By Susan Gladstein (September/October 2023 Sound of Freedom)
Fighter Country Foundation steps into the glamour of the Roaring ’20s
Get ready to turn back the clock and experience the allure of the Prohibition era with Fighter Country Foundation’s upcoming Speakeasy Casino Night event October 21. Dust off your finest 1920s attire and prepare to immerse yourself in an evening of glitz, glamour, and good, old-fashioned fun.
Fighter Country Foundation is dedicated to supporting the men, women, families and mission of Luke Air Force Base through various initiatives, ranging from morale and wellness to mission sustainability and culture and tradition programs.
As Ron Sites, president and CEO of Fighter Country Foundation, explains, “All proceeds from this unforgettable event will go toward the construction of an Honor Guard Training Facility at Luke Air Force Base. So, not only will you have a blast, but you’ll also be supporting a noble cause that directly impacts our brave men and women at Luke.”
The Luke Honor Guard, a group of dedicated men and women in uniform, plays a crucial role in various ceremonial occasions by presenting flags and representing Luke Air Force Base in the community. With over 800 funerals and more than 140 color guard details annually, their presence is important to both the military and civilian communities. Their duties extend across a vast 52,000-square-mile area of Arizona, from Page to Yuma and from Parker to Globe.
Unlike many other Air Force installations, Luke’s Honor Guard lacks a dedicated training and storage facility. These committed volunteers undergo year-round training, drills and practices outdoors, enduring the scorching Arizona summer heat. To address this need, Fighter Country Foundation has set a goal to raise $1,750,000to construct a specialized Honor Guard Training Facility. This facility will comprise a 3,300-square-foot air-conditioned space for training, storage and administration, along with a covered area adjacent to it for comprehensive detail training and drills.
Gratitude is extended to the event’s sponsors, notably CRG and Clayco Enterprise, who have rallied behind this cause. Their significant support, exemplified by CRG’s role as a silver sponsor for Casino Night, is a testament
to their commitment to the military community and the values it represents.
Mark Sonnenberg, EVP and partner for the Southwest Region at CRG, speaks passionately about the significance of aiding uniformed personnel in their ceremonial duties. “These selfless volunteers are an indelible
symbol of our community, showcasing our shared values at countless events each year,” Sonnenberg emphasizes. “As a development and construction-based enterprise, with many proud veterans amongst our ranks, we’ve had the distinct honor of supporting Luke Air Force Base ever since we initiated our neighboring development, The Cubes at Glendale. We’ve been privileged to offer regular support to Fighter Country and Luke Air Force Base, and we feel extraordinarily fortunate for the opportunities we’ve had to contribute to this crucial training hub for the U.S. Air Education and Training Command.”
The Speakeasy Casino Night will be an evening of elegance, camaraderie and purpose. By participating, attendees will not only transport themselves to the captivating era of the 1920s but will also contribute to the
creation of a vital training hub for the Luke AFB Honor Guard. So, mark your calendars for October 21 and join the Fighter Country Foundation in raising the stakes for a remarkable cause.
For more information and to secure your spot at the event, visit fightercountry.org/speakeasy.
