Grassroots Post-Based Engagement

Authored the original GI Bill, a foundational legislative effort to support veterans' education and reintegration.

Maintains two Color Guard and two Honor Guard teams that present and post colors at community events, patriotic holidays, school assemblies, parades, assisted living homes, and veterans’ events, performing over 30 times annually.

Raises funds for local children’s hospitals, schools, veterans’ homes, severely wounded service members, and scholarships.

Provides emergency aid including grocery and gas gift cards, school supplies, vehicle and home repairs, utility bill assistance, transportation to VA medical centers, care for special needs family members, and holiday meals for needy families.

Collects over 3,500 unserviceable American and state flags annually and provides designated locations for their proper disposal, while distributing poppies during Memorial Day weekend to educate the public on their symbolism related to military sacrifice.

Participates in funeral honor rides to protect military funerals from demonstrators and performs at veterans' funerals, memorial services, and church ceremonies at the State Veteran's Cemetery in Marana and other locations.

Conducts approximately four practice sessions annually to train members in marching, color presentation, M-1 Garand rifle handling, rifle volleys, and folding/presenting burial flags to next of kin.

Provides all required uniform items for Guard members and hosts an annual December dinner for Guard members and a guest to acknowledge their service.

Participates annually in the American Legion Legacy Run to raise funds for the Legacy Scholarship Fund, which supports children of U.S. military personnel killed or severely disabled since September 11, 2001.

Participates in regional Operation Wounded Warrior events hosted across Western states, including Arizona, to support injured service members.

Provides supplies to the lounge at the State Veterans Home, donates comfort and entertainment items to patients at the Tucson VA medical center and residents of the Tucson State Veterans Home, and prepares meals onsite for guests and staff at the Tucson Fisher House.

Escorts returning military units, conducts cross-country fundraising events for wounded warriors, and provides support to families of deployed Guard and Reserve members, including school supply backpacks for their children and Thanksgiving turkeys through the Heroes to Hometowns program.

Supports Girls State, a week-long program for high school junior girls to learn about citizenship through participatory government, and supports Wreaths Across America to honor veterans.