Veteran Round Table Kicks Off at District 4
February 13, 2026
Jeston Morris
Community Newsperson
The Veterans & Family Services Office (VFSO) hosted a veteran round table at the District 4 Multi-Purpose Center on Jan. 30.
Wesley Rhodes, veteran peer support specialist, delivered the welcome remarks, and former Council Representative Jewel Whiteman offered the invocation. Presenters included Dana Allmond and Teresa Celestine from the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) and Jose Maldonado from the American Legion. Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis provided the closing remarks.
According to Darrell Whitman, veteran peer support specialist, District 4 kicked off the first round table of 2026. He emphasized the importance of strong communication—especially for GRIC veterans—as the federal government and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continue to implement changes. The round table aims to keep veterans and their families informed with the latest updates while also creating opportunities for networking and camaraderie.
Retired Master Sgt. Palmer Miller, who served 23 years in the U.S. Army, shared his experience. He worked for the State of Arizona in various capacities before joining the Gila River VFSO.
“The mission that I was given was to create an office for the Gila River Veterans & Family Services, get our office staff trained, and receive VA recognition,” Miller said. “We did not give up on our mission and goal during COVID.” Now fully retired, he occasionally visits the VFSO to reconnect with friends.
Allmond, a West Point graduate and retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, spoke about her career after military service. “I was so honored when Governor Hobbs appointed me to her cabinet,” she said.
She emphasized her commitment to supporting veterans, noting that services such as food and utility assistance, employment support, childcare, child support, and early intervention for school-age children are available through DES.
Celestine, a DES workforce supervisor, presented information on the Veteran Toolkit program. The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, Arizona@Work and the Arizona Housing Coalition partnered to provide the toolkit. Qualifications include living in Arizona, having served in the U.S. military, and being enrolled with Arizona@Work. Eligible veterans may receive assistance with job-related items such as work clothing, tools, protective equipment, transportation and essential electronic devices. Veterans can visit any participating office to apply.
Maldonado, a building maintenance worker at GRIC District 2, a councilmember for the Town of Florence and a vice commander for the American Legion Department of Arizona, discussed the American Legion’s four pillars: veteran affairs and rehabilitation, national security, Americanism, and children and youth. He also addressed alternative medicine, streamlining services within 18–24 months and the issue of veteran suicide.
He highlighted the American Legion’s “Be the One” initiative. “I want to be the one who stops a veteran from committing suicide. I had friends who committed suicide, and 22 veteran suicides a day is too many,” he said. He stressed the importance of checking in with fellow veterans to ensure they are doing well.
The round table discussion took place toward the end of the event, with approximately a dozen community members participating.
“Suggestions for the Veterans & Family Services Office: We have events, but I don’t think they are publicized enough,” said David. “I know about the events because I belong to an American Legion post. Facebook and text messages are important to keep veterans in the loop.”
“Walking through the doors and asking for help is still an issue. Encouraging community members to make that first step needs to be a priority,” said John James. “There are a lot of services available for our people. I want to share that with you.”
“If one is looking for specific information, you have to seek and find it. No one is going to do the work for you,” said Dickson. “The military taught me a lot. It opened my eyes to how fortunate we are.
I learned things I did not know before.”
Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis began his remarks by thanking presenters Allmond, Celestine and Maldonado. He also acknowledged the work on the Purple Heart designation project.
“It’s important for our guests to learn about the Gila River Purple Heart veterans. It speaks volumes to the history and contributions of our veterans,” he said.
“We are looking forward to a whole new year—2026. The Iwo Jima Landing and Flag Raising is in mid-February,” Gov. Lewis said. “Based on the round table discussion, if we need to, we can put more resources—such as staffing or communication—into our Veterans & Family Services Office.”
“These round tables are crucial to getting the latest information regarding benefits and services. Having the veteran organizations come out and share information is great. We had an excellent Q&A at the end. We get feedback on how we can improve services. We always look forward to the quarterly round table,” he added.
Sgt. Sage Etsitty Jr., who served as a data systems administrator in the Marine Corps, attended as the youngest veteran. He has participated in round table events since joining the Marine Corps.
“I love the veterans here. They are my close friends. I am always thinking about how they are doing. I am happy to attend and reconnect with my fellow comrades,” Etsitty said.