Press Release Archives - Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce

In the News

Carl Ulbrich — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 23:35:12 +0000

Retired LtCol Kathy Gallowitz announces that Vanguard Veteran, member of the Southwest Veterans Chamber, was recently featured in the Phoenix Business Journal (Veteran Hiring) and Fountain Hills Times (Military Ministry). Kathy grew up as a Navy ‘brat’ and served nearly 30 years as an Air Force Officer. She is the founder of Vanguard Veteran, LLC, author of Beyond ‘Thank You For your Service,’ The Veteran Champion Handbook for Civilians and has Masters degrees in Nursing and Political Science. As an award-winning businesswoman with first-hand experience hiring Veterans, Kathy coaches employers how to excel with hiring and retaining Veteran talent and strengthen their workforce. Kathy’s “Veteran Talent Academy” equips employers to find, hire and leverage Veterans’ skillsets. Kathy also equips volunteer faith community leaders to build Military Ministries to cultivate mutual support, a sense of belonging and spiritual resiliency for military-connected people. View Vanguard Veteran’s media page here.

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2022-2 Scholarships Recipients

Carl Ulbrich — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 14:00:06 +0000

The Southwest Veterans Foundation (SWVF) announced the eight recipients of its 2022-2 $1,000 Veteran College Scholarships today. The eight scholarship recipients are:

Will Christ

Steve Devlin

Marco Higuera

Grant Livingston

Ashlyn Nam

Skylar Saloum

Eric Walker

Bruce Ward

Army Veteran

Marine Veteran

Navy Veteran

Army Veteran

Army National Guard Veteran

Marine Veteran

Arizona State University

Will Quiala, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, said “we are pleased to be able to support the educational pursuits of these great Veterans who have answered our Nation’s call to duty to defend our freedom and our way of life.” Leo DeLangis, President of the SWVF Board of Directors, added that “these scholarships are made possible by the financial support from the Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce, those who have donated to the SWVF, those who attend or sponsor the annual Patriots Ball, and other fundraising events throughout the year. It is their support and generosity that make these scholarships possible.”

The SWVF Veteran College Scholarship is open to veterans, currently serving Reservists and National Guard, and spouses and children of veterans killed in service or 100% disabled. The next scholarship opportunity will be released in early spring 2023. Individuals and organizations can support this scholarship program by joining the SWVCC, by donating to the SWVF, or by attending or sponsoring the annual Patriots Ball. To donate, please visit the Foundation website, mail your donation to SWVF at the address below, or contact the Executive Director, whose contact information appears at the top of this press release.

To our scholarship recipients: Thank you for your service to our Nation and congratulations!

For more information about the SWVF or to donate, visit https://swvcc.org/foundation/. For more information about the SWVCC, visit https://swvcc.org/.

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2022-1 Veteran Suicide Prevention Grant Awards

Carl Ulbrich — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 00:46:47 +0000

Southwest Veterans Foundation Announces
Its 2022-1 Veteran Suicide Prevention Grants

The Southwest Veterans Foundation (SWVF) continues to expand its efforts to reduce Veteran suicides. Today, they announced the awarding of $1,200 grants to six grass-roots organizations on the “front lines” of Veteran suicide prevention.

These grant recipients are:

Rick Bauer, Chair of the SWVF Philanthropy Committee, pointed out that “these grass roots organizations are on the front lines of the daily battle to fight the epidemic of Veteran suicides. They represent a variety of treatment modalities, and they all do their work without using or advocating the use of psychotropic drugs. Many of their success stories were on the brink of choosing suicide. We urge you to visit the websites of these great organizations to learn more about what they do and how they do it.”

In its annual Veteran Suicide Report, the Veterans Administration (VA) was happy to report a national decline in Veteran Suicides both in terms of actual numbers and in the rate per 100,000 Veterans. Unfortunately, that good news stops at the Arizona borders. Conversely, both the actual number and rate per 100,000 Veterans increased in Arizona. Arizona now has the fifth highest Veteran suicide rate in the nation. In view of Arizona’s alarming increase in the face of a national decrease, the SWVF will again make Veteran Suicides its signature issue in 2022

Tom Sheets, Executive Director of the SWVF added, “this brings the total suicide prevention grants we have awarded to $29,200. None of these grants would have been possible without the support and generosity of our members, donors, and supporters. We will continue providing grants to deserving, effective organizations as long as our fundraising efforts provide the resources.”

The SWVF needs your help to continue our fight against this this epidemic of Veteran suicides. You can donate at any SWVF/SWVCC event, online at https://southwestveterans.dojiggy.io/support-veterans, by mailing your donation to SWVF 3820 W. Happy Valley Rd., #141-455 Glendale, AZ 85310 (and save us merchant services fees) or by calling 602.677.2961.

For more information about the SWVF, please visit https://swvcc.org/foundation/.

On behalf of the Veterans and their families who will benefit from your generosity, the SWVF thanks you

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Elected Chair, Arizona Veterans’ Service Advisory Commission

Carl Ulbrich — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 17:03:25 +0000

Kathy Gallowitz, a retired Air Force public affairs officer and nurse, was elected by peer commissioners as the 2022-2023 Chair of the Arizona Veterans’ Service Advisory Commission.

The commission provides policy advice on priority Veteran issues to the governor and the director of the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services.

“What an exciting time to serve Arizona Veterans. The state’s robust post-pandemic economy, Veteran-friendly legislature and the opportunity to work with a new governor coupled with widespread support from civilian Veteran Champions, employers’ understanding the business case for and active engagement in Veteran-hiring makes Arizona a priority place for Veterans to work and live after military service,” she says. ”My priorities are workforce, collaboration and ensuring our policy advice aligns with post-pandemic realities.”

Gallowitz served 29 years in the U.S. Air Force as a public affairs officer or nurse. In response to 9/11, she designed and led a never-been-done-before statewide outreach program in Ohio to educate and engage civilians in support of troops and their families.

Arizona’s advanced Veteran-friendly ecosystem drew Gallowitz and her husband Ed, U.S. Army retired with four combat tours, to Arizona almost three years ago.

Gallowitz serves on the Southwest Veteran Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is the Veteran-hiring Advisor for the Arizona Society of Human Resource Management. Through her business, Vanguard Veteran, Gallowitz equips civilians to become Veteran Champions as the “Veteran-Hiring Concierge,” “Military Ministry Builder,” and “Fallen Comrades Ceremony Producer.”

Learn more about the commission here https://dvs.az.gov/about/advisory-commission. To share Veteran community concerns, contact Kathy at 270-945-7286 or Kathy@VanguardVeteran.com.

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2022 Ford Oval of Honor Recipient

Carl Ulbrich — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 01:36:08 +0000

Kathy Gallowitz, a relative newcomer to Arizona, was inducted into the Central Ohio Ford Dealers 2022 Ford Oval of Honor on July 1, 2022 for her tireless work “Cultivating Civilian Veteran Champions.”

This prestigious recognition created by civilian Veteran Champions celebrates local veterans who have demonstrated an “uncommon commitment” to defend the cause of freedom in service to our country.

Sunshine, mountains and Arizona’s advanced Veteran-friendly ecosystem drew Gallowitz and her husband Ed, U.S. Army retired with four combat tours, to Arizona nearly three years ago. He was inducted alongside her.

She serves on the Arizona Governor’s Veterans’ Service Advisory Commission, the Southwest Veteran Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is the Veteran-hiring Advisor for the Arizona Society of Human Resource Management.

Through her business, Vanguard Veteran, Gallowitz equips civilians to become Veteran Champions as the “Veteran-Hiring Concierge,” “Military Ministry Builder,” and “Fallen Comrades Ceremony Producer.”

Watch a short television interview at https://vanguardveteran.com/news-articles

For more information you can contact Kathy at 270-945-7286 or kathy@VanguardVeteran.com.

Join the Veteran Champion Movement and Be A Part of the Win!

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2022-1 Veteran Suicide Prevention Grant Program

Carl Ulbrich — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 23:59:16 +0000

Purpose
To announce the 2022-1 Veteran Suicide Grant Program and to solicit applications for grant funding to support efforts to prevent Veteran suicide.

Background

The Veterans Administration (VA) recently released its 2021 Veteran Suicide Report that covers data compiled for 2019. Nationally, it was the first glimmer of good news in many years. Nationwide, the number of Veteran suicides decreased by 399 in 2019 and the rate per 100,000 dropped 6.3%.

Unfortunately, the good news stops at the Arizona border:

In Arizona both the total number of Veteran suicides and the rate per 100,00 increased
Arizona moved from the 6th highest to the 5^th highest state Veteran suicide rate

By any objective measure, this national tragedy continues at epidemic proportions in Arizona.

As a result, the SWVF will continue to embrace Veteran suicide as its signature issue.

To date, we have awarded $22,000 in Suicide Prevention Grants.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the SWVF Veteran Suicide Prevention Grants, organizations must be IRS approved 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organizations.

Additionally, they must:

Be a legal entity in good standing in the state of Arizona for at least three years.
Have established programs in place that are directly targeted to preventing Veteran suicide or assisting families who suffer a Veteran suicide.
Be able to demonstrate the administration, participation, and results of its programs and operations.

Application

The application for the 2021-2 Veteran Suicide Grant Program is attached. It is also available on our website. Applications must arrive at SWVF by July 16, 2022 and contain all necessary documents and documentation. Submit applications to:

Southwest Veterans Foundation
Attn: Veteran Suicide Prevention Committee
3820 W Happy Valley Rd
# 141-455
Glendale, AZ 85310

Email submissions are acceptable.

Note to previous submitters:

If you have already received a Veteran Suicide Prevention Grant from SWVF you are eligible to apply again.
If you previously received a grant and intend to apply for this grant, you do not need to submit the full application. You must complete Sections 1,2,7, and 8 and include any additional material you want the grant selection committee to consider. Section 7 is extremely important. Please include sufficient detail to allow us to assess the results/outcomes.
All others must complete the full application.

Milestones

On/about                                      Action
Jun 29                  Announcement and application form released
Jul 16                     Applications due (late applications will be held for the next cycle of awards)
Jul 25                    Grant awards announced
TBD                        Public presentation of checks to grant recipients

Questions. Contact Tom Sheets, t.sheets@swvcc.org, 602.677.2961

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Salute the US Army on Its 247 Birthday

Carl Ulbrich — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 23:06:54 +0000

The Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce is proud to salute the United States Army as it celebrates its 247^th Birthday on June 14, 2022. The US Army was established on June 14th, 1775 as the Continental Army that could represent all 13 colonies. It was considered America’s first national institution.

George Washington was selected as the first Commander in Chief in 1775, and in 1776, with the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Army and the militia became known as the Army of the United States.

In 1784, after the Revolutionary War, congress ordered the last Continental Army to disband and the remaining soldiers were discharged. It did retain two companies which became the 1st American Regiment for national service.

As the senior US military service, the US Army flag is always displayed in the senior position when displayed with the other service flags.

Those of us who have served in other branches salute and honor our Army comrades-in-arms on this special day. On this 247^th birthday of our senior service, we join the ranks of millions of Americans to salute all Army Veterans and all those who are serving today. Moreover, we know that our Army will continue to “roll along” for another 247 years.

Thank you for your service and God bless you all.

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Back-to-Back Bad News for Arizona Veterans

Carl Ulbrich — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 15:47:31 +0000

Two recent credible reports delivered disheartening news to Arizona, its Veterans, and those who love and support them. Despite studies that show the national rates of Veteran suicide and homelessness declined, Arizona showed increases in both heartbreaking areas.

First, the Veterans Administration (VA) reported in its annual update that Veteran suicides nationally decreased by 399 and the rate per 100,000 decreased 6.3 percent. In Arizona, however, both the number and rate per 100,000 increased. As a result of the national decrease and the Arizona increase, Arizona now has the fifth highest Veteran suicide rate in the nation. www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/2021/2021-National-Veteran-Suicide-Prevention-Annual-Report-FINAL-9-8-21.pdf

Secondly, in its Annual Homeless Assessment Report, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported that Arizona is among just a few states where Veteran homeless rates increased while the national rates and most of the states decreased. www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/2021-AHAR-Part-1.pdf. Michelle Jameson, CEO of US Vets-Phoenix, and Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce (SWVCC) Member, provided additional details in a recent AZ Central article: www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2022/02/15/veteran-homelessness-arizona-increased-2021-but-decreased-across-most-country/6670302001/.

To be sure, both the causes of these problems and their solutions are very complex issues. If you are a Veteran or care about them, we ask you to get involved in one or both issues. Learn more about them. Join organizations that are on the front lines battling these domestic threats. Donate money to help support the fight to reduce the level and impact of these issues.

On behalf of the Veterans and their families who will benefit from your support, we thank you,

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Do You Buy Arizona Scratchers?

Carl Ulbrich — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 23:27:49 +0000

Don’t miss this opportunity for a potentially big or multiple payouts and support Veterans and their families in the process.

SWVCC will conclude its Arizona Scratchers Raffle Contest next Tuesday at our 4^th Tuesday luncheon at Maggianos Little Italy at Frank Lloyd Wright and Scottsdale Road from 11:30 to 1:00. At the end of the luncheon we will publicly draw three winners:

3d Prize            $40 worth of Arizona Scratchers
2d Prize            $60 worth of Arizona Scratchers
1st Prize           $200 worth of Arizona Scratchers and $100 cash

If you haven’t entered yet, it is not too late. Buy more to increase your chances or to get your first purchase while there are still some available. Raffle tickets are $10 each or six for $50.

Tickets are available online at https://business.swvcc.org/store/scratcher-raffle-cash or by calling SWVCC at 602.677.296. Unsold ticket will be available for sale at our Maggianos Luncheon.

On behalf of the Veterans and their families who will benefit from your generosity, we thank you.

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SWVCC New Year’s Resolution 2022

Carl Ulbrich — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 18:38:50 +0000

If you believe that what goes around comes around. If you believe that the best way to get leads is to give leads. If you believe that the best way to get referrals is to give referrals. If you believe that the best way to get more business is to give more business. If you believe that it is better to give than to receive. Then join us in committing to the Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce New Year’s Resolution.

“In 2022 we resolve to give more leads, give more referrals, and give more business to our fellow SWVCC members and community partners. In so doing, we will all have a vastly improved 2022 business year.”

Happy New Year.
Your SWVCC Board of Directors.

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