Honoring Our Military Families and Veterans

Paradise Valley Community College, an Arizona Veterans Supportive Campus since 2016, is committed to honoring and supporting our veterans year-round, with special recognition during April, May, and November.

Veterans Appreciation Month: November

Veterans Appreciation Month: November

The foundation of Veterans Appreciation Month is rooted in the establishment of Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, which commemorates the end of World War I. On November 11, 1918, the armistice between the Allied nations and Germany took effect, marking the end of hostilities on the Western Front. In 1954, the U.S. Congress amended the Act of 1938 by replacing the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. 

Jana Schwartz
Anne Suzuki
Christina Calderon

Upcoming Events

Sea of Flags

Sea Of Flags
November 4, 2024 | 9 a.m. Cordova Plaza
Join us outside the K Building by the Veterans Office to help set up a stunning Sea of Flags in the walkways of Cordova Plaza.

Casey
Faith Yiinyuy
Jen Cruz
Military Appreciation Month: May

Military Appreciation Month: May

The history of Military Appreciation Month dates back to 1999 when the U.S. Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM). The initiative was led by Senator John McCain and Representative Duncan Hunter. The purpose focused on ensuring that the nation would have an opportunity to publicly show their appreciation for the sacrifices and successes made by servicemembers, both past and present. There are many significant military- related observances throughout the month of May which contribute to the overall recognition and celebration of the month:

Loyalty Day (May 1): Established in 1921 as a day to reaffirm loyalty to the United States and recognize the heritage of American freedom.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day (Friday before Mother’s Day): Recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of the spouses of servicemembers. Initiated by President Ronald Reagan in 1984.

Armed Forces Day (Third Saturday in May): Celebrates all branches of the U.S. military and their servicemembers. Created in 1949 to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force Days.

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May): A federal holiday for honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties. It originated after the Civil War and was formerly known as Decoration Day.

Dr. Jennifer Miller
Julie Thompson
Naiema Shamoon
Resources at the Buxton Library

Resources at the Buxton Library

The Buxton Library offers a range of resources to help students deepen their understanding of military culture. 

Check out these recommended titles:

Books:

  • Soldier Girls: The Battles of Three Women at Home and at War by Helen Thorpe
  • Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins
  • Walk in My Combat Boots by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann
  • Since You Asked: A yearly compilation of MCCCD’s student Veteran stories

Kanopy Films:

  • Where Soldiers Come From
  • Memory of Forgotten War
  • A Soldier’s Dream

YouTube Resources:

  • The United States Military: A History of Heroes: A seven-part documentary series that celebrates over two centuries of U.S. military service across all branches, featuring historical recreations and in-depth storytelling of both tragedy and triumph.
  • Medal of Honor: This six-part series chronicles the highest military honor awarded for acts of extreme bravery and sacrifice, spanning from the Civil War to recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Veteran-Owned Local Businesses

Veteran-Owned Local Businesses

Heroes Vodka: Distillery producing award-winning vodka.

Patriot Disposal, Inc.: Waste disposal and recycling services.

Helton Brewing Company: Craft brewery with a taproom and food menu

State Forty Eight: Apparel company with Arizona-themed clothing

JDog Junk Removal & Hauling: Junk removal and hauling services

Military Assistance Mission: Provides financial and morale aid to Arizona military members, their families, and veterans

Desert Dogs: Junk and debris removal

SeaBee Jack's Mobile Oil And Lube: Oil change services anywhere