By Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega
Dear Scottsdale Families,
Scottsdale honors those in our community who have served, and continue to serve, in the armed forces of the United States each year. We proudly salute our veterans, those on active duty, and members of the National Guard and reserves who are truly valued members of Scottsdale.
Each November, Scottsdale hosts a variety of special recognition events to thank our veterans. The Scottsdale Salutes recognition program is one of them and was initiated by the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission, a group of seven residents appointed by the City Council to advise on veterans’ issues and raise awareness of veterans’ contributions within the community. Scottsdale Salutes features light pole banners of local veterans and military service members displayed in Old Town for two weeks each November in conjunction with a special recognition ceremony hosted by the city.
Countless veterans have contributed to making Scottsdale a great city. Three special Scottsdale veterans of note include Guy Stillman, Jim Geiser, and Jacob Johnson.
Commissioned in the U.S. Navy in 1941, Guy Stillman was initially assigned as Executive & Engineering Officer for the Navy’s PT Boat squadron in Cairns, Australia. He served in PT Boats in the Southwest Pacific – Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines until April 1945. After the war, he continued service in the Naval reserves, served as a national officer of the Reserve Officers Association, and was a major benefactor and creator of McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
Jim Geiser graduated Scottsdale High School in 1965, enlisted in the U.S. Marines at age 21 and served a year in Vietnam before achieving the rank of Gunnery Sergeant; subsequently commissioned as an officer and served in the USMC Reserve for 23 years, retiring with the rank of Major. Jim initiated the Arizona State University Veterans Memorial to honor ASU alumni killed during military service, and organized the Scottsdale Memorial for the Fallen to honor Scottsdale-area residents killed in military service.
Jacob Johnson is the current City of Scottsdale acting Emergency Manager. He is a Scottsdale resident who, before joining the city, served from 2000 to 2020 in the U.S. Army in Special Forces as a Green Beret with combat deployments in support of the war on terror.
Scottsdale has a long tradition of residents and employees who have served in our armed forces honorably.
Founder, Captain Winfield Scott, was a U.S. Army Civil War veteran. The skills veterans bring home are valuable in our workforce, especially in municipal government. Today, Scottsdale celebrates hundreds of veterans, active duty, National Guard and reserve members.
May God bless our veterans and all United States military personnel!
David D. Ortega is a professional architect, 45-year resident of Scottsdale and serves as the 12th Mayor of Scottsdale.
