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Christine Grady Gorder holding the photo of her WWII sweetheart U.S Army Staff Sergeant Ward Sackal who was killed in combat in Europe. The 98 year old has visited has visited his grave in France 11 times.

A tale of true love that began in Tucson in 1943 continues today...

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Visit Valley of the Moon; Marquez Price on "digital detoxing"; and 65 years of local television history in the AZPM Video Archive.
The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, in Tucson.

VA Secretary announces expansions to Tucson's VA Medical Center

Expansions to mental health and emergency services are expected to be complete by the end of the year.
Armondo Felix and his wife smile on the Esperanza En Escalante campus in March 2023. Felix lives on the campus with his wife and three daughters.

Housing Our Honored: Tucson organization helps homeless Veterans transition into civilian life

Esperanza En Escalante is helping hundreds of homeless Veterans find permanent housing and support services.
A sink of dirty dishes reflects a family scenario that may be familiar to many. The audio drama "Daughter Putting on Airs" was written by Alejandro Canelos,

Ten-Minute Dramas returns with "Daughter Putting On Airs".

Also on Arizona Spotlight: UA receives a historic donation of WWII memorabilia; visitors to the 2024 Tucson Festival of Books share "A Book I Love"; and an essay about the beauty of Agua Caliente Hill.
Arthur Franklin while he served aboard the USS Arizona.

USS Arizona collection grows at UA

The public can get a first-hand look at life on-board.

A Show about Healing

Spiritually, Physically, Mentally, and Emotionally.
The Nogales Buffalo Soldiers tribute was held for the first time in 2022, when this photo was taken.

Honoring African American soldiers from last century

Descendants and others gather for 2nd Annual Nogales Buffalo Soldiers Salute
A crew from Verde Earth Technologies chips arundo in Cornville, Ariz.

Crews remove invasive plants from Arizona waterways to conserve water, better ecosystem

Efforts along the Verde River and its tributaries to remove introduced plants can prevent monocultures while also getting water to a Phoenix-area reservoir.
The USS California, a Virginia-Class U.S. Navy submarine similar to the future U.S.S. Arizona, is shown during sea trials in 2011.

Keel laid for USS Arizona fast-attack sub

No Navy ship has been named Arizona since 1941.
Centenarian Ted Giannone raises both hands in the air as he lands at Falcon Field Airport in Mesa on Oct. 30, 2022, after becoming Grounded No More’s 500th rider since 2016. (Photo by Samantha Chow/Cronkite News)

‘Somebody special for our 500th ride’

100-year-old WWII veteran flies with Grounded No More
A saguaro cactus in the Grand Canyon National Park is in full bloom, displaying beautiful pink flowers.

Arizona Spotlight for August 11th, 2022

Native plants return to Hermosillo's urban landscape; Tucsonan John Rhodes tells about his family's rodeo history; Meet the new CEO of The Western National Parks Association; and a short story by Aurelie Sheehan.
Gabrielle Pietrangelo in performance.

"...love you like you've never known you're worth." The songs of Gabrielle Pietrangelo.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: An American hero gets some overdue recognition at Davis Monthan Air Force Base; and learn about the help - and hope - in Tucson for those living with aphasia.
American flag

Veterans benefit from American Rescue Plan Act funds

A new report breaks down how the legislation helped veteran families weather the last year.
Retired Lt. Col. Ken Robinson walks through the Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at Marana where he planted flags at the graves of service members ahead of Veterans Day on Nov. 10, 2020.

Veteran reflects on honoring fellow service members

The retired lieutenant colonel helped place flags at the Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at Marana ahead of Veterans Day.
Kevin Howard and Taylor patrolled the streets of Raqqa. In the battle for the city, Taylor was a sniper.

A beacon of hope in a war-torn country

The story of an American who traveled to Syria to fight the Islamic State.
World War II veteran Walter Ram is presented with a Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster by Sen. Martha McSally during a ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on August 20, 2019.

World War II veteran receives Purple Heart 76 years later

Sen. Martha McSally presented the medal to 95-year-old Walter Ram.

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