Phoenix VA help Veterans at annual Drop Zone event
By Stephen Woolverton, Public Affairs Specialist
Staff from the Phoenix VA Medical Center, along with representatives from the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona and the Veterans Benefits Administration, attended the 2026 Drop Zone Event May 9 at the American Leadership Academy in Mesa, AZ.
The Phoenix VA has been a part of this annual event for years, and each year they reach hundreds of Veterans with information and assistance to help these Veterans get the care they have earned.
The event, which started at 10 am and ran through 2 pm, saw hundreds of Veterans, families, and caregivers walk through the auditorium and hallways of this school to speak to the VA and dozens of Veteran service organizations, all there to serve those who have served. With more than 70 organizations from all over the Valley, there were services from haircuts to food to service dog training, to music and art, to housing, and more.
The VA provided information as well as direct service to the almost 600 Veterans and family members who attended the event. Staff from the Phoenix VA Medical Center assisted Veterans get enrolled for their care on-site. They also helped with updating Veterans’ information, scheduling new patients’ appointments, and providing assistance with medical care benefits questions.
The housing assistance team provided information to many Veterans who didn’t need assistance themselves, but wanted to know what was available, so they could help other Veterans. They also made connections with staff from Veteran service organizations there who also focus on Veteran housing, to create relationships that will help unhoused Veterans.
The Women Veterans Program spoke with many Veterans, one after another, and spent the time to speak at length to a few who had specific, personal needs. These Veterans were scheduled for follow-up appointments to help them individually.
“I spoke with on Veteran who said she had come to this event because of an issue she had with accessing her care,” said Ryan McGuire, Women Veterans Program Assistant Manager. “She said that she avoided my table the entire day but decided to come by. She said that she ultimately was glad she spoke with me and is willing to work with me to get re-engaged in her care.”
This year’s Drop Zone event turned out to be four hours of non-stop conversations between Veterans and the Phoenix VA staff.
“All the Veteran interactions I had Saturday were impactful,” said Lindsey LaRocca, “One Veteran shared his background and accomplishments with us since leaving the military. Hearing about his accomplishments, how he gives back to his community today, and the pride he has, resonated with me.”