While Veterans Day will be recognized Nov. 11, UniSource provides year-round support for veterans and U.S. flag displays in communities across Arizona. Here are three recent examples of how our donations and volunteer efforts pay respect to those who serve.
Raising Flags on 9/11
On Sept. 11, UniSource employees spent the day of reflection helping to coordinate the raising of new U.S. flags in Flagstaff.
UniSource partnered with Flags for the Flagless, a Southern Arizona-based organization on a mission to place U.S. flags on empty flagpoles.
The founder of the organization, Charley Foley, saw that many flagpoles were empty when he visited Flagstaff earlier this year. Foley is a retired 20-year veteran of the Tucson Police Department.
Foley reached out to UniSource for assistance, extending his established collaboration with UniSource’s sister company, Tucson Electric Power. For more than seven years, TEP’s linemen and other volunteers have helped raise flags with bucket trucks in high locations.
Foley identified nine Flagstaff locations with empty flagpoles, including two on top of the historic Hotel Monte Vista in the heart of downtown Flagstaff. He made plans for different groups to raise flags on 9/11.
Richard Perez, UniSource Gas District Director in Flagstaff, responded with support.
“This event was particularly meaningful, given the historical significance of Flagstaff’s name. Flagstaff, Arizona, was named after a flag-raising ceremony on July 4, 1876, in honor of the United States’ centennial,” Perez said. At that historic ceremony, a group of Boston travelers, known as the ‘Second Boston Party,’ chose a tall pine tree, trimmed its branches, and attached a flag to the top.”
Several weeks ahead of this year’s Sept. 11 event, UniSource employees used boom lifts to repair and re-rope three of the identified flagpoles.
In addition, UniSource leadership supported Foley by coordinating with other entities, including Arizona Public Service and the City of Flagstaff, to assist with repairs on additional flagpoles. We also helped establish communication with Arizona Department of Public Safety and Flagstaff Fire Department to ensure their participation on the day of the event, Perez said.
A group of UniSource employees came together to raise a flag in front of a 60-year-old historic building at 120 N. Beaver St.
On Sept. 11 at 9 a.m., the nine groups simultaneously raised their flags, then lowered them to half-staff at 9:11 a.m. Local country music station 92.9 FM played the National Anthem to coincide with the flag raising.
“It was a great show of local support and the community coming together,” Foley said.
Strengthening Veteran Services in Prescott
UniSource employees in Prescott helped set up and tear down Yavapai County Stand Down, an event that offers support and services to veterans.
UniSource supported the Sept. 20-21 event with both volunteers and a financial contribution to U.S. VETS Prescott, aligning with our commitment to community vitality. UniSource volunteers used forklifts to move items needed for the event.
The U.S. VETS organization helps about 500 veterans annually by providing employment assistance, transportation, housing and more. The Stand Down event offered veterans a wide range of resources, including clothing, backpacks, food and services. More than 200 veterans attended the event.
“With participation from vendors, the VA (Veteran’s Administration), employers, and dedicated professionals, the Stand Down offered a unique opportunity for veterans to receive the assistance they need during challenging times,” said Monica Vohs, Operations Manager of U.S. VETS Prescott.
In addition to the Stand Down, UniSource is contributing to the creation of a new culinary program. A thirteen-week course will provide veterans the opportunity to gain culinary skills and equipment that can be applied in the home or professional environment. The first classes, in collaboration with the Elks Lodge, were set to begin in October.
Vohs said she appreciates UniSource’s commitment to the cause and organization.
“The unwavering support we receive from UniSource is the driving force behind these initiatives. Our partnership enhances our impact and uplifts the spirits and prospects of the veterans we are honored to serve,” she said. “We look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration and working closely with UniSource to create a brighter future for our veterans.”
Mural Dedication for Veteran’s Day
UniSource played a key role in initiating a mural depicting veterans, from the Civil War to modern times, that adorns the Veterans of Foreign Wars building in Lake Havasu City.
The VFW Post 9401 is planning a dedication ceremony for the completion of the mural’s first phase on Nov. 11 for Veteran’s Day. Also that day, UniSource employees plan to join the Veteran’s Day Parade, along with representatives of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organization.
Last year, UniSource contributed $5,000 to cover the seed cost for the mural, including the hiring of an artist from Henderson, Nev. Post Commander Omer Ethier and Quartermaster Dennis Dickey requested the funding.
UniSource also relocated a gas meter that was obstructing part of the wall where the mural was painted and added a steel structure for a more pleasing look. The labor and equipment were provided as an in-kind donation.
“UniSource was very instrumental in helping VFW Post 9401 with the initial funding and logistics for the first phase of the Veteran’s Memorial, thus allowing for a more expedient and effective startup of this project,” said Lee Gorman, the Post’s Ways & Means Chairman/Project Manager.
The next phase of the mural will be dedicated to the wars involving the United States, along with numbers of veterans sacrificed in all wars.
“This is meant as an educational memorial for the public, a place of remembrance for family and friends of veterans, and a place of reflection for all veterans who chose to serve, protect, and defend the freedoms we enjoy today,” Gorman said.
