Phoenix Mayor, U-Haul Chairman Honor Veterans at Breakfast

Event included a PB4Y-2 Privateer WWII-era Bomber on site

PHOENIX — Veterans comprise of the fabric of U-Haul, shaping its storied history and heritage dating to 1945 when a WWII Navy veteran and his wife founded the iconic do-it-yourself moving company.

U-Haul Chairman Joe Shoen and WWII Navy veteran Jack Holder, a survivor or Pearl Harbor attack and aerial combat missions over Midway and the English Channel — U-Haul Chairman Joe Shoen and WWII Navy veteran Jack Holder, a survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack and aerial combat missions over Midway and the English Channel

Actively recruiting and hiring veterans, supporting veteran causes and honoring military members who serve in the defense of freedom are enduring U-Haul commitments.

This veteran advocacy was on display Nov. 9 as U-Haul, alongside Phoenix Sister Cities, hosted the Veterans Day/Remembrance Day breakfast at Deer Valley Airport. Veterans were able to dine for free.

Gallego, Williams in Attendance

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Councilmember Thelda Williams and U-Haul Chairman Joe Shoen were on hand to pay homage to the many veterans in attendance. Jack Holder, a decorated WWII Navy veteran and survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack and aerial combat missions over Midway and the English Channel, also graced the breakfast with his presence. 3TV’s Scott Pasmore emceed the event.

Despite the VIPs, the main attraction was a modified B-24 bomber, the only remaining operational aircraft of its kind. The Shoen family made the PB4Y-2 Privateer accessible for all to get a close look at a genuine piece of WWII-era military equipment.

One week earlier, the bomber performed a flyover at the Casa Grande Veterans Day Parade. More aircraft details and the Shoens’ appreciation for WWII history are shared in this Casa Grande Dispatch article.

U-Haul History of Veteran Support

Mayor Gallego added to her praise of veterans at the event by graciously thanking U-Haul, also noting the Phoenix-headquartered company is one of the best employers for veterans.

Sebastien Reyes, U-Haul Vice President of Communications, noted: “U-Haul has a legacy of supporting military and veteran organizations. U-Haul was co-founded by a WWII Navy veteran and his wife, and we continue to honor all veterans for their service and sacrifice.”

Beyond stacks of pancakes, veterans were also treated to vintage vehicles on display, a police helicopter, the Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron 302 Color Guard, and a Missing Man formation flyover.

Finally, did you know U-Haul trucks showcasing the U.S. Armed Forces SuperGraphics can be seen every year by Veterans Day parade crowds in New York and Phoenix? Have a look at our presence in the 2019 Phoenix Veterans Day Parade.

PB4Y-2 Privateer, a WWII Bomber, at the Veterans Day Remembrance Breakfast hosted by U-Haul and Phoenix Sister Cities
PB4Y-2 Privateer, a WWII Bomber, at the Veterans Day Remembrance Breakfast hosted by U-Haul and Phoenix Sister Cities
PB4Y-2 Privateer, a WWII Bomber, at the Veterans Day Remembrance Breakfast hosted by U-Haul and Phoenix Sister Cities
U-Haul Vice President of Communications Sebastien Reyes
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego
U-Haul Chairman Joe Shoen and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego in the cockpit of the PB4Y-2 Privateer, a WWII Bomber
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego
WWII Navy veteran Jack Holder, a survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack and aerial combat missions over Midway and the English Channel
U-Haul Chairman Joe Shoen and WWII Navy veteran Jack Holder, a survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack and aerial combat missions over Midway and the English Channel
U-Haul Chairman Joe Shoen and WWII Navy veteran Jack Holder, a survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack and aerial combat missions over Midway and the English Channel
Displays at the Veterans Day Remembrance Breakfast, hosted by U-Haul and Phoenix Sister Cities
Ceremonies at the Veterans Day Remembrance Breakfast, hosted by U-Haul and Phoenix Sister Cities
Ceremonies at the Veterans Day Remembrance Breakfast, hosted by U-Haul and Phoenix Sister Cities
Meal time at the Veterans Day Remembrance Breakfast, hosted by U-Haul and Phoenix Sister Cities

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