By Kris McBride/EAC
THATCHER — The Associated Students of Eastern Arizona College (ASEAC) hosted its annual Veterans Day celebration, honoring the service and continued leadership of local veterans, featuring patriotic performances and a special presentation from Congressman Juan Ciscomani’s office.
Although Congressman Ciscomani was unable to attend in person due to urgent developments in Washington, D.C., his deep commitment to veterans and rural communities was felt throughout the event. Representing his office was Chief of Staff Becky Freeman, who delivered the keynote address and joined in conferring the Congressional Veteran Servant Leader Award to five distinguished veterans from the Gila Valley.
“While he can’t be with us today, Congressman Ciscomani’s decision to prioritize this event from the start reflects his respect for our veterans and his ongoing support for communities like ours,” said Keith Alexander, EA’s chief government relations officer, who served as master of ceremonies.
Freeman, a Tucson native and former senior official under Governor Doug Ducey, was introduced by Heston Welker, EA vice president of administration. In his remarks, Welker highlighted EA’s longstanding partnership with Freeman, which began during her time in the Ducey administration.
Freeman spoke of the congressman’s vision and the values that drive his work across Arizona’s Sixth District. She began her speech by encouraging attendees to remember the service and sacrifice of veterans, past and present.
“I want to take a quick moment to reflect on the wars and conflicts around the world still on our minds and would challenge all of us to take a moment to shake a hand, to say thank you, to honor a veteran next to you, and those who cannot be with us here today. Especially to our Vietnam veterans, from our office, we say: welcome home. We cannot say that enough.”
She noted that Arizona’s 6th Congressional District is home to nearly 80,000 veterans, making it the nation’s 9th-largest veteran district. Because of that, Congressman Ciscomani serves on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, where: “It’s his deepest honor to fight for those who have fought for our nation.”
Freeman then turned her remarks to the Congressional Veteran Servant Leader Awards, which honor those who continue to serve their communities long after their military careers.
“Our office is proud to recognize veterans making a difference in their communities. These men are incredible leaders in this community, working across different sectors and giving back by living the values they learned in service to our nation.”
Together with Alexander, Welker, and Susan Wood, EA vice president of academic and student affairs, Freeman presented the Congressional Veteran Servant Leader Award to the following honorees:
Eric Bejarano
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Eric Bejarano began his service in 1992, with deployments in Okinawa and at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. After completing active duty, he served 16 years with the Tucson Police Department. Since relocating to the Gila Valley in 2014, he has become a pillar of the local community — previously serving as director of the EAC Small Business Development Center and currently serving as Safford’s assistant city manager. Bejarano is also an active member of Rotary, Lions Club, and the EMS Council. He is a recipient of the Spirit of Excellence Award and recently earned a doctorate in organizational leadership. He and his wife, Trinity, have six children and two grandchildren.
John Duane Rhodes
John Duane Rhodes served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1979 with Detachment Two of the 60th Military Police. He earned expert rifle and pistol badges and contributed to emergency flood response efforts in Arizona. A community leader and business owner, Rhodes is the only two-time recipient of the Senator Barry Goldwater Award — an unprecedented honor in Arizona. He is also a certified rescue diver and an active member of multiple civic organizations. Rhodes credits his faith, family, and 54-year marriage to his wife, Kathy, as the foundation of his lifelong commitment to service.
Edmund Lopez
Edmund “Ed” Lopez served 12 years in the U.S. Army in the medical field and has spent decades giving back through both professional leadership and volunteer service. He is active in the Safford Lions Club, American Legion, and Gila Valley Veterans Services, and currently serves as board president of the Mount Graham Safe House. Lopez is also the first vice district governor for Lions Multiple District 21 South and represents Graham County on the SEAGO Executive Board. His civilian career spans healthcare and retail management, with a lasting impact on both business and community sectors.
Vice Mayor Arnold Lopez
A lifelong resident of the Gila Valley, Vice Mayor Arnold Lopez is a U.S. Army and Arizona National Guard veteran with 26 years of service. He built a 45-year career as a high-voltage journeyman lineman and earned multiple military honors, including the Humanitarian Service Medal. Lopez graduated from Thatcher High School and studied electronics at Eastern Arizona College. Since 2012, he has served on the Safford City Council and was recently appointed to the SEAGO Board, where he advocates for infrastructure, family support, and regional collaboration. He and his wife, Sandy, are proud parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.
Michael “Mick” Ruiz
Michael “Mick” Ruiz is a Morenci native who joined the Navy after graduating from high school and went on to serve for 30 years. He supported Marine Corps and Naval Special Warfare units during multiple deployments and combat tours, earning the Legion of Merit and retiring as a command master chief. Since returning home, Ruiz has remained active through the Morenci and Safford Lions Clubs, local veterans’ groups, and Graham County committees. His dedication to service continues to inspire those around him.
At the beginning of the ceremony, the Gila Valley Honor Guard presented the colors and performed a rifle salute. ASEAC President Vard Jensen then led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The program also included moving musical tributes in honor of local veterans. The EA A Cappella Choir, under the direction of Dr. Gideon Burrows, performed the National Anthem, and the EA Vocal Jazz Ensemble performed We the People under the direction of EA music instructor Marilee Decker. The EA Marching Band, under the direction of Dr. Geoff DeSpain, offered patriotic music before and after the program, providing a powerful and uplifting soundtrack to the day’s events.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, more than 15 other veterans received special mementos in recognition of their service to the nation.
About Eastern Arizona College:
Since 1888, Eastern Arizona College has been the undisputed Smart Higher Education Destination, shaping student dreams into reality. With a faculty of qualified and caring instructors, EA is committed to preparing students for high-demand careers and advanced studies at top universities.
Offering a diverse range of over 90 degrees and certificates, EA is home to the state’s premier nursing school, a fine arts program featuring Arizona’s only community college marching band, and an engineering program that equips students for success at top-tiered firms and universities.
Beyond academics, EA is a vibrant community where students thrive, forging connections that last a lifetime. Experience on-campus housing, engage in over 30 clubs and organizations, participate in dynamic intramurals, and cheer for nationally ranked athletic and e-sports teams.
What sets EA apart is its commitment to financial accessibility, allowing most students to graduate with $0 debt.
Choose EA as your Smart Higher Education Destination. For more information, contact admissions@eac.edu or call (928) 428-8272.
