162 Years of Courage and Memory

September 26, 2025

Jeston Morris

MARICOPA COLONY, Ariz. — The Gila River Indian Community celebrated the 162nd Annual Mustering-In Day on Sept. 10 in District 7, honoring Arizona’s first National Guard units led by Chief Antonio Azul and Chief Juan Chavarria.

The day began with the lowering of the colors to half-staff and a community run/walk, followed by a parade featuring floats from local organizations and schools. Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis delivered opening remarks, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem.

Festivities included a waterslide, watermelon eating contest, elder bingo, and a food scramble. DJ entertainment was provided by Midnight Run, with live music from Waila Express. Lunch was catered by Zupa’s, and the celebration concluded with fireworks show.

Parade participants included the Pee Posh Veterans Association, Blackwater Community School Junior Marines Color Guard, Haskell Osife Antone Women’s Auxiliary Unit 51, Ira H. Hayes Post 84, Grand Marshal Damon Sanderson, the Executive Office of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Skyline High School Basket Dancers, GRIC Royalty, GRTI, GRBC, and O’otham Singers and Basket Dancers. The parade featured multilingual presentations in English, Pee Posh and O’otham.

Parade winners:

• First place: Blackwater Community School Junior Marines Color Guard

• Second place: Skyline High School Basket Dancers

• Third place: Gila Crossing Community School staff and PTO.

Parade judges included Councilwoman Lalena Jackson, Councilmen Joseph Manuel Jr. and Terrence B. Evans. Councilwoman Jeanette Blasingim served as emcee.

Community leaders shared reflections throughout the event.

“The Pee Posh Veterans Association has been in existence since 1995. I became commander in 2015. Veterans from Yuma and San Carlos are members, and they participated in the parade this morning. We honor those who served and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said Arnie Bread, commander of the association. 

“It’s great to be here for the 162nd anniversary celebration. Let’s recognize former Councilwoman Edena Antone for being honored in the Warrior Women’s Circle at the National Conference for Women Empowering Women for Indian Nations. Let’s also recognize our Grand Marshal, Mr. David Sanderson Sr., a Marine combat veteran,” said Gov. Lewis. “This celebration honors Arizona’s first two companies led by traditional chiefs. Chief Azul led Company B and Chief Chavarria led Company C. The O’otham and Pee Posh played a vital role in Arizona’s history. Two tribal nations, united by mutual respect, came together to form the Gila River Indian Community. Thank you to District 7, all the volunteers, and everyone who participated,” Lewis added.

“We just wrapped up the parade here at the 162nd Mustering-In Day celebration. I think that speaks volumes—it’s a testament to the spirit of our tribes, both Pee Posh and Akimel O’otham, who have protected our lands from time immemorial to today. It’s a great celebration, and we’re honoring all the veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. They served to protect our people, our land, our water, and our natural resources. It’s an incredible event,” said Councilman Joseph Manuel Jr.