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The Superstition Mountain Chapter was originally chartered by
the Retired Officers Association (TROA) in February 1975. The organization name
was changed to Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and a new charter
was issued in January 2005.
Chapter by Laws
Most of our members live in the Phoenix metro area of the east
valley – Ahwatukee, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Apache Junction, Sun Lakes,
Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Apache Junction.
Chapter social meetings are held monthly in a dinner/dance
format. These meetings are generally held on a Sunday evening. The Chapter
strives to ensure each social meeting is entertaining and informative.
We also have monthly Board meetings, open to all members, and
Auxiliary meetings. (See event calendar for meeting dates and times.)
A number of our chapter members are also members of the
Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame:
Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Chapter Members
Class of 2008
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Robert Delker: Born in Portland,
Oregon in 1931. Joined Oregon National Guard in 1947, entered U.S. Army
in 1949. Served in Korea, discharged in 1958 with rank of Warrant
Officer. Continued in California and Alaska National Guard, retired in
1991 as Chief Warrant Officer 4. Qualified rotary and fixed-wing pilot.
Worked 15 years as the Corporate Pilot for Valley National Bank.
Received Arizona Medal of Valor and Arizona Distinguished Service Medal
with “V” for heroism for rescue operations during the 1978 Salt River
floods. Past President of Military Officers of America Association,
Arizona Council of Chapters. Active in legislative efforts for MOAA and
Unified Arizona Veterans. Commander of Military Order of the World Wards
Apache Trail Chapter; active in Army National Guard Family Assistance
Program. Member of Daedalions, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign
Wars, Tempe Rotary Club and Voices Take Flight. |
Class of 2007
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Dale Copsey: Born in Kimberly,
Idaho in 1927. Served in Army Air Force 1946–1947, U.S. Air Force
1950–51. Received Bachelor of Theology in 1953, Bachelor of Divinity in
1957, and Doctor of Ministry in 1977. Commissioned as Chaplain in the
Idaho Air National Guard in 1963, entered active duty in 1965. Following
overseas service, was assigned to the National Security Agency for
ministry with SCI clearance. Retired in 1987 with the rank of Lt.
Colonel. Has been active in Lions, Optimists, and serves a third term as
President of Superstitions, Mesa Kiwanis. Advisor to Technology and
Leadership Academy in Gilbert, fostering community involvement for
youth. Active in Military Officers Association of America, Historical
Society of Germans from Russia, and volunteer counselor to Maricopa
Court Program for at-risk families. |
Class of 2006
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Douglas Shannon: Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1930. Entered U.S. Army in 1957.
Served 23 years in military law enforcement, received Silver Star in Vietnam,
retired 1981 with rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Graduated Sam Houston State
University with PhD in Criminal Justice. Retired 1990 as an Associate Professor
at California State University. Organized March of Dimes bowling tournaments;
Past President of Georgia State Bowling Association. Active in civic affairs in
Huntsville Texas. Served on committees for United Way of Fresno County.
Relocated to Arizona in 1990. Was instrumental in establishing and serving as
president of a nonprofit charitable organization in the East Valley. Active in
Military Officers of America Association and National Association for Uniformed
Services.
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Billie Stephens: Born in Comanche, Texas in 1926. Entered U.S. Army in 1944,
served in Pacific Theater, discharged in 1946. Earned a Master's Degree from
Arizona State University and returned to active duty in 1951, serving in Korea.
Following multiple assignments, was assigned as Commandant of Cadets for Phoenix
Union High School District; retired in 1981 with the rank of Colonel.
Memberships in multiple veterans’ service organizations, but his main activity
was with the Youth Leadership program of the Military Order of the World Wars.
Received the MOWW Silver Patrick Henry Award; serves as National Vice
Commander-in-Chief. Past State President of Reserve Officers Assn. Active with
the Joe Foss Institute, speaking to youth about patriotism, military, and free
enterprise.
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Class of 2005
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Lowell “Ed” Fox: Born in Amity, Oregon, in 1944. Served in U.S. Navy; retired
from U.S. Air Force as Lieutenant Colonel in 1993. Former Director of Agency
Relations for United Way in Fresno, CA. As a life member of Military Order of
World Wars (MOWW), dedicates time and leadership annually to its summer Youth
Leadership Program. Established Air Force Junior ROTC program in 1995 at
Gilbert’s Highland High School. Developed concept for a Technology and
Leadership Academy in 2003, which has emerged as one of the top high schools in
Arizona. A Phi Delta Kappa, he is active in Kiwanis International, the
Association of Supervisors and Curriculum Development, and the Arizona School
Administration. Continues involvement with Military Officers Association of
America, Air Force Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and is a member of the
Sons of the American Revolution. |
Class of 2004
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Frank Schmuck: Born in York, Pennsylvania, in 1966. Graduate of U.S. Air Force
Academy, Gulf War veteran, professional pilot. Founder of Voices Take Flight, an
annual concert to heighten neurological disease awareness; 2003 ALS Association
(Lou Gehrig's disease) national Rasmussen Advocate of the Year. Creator of
annual civilian and military veteran Schow-Donnelly Award for national "service
before self." Board member, Senator McCain and Congressman Hayworth Military
Service Academy Committees; President Elect, Kiwanis Club of Tempe Nuevo;
Southwest Airlines Adopt-A-Pilot mentor to school children. Co-founder, Schmuck
Fest Celebrity Comedy Roasts for "priceless" service to community. Researched
and introduced need for rubberized asphalt on U.S. 60 in Tempe. Created
homeowners association Spring Picnic for Police Toy Drive charities. Active
member of Veterans Medical Leadership Council, LULAC 1087 Veterans Council, King
of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe Sister Cities, American Legion, and numerous
civic and service organizations
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Class of 2003
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Thomas Murch: Born in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1933. Retired from the U.S. Air
Force as Lieutenant Colonel in 1973. Arizona resident since 1975, Queen Creek
since 1985. Credited with having major responsibility for establishing town of
Queen Creek, all as a volunteer. Served on first Town Council for eight years
and two years as its Vice-Mayor. Helped create first budget, organized the first
meeting of the town council, set up citizen committees, and hired the first town
staff. Served as the official representative to Maricopa County to secure grants
for home repairs, street paving, building of curbs and sidewalks, and
improvements to the most needy neighborhoods. Led committee that obtained grants
and designed and built youth center. Helped secure additional grants to train
teens and provide first jobs for youth, and to offer sports leagues and
gymnastics, homework assistance, karate and teen dances. Considered by many to
be the "John Wayne" of Queen Creek for his relentless pursuit of the common
good.
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Class of 2001
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Frederick E. Ferguson: Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army, Company C, 227th
Aviation Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Born 18 August 1939, Pilot
Point, Texas; entered service in Phoenix, AZ. Cited for action on 31 January
1968, in Hue, Republic of Vietnam. Disregarding all warnings about heavy
antiaircraft fire, CWO Ferguson flew his resupply helicopter at low level,
maximum airspeed, toward the compound where a crew of survivors from a downed
helicopter had taken refuge. Landing his aircraft under heavy fire and in
blinding dust, his five wounded comrades were loaded aboard and, although the
helicopter sustained heavy damage, CWO Ferguson managed to fly his crippled
aircraft through the rain of fire again and to safety. |
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Anna Krizanauskas: Born to Lithuanian parents in 1913, was the first in her area
in Pennsylvania to volunteer for the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps once the
President signed its authorization. Served in the WAAC until it was disbanded
and replaced by the Women's Army Corps, which she again was among the first to
join. In June 1948, was selected for integration into the Regular Air Force and
was among the first to receive a regular commission. Served honorably in
Germany, France, North Africa, receiving many awards. Retired as a Major in
1967. Continues to serve many veterans associations, including a term as
Commander, Apache Trail Chapter of the Military Order of World Wars. Remains
active in the WAC Veterans Association, The Retired Officers Association, and
the Tempe Sister City Corporation. An original sponsor of a Vietnamese Boat
People family in Tempe in 1979. A bona fide "GI Jane." - Passed
away in April 2008.
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Source www.avhof.org
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