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2023 Community Reception
and Book Signing

Thank you for celebrating with us! History came to life, civic pride and gratitude soared, and service was honored.

Veterans

139

Student Authors

178

SYA Volume

19

School Partners

23

Attendees

500

+

Students, families, educators and community members from across Arizona honored the service of their veterans, whose stories they captured in Since You Asked XIXTM: A Salute to Gulf War and War on Terror Veterans at our May 28, 2023 Community Reception and Book Signing.

View Photo Album
signing lines
Student and Veteran with family
Avha with GWOT veteran
Bill Kummar with family cropped
Enzo
100 Year old veteran

Video Highlights

panel
Panel Presentation
Veteran panelists shared a significant moment during their service in the Gulf War or Global War on Terror, as well as impressions of their student interviewer and the advice you would give young people today.
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teacher of the year
Teacher of the Year
Heather Jones received the Barbara Hatch Founder’s Award for Program Excellence. Heather excelled as a first-year VHP Advisor at Montessori International School, leading middle-school students in interviews and civic engagement.
Watch Video
2023 scholars
Scholarships
Seven scholarships in recognition of civic engagement, leadership, and academic excellence were awarded. Excerpts from the student scholarship essays demonstrate the power of lessons imparted by veterans.
Watch Video

Thank You

The support of our Community Partners made this event possible.
AZ Humanities
Thunderbirds Charities
BCBS
Wells Fargo
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Lambert Scholarship
“When Judy and I decided to establish this scholarship, we had four criteria we wanted to have in these students that we selected. We wanted them to be patriotic and love their country, respect the military, give back to the community, and have good academic and leadership records in high school. And there is only one organization in the whole state of Arizona that does that, and that’s VHP.” - Frank Lambert
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“As a disabled combat veteran, I think it very important to share my story and the many others that came before me and will charge hard after me. This was the best event, from the initial ask, down to interview, edits, and publishing. But the event to sign was incredible, the stories, Color Guard, choir, all of it . . . MAGNIFICENT . . . I cannot thank you enough and I am soooo HAPPY to have been a part of this book series....”- Michael Long
Michael Long Signing a young boy's book
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Lea Seago
“Thank you for the most wonderful experience in my life. Great student and great educators. So very professional and such a great learning experience for students. VHP is simply THE BEST! Thank You for including our family.” - Anna Lea Seago, Immediate Past Chair, Unified Arizona Veterans, and Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society, Class of 2013

Regional Book Receptions

Florida book signing
St. Joseph Academy in Florida
The St. Joseph Academy VHP Chapter hosted an amazing event for the dozen veterans they interviewed this year. Keynote speaker was Evangelo “Vann” Morris, a former nuclear-powered ballistic missile submariner who served in Afghanistan and other locations for more than 30 years. Following his remarks, Morris performed his rendition of "Old Glory" in which he personified the U.S. Flag.
 Video interview of students sharing impact with Vann Morris →
Martha Nunez speaking about her veteran
Kofa High School in Yuma
VHP students at Kofa High School in Yuma, AZ held a reception to honor the five veterans they interviewed this year. Teacher Advisor Tammy Foley shared special words about VHP's mission, and each student, like Martha Nunez pictured above, spoke about the veteran they interviewed. Special display boards showcased photos of each veteran, and guests enjoyed appetizers and cake.