The VMLC endorses the Phoenix Law School’s efforts to establish a free law clinic for recently returned veterans who are confronted with unexpected foreclosures, evictions, divorces, and other civil matters.

The VMLC supports Phoenix’ annual stand-down, where homeless vets receive social and medical services. 

Gregg Maxon leads a crew of attorneys to the event to provide legal assistance.

2009

The VMLC receives grant money from multiple sources for 2010 funding of emergency needs of Returning Warriors from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and the Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan.

A volunteer staff is created to control and distribute the funds restricted to the Returning Warriors program. This staff coordinates with VA caseworkers to assure needs are both legitimate and emergencies.

Rita Brock-Perini spearheads a VMLC effort to rename a portion of Third Street in honor of Silvestre Herrera, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.  The dedication is made in November by Governor Jan Brewer, Mayor Phil Gordon, and other dignitaries.

The VMLC produces its seventh annual Heroes One and All Luncheon, with keynote speaker Wayne Newton entertaining and motivating our 575 guests and members at the Biltmore.  OIF/OEF vets are saluted, and soldiers missing in action are remembered.  Kenneth L. Farmer, MD, retired   major general and chief operating officer of TriWest Healthcare Alliance, served as honorary chair of the event.

VMLC supports Phoenix’ annual stand-down, where homeless vets receive social and medical services.

VMLC incorporates an affiliate entity called VMLC Charities, Inc., to serve as a traditional 501(c)(3), so that donors and grantors which focus on this type of exemption are able to support VMLC initiatives.  Provisional tax exemption status has been authorized by the IRS.

2008

VMLC funds $72,500 to the Phoenix VA Health Care System for the Social Services Fund for Returning Warriors of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)  and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), the Swepinski Blinded Veterans Fund, the homeless veterans fund, and the patient televisions Fund.

VMLC forwards an anonymous donation to assist Returning Warriors in need.

VMLC provides funds to the Arizona State Veterans Home for food service items and other needs for patient support. 

VMLC supports the VAMC Employee Recognition Fund with gift certificates for the employees of the month.

The VMLC produces its sixth annual Heroes One and All Luncheon.  The keynote speaker is former Marine and producer of such Hollywood hits as Jurassic Park.

The VMLC obtains a grant for Returning Warriors to be available in 2009.

2007

The VMLC receives a grant for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and other veterans.

The VMLC also obtains an anonymous donation to help the OEF/OIF and other veterans.

VMLC sends funds to the VA Hospital to support homeless veterans, social services, and women veterans’ services.

VMLC provides funding to the Arizona State Veterans Home.

VMLC gives funding for a magazine distribution program in all patient waiting rooms.

VMLC supports the VAMC Employee Recognition Fund with gift certificates for the Employees of the month.

The VMLC holds its fifth annual “Heroes One and All Luncheon.”   

2006

VMLC provides funds to the VA Hospital to support homeless veterans and  social services and to support veteran participation in VA’s four national recreation events, designed to rehabilitate injured veterans. 

VMLC gives funding to support a magazine distribution program in all patient waiting rooms.

VMLC pays for the construction of a relaxation area gazebo for Alzheimer’s patients in

the Arizona State Veterans Home. 

VMLC sends support for a VA in-patient Caring & Courtesy campaign.

VMLC supplies the VAMC Employee Recognition Fund with gift certificates for the Employees of the month.

The VMLC holds its fourth annual “Heroes One and All Luncheon.”

2005

VMLC provides funds to the VA Hospital to support homeless veterans and social services and to provide new TVs for the inpatient rooms of each ward.

VMLC gives to the Arizona State Veterans Home to provide televisions in all patient rooms.

VMLC sends cash to support a VA Nursing Evidence-Based Training Conference.

    The VMLC holds its third annual “Heroes One and All Luncheon.”

2004

VMLC provides funding to the Arizona State Veterans Home to be used to help support the adult day health care program.

VMLC gives to the VA Hospital for Homeless Veterans, Mental Health Recreation Therapy and Social Services. 

VMLC holds its second annual “Heroes One and All Luncheon.”  

2003

In May the IRS finalizes the VMLC its 501(c)(19) status.

The council produces a fundraising luncheon, held in conjunction with the VA’s Veterans Day Parade, called “Heroes One and All.”  

2002

The council creates committees to accomplish objectives.

The council raises funds for Phoenix Veterans Day Parade and medical needs of veterans.

The council obtains donated tickets to Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks Games and Snickers candy bars for employees at both facilities. 

VMLC files its incorporation documentation.

2001

VA Secretary Anthony Principi meets with VMLC members.

The council votes to become a 501(c)(19) organization as a means of securing financial support for added medical funds for veterans in Maricopa County.

The council raises money for the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade and medical needs of veterans. 

2000

In April 2000 the Veterans Medical Leadership Council voted to adopt three goals:

1.      To ensure that the 290,000 veterans of Maricopa County receive adequate funding for their health care needs.

2.      To help bolster morale at the medical facilities through employee recognition programs and support.

3.      To help bring outside perspective to challenges and issues facing the VA hospital and State Veterans Home.

Members donate corporate sports-venue suites and tickets to help bolster employee morale at VA medical facilities. 

The council provides outside perspectives regarding nursing recruitment and retention. 

Council votes to accept the Arizona State Veterans Home as an official beneficiary of the VMLC.

1999

In April, the Council is established and certain community leaders are invited to participate.  First-year members included Paula Pedene (Public Affairs Officer, Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center), Gregg Ostro (President & Executive Producer, GO Media), Thom Meaker  (VP, Meaker  the Printer), George Ertel (VP, Portfolio Policy & Analysis, FINOVA), Leonard Kirschner (VP, State Health Care-EDS), Patrick Chorpenning (President, AZ Veterans Service Commission), John Fears (Director, Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center), Jackie Chadwick, MD (Vice-Dean, Phoenix Campus, University of Arizona School of Medicine), Tom McCanna (Staff Assistant, Senator John McCain), John Oppedahl  (President/Publisher, The Arizona Republic), Jeff Palleschi (Regional Director of Compliance, Equitable Financial Consultants), Joey Ridenour (Executive Director, State Board of Nurses), Rick Romley (County Attorney, Maricopa County), John Smith (Director of Operations, KPHO TV-Channel 5), John Teets (Chairman and CEO, John W. Teets Enterprises), Wayne Wight (VP Corporate Development, VIAD), Warren Whitney (Chief of Staff, AZ Secretary of State), Stan Barnes (President, Copperstate Consulting), and Neil Thex (CPA, Thex and Associates).  Messers. Teets and Oppedahl opted to serve as advisors rather than members.  Gregg Ostro is selected to be the Council’s first president.

The Council drafts a letter to members of congress and called them to express their concerns regarding reduced VA health care funding, historic funding preferences for VA hospitals in rust-belt states, and the impact this has on the increasing number of sun-belt veterans.  Those efforts helped motivate Congress to allocate  millions of dollars of funds for the VA in Phoenix.

VMLC assists VA in its endeavors to improve public relations and assists with employee recognition.

VMLC supports annual Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center and City of Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, which attracts more than 200,000 spectators.