Sheila Snyder
I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free,
And I won’t forget the men who died who gave that right to me,
And I gladly STAND UP next to you and defend her still today,
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land, God Bless the USA
—Lee Greenwood
And stand they did! Singer and songwriter Lee Greenwood’s iconic song and video “God Bless the USA” lit up the screen, as all 201 attendees at the PebbleCreek Republican Club (PCRC) 12th Annual Veterans Event and Dinner, spontaneously and collectively, gladly stood up! They cheered as the patriotic words rang out filling the Tuscany Falls Ballroom with energy and pride.
PCRC President Sue Harrison began the evening with a warm welcome, and later read the definition of “What is a veteran?” which included the powerful reminder, that when an individual joins the ranks of the brave, they are in fact “…writing a blank check to the United States of America, for an amount up to and including their life.” The magical evening included the meaning of the Missing Man Table and Veteran Recognition via a continuous slide show. Members sang military theme songs with gusto and veterans were recognized by service branch followed by group photographs. Musical entertainment was provided by pianist Beverly Griggs and soloist Lisa Lombardy.
The keynote address was given by Major General “Mick” McGuire. A 1987 Air Force Academy graduate, he flew the F-16 Fighter Falcon and had more than 4,000 flying hours including 250 combat and combat-support flying hours. General McGuire became an F-16 pilot instructor in 2001, and later he served as Adjutant General for the Arizona National Guard and Chairman of the Board for the National Guard Association representing 45,000 National Guard Officers.
Veteran Honoree of the Year was Kurt Junge. Kurt was born and raised in California, and as Lieutenant in the Army Artillery, he served throughout Germany. Achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant, he oversaw the technical proficiency and readiness of the nuclear component. After leaving the military, Kurt and his wife Cristina lived in her native country of South America for 13 years, then returned to California. Kurt founded a computer software company and later an international company on the cutting edge of GPS land navigation. Motorola acquired his company in 1999. Kurt and his wife retired in PebbleCreek in 2013, and joined the PebbleCreek Republican Club in 2014, with Kurt becoming a treasured technical guru for the club. The Honorable Congressman Paul Gosar Presented the Honoree with an American Flag flown over the U.S. Capitol and a Special Congressional Certificate of Recognition. Major General Mick McGuire presented Kurt with an American eagle sculpture.
In thankfulness for our veterans, perhaps President Calvin Coolidge said it best, “No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.”
Remember, Fly Your Flag, Salute America!