The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society was established on in 1978, blending together the unique backgrounds and talents of Veterans who have been recognized for their outstanding efforts and achievements to our communities outside of their military service. The Society’s vision is to be recognized as a leading advocate for Arizona Veterans, military personnel, their families and their survivors. We will accomplish this vision by fostering a bond of friendship and camaraderie among Society members and by focusing our talents toward our common goal of service to our fellow Veterans, communities, state and country. The Society fosters the development of programs which recognize the efforts of public and private individuals and corporations who, by their deeds and actions, have made significant contributions in support of Veterans and their families. The appreciation of Arizona patriots, an unbending advocacy of Arizona Veterans Courts and an enduring dedication to Veteran and Student Scholarships are among the primary activities of the Society.

Following are the VFW Post 9400 members who have been inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.

John Barnard inducted 2018

Born in Pittsburgh, Texas in 1947, John Barnard served in the U.S. Army for two years, including service in Vietnam where he was critically injured, medically retiring in 1968. John has championed over his disabilities and taken care of his family, retiring after 22 years from Honeywell (Sperry Flight Systems small pool repair and maintenance). A member of eight veterans’ organizations, John is a motivational speaker to groups and a role model for veterans with disabilities. He has raised over $20,000 from VFW Buddy Poppy sales, plus an additional $23,000, all for hospitalized veterans. For the past five to eight years, John Barnard has donated 586 volunteer hours at the VA Medical Center Phoenix: and 400 hours of conducting dog races for the residents at the State Veteran Home Phoenix.

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Dillion Dalzotto inducted 2015

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Born in Springfield, Illinois in 1981. As a member of the US Army Reserves, Dylan Dalzotto deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Upon his return, he pursued a master’s degree in Education. Dylan is dedicated to bringing veterans into classrooms, and as a Joe Foss Institute Coordinator, he has brought volunteer veterans to over 70,000 high school students in Arizona. He is an avid supporter of the Veterans Heritage Project. Dylan supports both the Grand Canyon Boy Scouts and the Boys and Girls Clubs. He is committed to an Arizona Department of Education program entitled “Excellence in Civic Engagement” to qualify and recognize Public and Charter Schools. He has served on the Attorney General’s Veterans Task Force. As a member of The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Dylan supports the Maricopa County Stand Down.

Kevin Haegele inducted 2017

Born in Kewaunee, Wisconsin in 1960, Kevin Haegele proudly served in the United States Navy, including the Gulf War, and medically retired in 1998, an Electronic Warfare Senior Chief. Moving to Mesa in 2006, Kevin volunteered over 3,000 hours at Banner Heart Hospital. Moving to Phoenix, Kevin has devoted over 4,000 volunteer hours helping hospitalized veterans at the Phoenix VA Medical Center where he was named 2011 Volunteer of the Year. Since 2014, Kevin also volunteers with Phoenix Project Healing Waters which helps to heal veterans through fly-fishing trips. Kevin, an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the VFW Military Order of the Cootie, was recognized for his continuing enthusiastic volunteer work as the 2015-2016 Cootie of the Year.

Bob Hysko inducted 2015

Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1945. Active Duty, US Army 1965-1967, serving with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam. In 1993, after a 23-year career as a Michigan police officer, Bob Hysko moved to Arizona. He has served as a volunteer coach for boys’ and girls’ baseball and soccer, 15 years as a volunteer on the Selective Service Board, donated over 10 gallons of blood, assisted in over 500 funeral services for veterans and their families, volunteers at the Phoenix VA Hospital, and coordinates the “Goals for Kids” program for the Phoenix Coyotes Hockey team’s children program. A 47-year member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Bob has devoted almost his entire adult life as a volunteer for veteran’s affairs. Bob Hysko was elected Department Commander, VFW in June 2015.

Bill Talcott inducted 2016

Born in Highland Park, Michigan in 1944, Bill Talcott served in Vietnam and stateside, 1968-1971. An Army Ranger, he led a reconnaissance platoon with the 82nd Airborne receiving three Bronze Stars, two for Valor, and the Purple Heart. After forty years in the employee benefits industry, Bill retired as a successful sales manager. A Legacy Life Member of VFW Post 9400, Phoenix, Bill has served as Youth Activities Chairman helping underprivileged children; as Buddy Poppy Chairman raising $40,000 annually for veteran causes; and as Hospital Chairman, initiating monthly entertainment and donations for hospitalized veterans. As Founder of Post 9400’s Cootie Pup Tent 11, his organization has donated over $100,000 to help hospitalized veterans. Having contributed over 3,000 volunteer hours representing Guest Services at the VA Medical Center Phoenix, Bill was honored as “Phoenix VA Volunteer of the Year, 2015.”

Lewis “Gene” Wood Inducted 2017

Born in Denver, Colorado in 1950, Gene Wood is a retired US Army First Sergeant (Aircraft Maintenance), 1969-1992; and retired Airline Aircraft Quality Control Inspector. An active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Gene serves veterans at all levels: Post 12043 Past Commander (twice); District 10 Past Commander supervising eight posts; and currently Department Senior Vice Commander. Gene served for three years as the National VFW Veterans and Military Services Chairman where he provided leadership and information for assistance programs to servicemen and servicewomen with unmet veteran needs; Gene assisted in raising over $30,000 to meet those needs. While serving as Grand Commander, VFW Military Order of the Cootie, Gene Wood spearheaded the organization’s donation of over $50,000 to assist hospitalized veterans.

Sue Wudy inducted 2004

Born in Quimby, Iowa, in 1946. Served in U.S. Army Women’s Army Corps, medical discharge due to multiple sclerosis. Co-hosts annual Arizona Women Veterans’ Luncheon on Armed Forces Day. Has held or currently holds leadership positions on National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona Memorial Day Committee; State Fair Veterans’ Recognition Day Committee; All Veterans Picnic Committee; and for chapters of such organizations as Vietnam Veterans of America, Women’s Army Corps Veterans of America, In-Country Vietnam Veterans, and Arizona Paralyzed Veterans of America. Chairs annual Memorial Day Candlelight Service at Wesley Bolin Plaza. First recipient of League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Star Award recognizing her selfless service to her sister veterans. Given Special Service Award in 2004 by Unified Arizona Veterans for her support of veterans.

Reggie Yates inducted 2013

Born in Loris, South Carolina in 1945. Major, US Army, with service in Vietnam, 25 years of service. Retired 1990. Resident of Phoenix, Arizona. From 1990 to 1991, Reggie served as a volunteer teacher for the Arizona Dept of Youth Rehabilitation and Correction. Beginning in 1991, Reggie has mentored students, veterans, and seniors to better their lives and livelihoods. From 1996-1998, he led a group of veterans at Unity Church Phoenix who raised 2.5 million dollars to assist other veterans. From 2002 – 2008, while employed at Grubb Automotive, Inc., he referred over 90 veterans to VA Phoenix and other support facilities for veterans’ benefits assistance; and also coordinated a program which recognized the achievements of veterans in the community. Reggie regularly volunteers at the annual Arizona Stand Down and other outreach services for veterans.

Patrick Young inducted 2012

Born in Tooele, Utah in 1948.  Active duty, US Navy, Hospital Corpsman, 1967-1971, with service in Vietnam; retired 1971.  In 1971 Patrick joined the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) National Service training program.  During his 27-year career, he handled 30,000-35,000 claims of disabled veterans.  He advocated for veterans before the Dept of Veterans Affairs.  From 1978-1981, he handled the DAV Vietnam Veteran Outreach program which served 1,500 veterans, which influenced the VA to establish veterans’ centers in major cities nationwide.  Served as DAV Dept Adjutant, State of Arizona, for 6 years, followed by service on the Dept Finance Committee for 6 years.  Has raised 1.7 million dollars for the DAV.  In 2011 he formed the Arizona Disabled Veterans Foundation to raise funds to aid and assist Arizona’s veterans.

Martha Alderman inducted 2022

Born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1955, Martha Alderman retired as a Chief Petty Officer after 24 years in the US Navy as an Avionics Technician. She is retired from the Arizona Dept of Veterans’ Services as a Benefits Counselor and Central Region Manager. Martha is currently the Vice President, Salt River Unit Phoenix, and National Region 3 Representative, Military Women Across the Nation. Martha works with Veterans First Ltd Phoenix, assisting in community outreach such as the annual Maricopa County StandDown, and the MOMS program at the Phoenix VA Medical Center and serving as its on-call Service Officer. She is The American Legion Post 29 Glendale’s Service Officer and Past District Service Officer. Martha Alderman is enthusiastic, tireless, and committed to serving her fellow veterans; what started as a job has become her life’s mission and work!

Tom Marrin inducted 2022

Born in Springfield, Illinois in 1943, Tom Marrin served in the US Marine Corps as an Infantry Officer in Vietnam. His civilian work was in the lumber and building materials industry. Tom’s civic accomplishments include feeding the homeless at the Andre House ministry to the homeless and poor populations in Phoenix. Tom’s veteran’s advocacy accomplishments include volunteer escort at the VA Medical Center Phoenix, eighteen hours each week for the last fifteen years; volunteer on Veterans First Ltd projects; volunteer mentor, the Veterans Treatment Court Program, West Valley Justice Court; volunteer, the Missing in America Program associated with the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona; volunteer at StandDown and Stand-Up events; and Color Guard Commander, Old Breed Detachment, Marine Corps League. Tom Marrin is dedicated to serving Arizona veterans and Arizonans in need.

Stephen Bradford inducted 2023

Born in Pomona, California in 1969, Stephen Bradford served in the US Army for 8 years, including combat duty in the Gulf War. Stephen’s civic activities include volunteering at the Phoenix Police Department from 2010 to the present.  Stephen advocates for veterans by helping veterans heal through the Instruments 4 Success (I4S) Program which he founded in 2020 currently under the nonprofit Veterans First Ltd.  I4S has donated over 400 musical instruments to veterans and their families. Stephen also helps manage their R+R (Rest + Relaxation) program for male veterans.  He is the lead Instructor for Guitars for Vets.  Stephen Bradford also volunteers at Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing and the Phoenix VA Medical Center’s Adaptive Sports Program, where he assists in developing, organizing, and administering recreation therapy programs and other adaptive sports activities and competitions.

Legacy members

Legacy Life membership enables VFW Life members to leave a lasting impression on our great organization.

Three prestigious levels of Legacy Life membership are available: Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Each level offers generous benefits reserved exclusively for Legacy Life members. Once your Legacy Life membership begins, an annual endowment in your name will be made to your Post, Department and the national organization. You will feel confident knowing your contributions to our organization are not only helping today’s veterans but the veterans of tomorrow.

You may also purchase a Memorial Legacy in the name of a deceased VFW Annual or Life member to help future generations know and remember their sacrifice and contributions.

Deceased members *

 

Lyle W Ahrens Jr.                                              Silver

Roy Anderson                                                    Bronze

George J Baker*                                                Bronze

John T Barnard Jr.                                             Gold

Manuel L Blea*                                                   Bronze

Kenneth C Bong                                                 Bronze

Kenneth A Buckley*                                            Bronze

Elmer G Chamberlain*                                        Bronze

Stephen A  Clark                                                 Gold

Darrin (Ashley) Combs                                        Gold

Louis J Conti                                                        Gold

Ray Dawson                                                      Bronze

John R De Circe                                                Bronze

Abraham Dela Vina                                             Bronze

Francis L Dodds                                                Bronze

Christian T Doerr*                                              Gold

William H Facemire                                            Bronze

Vance R Fulkerson                                              Bronze

Eric Gagomiros                                                     Bronze

Gerald J Gleason Jr.*                                           Bronze

Kevin W Haegele                                                  Gold

Sterling E Hamilton                                               Gold

Fred Hammann                                                     Bronze

William E Holder                                                    Bronze

Bob T Hysko                                                           Gold

Thomas J Kaifesh*                                              Bronze

Chris N Kanios                                                   Bronze

Joe H Kellwood*                                                  Gold

Robert J Krupp                                                    Bronze

Thomas M Landy*                                               Bronze

Jody  A Lauer                                                       Silver

Mike P LoBello                                                      Gold

Joseph P Loggia                                               Bronze

Harold D Long                                                   Bronze

Mike A Mazor                                                      Gold

Michael V Mc Kittrick*                                        Bronze

William A Montgomery                                       Bronze

Daniel A Muller*                                                 Bronze

James E Nealand                                               Bronze

Jack D Neumann*                                               Bronze

Timothy S Ogden                                                Gold

Michael O Parker                                                Bronze

James A Rautio                                                   Bronze

Christina L  Read                                                Bronze

Richard W Reel*                                                 Sliver

Luis A Reyes*                                                     Gold

Vincent A Rigo                                                    Gold

Franklin B Robertson                                          Bronze

James J Shanley                                                 Gold

Mark A Short                                                        Gold

Clifford E Simpson                                               Bronze

Vincent L Smith                                                   Bronze

Scott T Strey*                                                      Bronze

Donald B Syphrit                                                  Bronze

William R Talcott                                                  Gold

Earl J Thurston                                                    Bronze

Doyle L Van Sant                                                 Bronze

Charles B Walters                                                Gold

Gene E Wood                                                     Gold

Robert R Wood                                                   Bronze