46 JANUARY 2023 By Trisha Anthony and Mallory Gleich The Veterans Medical Leadership Council (VMLC) is a nonprofit dedicated to “honoring and serving our military heroes.” Founded in 1999, the VMLC’s mission is to assist veterans in crises, encourage initiatives that honor heroes and recommend quality medical and mental health care for veterans. Through its Returning Warrior Program, the VMLC works closely with VA Medical Center social workers to provide veterans with emergency financial assistance not provided by the federal and state governments. This assistance helps veterans complete rehab programs, find a job and help keep families together. VMLC also supports the Arizona Stand Down, Central Arizona Shelter for the homeless, the VA Amethyst Clinic for Women and the Arizona State Veterans Home. In November, the VMLC hosted the largest Heroes Patriotic Luncheon to date, with nearly 700 attendees at the Arizona Biltmore. The 20 th annual celebration was presented by GlobalMed, an international company founded by local philanthropist Joel Barthelemy, and was chaired by VMLC Committee Chair George Bliss. A keynote speech was delivered by Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Major General Patrick Henry Brady, who served in the United States Army as a medical evacuation pilot. “This event provides the opportunity to honor and celebrate our veterans and military service members who have and continue to ‘stand in the gap,’ defending our liberty and freedom,” VMLC President Tom Eisiminger said. “This year, we were very fortunate to have Patrick Henry Brady discuss what American exceptionalism is and what it means to be an American. Over the last 20 years, we have been fortunate to provide close to $4 million to assist our heroes looking for a hand up, not a handout.” David McIntyre, President and CEO of TriWest Healthcare Alliance, was this year’s Honorary Luncheon Chairman. The BGEN Tom Browning Community Heroes Award was presented to USAA for their continued support of our Veterans and the VMLC. The American Rosie the Riveter Association (also known as the working women of World War II), were in attendance as special guests. The following honorees were recognized for their selfless devotion to our country: • Dale Glendenning (Army, WWII) • Art Agosta (Navy, Korea) • Wayne Snider (USMC, Vietnam) • Kiamesha Guy (Navy, War on Terror) • Sean Stoddard (Army National Guard, War on Terror) • Civilian Lee Huff. arizonavmlc.org Nonprofit celebrates 20 th annual Heroes Patriotic Luncheon The VLMC honored Arthur Agosta, Wayne Snider, Dale Glendenning, Kiamesha Guy, Sean Stoddard and Lee Huff at the 20th annual luncheon. PHOTO COURTESY OF TRISHA ANTHONY T H E XAVIER EFFECT Young Women Always Take Center Stage For More Information Visit xcp.org At Xavier College Preparatory Young Women Always Take Center Stage. They learn there are no limits to their possibilities in life. In a girls’ school, their voices are always heard. At Xavier College Preparatory is a Catholic community that strives to prepare young women of faith with knowledge, skills, and integrity to meet the challenges of a changing global society in a positive and productive manner celebrating unity. All Are Welcome! Multifamily sale with hundreds of items: appliances, furniture, tools, clothing, collectibles, household goods and stuff, one man’s junk stuff, is another man’s treasure stuff, hoarded / now hoardable stuff, price tag still on it stuff, “why’d you buy that?” stuff... just lots and lots of stuff that is ready for a new home (or eBay). HUGE RUMMAGE SALE! ONE DAY ONLY! Saturday January 21 8am - 2pm Prince of Peace Church 3641 N 56th Street, Phoenix (south parking lot - look for signs) Presented by and proceeds benefit: Arcadia Boy Scout Troop 6