Veterans Forum at Aunt Chilada’s in Phoenix:
This is not a Perch Base event, but we are invited.
On Friday, March 28, at 10 a.m., HAV will host a special Veterans Forum at Aunt Chilada’s in Phoenix—bringing together war heroes, a former POW, and a battlefield nurse to share their powerful, firsthand accounts.
The deadline to register is March 21, 2025.
The event features three remarkable Vietnam veterans:
• Terry Araman, a Bronze Star Army medic, now fights for homeless veterans.
• Col. Thomas Kirk, an Air Force fighter pilot who survived over five years as a POW in the notorious "Hanoi Hilton."
• Col. Patricia Little-Upah, a nurse who treated wounded troops in Vietnam and later led military healthcare efforts.
Following their discussion, HAV will conduct a special pinning ceremony, ensuring that every Vietnam veteran in attendance receives long-overdue recognition. This is a rare opportunity to hear the untold stories of Vietnam’s heroes.
Aunt Chilada's Restaurant
7330 N. Dreamy Draw Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85020
(Left-click address, above, for a Google map to Aunt Chilada's Restaurant.)
Spaces are going quickly, so register today: https://honoringamericasveterans.org/veterans-forum/.

Annual Lunch Picnic Meeting at the Paloma Community Park in Peoria, Arizona:
NO MEETING AT DILLON'S!
This year all Arizona-based USSVI members from all AZ bases are invited to join Perch Base for our annual picnic festivities at the Paloma Community Park in Peoria, Arizona. For Perch-base members, this event is going to serve as a concurrent monthly meeting, in lieu of meeting at Dillon’s Arrowhead.
The base officers will be hosting/cranking and there will be steak burgers, hot dogs, and hot brats grilled to order. Each participating member/family is asked to provide a single picnic appropriate side dish for the mutual enjoyment of all to partake.
Paloma Community Park
29799 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy, Peoria, AZ 85383
Located at Lake Pleasant Parkway and Dixileta Dr., just south of Loop 303 freeway.
(Left-click address, above, for a Google map to the Paloma Community Park.)
Soda-Pop, water, and utensils will be provided by the base. We have secured an alcohol permit to consume beer only, cans only, and you must provide your own if you wish to enjoy a brew with your meal. This facility accommodates handicapped personnel and elderly folks with a modern design that easily permits travel from vehicles to shelters on solid pathways without obstacles. The facility accommodates dogs and has adjacent dog park areas to permit your pouch to expend some energy and enjoy the day with you. Please bring portable kennel/crate to place your dog at rest, as lead staking is not feasible. You must have an appropriate AZG&F Fishing License if you wish to fish. Please note, there are no entrance or attendance fees to enter the park. Parking is free and there are abundant spaces close to the ramadas.
Be sure to check out all the accommodations, and the rules, this beautiful recreational park has to offer HERE.
If you are going to attend the Perch-Base Annual Picnic, or you have any special requirements and questions, please RSVP with a head and tail count to COB@perch-base.org by Saturday, 01 April 2024. Let the COB know how many there are in your shore party, your pot-luck item, and if you are bringing any dogs or young children.
Here's some photos from last year's Annual Lunch Picnic Meeting.

May Monthly General Meeting:
Join us at 1200 hours (noon if you’ve been out a while.) at Dillon's Restaurant,
20585 North 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308-6821
(Left-click address, above, for a Google map to Dillon's.)
Come at 1100 for time to "socialize."
Roadwork will require lane restrictions and full closures on Loop 101, the interchange ramps and cross streets between 75th Avenue to I-17. Work will occur primarily during overnight hours and weekends to minimize traffic impacts, thus may affect travel time to future meetings at Dillon's starting September 27, 2024.
Although there is presently no closure scheduled for our meeting on May 10, you can check the current status on the ADOT website HERE.
You can also view the live Loop 101 cameras on the AZ511 website HERE.

Memorial Day:
Perch Base will attend the Memorial Day ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona:
This is one of the two most important events of our yearly calendar.
Because of the large crowds at this event, and the scarcity of available seating, it is strongly urged that everyone get there no later than 7 a.m.
As in previous years, we will follow with the Tolling of the Boats in the Circle of Remembrance at the World War II Submarine Torpedo monument.
23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85024
(Left-click address, above, for a Google map to the cemetery.)
Here's some pictures from the last Memorial Day ceremonies at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in 2024.