Well, we did it! On October 28th Dick was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society. He was among 28 individuals who had been nominated for this honor. They all went through a rigorous selection process. "The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame recognizes and honors our Arizona veterans who have made significant civic contributions at the local, state, or national level. Honorees are veterans who serve, or have honorably served, their country through military service and who also serve and inspire their fellow citizens with deeds and accomplishments outside their military service." [excerpt from the program]
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Michele Reagan, Arizona Secretary of State and Colonel Wanda Wright, Arizona Department of Veterans Services Director presented the medallion and plaque to Dick and all the other inductees. |
Here is Dick's biography from the program: Born in Hildreth, Florida in 1939, Lieutenant Colonel Dick Jonas served in the US Air Force as a combat fighter pilot/instructor who retired in 1986 with 21 years of service. For 15 years Dick served as an aerospace science instructor at Cactus High School, Glendale; and Mohave High School, Bullhead City; during which time he volunteered the equivalent of a school year guiding the cadets to drill meets, field trips, and summer camps. An active lifetime member of the Military Officers Association of America the the Air Force Association, Dick advocated veterans issues to Arizona's Congressional delegation, increased scholarship donations, and actively supported several veterans StandDowns. A military folk musician, Dick Jonas has traveled to Germany, Japan, and Korea to entertain the troops and to perpetuate the legacy of the warrior musician."
We appreciate Ron Perkins for successfully nominating Dick for this honor.
Also we want to thank all the family members and friends who made the time to join us for the ceremony.
I am extremely proud of Dick for receiving this recognition.
