Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services Launches Staff Spotlight Campaign
PHOENIX - The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services is launching a new initiative aimed at showcasing the men and women who serve those who sacrificed for our freedoms.
The ADVS Staff Spotlight will be published every second and fourth Friday of the month on the ADVS social media pages and website with tidbits and fun facts about our employees.
Who is also an Arizona Veteran? How long have they worked with ADVS? What is their favorite superpower? All these questions and more will be answered!
“For us, it is important that our community knows who the incredible people are who help our Arizona Veterans every day,” said CEO Dana Allmond. “We have an amazing staff at ADVS and I am excited for us to share who they are and what they do.”
The Staff Spotlight will highlight staff from all of our departments within ADVS including our Executive staff, Veterans Services Division, Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemeteries, Arizona State Veteran Homes and more!
The first member of our staff to be highlighted is Joe Larson, the Cemetery Administrator for Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista.
Name: Joe Larson
Role at ADVS: Cemetery Administrator at Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery
When did you start at ADVS: July 10, 2006
Did you serve in the military: Yes, in the Army and the Army National Guard for 15 years. I was a Sergeant with the Calvary Scout 19D
Where did you serve: Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Fort Huachuca
Did anyone in your family serve: Yes, my father was in the Army, my grandfather served in the Navy and my daughter is in the Army.
What do you do at ADVS: I manage the overall operation of the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery.
Why did you decide to join ADVS: I retired from federal law enforcement and I wanted to serve Veterans and their families as my second career.
Why is your job important to helping Arizona Veterans: It’s important to assist Veterans and their families with VA and state benefits, specifically the death benefits. Many of these families are lost and crying out for help. It is very satisfying when I am able to navigate these processes for them in a smooth and professional manner.
What do you enjoy about working at ADVS: I enjoy working in a cemetery setting because there are many facets to this operation. Watching the cemetery grow as a national shrine and receiving compliments from our guests on how well our staff maintains it is very gratifying.
Outside of ADVS, what do you enjoy doing: I ride my Honda Goldwing a lot. I enjoy the freedom of the road and the company of strangers I meet when venturing out to different locations.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be: To fix anything mechanical, that would be so cool!