The following are the pictures and biographies of the Arizona MOAA members in the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2019. The presenters are Kattie Hobbs, Secretary of State, [on the left] and Colonel Wanda Wright, USAF, (Ret) Arizona Department of Veterans Services Director [on the right].

Arlan R. Allen Jr. Superstition Chapter was born in Roswell, New Mexico in 1949, Arlan Allen was a “Huey” pilot in Vietnam, retiring as a CW4 from the Arizona Army National Guard. Arlan’s civilian career was with the FAA as an Aviation Safety Inspector. An Executive Committeeman for “Willie” Flight 82, Order of Daedalians, and a Life Member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association and the Military Officers Association of America, Arlan has logged 4,500 volunteer hours and 2,500 transportation miles helping veterans, veteran’s families, and survivors file VA claims resulting in $2,500,000 earned benefits. As Past President of the Superstition Mountain Chapter, MOAA, Arlan donated 1,500 volunteer hours carrying out the Chapter’s programs, activities, and events, including support of ROTC and JROTC outreach programs. Arlan Allen has adopted two retired military working dogs and encourages caring individuals and families to do the same.

William M. “Bill” Bates, Coronado Chapter was born at Scott Field, Illinois in 1942, Bill Bates served nearly 28 years in the US Army, including service in Vietnam, and retired as Colonel, Signal Corps. For 9 years, Bill, a college administrator at the Douglas State Prison, helped inmates earn GED (General Education Development) certificates and enabled inmates to earn college program certificates, later modeled at other prisons. For 3 years, Bill has served as Commissioner and Commission Chair on the Sierra Vista Library Advisory Commission, advising the City Council on library requirements and improvement of library services. Bill Bates is a leader in the Disabled American Veterans; Vietnam Veterans of America; Knights of Columbus Council and Assembly, and Genealogy Club; active in the Military Officers Association of America and Us Too Prostate Cancer Survivors Group; and a church lector and past member of his church’s Jail Ministry.

Ludwig “Lou” Kuttner, Coronado Chapter was born in Rome, Italy in 1934, Lou Kuttner served six years as a USMC Artillery Officer, including the 1958 Lebanon peacekeeping mission. From 1996 to the present, Lou served as a volunteer Director with Goodwill Industries Southern Arizona, a nonprofit organization which moves people from welfare to employment. In this same period, he worked with adolescents. Lou is now serving as
Sierra Vista Rotary Club Director, Vocational Services. From 1996 on, Lou has volunteered with the Friends of the Huachuca Mountains, including rebuilding Carr House in Carr Canyon. He served on the Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission. He was a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children removed from abusive homes. From 2008, Lou Kuttner has been active in the Thunder Mountain Detachment, Marine Corps League, as a Founding Member, Paymaster, and Judge Advocate.

Thomas E. “Tom” Sheets, Arizona Chapter was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1951, Tom Sheets served in the US Marine Corps for twenty-six years as an Infantry Officer, retiring as a Colonel in 1999. Tom’s corporate career included serving as President or CEO of three companies. Tom is the Founder and President of The Stonewall Group consulting services, Phoenix. After joining the Southwest Veterans
Chamber of Commerce, Tom gave it new energy and strength to reach its current growth status of nearly 200 members who support veterans and first responders, and their families. Tom also serves as Executive Director, Southwest Veterans Foundation, an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which operates three major Veteran Support Programs: Veteran College Scholarships, Veteran Trade/Technical School Scholarships, and Charitable Contributions. Tom Sheets is a longtime supporter of Boys and Girls Clubs, and several wildlife and conservation organizations.

Paula L. Pedene born in Lynwood, California in 1958, spouse of William Pedene Arizona Chapter member. Paula Pedene joined the US Navy in 1978 and later became a Navy Journalist. After working as a correspondent in Washington DC, she converted her journalism skills into a public relations counselor for the Department of Veterans Affairs. In 1994, she became the first full- time Public Affairs Officer at the Phoenix
VA Health Care System. Paula was instrumental in the launch of the Maricopa County StandDown and created the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, which is now produced by the nonprofit Honoring America’s Veterans. She founded the Veterans Medical Leadership Council, a nonprofit, which raises millions of dollars in donations for supportive services to veterans. Throughout her career, Paula Pedene has continually fought for excellent health care for our Nation’s veterans and has been a tireless advocate for their needs.