The 16th Annual Heroes Patriotic Luncheon, hosted by the Veterans Medical Leadership Council (VMLC), will be held Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the Arizona Biltmore Resort (2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix).

The goal of the event is to honor and celebrate veterans and military service members who have, and continue to, “stand in the gap” to defend liberty and freedom. This event, chaired by VMLC Council member George Bliss and presented by PetSmart and PetSmart Charities, is open to the public. Fountain Hills resident Howie Jones is a member of the VMLC Council, which invites the local community to take part in the upcoming event.

“The VMLC is a non-profit organization composed of veterans who volunteer to help our comrades that have fallen on hard times,” said Sam Young, VMLC President. “Through our Returning Warrior program, we are able to provide financial assistance to veterans who need help with housing, utilities and/or vehicle repair. Thanks to donors who care about our veterans, over the years, we have been fortunate to provide over $1.5 million to assist our heroes in need.”

This year’s keynote speaker is Phoenix native, SSgt Kristopher Warren, who served for over nine years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Post-9/11, SSgt Warren’s unit was involved in every major fight to clear out the Republican Guard and ultimately search for Saddam Hussein. Upon his return home, he suffered the consequences of PTSD, hitting homelessness before seeking life-saving treatment. Today, SSgt Warren continues to help fellow veterans at the VA ASPIRE Center in San Diego, Calif. as a fully qualified social worker in mental health.

The Community Heroes Award will be presented to the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation for their continued support of veterans and the VMLC. The American Rosie the Riveter Association – the working women of World War II – will also attend.

Special recognition will also be given to Jack Holder, Lew Bradley, Paul Reichenbach, Ricardo Leonard and Arni Cook.

To register for the luncheon online, donate or find more information, visit arizonavmlc.org. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Sam Young at 602-540-7648 or email sam.young74@ymail.com, or contact Trisha Anthony at tanthony@gcjpr.com or call 602-274-1988.