I greatly appreciate the birthday party thrown for me at the Leisure World Republican Club on June 15th in Mesa, Arizona under the great leadership of Diane Andersen and her staff with hundreds of supporters in attendance, including guest speakers who I endorsed for office, Congressman Andy Biggs for Arizona governor and Warren Petersen for Arizona Attorney General.
I was honored to receive an official proclamation from the Republican Party of Arizona and its Chairman, my friend Sergio Arellano, presented by their Executive Director William Beard in recognition of my “lifetime of dedicated service to Maricopa County and Arizona… upholding the rule of law and protecting our communities... leading with integrity, courage, and unwavering conviction... a steadfast commitment to justice, faith, freedom, and the Constitution… inspiring generations through leadership, strength, and perseverance.”
In addition, I was honored to be recognized for the recent official Proclamation by the Fountain Hills Town Council and Mayor designating June 14th as “Joe Arpaio Day,” and for recently being bestowed the official title of “Duke of Italy,” from a Prince of Italy, my country of heritage!
I am never bashful to mention my age to let everyone know that you are never too old to keep fighting, however, I am humbled by another supporter in attendance last night, World War II veteran, Pastor Ed Reitz, who is 100 years old and still fighting! Also, this month is the anniversary of the Korean War, which I volunteered for in 1950 at the age of 18 and was honorably discharged in 1953. Time flies!