An outstanding example of this bravery stands in Lake Havasu, Arizona as a memorial to Captain James Atlee Wheeler, the first Air Force captain to lose his life in the Vietnam War. Sadly, on April 18, 1965, Captain Wheeler perished in action when enemy gunners fired at his bomber plane near BaChuc during a dive-bombing attack. Grit, determination and dedication describe his selfless actions to defend his country and his countrymen; he paid the ultimate sacrifice.

To all military personnel and military families, today and yesteryear, THANK YOU for your strength, determination, and unselfishness to carry our freedoms forward. May God Bless You and Yours and may God Bless America. Godspeed. 

WHITE: In the history of Arizona, there were those dressed in white who also served with dedication and courageousness to serve their fellow man. In the late 1800’s, tuberculosis was the number one cause of death in the United States and Europe. No vaccine; no cure. Yet, brave men and women -- such as Bishop Salpointe, Dr. John Hardy and the Sisters of St. Joseph’s of Carondelot -- realized a need for a hospital in Tucson and founded St. Mary’s Hospital, dedicated in 1880. By 1882, the hospital was increased in size to fifty beds. Offering a sanatorium to TB patients, many of the nursing staff worked twenty-hour shifts in white nursing uniforms, taking care of patients before themselves; bravely compromising their own health for the benefit of others. Grit, determination, and dedication.

Dr. Benjamin B. Moeur also realized a need for a tuberculosis sanitarium and constructed the Arizona State Tuberculosis Sanitarium on Curry Road and Mill Avenue in Tempe in 1934. Dr. Moeur was a great medical asset to Arizona, gaining the reputation of delivering the most babies in Tempe in his years of service as a doctor and dentist. Later he served as the Governor of Arizona, beginning his term January 2, 1933. He was very instrumental in serving others, again an example of grit, determination and dedication.

Throughout the history of the Southwest, there have been many courageous and gutsy individuals worthy of a legacy. But the legacy of the brave continues today as we have been graced to be served by the dedicated nurses, doctors, ambulance personnel, firemen and medical staff on the COVID 19 frontlines, putting aside their own well-being for the well-being of others. Sadly, some have given the ultimate sacrifice.  

To all doctors, nurses, medical staff, firemen and ambulance personnel, THANK YOU for your strength, determination, and unselfishness to carry us through COVID 19. (Even though they may not wear white, we also want to thank all those grocery workers, truckers, restaurant workers, garbage pickup people, cleaners, and every other person who puts his/her life on the line to serve us and see that we have what we need during this Pandemic..) May God Bless You and Yours and may God Bless America. Blessings and blessings! 

BLUE: As the blue of the flag offers stars, so too does history. Dedicated men and women of law enforcement were the historical stars in maintaining peace on the western front. Savage, violent, vicious were just a few of the adjectives describing the cattle wrestlers, thieves and murderers who ran free in the Southwest in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Yet, one very dedicated individual by the name of Burton C. Mossman declared war on crime. Mossman was appointed the first sheriff of Navajo County in 1898 and the first captain of the Arizona Rangers in 1901. Bill O’Neal addresses his legacy in his book:The Arizona Rangers. Truly, a unique individual, willing to die for the laws of the land. He had grit, determination, and dedication.

A legacy is among us today as law enforcement officers serve to protect peace during this time of uncertainty of COVID 19. Regardless of the threats, not only in the immediate situations of harmful intent, these brave men and women are also faced with the invisible threat upon their lives of COVID 19. Sadly, many have made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety and protection.

To all law enforcement personnel and law enforcement families, today and yesteryear, THANK YOU for your strength, determination, and unselfishness to carry our freedoms forward. May God Bless You and Yours and may God Bless America. Godspeed. 

As we celebrate the Fourth of July in the great Southwest, may the great people of our great nation gain the recognition they so rightly deserve. As one ponders the formation of the Southwest and these United States of America, it is truly evident of the determination, dedication, and unselfishness it has taken on the part of heroes yesterday and today.  

To read more about Captain James Atlee Wheeler, you may want to visit the site: https://airforce.togetherweserved.com. How fitting for all our heroes! Together we serve!!!

RED, WHITE, AND BLUE: MAY YOU FOREVER WAVE!  

Happy Fourth of July! May you enjoy the freedoms so many sacrificed the ultimate to insure. Safe travels and safe adventures. Happy Independence and blessings to you and yours!