by Daniel Stefanski | Feb 17, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
One Arizona legislator is seeking to help veterans in his state.
Last week, Arizona State Representative Justin Wilmeth announced that he had introduced HB 2871 “to allocate $10 million for clinical research on ibogaine.” According to a press release issued by the Arizona House of Representatives Republican Caucus, ibogaine is “a promising potential treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – conditions that have severely affected many veterans returning from combat.”
In a statement that accompanied the announcement of the bill introduction, Wilmeth said, “Our military heroes put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms, yet when they come home, too many are left suffering in silence. Traditional treatments have fallen short, and the reality is stark – veterans with TBI and PTSD are at an alarmingly high risk of suicide. Ibogaine treatment has shown incredible promise, and Arizona has an opportunity to take the lead in finding solutions that give these men and women real hope and real healing.”
Wilmeth added, “Veterans who sustained brain injuries in combat shouldn’t have to leave the country to access treatment that could change their lives. We owe it to our veterans to explore every option to help them have a full and healthy life. If this research can prove that ibogaine can truly heal the unseen wound of war, Arizona will be at the forefront of revolutionizing care for our warriors.”
The press release from the state lawmaker shared that “ibogaine, a plant-derived treatment with roots in West Africa, has drawn increasing attention for its potential to mitigate PTSD symptoms and neurological damage. Veterans, including Congressman Morgan Luttrell and retired SEAL Marcus Luttrell, have credited ibogaine with helping them recover from the physical and mental toll of combat. Former Texas Governor Rick Perry has also emerged as a vocal advocate, calling ibogaine treatment a ‘lifeline’ for veterans.”
If signed into law, HB 2871 would “direct the Arizona Department of Health Services to award grants to a research institution with proven expertise in neurological studies to conduct a certified clinical study on the use of ibogaine for treating TBI and PTSD.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Feb 8, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
A bill to construct a new Veterans Center on 232 acres of land in Young, Arizona, the first of its kind to support rural veterans and their families, was introduced by Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ-02) and has passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The facility would be operated by Gila County and provide family housing, meeting and activity spaces, resource rooms, Veteran Ceremonial Grounds, and outdoor recreation.
“This veterans center is so crucial for rural veterans in northern Arizona who selflessly served our nation. I’m grateful to see my colleagues in the House recognize the significance of this land transfer,” said Crane. “This was the first piece of legislation I introduced and is a testament to the significance of northern Arizona’s veterans. Anytime Congress can vote on legislation that returns power to the states is a good thing. I’m grateful to House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman for his leadership and look forward to the advancement of this bill in the Senate.”
According to Crane’s office, the effort to get the new Veterans Center on its feet found unusual allies joined in a common cause with Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) and former Rep. Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ) getting the bipartisan ball rolling during the 117th Congress with Democrat Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) leading corresponding efforts in the Senate.
“America’s veterans and their families have sacrificed so much to defend our freedom, and Congress must do everything in its power to provide our servicemembers with proper care and opportunities. The commonsense, bipartisan land transfer provided by H.R.837 will do just that by opening up new experiences to veterans in the area for recreation and recovery.” House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman explained, “A veteran himself, Representative Crane has led on these issues this Congress, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to get this bill through the Senate and signed into law.”
Gila County Supervisor Woody Cline, who testified before the House Natural Resources Committee, told Congress of the significant impacts and extensive resources the center would provide for veterans and their families in the region.
During his testimony, Rep. Crane said, “One of the things I love so much about this project, is that you’re not coming here, Mr. Cline, and asking the federal government for any money. You’re actually trying to take something that’s a beautiful piece of land that’s not being used anymore and revitalize it into something amazing for some of our nation’s finest individuals.”
“This site will only be one of two sites in Arizona. There’s one in the southern part of Arizona and one in the northern part […] It’s huge for our local community as well. We have a local veteran community of about 100 people right there in that small town. And then right there between us and Payson, there’s roughly another 5,000-7,000 more right there. Having this accessible, not only to the local members, the state members, the national members, but also, we’re adjacent to the White Mountain Apache Tribe that is not very far away that has a number of veterans in that reservation as well that have been big supporters of this project. It means everything to these folks,” said Cline.
Data from the Veterans Administration shows that by population density, as of 2019, veterans are most represented in Yavapai and Cochise Counties, the northern and southernmost counties respectively with between 11.78-14.45% of the population and between 14.46-16.74% of the population.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Jan 29, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The City of Glendale is moving forward with its Veteran’s Transitional Housing Project. Through the approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Maricopa County Human Services Department (MCHSD), it will jointly develop a transitional housing project to assist homeless or at-risk veterans on land near 63rd Avenue and Grand Ave. The city will be working in partnership with the Veterans Community Project (VCP) to see the project through.
According to a city press release, Mayor Weiers hailed the City Council’s approval saying, “I am grateful that my fellow councilmembers recognize the severe needs of our veterans. This project is just one of many that the city is working on to improve the lives of the people we serve daily.”
He added, “As most folks know, military personnel and veterans have always been a top priority to me; combined with veteran homelessness, this project is something all our councilmembers support. By partnering with Veterans Community Project, we are able to take on these top priorities while working with a nationally renowned veteran-serving organization.”
“I look forward to seeing veterans going through this program to become self-reliant again, and more importantly be able to hold their chest out and feel good about themselves.”
As reported by ABC15, the VCP has already partnered with multiple cities across the country to construct veterans’ villages comprised of mini-homes and community spaces to accommodate the veterans in need.
The organization announced in a post to X.com that it expects to break ground on February 1st at the site adjacent to VFW Post 1433 on 63rd Ave. in Glendale. The development will include housing for single veterans and families with fifty units ranging in size from 240 to 360 square feet.
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers said in an article published by KTAR, “After bravely serving our country, it is a shame that our veterans often exit service only to face challenges like not being able to afford housing.”
“By offering support and transitional housing options, we can help these selfless men and women more easily reintegrate into civilian life and provide stability for their families.”
As reported by the outlet, the board approved $3 million in funding to help defray the costs of the project. The City of Glendale has allocated $3.8 million and the State of Arizona has set aside another $3.2 million in funds. Overall the Intergovernmental Agreement earmarked a sum of $14.2 million from all stakeholders.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Daniel Stefanski | Jan 15, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
As the Arizona Legislature revs into another session, one Republican member is looking to protect the state’s military veterans.
Last week, State Representative Walt Blackman introduced HB 2030 to “strengthen penalties for impersonating a veteran for personal gain.” According to Blackman’s press release, this legislation would “combat fraudulent claims of military service and protect the integrity of veteran status within Arizona,” making this proposal “the most comprehensive state-level response to stolen valor to date.”
In a statement that accompanied his release, Blackman said, “We cannot allow the honorable service and sacrifice of our military men and women to be undermined by deceitful actors. This legislation sends a clear message that Arizona will not tolerate stolen valor in any form. By holding individuals accountable for misrepresenting their military status for personal, political, or financial gain, we uphold the integrity of our veterans’ contributions and the trust of our citizens.”
Per Representative Blackman’s press release, the bill would “create strong deterrents against impersonating a veteran, targeting fraudulent activities such as:
- Claiming military service or awards to obtain employment, government contracts, or veterans benefits.
- Using false veteran status to gain votes, campaign contributions, or political advantages.
- Falsifying or altering military documents, combat-related badges or awards.
Penalties range from a Class 4 felony to a Class 2 felony for offenses involving high-value benefits. The bill also mandates the removal of public officials convicted under the law.”
The release also shared that the bill would “build on the federal Stolen Valor Act of 2013 by addressing gaps in federal law and expand protections at the state level, [using] Arizona’s authority under the 10th Amendment to focus on fraudulent conduct affecting state programs, elections, and institutions.”
Representative Blackman is a decorated United States Army veteran, serving twenty-one years in the military. He earned the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal for his service to the nation. Blackman is the Chairman of the House Committee on Government.
‘Veterans Issues’ was one of the priorities listed on Blackman’s campaign website. He wrote, “As a veteran myself, I am committed to addressing the unique challenges veterans face in Arizona and proving them with the necessary support and resources.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Jan 12, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
A Republican Member of Congress in the Arizona delegation is cheering on his bill becoming law.
Last week, U.S. Representative Paul Gosar highlighted that H.R. 7365, the Veterans Expedited TSA Safe Travel Act, was signed into law by outgoing President, Joseph R. Biden.
Gosar said, “Very pleased that my bill, HR 7365 – the VETS Safe Travel Act, has been signed by Mr. Biden and is now the law of the land and will provide TSA’s PreCheck program to severely injured or disabled veterans free of charge.”
A press release from the White House thanked Representative Gosar “for his leadership.”
According to information from Gosar’s office, “under the VETS Safe Travel Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs would certify that a veteran is severely injured and therefore eligible to apply for the TSA PreCheck program free of charge. TSA would process the veteran’s application, granting access to TSA PreCheck program provided they successfully pass the necessary background check and interview process.”
Gosar’s office supplied data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, showing that “approximately 325,000 veterans would become eligible for this free PreCheck screening program.”
The VETS Safe Travel Act was supported by the Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Blinded Veterans Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Operation Second Chance, Inc., Unified Arizona Veterans, Texas Coalition of Veteran Organizations, and Veterans Airlift Command.
When this proposal passed the U.S. House of Representatives last month, Gosar said, “My great state of Arizona is home to over 450,000 veterans and nearly 30% of those live with a disability. Traveling through standard airport checkpoints with severe injuries can present significant challenges for disabled veterans. They often must wait in long and winding lines, remove their shoes, and maintain balance to stand in a security scanner. For many disabled veterans, these can be difficult tasks that can present a fall hazard or require special assistance.”
After the U.S. Senate passed the bill, he added, No American veteran, particularly disabled veterans, should be hassled at our airports. With successful passage in the Senate, the VETS Safe Travel Act is one step closer to becoming law.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
