Arizona Hall of Fame

Class of 2014

Karl F. Pfitzer:Born in Buffalo, New York in 1946. Active duty Captain, US Army, helicopter pilot with service in Vietnam. As President, Superstition Mountain Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, Karl founded its “Thanks to the Troops” event, which honors active duty military back from deployment. For the last five years, Karl has chaired the Superstition Mountain Chapter’s annual ROTC/JROTC Cadet program which honors outstanding cadets with medals and US flags. Karl is an active supporter of many activities, volunteering thousands of hours, assisting with fundraising and donating personal funds to the Boy Scouts of America Grand Canyon Council; the Marine Special Operations Command Foundation; the American Legion; the Disabled American Veterans; the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association; Wounded Warrior Project; and the Garrett/AiResearch Retirees Club which provides scholarships.

Class of 2013

Ann Ferguson: Born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1940. Second Lieutenant, US Army Nurse Corps, with service in Texas and South Carolina, 1966-1967. Health care professional. A resident of Chandler, Arizona for over 30 years, Ann has supported with her efforts and funds PROJECT C.U.R.E., a nonprofit humanitarian relief organization that delivers medical supplies and equipment to more than 120 countries worldwide. She has personally distributed medical supplies in Africa, Asia, Europe, Central and South America. Provides guidance to other volunteers to sort, package, and ship donated items. Coordinated a Seeds of Crises conference to train mental health professionals. As President of the Auxiliary, Superstition Mountain Chapter, Military Officers Association of America, has donated over one thousand hours packaging and shipping Packages from Home to troops overseas and books to Operation Paperback.

Class of 2011

Karl F. Kohlhoff: Born in Tucson, Arizona in 1934. Colonel, U.S. Army Reserve, Retired. Former Assistant Utilities Manager, City of Mesa. Still active in the Civil Engineering field, serves as Consultant for the “Next Bucket of Water” for Arizona. Desalting the Gulf of California in an international Partnership along the Colorado River. Since 1990, continues to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the Town of Gilbert, Arizona. From 2005 to the present, is a volunteer leader on the Gilbert Veterans Day Committee. Helped to accomplish the relocation of a Veterans’ Monument from the old Gilbert Town Hall to the Gilbert Historical Museum, serves as a Director for the Gilbert Historical Society. In 1988-1989, volunteered for a Kiwanis service project helping handicapped children. In 1988 was appointed Special Assistant (Natural Resources) to the Governor.

George B. Meegan: Borin in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1937. Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired. Retired international security consultant. Has dedicated his time with the Young Marines for over 10 years. Established Chandler Mustangs Young Marines in 2001. As Commanding Officer, Grand Canyon Regiment, established and supervised Regional Leadership School at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, 2004-2008. Developed and trained nineYoungMarine units throughout Arizona. Established Annual COmfort Gift Program for VA Medical Center and State Veteran Home. As Past Distinguished Club President of Kiwanis International, volunteers his time in the instruction of reading and mathematics at an elementary school, and othersignificantcommunity projects focusing on betterment of children’s lives. Member of Marine Corp League, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Marine Mustangs Association, Military Officers Association of America, and 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions Association.

Class of 2010

Patrick F. Hussey: (1922–2009) Born in Brooklyn, New York. Aviation Cadet, U.S. Navy, in 1944; Ensign and Naval Aviator in 1944; Captain, Retired, 1974, 31 ½ years of service. He spent hundreds of hours organizing and coordinating the participation of Arizonans in the nation-wide Hands Across America Project on Sunday, May 26, 1986. This involved approximately 7 million people holding hands as part of a human chain across America. He spent over 600 hours designing and implementing a computerized inventory management system for the Arizona Food Banks, resulting in increased efficiency in distributing food. For 15 years, he volunteered over 32,000 hours helping Mesa Community College establish its computer laboratory and tutor its students. From 1998-2001, he volunteered over 3,000 hours to develop the Chandler-Gilbert Community College’s computer laboratory.

Class of 2008

Robert Delker: Born in Portland, Oregon in 1931. Joined Oregon National Guard in 1947, entered U.S. Army in 1949. Served in Korea, discharged in 1958 with rank of Warrant Officer. Continued in California and Alaska National Guard, retired in 1991 as Chief Warrant Officer 4. Qualified rotary and fixed-wing pilot. Worked 15 years as the Corporate Pilot for Valley National Bank. Received Arizona Medal of Valor and Arizona Distinguished Service Medal with “V” for heroism for rescue operations during the 1978 Salt River floods. Past President of Military Officers of America Association, Arizona Council of Chapters. Active in legislative efforts for MOAA and Unified Arizona Veterans. Commander of Military Order of the World Wards Apache Trail Chapter; active in Army National Guard Family Assistance Program. Member of Daedalions, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Tempe Rotary Club and Voices Take Flight.

Class of 2007

Dale Copsey: Born in Kimberly, Idaho in 1927. Served in Army Air Force 1946–1947, U.S. Air Force 1950–51. Received Bachelor of Theology in 1953, Bachelor of Divinity in 1957, and Doctor of Ministry in 1977. Commissioned as Chaplain in the Idaho Air National Guard in 1963, entered active duty in 1965. Following overseas service, was assigned to the National Security Agency for ministry with SCI clearance. Retired in 1987 with the rank of Lt. Colonel. Has been active in Lions, Optimists, and serves a third term as President of Superstitions, Mesa Kiwanis. Advisor to Technology and Leadership Academy in Gilbert, fostering community involvement for youth. Active in Military Officers Association of America, Historical Society of Germans from Russia, and volunteer counselor to Maricopa Court Program for at-risk families.

Class of 2006

Douglas Shannon -Passed away November 18, 2013: Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1930. Entered U.S. Army in 1957. Served 23 years in military law enforcement, received Silver Star in Vietnam, retired 1981 with rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Graduated Sam Houston State University with PhD in Criminal Justice. Retired 1990 as an Associate Professor at California State University. Organized March of Dimes bowling tournaments; Past President of Georgia State Bowling Association. Active in civic affairs in Huntsville Texas. Served on committees for United Way of Fresno County. Relocated to Arizona in 1990. Was instrumental in establishing and serving as president of a nonprofit charitable organization in the East Valley. Active in Military Officers of America Association and National Association for Uniformed Services.

Billie Stephens: Born in Comanche, Texas in 1926. Entered U.S. Army in 1944, served in Pacific Theater, discharged in 1946. Earned a Master’s Degree from Arizona State University and returned to active duty in 1951, serving in Korea. Following multiple assignments, was assigned as Commandant of Cadets for Phoenix Union High School District; retired in 1981 with the rank of Colonel. Memberships in multiple veterans’ service organizations, but his main activity was with the Youth Leadership program of the Military Order of the World Wars. Received the MOWW Silver Patrick Henry Award; serves as National Vice Commander-in-Chief. Past State President of Reserve Officers Assn. Active with the Joe Foss Institute, speaking to youth about patriotism, military, and free enterprise.

Class of 2005

Lowell “Ed” Fox: Born in Amity, Oregon, in 1944. Served in U.S. Navy; retired from U.S. Air Force as Lieutenant Colonel in 1993. Former Director of Agency Relations for United Way in Fresno, CA. As a life member of Military Order of World Wars (MOWW), dedicates time and leadership annually to its summer Youth Leadership Program. Established Air Force Junior ROTC program in 1995 at Gilbert’s Highland High School. Developed concept for a Technology and Leadership Academy in 2003, which has emerged as one of the top high schools in Arizona. A Phi Delta Kappa, he is active in Kiwanis International, the Association of Supervisors and Curriculum Development, and the Arizona School Administration. Continues involvement with Military Officers Association of America, Air Force Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Class of 2004

Jesse Gersten: Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1930. Veteran of U.S. Navy. Senior Olympics volunteer and participant. Chosen “Sun Lakes Man of the Year’ in 2000 by Arizona United Way. Member, American Legion, DAV and Sun Lakes Interfaith Council and Vice Chairman of Sun Lakes Jewish Film Festival which raised over $31,000 for charities. Serves on Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon’s Phoenix City Council Veterans Ad Hoc Committee and Arizona Veterans Memorial Day Cemetery Committee. 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 association. Serves on Arizona Selective Service Board and with numerous neighborhood, civic, and military organizations.

Frank Schmuck: Born in York, Pennsylvania, in 1966. Graduate of U.S. Air Force Academy, Gulf War veteran, professional pilot. Founder of Voices Take Flight, an annual concert to heighten neurological disease awareness; 2003 ALS Association (Lou Gehrig’s disease) national Rasmussen Advocate of the Year. Creator of annual civilian and military veteran Schow-Donnelly Award for national “service before self.” Board member, Senator McCain and Congressman Hayworth Military Service Academy Committees; President Elect, Kiwanis Club of Tempe Nuevo; Southwest Airlines Adopt-A-Pilot mentor to school children. Co-founder, Schmuck Fest Celebrity Comedy Roasts for “priceless” service to community. Researched and introduced need for rubberized asphalt on U.S. 60 in Tempe. Created homeowners association Spring Picnic for Police Toy Drive charities. Active member of Veterans Medical Leadership Council, LULAC 1087 Veterans Council, King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe Sister Cities, American Legion, and numerous civic and service organizations.

Class of 2003

Thomas Murch: Born in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1933. Retired from the U.S. Air Force as Lieutenant Colonel in 1973. Arizona resident since 1975, Queen Creek since 1985. Credited with having major responsibility for establishing town of Queen Creek, all as a volunteer. Served on first Town Council for eight years and two years as its Vice-Mayor. Helped create first budget, organized the first meeting of the town council, set up citizen committees, and hired the first town staff. Served as the official representative to Maricopa County to secure grants for home repairs, street paving, building of curbs and sidewalks, and improvements to the most needy neighborhoods. Led committee that obtained grants and designed and built youth center. Helped secure additional grants to train teens and provide first jobs for youth, and to offer sports leagues and gymnastics, homework assistance, karate and teen dances. Considered by many to be the “John Wayne” of Queen Creek for his relentless pursuit of the common good.

Class of 2001

Frederick E. Ferguson: Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army, Company C, 227th Aviation Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Born 18 August 1939, Pilot Point, Texas; entered service in Phoenix, AZ. Cited for action on 31 January 1968, in Hue, Republic of Vietnam. Disregarding all warnings about heavy antiaircraft fire, CWO Ferguson flew his resupply helicopter at low level, maximum airspeed, toward the compound where a crew of survivors from a downed helicopter had taken refuge. Landing his aircraft under heavy fire and in blinding dust, his five wounded comrades were loaded aboard and, although the helicopter sustained heavy damage, CWO Ferguson managed to fly his crippled aircraft through the rain of fire again and to safety.

Anna Krizanauskas: Born to Lithuanian parents in 1913, was the first in her area in Pennsylvania to volunteer for the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps once the President signed its authorization. Served in the WAAC until it was disbanded and replaced by the Women’s Army Corps, which she again was among the first to join. In June 1948, was selected for integration into the Regular Air Force and was among the first to receive a regular commission. Served honorably in Germany, France, North Africa, receiving many awards. Retired as a Major in 1967. Continues to serve many veterans associations, including a term as Commander, Apache Trail Chapter of the Military Order of World Wars. Remains active in the WAC Veterans Association, The Retired Officers Association, and the Tempe Sister City Corporation. An original sponsor of a Vietnamese Boat People family in Tempe in 1979. A bona fide “GI Jane.” – Passed away in April 2008.