About Us
Founders
Directors
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History
Founders
Veterans for Arizona® was founded by military veterans who have held elected office in the State of Arizona. They are:
Jeff Hatch-Miller is Director of the Arizona Lottery who was Chairman of the Arizona Corporation Commission in 2005 and 2006. He served in the National Guard. Before his election to the Corporation Commission in 2003, Hatch-Miller served in the Arizona House of Representatives for two terms (1999 - 2003), chairing the House Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee. In the Arizona Legislature, Jeff Hatch-Miller led the way in putting government departments on the Internet, so that citizens can conduct their business with the government without ink, paper, and stamps and from the convenience of their own homes and businesses. He championed efforts in Arizona, and in Washington D.C., that eventually lead to the adoption of the "Do Not Call List." The "Do Not Call List" is considered one of the most popular programs ever offered by government and has been successful in stopping the majority of unwanted telemarking calls. As a member of the Arizona Corporation Commission, Jeff Hatch-Miller, has worked to decrease investment fraud and to increase public awareness of "investment scams." His leadership as Chairman was a key reason the Arizona Corporation Commission of since 2003 is considered one of, if not the, most competent and effective Commission in state history. Jeff Hatch-Miller also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Senior Living, and is affiliated with National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and the North American Securities Administrators. He lives with his wife, Anita Hatch-Miller, in Scottsdale, Arizona. One son, Mark Hatch-Miller currently attends Yale Law School, and the other son Robert Hatch-Miller lives and works in New York City as a documentary filmmaker.
Lt. Colonel Tom Smith (USMC Retired) was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1927. He enlisted at age 17 in U.S. Marine Corps and served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Retired as Lieutenant Colonel with over 23 years of service in 1968. An educator, he served as teacher and principal in the Scottsdale School District for 17 years. He was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 1991, serving until 1999 when he was elected to the Arizona Senate. Will retire from the Senate in 2002. In all assignments, Lt. Colonel Smith has remained a conscientious, concerned, and committed advocate of the veterans of Arizona and the constituents he has served. Named Legislator of the Year by the Arizona Vocational Association in 1993 and the American Legion Distinguished Legislator Award in 1997. Awarded the Governor's Award of Excellence in 1997. Received the 10-Gallon Award as a volunteer blood donor. Other citations received from Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley for support of new drug laws; from Arizona Supreme Court Judicial Counsel for valuable service; and honorary membership from the Arizona Correctional Education Association.
Colonel Phil Hanson (USAR Retired) was born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1932. Colonel Hanson is an Army veteran, retired from U.S. Army Reserve in 1992. He is an Eagle scout; awarded Silver Beaver for distinguished service to youth by Great Salt Lake Council, Boy Scouts of America. Member of the Year 1996, Northwest Valley Chamber of Commerce. Noted in "Who's Who in the West," 18th edition. He was elected to Arizona House of Representatives, 2001 to 2004; selected as Distinguished Legislator 2003, American Legion, Department of Arizona. Named 2002 Legislator of the Year by the Arizona Association of Homes for the Aging. In 2003, he received Selective Service System Meritorious Service Award with Bronze Medal and was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in 2004. Also in 2004, Colonel Hanson received the Arizona Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Representative Award. Strong supporter of Luke Air Force Base preservation efforts; member, Fighter Country Partnership. He continues to serve myriad organizations involved in veteran and human resource activities.
Born in Phoenix and raised in Queen Creek, Jamie Sossaman continues to farm land homesteaded by his grandmother in 1919. (Other than his military service, Jamie has lived on the original homestead for 75 yrs.) Sossaman graduated from Chandler High School and attended Arizona State University for two years before being accepted into the Naval Cadet program. He received his commission and wings in 1953 and served two tours of duty in the Far East during the Korean War, flying twin engine seaplanes on reconnaissance patrols and rescue missions. After receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to the family farm and soon found that he had an interest in politics. That led to serving 15 years on the Queen Creek School Board, 18 years in the House of Representatives, 2 years as Speaker and 6 years in the Arizona Senate, 2 years as Minority Whip. Jamie and his wife Sue have three children, 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. They are active members of Chandler United Methodist Church; he has and is serving on a variety of civic Boards and Commissions. They love to travel and have been to over 100 countries around the world. Their youngest son Scott is a Lt. Col. in the Army and is currently serving his second tour in Iraq.
Rick Romley was born in Tucson, Arizona in 1949 and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1968. Medically retired in 1970 resulting from severe combat wounds in Vietnam, he went on to graduate from Arizona State University in 1974. He built and sold a retail business and returned to ASU to earn a Law Degree. Rick was elected Maricopa County Attorney in 1988 and served until 2004. He was the recipient of many awards including National Disabled Veteran of the year by Disabled American Veterans; LIFE’s Presidential Unsung Hero Award in 2001, the Schow-Donnelly Award for “Service Before Self” in 2006, and was inducted into the Arizona Veteran's Hall of Fame in 2007. He served as personal advisor for DVA Secretary Nicholson regarding the ID theft of 26.5 million veterans and was a founding member of Veterans Medical Leadership Council, founding member of Partnership for a Drug-Free America, Arizona Chapter. Rick is a member of many veterans’ service, law enforcement, and civic organizations. In April of 2010 the Board of Supervisors appointed him as Interim Maricopa County Attorney.
Directors
Rick Romley - Marine Corps
Tom Smith - Marine Corps
Phil Hanson - Army
Jamie Sossaman - Navy
Support
Paul Blanc - Marine Corps
Tony Riggs - Marine Corps
History
The founders of Veterans for Arizona® have each served honorably both in public office and in the military. At the beginning of the 2008 election season we became energized by a common idea -- encouraging more active involvement of veterans in our election process.