Canyon Vista Medical Center and the Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona Announce the 2024/25 Veterans Wall Class
August 27, 2024
Canyon Vista Medical Center (CVMC) and the Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona are pleased to announce the 12 honorees for the 2024/25 Veterans Wall.
Beginning in 2015, the Veterans Wall has recognized 12 veterans each year who have made a lasting impact on our community and those who call it home. These distinguished individuals continued their military values of selfless service long after they hung up their uniforms. They embody the spirit of dedication and sacrifice that has helped shape Cochise County into the vibrant and supportive community it is today.
The Veterans Wall celebrates those former or current residents of Cochise County who have worn the uniform of the nation’s armed forces and have substantially contributed to their community. This honor reflects their unwavering commitment to service, both during their military careers and in their civilian lives. We acknowledge their exceptional volunteer work and community service, recognizing that their contributions extend far beyond their military duties.
Nominees for this prestigious recognition are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to Cochise County through volunteering and community involvement. Nominations may be submitted posthumously, ensuring that the legacy of those who have passed is also honored.
2024/25 Honorees:
Charles E. “Chuck” Chambers: Retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel with 20 years of service, including 196 air combat missions. Post-service, he supported local agriculture, land conservation, and youth sports while serving in various community leadership roles.
Darrel Claunch: Marine Corps veteran with two Vietnam tours. Known for transforming the Toys for Tots program in Cochise County, Darrel has provided around 45,000 toys to children over the past eight years.
Jose Delgado: Marine Corps veteran who served as a teacher and active community volunteer. He has contributed significantly to local education and youth programs in Bisbee.
Linda Marie George-Wisnom: Retired Army Major with 23 years of service. Linda is active in community service through St. Vincent de Paul, the Lions Club, and various initiatives supporting visually impaired individuals and holiday charity.
Arthur “Casey” Jones: Army Lieutenant Colonel with 21 years of service. Casey has contributed to local governance, veterans’ affairs, and Special Olympics, and was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.
Clea McCaa: Retired Army Colonel with 30 years of service in Intelligence. He founded the Sierra Vista Dream Center, supports local youth, and serves as a pastor and chaplain in the community. He is currently serving as the Mayor of Sierra Vista.
Sarah Pacheco: Army veteran and founder of Peach’s Pantry, which serves thousands of children in need. She also volunteers with the Arizona Governor’s Commission for Service and Volunteerism, and is a former City of Sierra Vista Councilmember.
Thomas Ransford: Army Military Police First Sergeant with tours worldwide. Tom has served as a Major Crimes Detective, founded a youth football league, and taught criminal justice courses at local universities.
Nedra Sealey: Army veteran and former VFW Post 9972 Commander. Nedra initiated several community service programs, including food drives and blood donation efforts, and coordinated Memorial Day tributes.
Benjamin “Ben” Thompson: Army and National Guard veteran who transformed the Community Food Bank in Tombstone. Under his leadership, the food bank grew from serving 250 people a month to over 2,500.
Daniel “Dan” Valle: Army Reserve Major with 28 years of service. Dan has served on various boards, including those for mental health, local governments, and educational foundations. He is actively involved in local organizations like the Tombstone Municipal Airport Commission and the Southeast Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Michael Zehr: Army veteran who has contributed significantly through the Disabled American Veterans, Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, and Warrior Healing Center, where he aids veterans with PTSD and other challenges.
We honor and thank these distinguished individuals for their extraordinary service and dedication to improving the lives of those around them.
The Veterans Wall Ceremony will take place Thursday November 7th, 4:30pm at Canyon Vista Medical Center, 5700 E. Hwy 90, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635.
Please RSVP to Natoyah Swift, 520.263.3299 or RSVP@CanyonVistaMedicalCenter.com, by November 1st.