In this season of gratitude, we pause to honor the men and women who have served our nation and continue to shape our Tempe community. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment are reminders of the many reasons we have to give thanks.
Within these pages, we proudly share the voices of our local Veterans. As you read their stories, you’ll find themes of discipline, resilience, accountability, and leadership—values that define the heart of our community and remind us of the strength found in gratitude.
From commanding public safety units to leading community organizations, building local businesses, and enriching education, these Veterans show us that service takes many forms. It continues with the same spirit of commitment—evolving into service to family, to community, and to the next generation.
At the core of each story is a dedication to serving something greater than oneself—a spirit of service that lives on well beyond the military and continues to enrich and uplift our Tempe community today.
Will Hren
Owner of Mr. Handyman Tempe, Gilbert and Mesa.
From a young age, I loved working with my hands, but before I ever thought about running a handyman business, I chose to serve my country. Inspired by my best friend’s brother, who served on the Army bomb squad, I knew I wanted to follow a similar path. After high school in 1987, I enlisted in the Air Force, where I trained as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician.
For eight years, I had the honor of serving on the bomb squad, deploying during Operation Desert Shield to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq. My career also gave me the chance to support special assignments with the Secret Service, protecting presidents and presidential hopefuls such as George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton when they visited Texas.
Those experiences demanded discipline, resilience, and precision—and they shaped the way I approach everything in life. Most of all, they taught me gratitude. I’m thankful for the men and women I served alongside, for the opportunities that service gave me, and for the lessons that still guide me today. Now, through Mr. Handyman, I carry that same sense of service and commitment into helping my community—grateful every day for the chance to serve in a different way.
Amy Bemis
Principal, Ward Traditional Academy
As a former student of Connolly Middle School and now Principal at Ward Traditional Academy, I know how deeply Tempe has shaped me. Growing up in this community gave me a strong foundation, and my time in the U.S. Air Force further defined who I am today. I enlisted and trained in Texas before being stationed at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. While serving, I worked in database management for the B-52 aircraft, where I learned the value of teamwork, consistency, and accountability—and that the mission is always greater than oneself. While serving, I also earned my bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Minot State University, an accomplishment that strengthened my discipline and perseverance.
When I left the military, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to making a positive impact. As a mother and an aunt, I found my calling in education, where I could combine service, leadership, and heart. For nearly 15 years, I have been honored to serve in the Tempe Elementary School District in roles that have allowed me to support students, staff, and families. I am grateful for my support system, our Ward community, and the families who partner with us each day to make student success possible.
Robin Arredondo-Savage
President/CEO, Tempe Chamber of Commerce
I served in the U.S. Army with the 705th Support Battalion as part of the Quartermaster Corps. My time in uniform was formative, not because of one single experience, but because of the discipline and atmosphere of service itself. The constant focus on teamwork, accountability, and serving something bigger than yourself reinforced my family values of hard work and service to others. Those lessons continue to guide how I live, lead, and give back to the community today.
My military service instilled in me the belief that service above self should always come first. That commitment has driven much of my work here in Tempe. I helped lead efforts to make Tempe the first Veteran Supportive City in Arizona, worked to establish Valor on 8th—the state’s first housing project for female veterans—and created a Veterans Coordinator position for the city. I also brought Community Salutes to Tempe, an event honoring young people entering the military directly from high school. Each of these efforts reflects the values I carried from service: hard work, accountability, and a commitment to others.
This year, I’m especially thankful for my family’s unwavering support, and for the opportunity to serve alongside such a strong Chamber team. Tempe’s strength has always come from its people and businesses, and when we work together, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.
Dave Rittman
Bomb Squad Commander, Tempe Police Department
I joined the US Army in 1996 and completed Basic and Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, followed by Airborne School and the Ranger Indoctrination Program. I was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Lewis, Washington. While in the unit, I attended and graduated from Ranger School, then returned to the battalion, serving in multiple roles—from rifleman, grenadier, and M249 SAW gunner to Team Leader and Squad Leader.
During my 6.5 years with the 2nd Ranger Battalion, I deployed to Panama, Germany, Korea, Jordan, and Afghanistan. These experiences shaped my approach to leadership and reinforced teamwork, discipline, consistency, and readiness.
After the Army, I moved into law enforcement and now serve as the Bomb Squad Commander for the Tempe Police Department. In this role, I apply lessons learned from my time in the Rangers to protecting lives and supporting the ongoing mission of public safety.
My focus has always been on service—whether abroad or here in Tempe—working to ensure the safety of others and strengthening the community. I am thankful for the opportunity to continue serving in a way that makes a direct impact and grateful to the community that supports our mission every day. Ranger Lead The Way.
Victor Garcia
Deputy Fire Chief, Tempe Fire Department
I’ve been proud to call Tempe home since 1989. I grew up here, attending Kyrene Middle School and Corona del Sol High School. After graduation, I tried a semester at Mesa Community College, but I quickly realized school wasn’t the right path for me at that time. What I did know was that I wanted to be a firefighter—a Tempe firefighter. While taking an EMT course, my instructor suggested that the U.S. Air Force had an excellent fire department and would be the perfect place to gain experience. Two weeks later, in January of 1996, I enlisted. It was the best advice I ever received and the best decision I’ve ever made.
My time in the Air Force became the foundation of my adult life. The training, discipline, and lessons I learned have stayed with me and shaped the firefighter, father, and community member I am today. One of my proudest moments was watching my son follow in my footsteps by attending the United States Air Force Academy.
In January 2000, I returned to Tempe to begin the fire academy, and I’ve now been serving this city as a firefighter for 26 years. I’m beyond thankful for my military experience—and for the young men and women who continue to make the same commitment to serve our country today.
Desiree Sloat
General Manager, Ken McDonald Golf Course
As an Army Veteran, I completed basic training at Fort Jackson and advanced individual training at Fort Bliss as a 14E Patriot Missile Operator before deploying to the Middle East from 2009 to 2010. Those years taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of giving back—values that continue to guide my life today.
What started as a job as a Beverage Cart Attendant at Ken McDonald Golf Course ten years ago has grown into a career—and today, I’m proud to serve as General Manager with a passion for building community. I’ve launched programs that bring families together, from seasonal celebrations to free youth clinics and field trips introducing students to STEAM learning. I also started initiatives like ‘Cans for Canines’ and an annual pet supply drive supporting Lost Our Home Pet Rescue.
I’m proud to support inclusion by donating course time to schools and the Special Olympics, and I stay involved with the Tempe Chamber of Commerce and Tempe Leadership Class 41. I’m thankful that I still get to serve—this time, in my own community. My story is one of gratitude in action: service beyond the uniform.
James T. Wood II (Tom)
President, Accurate Air Conditioning, Inc.
I served in the United States Air Force from 1971 to 1974, an experience that instilled in me the values of honor, dedication, and integrity. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my personal life and professional career.
When I returned home, I joined my family’s business, Accurate Air, which has been serving the Valley since 1965. Over the past 50 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping build a company committed to honesty, quality, and care for our customers. As President, I’ve tried to lead with professionalism and a servant’s heart—always keeping the needs of others first. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to mentor employees, support community programs, and do my best to go the extra mile for both customers and colleagues.
Looking back, I see my journey as one of service—first to my country, then to my family, business, and community. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and for the people who have walked alongside me. The values I learned in the military continue to guide me, and I hope my example inspires others to lead with integrity and heart.
John Fowler
Interim Headmaster, Tempe Preparatory Academy
A week before my high school graduation, I told myself I would never set foot in an educational institution again. Instead, I enlisted in the U.S. Army and soon deployed to Afghanistan. In the high mountains of the Hindu Kush, I was struck by the remnants of past empires that had once fought for control of the same valleys. That experience awakened a curiosity to learn from history’s echoes and ultimately led me to pursue a degree in ancient letters and cultures at Arizona State University.
What began as a rejection of learning became a passion shaped by service. The discipline, resilience, and perspective I gained in the military gave me a deep appreciation for the power of education. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching Latin, Greek, biology, history, and English language arts—cultivating a love of learning in hundreds of young minds.
Today, I am honored to serve as Headmaster at Tempe Preparatory Academy, a classical charter school dedicated to providing a world-class education for all students. Tempe has given me the opportunity to blend my military service with my calling as an educator, and for that I am deeply grateful.