Jenna Ridgeway
On Thursday, Nov. 6, the PebbleCreek Republican Club will hold its 15th Annual Event and Veterans Dinner honoring the club’s 133 veterans.
Part of the celebration is the announcement of this year’s Republican Club’s recipient of the Honor Flight sponsorship. The mission of Honor Flight Arizona is to pay homage to our WWII, Cold War, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans, who served in the U.S. armed forces with a one-day trip around Washington, D.C., with visits to the National WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery. The Republican Club provides the support needed for one veteran to complete a three-day journey of honor and remembrance to their memorials in Washington, D.C., at no cost to them. The Republican Club raises these funds through the monthly 50/50 drawing and other donations.
The featured speaker for this esteemed event will be Colonel Richard Toliver, USAF RET. A highly skilled aviator, he graduated from the prestigious United States Air Force Fighter Weapons School “Top Gun.” He was also one of the first five African American F-4 pilots and served under the command of legendary Tuskegee Airman General Daniel “Chappie” James. The Tuskegee Airmen are renowned as the first African American military pilots and support personnel who fought in World War II. Their legacy is not only marked by their exceptional combat record but also by their significant role in challenging racial segregation and stereotypes within the U.S. military. The success of the Tuskegee Airmen, along with the contributions of other African American soldiers during World War II, was instrumental in paving the way for the desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces. Col. Toliver has received many awards including Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, and an Air Medal with 27 oak leaf clusters. Toliver has penned his memoirs in “An Uncaged Eagle: True Freedom,” and most recently authored “Black Wings Over Arizona”
Men’s Breakfast Club: Tuesday, Nov. 11, 8:30 a.m., Eagle’s Nest dining room. If interested in attending, RSVP to Chuck Streeter, streeter@greencafe.com.
PCRC Woman’s Luncheon: Wednesday, Nov. 12, 11:30 a.m., Eagle’s Nest dining room alcove. Seating is limited to a maximum of 20. RSVP to Vicki Streeter, streeter@greencafe.com.
Remember to fly your flag!