About Us
The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame (AVHOF) Society consists of Inductees (Recipients) of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Medallion, their immediate family members, leadership of Arizona Department of Veterans Services (ADVS) and Unified Arizona Veterans (UAV) .
To better understand the relationship of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame the following anology is presented: "The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame was given birth by its parents - ADVS and UAV. The grand parent of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame is the Office of the Governor."
The AVHOF Society’s goals are to form a bond of friendship and camaraderie among all inductees of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame while continuing to serve the community, state, and country. The society also works to protect, uphold and preserve the dignity and honor of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame at all times and on all occasions, while providing appropriate aid to all persons inducted to the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, their widows or their children. Additionally the recipients work to inspire and stimulate our youth to become worthy citizens of our State and our Country, and foster and perpetuate service and patriotism to our State and the Nation while helping fellow veterans whenever and wherever possible.
Known for his independent engineering research that introduced the need for rubberized asphalt on federal and state highways in the Phoenix metropolitan area Frank Schmuck was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in 2004 and today serves as the President of this Society representing the living recipients. Under Frank’s leadership and with the support of his fellow recipients the recipients organized as a social and support group of Past recipients to assist the Arizona Department of Veteran Services (ADVS) and Unified Arizona Veterans (UAV) with operations and activities. These activities are those related to recognizing veterans who have honorably served their country and have continued to serve and inspire their fellow citizen with deeds and accomplishments throughout their lifetime.
Serving as Vice President of the AVHOF Society Charles "Chuck" Schluter who retired as Colonel, Army Corps of Engineers, 1995. Employed by MilVets Systems Technologies, Program Manager for the Army e-Learning Program. Provides free online Skillsoft training 24 hrs, 7 days a week to over 500,000 soldiers worldwide. Former member of the Board of Directors of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA); Executive Committee Member, Arizona Employer Support of Guard and Reserve (ESGR). Participating member of the Cactus Shadows High School Arizona Heritage Project, former President of the Connecticut National Guard Association, and former President and of the Arizona Chapter of MOAA. Chuck was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in 2007.
Serving as Secretary Eldora Engebretson was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in 2002. Eldora serves a myriad of organizations such as Ronald McDonald House; Hope's Closet, a battered women's shelter; her homeowner's association; her Church; the American Legion; and the Women In Military Service For America (WIMSA). As Editor of The Saguaro Sun, she played a major role in the establishment of the U.S. Vets Program, a transitional housing program for homeless veterans. Served 2001-02 as National President of the Women's Army Corps Veterans' Association (WACVA), the only women veteran's organization that is federally chartered by the United States Congress. WACVA emphasizes VA hospital volunteer work and community service in the local, state, national and international communities.
Serving as Treasurer of the AVHOF Society is Jesse Gersten, who was inducted to the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in 2004. Chosen as "Sun Lakes Man of the Year' in 2000 by Arizona United Way. Jesse is a member of the American Legion, DAV and Sun Lakes Interfaith Council . He served as Vice Chairman of Sun Lakes Jewish Film Festival which raised over $31,000 for charities. Jesse also serves on Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon's Phoenix City Council Veterans Ad Hoc Committee and Arizona Veterans Memorial Day Cemetery Committee. Jesse serves the homeless at Paz De Cristo, and helps the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center with physical assistance aids (wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, etc.), and obtaining specially equipped busses for transportation. Charter commander of State of Arizona, Jewish War Veterans, and JWV representative to Unified Arizona Veterans. Jesse also serves on the Arizona Selective Service Board and with numerous neighborhood, civic, and military organizations.