The Unified Arizona Veterans (UAV) was established on the 28th of December, 1981 at the American Legion Post #1 in Phoenix as an initiative led by the American Legion (TAL), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to collectively promote veterans’ related affairs endorsed by a majority of its member veterans service organizations. Now numbering 49 veterans service organizations (VSOs), the UAV continues to actively propose, support and endorse legislative, administrative or other actions which further the general welfare and well-being of all Arizona veterans.
We are dedicated to initiating and supporting activities and objectives which stimulate our love of country and our flag. Among these activities, the UAV provides management and support of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame (AVHOF) and supports the AVHOF Society by sponsoring two annual awards recognizing outstanding service to military veterans and their families; the Copper Shield Award which honors an Arizona State Legislator and the Copper Star/Bucky O’Neill Award which honors an non-Arizona State Legislative political or government figure. In partnership with the Office of the Secretary of State, the City of Phoenix, and the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, the UAV is the lead agency responsible for the planning and conduct of the annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony conducted on the 7th of December in commemoration of the valiant defense of the Hawaii Islands by our military services.
The UAV is committed to defend the honor and integrity of our Nation, the Constitution of the United States of America, the American Flag, and the State of Arizona and to promote We provide a key conduit of information to all member organizations through our monthly meetings and our close working relationship with the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services.