|
|
June 3, 2005/Iyar 25 5765, Volume 57, No. 40
Brody spotlighted for support of veterans
BENJAMIN LEATHERMAN
Special to Jewish News
When Melvin Brody was recently recognized by both Sen. John McCain and Gov. Janet Napolitano for his efforts to support local veterans, the 72-year-old Scottsdale resident described the experience with just one word: "Awesome."
"I was on cloud nine the entire time," he said.
Brody received accolades from both politicians, as well as the A&E Network, on May 21 at a special screening of "Faith of My Fathers," a two-hour telefilm documenting McCain's POW experiences in the Vietnam War, at Harkins Camelview 5 in Scottsdale.
During the screening, McCain and Napolitano lauded Brody for his efforts to raise more than $30,000 for institutions such as the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix.
"It was a thrill getting the award," said Brody. "When they only give out two or three of them nationwide and you're the recipient, it's just a heck of an honor."
A&E spokeswoman Gina Nocero said Brody was honored as a part of its "Lives That Make A Difference" campaign, which focuses on people who make "a positive impact on our world."
The cable network spotlighted individuals or groups assisting veterans in each of three cities where it screened the film, Nocero added, and Brody was chosen based on the recommendation of the governor's office.
"We were looking to honor those people who've touched others in regards to their generosity, fund-raising and supporting veterans," said Nocero. "We looked at Mr. Brody's history, spoke with him and figured he was perfect."
The cable network also contributed $5,000 in Brody's name to the Arizona Veterans Home.
Brody, who joined the Navy in 1951 and served aboard the USS Richard B. Anderson as an electrician's mate during three tours of duty in the Korean War, has been a longtime member of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States.
Through the organization, which he serves as council commander for Arizona, he has helped support both VA medical centers in Prescott and Phoenix, including donating 30 televisions to the former and facilitating the purchase of a parking lot shuttle and providing furnishings for hospice rooms at the latter.
Brody and JWV have also helped upgrade and refurbish 11 rooms at Arizona Veterans' Home in Phoenix, and will dedicate three more later this month.
Additionally, Brody helped organize a Memorial Day service at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, as well as helping to create a Jewish War Veterans monument at the facility.
The JWV funds its efforts through donations and poppy sales conducted outside local grocery stores, such as Fry's and Bashas', during the week of Memorial Day and Veteran's Day each year.
Michael Achey, the VA hospital's voluntary services officer, said Brody will simply ask him what the institution needs and help make it happen.
"That guy is on the leading edge of love, I mean, he really cares about veterans," said Achey. "He's not a self-serving 'look-what-I-did' kind of guy ... you can trust his word, and he's just an absolute pleasure to work with."
Benjamin Leatherman is a freelance writer in Tempe.
|
|
