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"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
- Proverbs 3:5-6
April 2024
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Vote for a Local Veteran!
By Mayra Vasquez - Tuesday Oct 26, 2021
Forrest Anderson Plumbing and Air Conditioning (Forrest Anderson), a family-owned business in the Phoenix area since 1961, has announced that 3 local Veterans have been selected as finalists in the 6th Annual Military Hero A/C Giveaway. Now it is up to the public to determine which Veteran will receive a free air conditioning unit, fully installed, through an online voting process.

Starting October 21st, the public can help pick a winner by going to Forrest Anderson’s website, where they can read about each Veteran and cast a vote for their favorite. Veterans will also be highlighted on Forrest Anderson’s blog. The public can vote for one nominee every 24-hours through November 1st. The winner will be announced by Veterans Day, November 11, 2021.

“The Forrest Anderson team is proud to honor our local Veterans and acknowledge the sacrifices military families make every day to serve our country,” said Audrey Monell, President of Forrest Anderson. “By sharing their stories, we want to start conversations about the importance of supporting military members, many who return home with conditions that impact their physical and mental health.”

Monell also recognized industry partners, MORSCO HVAC/Bush Supply and Smiley Crane Service, whose generous contributions again this year made it possible to run the contest. Cameron Davis, President of Razon Thin Media, is a new sponsor for this year and will present a $500 gift card to the winner. Since 2016, Forrest Anderson has worked with local partners to sponsor the Military Hero A/C Giveaway each year around Veterans Day because they see the health risks of living without air conditioning in Arizona.

About the Finalists:

Mark Denman, Litchfield Park: Mark Denman served in the United States Navy from 1974 to 1978, making two, back-to-back, eight-month Western Pacific Cruises to evacuate various military installations during Vietnam and ultimately ending his service as an E-5 Second Class Petty Officer. Today Mark and his wife of nearly 39 years, Teri, are actively involved in their community and church. Mark is an Officer in the Knights of Columbus and will be chairing the 22nd Annual Golf and Charity Golf Invitational in March which benefits those less fortunate with Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Homeless Youth Connection, 100 Club, Meals of Joy, & E-3 Africa. Mark’s 16-year old A/C unit has needed extensive attention to get his family through this summer.

Andrez Romero, Mesa: Andrez Romero served in the United States Corps Military from 1977 to 1983, ranking as an E-5 Sergeant. Much of his service is classified, but he also worked as a driver to transport supplies where they were needed and brought injured Marines back to safety. Today, Romero does not let his disabilities limit him from enjoying his life and he spends his time remodeling his home, hiking, playing racquetball, crafting, writing a book, and being a dedicated father to his adult children. Andrez’s aging A/C unit does not cool his house properly and stays on constantly which results in high electric bills but cannot afford a replacement.  

Olga Tucker, Peoria: Olga Tucker served in the Army from 2004 to 2012 as a Sergeant and 88M-Motor Transport Operator, providing transportation and logistical support for 3rd Brigade Combat Team “Rakkasans” with the 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) and was one of the first females to be directly assigned to the mostly infantry unit in Iraq. Today, Olga is a loving mother to three young children and her service dog and volunteers with several veteran-centric nonprofit organizations such as Operation Enduring Gratitude, Mission 22, 22 Until None, and the PTSD Foundation of America. She works as a Veteran’s Resource Coordinator and Advisor for Operation Enduring Gratitude is a member of the Peoria Military Affairs Committee and serves as a community leader within Peoria’s Pine District. Olga’s 27-year-old A/C unit struggles to cool her home and requires frequent service calls, but she does not have the funds to replace the unit.