Havasu Veterans: Profiles of service to country

Serving his country at the age of 20, Joe Klein, now 95, possesses a reserved demeanor about his service. Hailing from Chicago, Klein enlisted…

A standard tale amongst families with extensive military history can be found in Lake Havasu City. Living now as a widow, Sandy Cossette, 83, …

Born in Michigan, Lawrence Schatz, 72, considers a small Tennessee city as his hometown. Moving to the Volunteer State at age 10 grew his bore…

Lifesaving measures were taken by one veteran during his first year in the military. Robert Shumake, 84, made the decision to join the U.S. Co…

Making a trek to New York from Canada was the goal for one former Canadian resident. Living in Lake Havasu City since 2011, Davin McLaughlin, …

A common ground witnessed amongst veterans is their continued dedication once leaving the military. Bob Chiapuzio, 68, found a post-service ca…

A familiar face to many in Lake Havasu City is Sisto Sandoval. From opening his own veterans group to serving on local organizations, Sandoval…

Living for nearly a century is Lake Havasu City resident and veteran Bob Johnson. The Michigan-native deems himself as an observer of astronom…

Those who frequent Lake Havasu City’s Downtown District may be familiar with Hair Productions. The salon is owned by U.S. Army veteran David D…

Then-22-year-old Sgt. 1st Class Floyd Franks enlisted into the military during the midpoint of the Global War on Terror. Originally formed dur…

Many Vietnam War veterans have tales of unpleasant returns to the states. Although military personnel were serving their country, returning ve…

As a small business owner in Lake Havasu City, Steven Galvan, 45, credits his leadership skills to his service in the U.S. Army.

Just two years shy of his 100th birthday, Lake Havasu City resident Jack Duncan rang in his 98th year on June 26. The U.S. Navy veteran holds …

Continuing to have a voice for proper treatment of veterans is Lake Havasu City resident Ami Hollis. As an U.S. Air Force veteran, Hollis, 56,…

Hard work within the veteran community has paid off for one Lake Havasu City resident.

From tales of killing enemy soldiers to catching a life-threatening parasite, Lake Havasu City resident Rudy Salcido, 89, shares his deeply in…

With a military career dating back to the Vietnam War, Earl “Wayne” Jones, 76, lent his life and his time to defending his country.

Having worked as a Lake Havasu City police officer for the last three years, Michael Donahue, 35, continues to protect and serve his community.

Residents living at The Views in Lake Havasu City may be familiar with Johnna Perkins, who is the establishment’s leasing coordinator and qual…

Having been born in Helena, Montana, Mike McQueen, 57, had a goal of one day joining the military. As a high school dropout, his vision could …

Spending exactly 21 years, seven months and five days in the U.S. Air Force, David Howard, 87, divided his time working diligently across the …

At 76 years old, Marty Marshall spends part of his days working as a correctional officer for Arizona State Prison-Kingman. After moving from …

Settling into Lake Havasu City is Robert Twardy, 57, who opened Havasu Handyman Bob a few months after his relocation a year and a half ago. F…

Brett Bitterman is a familiar face in Lake Havasu City’s education landscape. Today, he serves as the principal of Oro Grande Classical Academ…

When you think of the military, it’s likely your first thought isn’t dentistry — but it’s an essential part of the nation’s defense. Dr. Rebec…

Known as the league photographer for the Lake Havasu City Marine Corps League Detachment 757, 84-year-old Ron Silva, is often found capturing …

After acquiring ownership of Dynamite Roofing six years ago, U.S. Army veteran Arturo Cuarao, 33, has incorporated his military skills into hi…

At 80 years old, Owen “Ole” Olson continues to hold a positive outlook on life and the skills he learned in the military. Celebrating 58 years…

Volunteering his time to serve his country, Larry Hanson, 75, dedicated his life to the U.S. Army Special Forces, which is widely known as the…

Gym owner and head coach Natalie Marcom may be known around Lake Havasu City as the woman behind Nakoma Strong. What some may not be familiar …

From a chance meeting with the woman he would marry to intercepting Russian aircraft, Vietnam War veteran Conrad “Stormy” Wade spent a little …

On Wednesday afternoon, two friends who both served as Green Berets during the Vietnam War reunited after a 52 year hiatus. At 73 years old, L…

From spending his first Christmas away from home aboard an 82-foot patrol boat to working in the North Pole, Al Zink regards his time in the U…

Hailing from Marlborough, Massachusetts, 80-year-old Paul Brodeur followed the path that his three older brothers set out before him. The elde…

Still going strong at 96 years old is Bertrand “B.J.” Buckhout, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who first enlisted during World War II. Growi…

Since 1991, Dan Donaldson has been providing Lake Havasu City residents with his workout facility, Titan Fitness. Donaldson made the city his …

Despite being limited to a wheelchair, Mike Sondrol does not let his war injury lower his spirits. The unpredictable event that altered the co…

Working now as a published author in Lake Havasu City, 67-year-old Elva Veronica Medina began writing in the early 2000s. Medina focuses prima…

Since he was a young child, David Allor had a plan to join the U.S. Navy to continue his family’s military history. Allor’s aunts, uncles, bro…

At 67 years old, Bob Licher has lived a life full of well-deserved opportunities. With a father who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during Wor…

Enjoying life with family by his side, 68-year-old Ted Morris finds joy in spending time with his wife, Cynthia “Cindy” Morris. The pair have …

Regarding himself as a third generation U.S. Army, 73-year-old Larry Rosser became familiar with the structure of the military from an early a…

Having been married to his wife Lane for the last 45 years, Larry Richards regards his other half as his therapist and companion in life. Bein…

Having served during the middle of the Vietnam War, Don Bittenbender spent his service time working closely with war images. In 1966, Bittenbe…

The family of Susan Johnson has the military embedded into their ancestry. Johnson received exposure from her grandfather, who was a World War…

At 58 years old, veteran Todd Baldwin finds solace in assisting fellow veterans in his position as a Veterans Workforce Specialist for the Sta…

Serving in two separate branches of the military, veteran Leonard Schultz became aware of the vast difference that separates civilians from mi…

Serving in two separate branches of the military, veteran Leonard Schultz became aware of the vast difference that separates civilians from mi…

Those in the community may be familiar with Celebrate Recovery which is a program that is geared towards supporting people who are recovering …

Tired of holding jobs that did not create a promising future, Robert Torson decided to enlist into the United States Navy with a friend of his…

Celebrating her centennial birthday in April of this year is Lake Havasu City resident, Rosamond ‘Roz’ Naylor. The 100-year-old veteran stores…

As stated by the wife of one Lake Havasu City resident, her husband is a veteran who helped himself by helping other veterans. Frank Emery, a …

The tragic turn of events that immortalized September 11 into the history of the United States prompted one Lake Havasu City resident to act o…

For 20 years, David Eaton served as a patrol officer and detective for the Lake Havasu City Police Department. The 74-year-old veteran retired…

Serving as a firefighter in the United States Army, Leslie Weber enrolled into the Army’s Delayed Entry Program when she was 18 years old. Aft…

Veterans in Lake Havasu City may be familiar with the face that greets them at the local Vet Center. Fellow veteran Stacy Lee is the center’s …

In December 1931, Victor Rodriguez was born as the oldest of 16 children in a one-room house in Snyder, Colorado. As he grew older, he became …

Some may know Jack Mullins as Santa Claus during the holiday season. For several years, the Lake Havasu City resident has donned his Santa sui…

Serving over two decades in the United States Army, Rodney Crum retired from the service just shy of 21 years. Working now for Arizona’s Burea…

Serving a double duty may not sound appealing to the public at large but for one veteran, the military became his home for almost a decade of …

A mellow member of the community who survived a bout with covid lives to tell the tale of his brief experience in the military. After receivin…

Full of passion and charm, Ray Fenter is proud to boast his emblems and patches regarding his time in the military. Serving six years in the M…

Tucked away in a brightly lit corner apartment resides a soft-spoken member of the Lake Havasu community. Judd Lotts, who served in the Navy d…

Rich Brest has been in the newspaper industry for three decades. Before he launched into his career, he spent seven and a half years as an inf…

As Lake Havasu City resident Dan Rickert said, there aren’t many Korean War veterans left, and there weren’t many to begin with. But Rickert i…

Jackie Turcotte spends most of her time volunteering with the local Elks Lodge in a wide variety of capacities – past Exalted Ruler, Arizona E…

If you see a smooth riding maroon trike rolling down the road, topped by a rider with a denim cut dotted with military patches, there’s a good…

When John Ellena was 18 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. The values that were instilled in him then have prepared him for the …

Charles Fox is an involved community member, to say the least. He serves as the current Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge #2399, and he spends most …

Eva Fox has held many titles in her life. She currently serves as first lady, a member of the media team and concert chair at Elks Lodge #2399…

Brandon Kendrick first moved to Lake Havasu City when he was a teen. In 2004, he decided to serve his country, following in the footsteps of t…

Kelsey Kendrick dreamt of becoming a teacher. Now, she’s living that dream — thanks to some help from the U.S. Army.

Brett Bitterman is a familiar face in Lake Havasu City’s education landscape. Today, he serves as the principal of Oro Grande Classical Academ…

Roger Chaput is turning 90 years old on January 30, and his life has been filled with love, war and triumph.

Lee White is known by many as a disciplined coach, dedicated stage actor and knowledgeable teacher. His values stem from years of serving his …

Buford “Bud” Watts , 72, is well known for his involvement in the local veteran community. He and his wife Diane have lived in Lake Havasu Cit…

Chris Gall is a familiar face on the court and the field. For several years, he’s officiated local baseball, softball, basketball and football…

Steve Ahrens might be a relatively new face at The Views at Lake Havasu, but he’s not new to Lake Havasu City. He and his family have called H…

For 13 years, Erika Manzano dedicated her life to documenting the U.S. Navy. Today, she’s a student services coordinator at ASU Havasu, managi…

Every Sunday, we feature a local veteran to honor those who have served our country. To nominate a veteran for this feature — or if you are a …

Frank Hayden has lived in Lake Havasu City for more than 20 years, and he’s a familiar face at the Lake Havasu City Police Department. As SWAT…

EDITOR'S NOTE: Every Sunday, we feature a local veteran to honor those who have served our country. To nominate a veteran for this feature — o…