Ak-Chin Indian Community celebrates its Veterans

Written by

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In November, the Ak-Chin Indian Community recognized and thanked our nation’s veterans. The 19th Annual Veteran’s Recognition Celebration happened Saturday, November 3 at the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle. This special event honors all veterans, those currently serving in the armed forces and those veterans who have died.
The day started with a 5k run and one-mile walk. U.S. Army veteran Octavio Machado finished in first place for the men, and Sarah Zabawa took first place for the women. After the walk/run, everyone headed to the amphitheater for a buffet breakfast provided by Vekol Market.
During the buffet breakfast, provided by Vekol Market, Ak-Chin Indian Community Chairman Robert Miguel gave the opening comments, thanked all veterans, and spoke about the history of Veterans’ Day. This year was the 100th anniversary of the first Veterans’ Day, which originated with the ceasefire that ended World War I. Other speakers included veterans who discussed their experiences in different combat situations.
Each year, the event also recognizes a veteran from the Ak-Chin Indian Community. This year’s honoree, Lester Vincent, served in the Army-Air Force from 1946-1947. He then returned to the Ak-Chin Indian Community to work for the railroad and Ak-Chin Community Farms. He married and had nine children before passing away in 1975.
In addition to the local celebration, four veterans from the Ak-Chin Community Veterans Group traveled to attend Veterans Day events in Washington D.C on November 8-12. These events included a reception at the National Museum of the American Indian, a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington Cemetery, sightseeing the area’s military memorials, and a tour of the nation’s capital. The Ak-Chin Veterans Group members who attended were Cecil Peters, president; Davis Garcia, treasurer; Octavio Machado with wife Adriana; and Raychel Peters.
Part of the trip was also dedicated to learning more and fundraising for the National Native American Veterans Memorial to be created to recognize Native Americans and their military service.
Community Services member Nicole “Coco” Carlyle-Coester closed the event with comments and prayers before inviting the veterans in the audience to come to the stage for additional recognition. This annual event provides a somber, yet celebratory way to thank our country’s veterans, especially those from the Ak-Chin Indian Community.
The Ak-Chin Indian Community thanks and appreciates all veterans who serve our country![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”45155″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”45154″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”27253″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” >

Carolyn Sostrom

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle. She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*. With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower. She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.