Carefree Truth
Issue #789, November 22, 2019
The 2019 Carefree Veteran's Day Honor event began with the Main Event Band playing "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B", after which co-lead singer, Beanie Bonanno, welcomed the veterans and thanked them for their service. Navy veteran and Carefree Vice Mayor John Crane opened the ceremony.
"Good afternoon everyone! We are ready to begin. Welcome to Carefree and the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion. We appropriately kicked off our program with a short rendition of ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’ in honor of our World War II vets who are here with us today. This year marks the 75thanniversary of the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy.""I’m John Crane, Vice Mayor of Carefree. We are set to enjoy an afternoon of memories and music as we honor our veterans. Thank you for joining us. Through the course of the afternoon, please enjoy the coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and bottled water served by the Carefree Kiwanis Club. The coffee is courtesy of the Carefree Coffee Roastery. The Black Mountain Foothills Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution donated cookies. This chapter of the DAR is exceptionally veteran focused. In recent years, they have really stepped- up their efforts to help the veteran community."
"In addition, if you glance around the perimeter of the Pavilion you will find several organizations that care very much for veterans and provide services to vets. During the music break or after the program, seek them out. Maybe you can help them or maybe they can help you or someone you know. Veterans Heritage Project and Barbara Hatch. Honor House, a local organization, helping veterans transition from military to civilian life. As their web site states, “Coming home doesn’t mean the war is over.” And, they are there to help. The Association of the US Army table, manned by Lt. Col. Vic Conner, a veteran having served 26 years including two tours in Vietnam flying helicopters. Vic served in Air Defense during the Vietnam War, flying supplies and Special Forces soldiers in his helicopter to various fire bases around Vietnam, earning him the name “Crazy Conner” for some of his dangerous extractions of the wounded. The Arizona Youth Leadership Council Phoenix Chapter headed by Col. Dick Minor, US Army retired, a Vietnam veteran. The Sonoran Arts League, and their Veterans Art Program. They bring the arts and art education to veterans free of charge, and they are passionate about it.And, scattered throughout the audience are members of the Cave Creek American Legion, Post 34. When you see the American Legion Riders, there is a good chance, they are riding for veterans and veteran’s charities."
"Through the course of this afternoon, you will meet many veterans. Some are your neighbors. In Arizona about 10% of our population are veterans, about twice the national average.When the percentages run that high, as they do in Carefree and our neighboring towns, the community is bound together by common values and a love of country. We have great respect for what the men and women who have served our country have done throughout the history of our republic. To the veterans who are here with us today, I can say that this community holds you in the highest regard and is deeply and sincerely thankful for your service. Don’t take my word for it. Look in the eyes of the young kids who are here with us. Talk to those behind the tables around the perimeter of the pavilion. Speak with our friends from the Cave Creek American Legion Post 34 who are here with us today. Talk to the people around you. These people care about veterans and are extremely thankful for your service."
"We have a special guest with us today, Bob Jenkins. After high school Bob wanted to serve his country so he joined the United States Marine Corp. Bob became a "MOS" 1371 "Combat Engineer”. After graduating Boot-Camp at Parris Island, SC, he was stationed at 29 Palms, CA for three years. He was then transferred to Marine Air Wing Iwakuni Japan and a year later was honorably discharged as an E5 "Sergeant" in January of 1979. Bob is a 4 year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, a graduate of Northeastern University in Boston, and found himself on the morning of September 11, 2001 in the offices of Lehman Brothers on the 39th floor of the World Trade Center, North Tower, when the first plane hit the building. Bob is a Carefree resident. He runs VETSBuilt Contracting. You may have seen his trucks about town. We are honored to have Bob Jenkins with us today. He will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, but first has a few words to share."
Bob thanked everyone for coming and said he was very honored to be asked to speak.
Issue #789, November 22, 2019
The 2019 Carefree Veteran's Day Honor event began with the Main Event Band playing "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B", after which co-lead singer, Beanie Bonanno, welcomed the veterans and thanked them for their service. Navy veteran and Carefree Vice Mayor John Crane opened the ceremony.
"Good afternoon everyone! We are ready to begin. Welcome to Carefree and the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion. We appropriately kicked off our program with a short rendition of ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’ in honor of our World War II vets who are here with us today. This year marks the 75thanniversary of the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy.""I’m John Crane, Vice Mayor of Carefree. We are set to enjoy an afternoon of memories and music as we honor our veterans. Thank you for joining us. Through the course of the afternoon, please enjoy the coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and bottled water served by the Carefree Kiwanis Club. The coffee is courtesy of the Carefree Coffee Roastery. The Black Mountain Foothills Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution donated cookies. This chapter of the DAR is exceptionally veteran focused. In recent years, they have really stepped- up their efforts to help the veteran community."
"In addition, if you glance around the perimeter of the Pavilion you will find several organizations that care very much for veterans and provide services to vets. During the music break or after the program, seek them out. Maybe you can help them or maybe they can help you or someone you know. Veterans Heritage Project and Barbara Hatch. Honor House, a local organization, helping veterans transition from military to civilian life. As their web site states, “Coming home doesn’t mean the war is over.” And, they are there to help. The Association of the US Army table, manned by Lt. Col. Vic Conner, a veteran having served 26 years including two tours in Vietnam flying helicopters. Vic served in Air Defense during the Vietnam War, flying supplies and Special Forces soldiers in his helicopter to various fire bases around Vietnam, earning him the name “Crazy Conner” for some of his dangerous extractions of the wounded. The Arizona Youth Leadership Council Phoenix Chapter headed by Col. Dick Minor, US Army retired, a Vietnam veteran. The Sonoran Arts League, and their Veterans Art Program. They bring the arts and art education to veterans free of charge, and they are passionate about it.And, scattered throughout the audience are members of the Cave Creek American Legion, Post 34. When you see the American Legion Riders, there is a good chance, they are riding for veterans and veteran’s charities."
"Through the course of this afternoon, you will meet many veterans. Some are your neighbors. In Arizona about 10% of our population are veterans, about twice the national average.When the percentages run that high, as they do in Carefree and our neighboring towns, the community is bound together by common values and a love of country. We have great respect for what the men and women who have served our country have done throughout the history of our republic. To the veterans who are here with us today, I can say that this community holds you in the highest regard and is deeply and sincerely thankful for your service. Don’t take my word for it. Look in the eyes of the young kids who are here with us. Talk to those behind the tables around the perimeter of the pavilion. Speak with our friends from the Cave Creek American Legion Post 34 who are here with us today. Talk to the people around you. These people care about veterans and are extremely thankful for your service."
"We have a special guest with us today, Bob Jenkins. After high school Bob wanted to serve his country so he joined the United States Marine Corp. Bob became a "MOS" 1371 "Combat Engineer”. After graduating Boot-Camp at Parris Island, SC, he was stationed at 29 Palms, CA for three years. He was then transferred to Marine Air Wing Iwakuni Japan and a year later was honorably discharged as an E5 "Sergeant" in January of 1979. Bob is a 4 year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, a graduate of Northeastern University in Boston, and found himself on the morning of September 11, 2001 in the offices of Lehman Brothers on the 39th floor of the World Trade Center, North Tower, when the first plane hit the building. Bob is a Carefree resident. He runs VETSBuilt Contracting. You may have seen his trucks about town. We are honored to have Bob Jenkins with us today. He will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, but first has a few words to share."
Bob thanked everyone for coming and said he was very honored to be asked to speak.
Bob Jenkins in his Marine uniform
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
His great uncle was a Welsh coal miner who emigrated to the U.S. as a young man, and became a Marine during WWl. Bob's dad was an Army Captain in WWll (Lou was the keynote speaker at our 2017 Veteran's Day event) and fought at the Battle of the Bulge. Bob's older brother Tom was a Marine, and Bob's son Will almost became a Marine. Will called Bob from a Marine recruiter's office and said, "I'm joining the Marines and there's nothing you can do!" This was 11 years ago, at the height of the Afghanistan war. Bob replied, "William, your great uncle was a Marine, I'm a Marine. You know I love the Marine Corps, but you really need to come home and talk to me, and let's go over this. Because you're going to get out of boot camp, and they're going to hand you a gun. You're going to Afghanistan. You might not be happy". Bob convinced Will to join the Navy Seabees. "Will is now happily employed by a small university in Boston, MA called Harvard", where he is the facilities manager for several buildings there, and he is doing extraordinarily well.
Bob's family has served; he has served. He knows a lot of veterans and knew a lot of the veterans who were in attendance. "It's a real honor to have served." It was a great experience in his life.
Bob said the other reason he was there is that he heard several months ago that the Town of Carefree is starting a Veteran's Memorial project. An ad hoc group of veterans has been formed that will be veterans designing and putting this together for veterans. Bob introduced Mike Ferrell, who will be leading this effort. Mike will be joined by Bob and by Retired Air Force Col. and current member of American Legion Post 34, Pratt Ashworth, who lives in Cave Creek. The group has now been joined by a special veteran, who is Bob's next door neighbor, U.S. Navy vet Mike Wold. Mike began and continues his involvement in the Healing of Memories workshops held at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree. Mike had the recent honor of being inducted into the Arizona Veteran's Hall of Fame.
Bob's local contracting business, VetsBuilt, has "offered to put the first round into the design". He will be working with local landscaper Joe Henkemeyer, owner of New West Designs. A spot in the Gardens has been chosen, around the corner from the Pavilion. They plan to launch the Monument on Memorial Day, 2020. They are looking for help, support, and donations. Bob said we will have "a really beautiful and special Memorial Monument" here in Carefree. He again thanked everyone for coming and supporting veterans.
Vice Mayor Crane reclaimed the podium.
"Thank you, Bob. And, thank you to those vets working to bring a Veteran Memorial to the Town of Carefree."
"The American Legion Post 58 Color Guard from Fountain Hills will post Colors. The Post 58 Color Guard won the 2018 American Legion Military Class National Championship. This year they placed first for the 2nd year in a row at the 2019 American Legion Department of Arizona Annual Convention's Color Guard competition. These guys are good. Please rise for the Posting of Colors and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of our National Anthem."
The Colors were posted.
"Bob Jenkins, would you please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance?"
The Pledge was said.
"Thank you, Bob."
"Please remain standing for the singing of our National Anthem by Maya King, a junior of Cactus Shadows High School and Jackie Paul, a sophomore at Cactus Shadows High School."
The National Anthem was sung.
"Please be seated."
"That was wonderful. Please give a special round of applause to Maya King and Jackie Paul for their beautiful rendition of the National Anthem." He noted that that was the best rendition of the National Anthem that Carefree's Veteran's Day event has ever had.
The Color Guard completed their ceremony and exited the stage
"Now we know why the American Legion Post 58 Color Guard are national champions. At the end of our program, they will return to retrieve the colors. The Color Guard is comprised of:
Kevin Wood, Color Guard Commander, USN Vet
Garry Jacobus, USAF Vet
Bob Putman, USN Vet
And, Phil Yin, USMC Vet
Please give the Color Guard a big round of applause. This Color Guard is very special."
https://vimeo.com/373596596
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
His great uncle was a Welsh coal miner who emigrated to the U.S. as a young man, and became a Marine during WWl. Bob's dad was an Army Captain in WWll (Lou was the keynote speaker at our 2017 Veteran's Day event) and fought at the Battle of the Bulge. Bob's older brother Tom was a Marine, and Bob's son Will almost became a Marine. Will called Bob from a Marine recruiter's office and said, "I'm joining the Marines and there's nothing you can do!" This was 11 years ago, at the height of the Afghanistan war. Bob replied, "William, your great uncle was a Marine, I'm a Marine. You know I love the Marine Corps, but you really need to come home and talk to me, and let's go over this. Because you're going to get out of boot camp, and they're going to hand you a gun. You're going to Afghanistan. You might not be happy". Bob convinced Will to join the Navy Seabees. "Will is now happily employed by a small university in Boston, MA called Harvard", where he is the facilities manager for several buildings there, and he is doing extraordinarily well.
Bob's family has served; he has served. He knows a lot of veterans and knew a lot of the veterans who were in attendance. "It's a real honor to have served." It was a great experience in his life.
Bob said the other reason he was there is that he heard several months ago that the Town of Carefree is starting a Veteran's Memorial project. An ad hoc group of veterans has been formed that will be veterans designing and putting this together for veterans. Bob introduced Mike Ferrell, who will be leading this effort. Mike will be joined by Bob and by Retired Air Force Col. and current member of American Legion Post 34, Pratt Ashworth, who lives in Cave Creek. The group has now been joined by a special veteran, who is Bob's next door neighbor, U.S. Navy vet Mike Wold. Mike began and continues his involvement in the Healing of Memories workshops held at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree. Mike had the recent honor of being inducted into the Arizona Veteran's Hall of Fame.
Bob's local contracting business, VetsBuilt, has "offered to put the first round into the design". He will be working with local landscaper Joe Henkemeyer, owner of New West Designs. A spot in the Gardens has been chosen, around the corner from the Pavilion. They plan to launch the Monument on Memorial Day, 2020. They are looking for help, support, and donations. Bob said we will have "a really beautiful and special Memorial Monument" here in Carefree. He again thanked everyone for coming and supporting veterans.
Vice Mayor Crane reclaimed the podium.
"Thank you, Bob. And, thank you to those vets working to bring a Veteran Memorial to the Town of Carefree."
"The American Legion Post 58 Color Guard from Fountain Hills will post Colors. The Post 58 Color Guard won the 2018 American Legion Military Class National Championship. This year they placed first for the 2nd year in a row at the 2019 American Legion Department of Arizona Annual Convention's Color Guard competition. These guys are good. Please rise for the Posting of Colors and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of our National Anthem."
The Colors were posted.
"Bob Jenkins, would you please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance?"
The Pledge was said.
"Thank you, Bob."
"Please remain standing for the singing of our National Anthem by Maya King, a junior of Cactus Shadows High School and Jackie Paul, a sophomore at Cactus Shadows High School."
The National Anthem was sung.
"Please be seated."
"That was wonderful. Please give a special round of applause to Maya King and Jackie Paul for their beautiful rendition of the National Anthem." He noted that that was the best rendition of the National Anthem that Carefree's Veteran's Day event has ever had.
The Color Guard completed their ceremony and exited the stage
"Now we know why the American Legion Post 58 Color Guard are national champions. At the end of our program, they will return to retrieve the colors. The Color Guard is comprised of:
Kevin Wood, Color Guard Commander, USN Vet
Garry Jacobus, USAF Vet
Bob Putman, USN Vet
And, Phil Yin, USMC Vet
Please give the Color Guard a big round of applause. This Color Guard is very special."
https://vimeo.com/373596596
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.