Meet some of Chandler’s Veterans

Meet Dave Waltzer, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. A Boston native, Dave joined the U.S. Air Force as a teenager and worked as an aircrew dispatcher and scheduler. His career took him from Texas to South Korea, where he made connections with others who he knew would lay down their lives for our country.

CaS Facciponti was raised to be a patriot. With her father and twin sister having military careers, it was no surprise when CaS joined the ranks. Graduating from West Point and going on to serve for ten years in the United States Army, CaS retired as a Major in 2013. 

When U.S. Marine Corps veteran Mike Simon signed up at 17, his parents had to sign on the dotted line with him. He left for boot camp two days after his 18th birthday, and for the next 16 years, Mike worked a variety of jobs—from infantry to instruction.

Councilmember René Lopez had, what he refers to as, a non-traditional career in the Navy. He started work in a nuclear plant on a submarine until he began recruiting in Phoenix, then later became a cryptologist. Lopez notes his family’s sacrifice as well as his own during his time spent serving. He is pleased to have been part of Chandler’s commitment to all residents, including other vets, through the Field of Honor memorial project.

Nic Magallanes talks about being an “at-risk” kid who turned his life around through esteemed service as a Marine. He worked in a variety of places and ways until he was medically retired. He hopes to teach his son about his service and is positive Chandler’s Field of Honor will help veterans from all over feel at home.

Bob Delpe was a military weather forecaster for the United States Air Force for about 15 years. He enjoyed gaining independence through his service, along with being able to live and work in multiple cities abroad. Delpe states that all veterans want to know their service mattered, whether they serve in infantry or administration.

Councilmember Matt Orlando served in the United States Air Force and the International Guard, intercepting aircraft for about 20 years. Orlando is part of a decades-long legacy, with WWI, WWII, Vietnam, and Korean War veterans in his family. He is passionate about defense and vigilant about creating a safer future for Americans.

Jack Holder served this great nation for eight years, including December 7, 1941, for the events at Pearl Harbor. Holder recalls the turmoil of that time but speaks now of the connection he feels to his fellow veterans being paramount to just about anything else. He wants people today to learn as much as they can, about past wars and otherwise, so we can do our best to avoid it in the future.