Page 9 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt – November 2025

Thunderbolt News November 21, 2025 9 http://www.luke.af.mil Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt
JWV past commander in Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame
Arthur Sharf, Past Commander of Jewish War Veterans Copper State Post 619 (JWV) of Sun Lakes, was one of 15 outstanding veterans inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame (AVHOF) by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and John Scott, director of Arizona Department of Veterans Services. The Oct. 24 event at Talking Stick Resort Conference Center in Scottsdale, recognizes veterans of the U.S. Military who live in Arizona and have made significant professional or volunteer contributions to their community, state, or the nation.
Stationed in the Panama Canal, Art served with U.S. Army Military Police from 1969-1971.
Returning to his hometown of Rochester, New York, he worked for Kodak and joined the Knights of Pythias, raising thousands of dollars to support local charities, includ- ing a camp for children undergoing cancer treatment.
Art maintained his lodge membership even after coming to Arizona in 2003. In 2007, he joined Jewish War Veterans Post 619 in Sun Lakes, Arizona, and quickly became Jr. Vice Commander. He served as Senior Vice Commander 2008 — 2009, Post Commander 2010 — 2011, served on the board 2007 — 2015, and chaired the Poppy Drive 2015 — 2020 when he was diagnosed with lymphoma, which he is still battling.
Sharf received numerous awards and
Courtesy photo
From left, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs; Arthur Sharf, Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Recipient; and John Scott, Director Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services present Sharf with his distinguished award inducting him, into the AZ Veterans Hall of Fame, Class of 2025.
MANA House, and the VA Mental Health Clinic. These events inspired the mem- bership’s JWV Poppy Drive, which raises thousands of dollars yearly to support critical services and events for vets.
Art was named JWV Person of the Year in March 2015, for his contributions to and modernization of the post’s primary fundraiser Poppy Drive at eight Fry’s Market locations. He then assisted the post as it distributed funds, ensuring that the nonprofits receiving money were wise investments and helping find new worthy veteran-focused organizations in need of financial aid.
Art’s volunteer work primarily focused on helping support struggling vets, espe- cially those at-risk with substance abuse issues, homelessness, hospitalization, etc. His goal was getting vets back on their feet and living their best lives when dealing with obstacles and disabilities.
The JROTC program at Hamilton High, established by Sharf, supports the cadets’ travel to the Air Force Academy, and was recently resurrected in 2025. Cadets now participate in JWV ceremonies and events and have attended post meetings.
JWV Post 619 proudly adds Arthur Sharf, Class of 2025, to the exclusive list of Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame along with post members Jesse Gersten, Class of 2004; Arthur Sloane, Class of 2008; and Steven D. Weintraub, Class of 2022.
honors from JWV Post 619 for his vol- unteer work. April 2024, he received a Lifetime Service Award for his “long-term commitment to help disadvantaged vet-
erans.” Specific innovative programs he implemented were “meal” events where post members serve food to veterans at the Arizona State Veteran Home, US Vets,
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