American Legion Post 34 to Serve Free Steak Dinners to Veterans
Photo Courtesy of American Legion Post 34
On Veterans Day, Fri., Nov. 11 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. American Legion Post 34 will offer free steak dinner meals to veterans at the post. Non-veteran guests can enjoy a dinner for $15.

According to American Legion Post 34 Commander Brian Fernandez, the meals are provided as a tribute for those who served in the name of freedom and liberty. Entertainment will be provided.

American Legion Post 34 is located at 6272 E. Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek. The American Legion, formed in 1919, supports and advocates on behalf of veterans, active military, and their families. The 501(c)(19) also supports the initiatives and programs of the American Legion while fostering patriotism and responsible citizenship. For more information, call 602-400-3330.
Scottsdale Veterans Day Commemoration Features Rose Mattie, Combat Veteran and Blackhawk pilot
Scottsdale’s Veterans Day Commemoration will take place at 3 p.m. Fri., Nov. 11, at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd. It is free and open to the public.

This year’s keynote speaker, Rose Mattie, was deployed to Iraq from 2003 to 2005, then again from 2009 to 2010, with several roles in between. In 2011, the army selected Mattie to be part of an elite female program where she was deployed with the Green Berets to an Afghan village supporting the Navy SEALs.

After completing that assignment, she was accepted into pilot training. She received her wings in 2013 and flew helicopters for the Arizona National Guard until 2018. During that time, she earned a business degree and became the first recorded servicewoman to attend the military’s Aviation Life Support and Equipment course while seven months pregnant with her second child. Today, Mattie and her family live in Chandler, where she spends her days as a full-time mom.

Scottsdale’s annual Veterans Day commemoration is emceed by Mayor David D. Ortega and includes remarks from Joan Fudala, Air Force veteran and community historian.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Arizona Band kicks off the program at 3 p.m. with a half-hour of patriotic music.

Scottsdale is proud to be a Vietnam Commemorative Partner. Vietnam veterans and family members are invited to not only attend this year’s event, but also use it as an opportunity to share their stories with attendees. Stickers encouraging others to ask veterans about their stories will be available.

The program also will feature the Scottsdale Police and Fire Honor Guards, bugler Gil Gifford and members of Scottsdale Mayor’s Youth Council. For more information about this event, call the park at 480-312-2312.

Scottsdale Salutes: New Program Honors Local Veterans
Banners featuring 30 local veterans/servicemembers will fly from street light poles in Old Town during two weeks in November. See the banners along Drinkwater Boulevard Nov. 3 to 21. This recognition program was initiated by the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission, seven residents appointed by the city council to advise on veterans’ issues and to raise awareness of and honor veterans in the community.

Most City Offices Closed for Veterans Day
Most city offices will be closed Veterans Day, Thurs., Nov. 11. However, garbage and recycling collection will not be affected. Residents may place containers in the typical spot by 5 a.m. the morning of collection or the night before.

Adopt-A-Family in Scottsdale
Scottsdale’s Adopt-A-Family Program serves low-income families in our community during the Thanksgiving and holiday season. With the help of sponsors and donors, this program brings holiday cheer to over 200 families annually. Income-eligible families are matched with sponsors who provide a meal for Thanksgiving and gifts for children during the December holidays. The Adopt-A-Family program relies entirely on donations, and they are now looking for sponsors and accepting donations. Get involved by either sponsoring a local family or donating. Learn more about the program at scottsdaleaz.gov/news/adopt-a-family-in-scottsdale-this-holiday-season.