Dr. King’s inspirational leadership helped our country work through one of the most divisive times in our history. His commitment to peaceful change is a lesson that we must always remember, because it is just as powerful and relevant today,” says Arizona Attorney General, Mark Brnovich.

During the program, U.S. Navy Veteran and APS President, Jeffrey B. Guldner, will present the 2019 APS Inspirational Leadership Award to the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65. The award recognizes the post for its service to Arizona military veterans and the South Phoenix Community.

“The Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 has a long history of community service activities that have positively impacted the lives of Phoenicians. The enduring spirit of Dr. King shines through in the work the Post does with veterans, young people and others in the South Phoenix community,” says APS President, Jeffrey Guldner.

The Phoenix Suns will also announce their Community Connection Award to the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65. In the 2016-2017 season, the Suns donated a total of 2,157 tickets to the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65, in conjunction with the HeroZona Foundation. These tickets were given to the community of South Phoenix and used for events such as their Military Appreciation Night and Ring of Honor Suite Donations. Additionally, the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury teams will announce its plans to renovate the men and women’s restrooms at the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65.

“The Phoenix Suns are proud to recognize the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65, particularly as we come together to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. As Dr. King taught us, it is our obligation and duty to actively
participate in the communities in which we live, work and play. Post 65 continues to lead by example through the civic and philanthropic actions of its membership, and we are committed to supporting their ongoing efforts,” says President and CEO of the Phoenix Suns, Jason Rowley.

The event will include speakers such as Stewart; Arizona State Representative District 27, Reginald Bolding and President of the NAACP Maricopa County Branch, Dr. Karen Hardin. Special guests include Guldner; Arizona Corporate Council on Veteran Careers Co-Chairman and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. (R), Hal Pittman; U.S. Senator and U.S. Air Force Combat Veteran, Martha McSally; Arizona Attorney General, Mark Brnovich; President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Glenn Hamer; and President and CEO of the Phoenix Suns, Jason Rowley.

“The Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 deserves tremendous credit for its work on behalf of our neighborhoods and our veterans. We applaud the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 for this tribute to Dr. King and for its continuous investment in our community. Because of the contributions of the American Legion, Arizona is a richer place to call home,” says Hamer.

To conclude the program, a tribute to Dr. King will be given by American Legion members, Elmer Green and Dr. Fish. Stewart will give the goodbye benediction.

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The HeroZona Foundation has partnered with the American Legion and the Phoenix Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. to participate in the 5th Annual Shop with a Kappa event on Saturday, December 22, 2018. After a shopping spree with the Kappas, pre-selected inner-city students form the Roosevelt School District will attend a lunch, bike giveaway and hear speeches from community leaders at the American Legion Post 65 (1624 e. Broadway Rd.) in Phoenix from 12 to 1:30 p.m.

“We are excited to spread the holiday spirit and give back this season to deserving students from the Roosevelt School District,” says U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran and HeroZona Foundation Co-Founder, Alan “AP” Powell.

After a $150 shopping spree for Christmas with the Kappas at the South Mountain Target, the students will head over to the American Legion Post 65 to enjoy pizza, soft drinks and wings. The City of Phoenix Police will also be bringing an ice cream truck, so the students can enjoy a sweet treat.

This is the time of year for giving and being thankful. America stands on the shoulders of our veterans who serve and protect, there is no greater example than a veterans post in helping those in need,” says American Legion’s Post 65 Commander, Dennis E. Prince Sr.

The festivities will also include speeches from community dignitaries, including Arizona’s 27th District State Representative, Reginald Bolding Jr.; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Phoenix Chapter’s Polemarch, Derek Blythe; President & CEO of the HeroZona Foundation, Ronnie R. Williams; American Legion’s Post 65 Commander, Dennis E. Prince Sr.; President of the Phoenix Chapter’s National Pan-Hellenic Council, Dr. Eula Saxon Dean; and the City of Phoenix’s Executive Assistant Police Chief, Michael Kurtenbach.

“The men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity have always been pillars in our community. They are legislators, teachers, police officers, pilots, lawyers, businessman and so much more. This event allows the entire community to see the great work they are doing and it brings me cheer to see the smiles on the faces of students who will be receiving gifts and bicycles at this event. When community leaders partner together, we have the ability to make great things happen,” says Arizona’s 27th District Representative, Reginald Bolding Jr.

“We really want to encourage children to believe in themselves and that they have a future. We are a community of believers that are here to support them,” says the President of the Phoenix Chapter’s National Pan-Hellenic Council, Dr. Eula Saxon Dean.

At the end of the day, the City of Phoenix Police SUVs will deliver brand new bicycles from Bob’s Bikes to all the students who participated in the Shop with a Kappa event.

“The Phoenix Police Department is honored to partner with Kappa Alpha Psi, the HeroZona Foundation, the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post #65 and our amazing community to bring holiday cheer to young people from the Roosevelt School District. We cherish every opportunity we are given to make a difference in our city and to bring a smile to the faces of those we proudly serve,” says the City of Phoenix’s Executive Assistant Police Chief, Michael Kurtenbach.

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The HeroZona Foundation’s HeroPreneur National Veteran Business Summit returned to Phoenix from Nov. 14 to Nov. 16 to empower veterans through entrepreneurship, employment and education. During the summit, Nielsen presented their Global Veteran Consumer Insight Report, which found that there are just under 20 million veterans in the U.S. today. At a glance, the report stated that women veterans make up 10 percent of the current veteran population and as of 2018, the Gulf War Era veterans make up the largest cohort.

A record number of more than 1,500 U.S. veterans attended the summit over the course of the three day engagements and more than 75 organizations participated in the career fairs and business fairs in an effort to network, hire and do business with veterans.

“We are amazed by the support we received for our second annual event. It’s great to see all of the incredible growth, sponsors, supporters and partners that our three day experience attracted,” says U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran and HeroZona Foundation Founder, Alan “AP” Powell.

The summit also recognized individuals and organizations that support the veteran community with a HeroPreneur Awards and Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 15. The luncheon was hosted by CNN Military Analyst and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. (R), James A. “Spider” Marks; and Co-Chairman of Arizona Corporate Council on Veteran Careers and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. (R), Hal Pittman.

Last year, U.S. Senator John McCain accepted the Lifetime Service Award at the inaugural ceremony. This prestigious award was renamed this year to the Maverick Award in honor of the late, great senator. The recipient of the 2018 HeroZona Foundation Maverick Award was President and CEO of Pinnacle West & Arizona Public Service, Donald E. Brandt. During the ceremony, the Mission Continues Award was given to the organization, Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.

During the summit, the HeroPreneur NVBS also gave out awards to individuals under the summit’s three pillars: entrepreneurship, employment and education. The HeroPreneur Entrepreneur Award recipient was Robson Resort Communities Founder and Chairman, Edward J. Robson; the HeroPreneur Employment Award recipient was Intel Corporation’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Robert H. Swan; and the HeroPreneur Education Award recipient was Arizona State University’s President, Dr. Michael M. Crow. During the ceremony, Eric Eversole, vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and president of Hiring Our Heroes, provided opening remarks.

“It is great to see the connective tissue amongst Arizona’s businesses, educational institutions, service organization, and community leaders represented at HeroPreneur,” said Eversole. “When you collaborate and share best practices, you are not just improving one company or organization—you are making your entire community a better place for veterans and military families across Arizona.”

On Friday, Nov. 16, the U.S. Department of Labor hosted the HIRE Vets Medallion Luncheon which recognized employers for their investments in recruiting, employing and retaining the nation’s veterans. More than 230 employers
were recognized at the luncheon, including Arizona’s Pinnacle West Capital Corporation DBA Arizona Public Service, which received the Platinum HIRE Vets Medallion. During the Medallion Luncheon, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and the Director of Strategic Outreach for Veterans Employment Service (VETS) for the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Air Force Col. (R), Timothy Green gave opening remarks.

Other summit highlights included The Bridge Forum U.S. Veteran Edition; Fireside Chat with the “People’s Shark”, Daymond John and HeroZona Co-Founder, Entrepreneur-In-Residence at Singularity University and Managing Director for Kittyhawk.io, Aaron Bare; keynote speaker and veteran advocate, Justin Constantine; career fair for veterans and their spouses and a business fair for veteran-owned businesses. Also in attendance was Arizona State University, Maricopa Community Colleges, Institute for Veterans and Military Families, and U.S. Small Business Administration, who hosted workshops for veterans and veteran owned businesses.

The HeroPreneur National Veteran Business Summit was spearheaded by the HeroZona Foundation and Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, in conjunction with the State of Arizona, City of Phoenix and Arizona Corporate Council on Veteran Careers. A portion of the proceeds from the HeroPreneur week of experiences benefited veteran organization programs such as the HeroZona Foundation, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Honoring Arizona’s Veterans and the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services veteran programs.

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