The Commanders from AZ American Legion, AZ VFW, AZ DAV, and the UAV Chair, along with the AZ DAV Adjutant and three state-level organization legislative representatives visited the offices of Senators and Representatives to advocate for changes to proposed SB and HB dropping in Committee next week. Read more HERE!

On April 26th, Department Adjutant & CEO Carl Forkner was honored as a part of the 2026 Imprints of Honor, Volume I in a ceremony and book signing in Scottsdale, AZ. The program honors Veterans by interviewing them by high school students interviewing them and writing a chapter of the annual commemorative book to tell their story. To learn more, click HERE!

At the joint opening ceremony of the Department of Arizona's Convention on June 11th, Senior Vice Commander Rodney Hage was the recipient of two high honors. 

To read more, click HERE.

Department Commander Bruce Nogar had the honor of meeting Medal of Honor recipient and 2025 DAV Disabled Veteran of the Year Kenneth David, Department Adjutant for Ohio.

See him helping Ken wear his Medal of Honor HERE.

Department Adjutant Dr. Carl Forkner was elected at DAV National Convention in Orlando, FL, to a two-year term on the National Executive Committee (NEC), representing Arizona, Hawai'i, and Nevada. His term will be from 2026 to 2028. The Alternate District 18 NEC Representative is PDC Jerome Washington from Nevada.

Department PDC, Judge Advocate, and National 2nd Junior Vice Commander was elected to the office of National 1st Junior Vice Commander at the 2026 DAV National Convention in Orlanda, FL.

See more HERE.

Department Adjutant Dr. Carl Forkner was appointed as the National Advisor for Native American Outreach at a staff meeting with DAV National Headquarters Communications & Outreach Director Dan Clare, Media Director Rob Lewis, National Service Director Scott Hope, Washington DC Executive Director Jim Marzsalek, and staff on September 10th. In this role, he is responsible for developing measures to assist other states in connecting with the Native America Veteran populations and designing a "blueprint" that other state Departments can modify based on the culture, tradition, and needs of each individual Native American Tribe.

Department Adjutant & CEO, Dr. Carl Forkner, presented SBC Contracting CEO, Angeline Schmidt, with a plaque showing the Department's appreciation for SDB's outstanding support over the last 17 years and commemoration of the nation's 250th birthday. This year, without the donations from the post-golf auctions, SDB contributed $125,000 to DAV Department of Arizona.

Many thanks to Angie and her wonderful team at SDB Contracting!

Department Senior Vice Commander Rod Hage and Adjutant|CEO Dr. Carl Forkner attended the 11th annual Patriots Ball, sponsored by the Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce. Guests attending with them were their wives, Tineke Hage and Jo Forkner, Army Reserve CSM Sean Stoddard and wife Rebecca, and Retired Army MSgt, Korea and Vietnam War Veteran Jerry Buza and his wife Margaret. As always, a night of reconnecting with many other Veterans working to help make the Veteran Community stronger, safer, healthier, more active, and collaborative. Also attending was our site manager for the Globe Remote Service Office, Linda Merlin, and associate Ashley Harris.