SignalsAZ.com Prescott News Podcast - Honoring Arizona's Heroes This Veterans Day

Episode Date: November 11, 2025

Send us a text and chime in!As the nation pauses to remember the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, Arizona reflects on its own legacy of courage, sacrifice, and service. From the skies of World War I to the sands of Iraq, Arizona’s heroes have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history. This Veterans Day, we remember remarkable Arizonans whose bravery continues to inspire generations. Frank Luke Jr.: The “Arizona Balloon Buster” Born in Phoenix in 1897, Frank Luke Jr. became one of America’s first aviation legends during World War I. Known as the “Arizona Balloon Buster,” Luke’s fearless... For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/honoring-arizonas-heroes-this-veterans-day/Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Text-to-speech audio articles made possible by Cast 11 Talking Glass Media. As the nation pauses to remember the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, Arizona reflects on its own legacy of courage, sacrifice, and service. From the skies of World War I to the sands of Iraq, Arizona's heroes have left an indelible mark on our nation's history. This Veterans Day, we remember remarkable Arizonans whose bravery continues to inspire generations. Frank Luke Jr., the Arizona Balloon Buster. Born in Phoenix in 1897, Frank Luke Jr. became one of America's first aviation legends during World War I. Known as the Arizona Balloon Buster, Luke's fearless attacks on German observation balloons earned him a reputation for daring and precision. In just a few

weeks of combat, he down 14 enemy aircraft before being killed in action in 1918. For his extraordinary heroism, he became the first airman to receive the Medal of Honor, cementing his place in both Arizona and U.S. military history. Ira Hayes, the pride of the Pima Nation. A member of the Gila River Indian community, Ira Hayes served with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He became one of the six Marines immortalized in the iconic photograph of the flag raising on Iwo Jima, a moment that came to symbolize the courage and unity of American forces. Despite the fame that followed, Hayes remained humble, struggling with the burdens of war even as he became a national hero. Today, his story stands.

is a testament to the strength, service, and sacrifice of Native Americans in the U.S. military. Lori Ann Paiestowa, a legacy of service and sacrifice. In 2003, Lori Ann Paiestowa, a member of the Hopi tribe and a dedicated U.S. Army soldier, gave her life in service to her country during the Iraq War. Remembered for her courage, compassion, and commitment to her fellow soldiers, Piestowa made history as the first Native American woman to fall in combat while serving in the U.S. military. Her sacrifice continues to inspire generations, and her legacy lives on through Paesta Wapeake and Phoenix, a landmark renamed in her honor, serving as a lasting reminder of her bravery and the strength of her spirit.

Kern W. Dunagon, Arizona's Medal of Honor hero. Kern W. Dunagong was a U.S. Army officer from Superior Arizona, who earned the Medal of Honor for extraordinary leadership and bravery during a fierce engagement in Kwongtin Province, Vietnam, on May 13th to 14th, 1969. Despite being severely wounded twice, he refused evacuation, directed the defense, rescued wounded comrades, and maneuvered his remaining force to safety. His courage and dedication under fire exemplified exceptional heroism and selflessness. Dunaghan's actions not only saved lives but also inspired his fellow soldiers, leaving a lasting legacy of valor in the U.S. Army. He later continued to serve his country with distinction until his passing in 1991.

A state of courage Arizona's history is woven with the stories of heroes who faced unimaginable challenges with grace and determination. Each embodies the values we honor on Veterans Day, courage, service, and love of country. As we reflect this Veterans Day, may we remember not just their names, but the ideals they lived and died to protect. Arizona's heroes remind us that patriotism is more than a word, it is an enduring commitment to something greater than oneself. Catch up with more local news stories on Signalsaz.com. Subscribe and be the F1 RSD 2 No.