Categories: Rodeo News

Ak-Chin Indian Community shows appreciation to veterans

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The Ak-Chin Indian Community recognizes and honors current and past United States Veterans each November. This year’s observations include an event on November 2 and special offers for veterans, offered on Monday, November 11.

The 20th Annual Veteran’s Recognition Day Celebration will be held Saturday, November 2, at Milton “Paul” Antone Memorial Park within the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Events will begin with the 5K Run/Walk — registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the run/walk takes off at 9 a.m. The first 150 people to register will receive T-shirts.

The ceremony starts with the American Flag-raising ceremony at 10 a.m. Speakers, special presentations, and entertainment from local groups will also be featured. Enjoy a free barbecue lunch served at noon, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Part of the fun, a co-ed volleyball tournament adds some friendly competition to the day.

The Veteran’s Recognition Day Celebration is a sincere, grateful, yet festive event for veterans, their families, and the entire community. Come on out if you’re a veteran, if you know a veteran, or if you’d like to thank a veteran for serving our country!

Then on Veteran’s Day, Monday, November 11, veterans can enjoy dinner as a thank you from the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle. The 347 Grill will serve a free lasagna dinner with a side salad and garlic bread for all veterans. This offer is good while supplies last. Veterans can also enjoy a free movie admission at UltraStar Cinemas, from the Ak-Chin Indian Community Council. Some limits apply. Present your military ID to receive these specials.

The Ak-Chin Indian Community is very thankful for all veterans who serve our country. Join this event to celebrate and say thank you to our veterans!

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.