PHOENIX – Today, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) announced the formation of her Veterans Advisory Board, a diverse group of veterans who will advise on policy priorities and initiatives to improve the lives of veterans and military families throughout Arizona’s Third Congressional District.
“I’m excited to announce that 10 Arizona veterans and family members will be joining my newly formed Veterans Advisory Board,” said Rep. Ansari. “This board represents a wide range of perspectives and expertise. Together, we’ll work to make sure every veteran and their family has access to affordable housing, quality healthcare, good jobs, and the stability that they deserve.”
“As a 22-year Air Force Veteran, I am excited to work with Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari in addressing the needs of the Veteran Community here in Arizona’s Third District. I am excited to continue advocating for legislation that helps veterans and their families,” said Vic Petersen, U.S. Air Force Veteran.
“I am excited to join Representative Ansari’s Veterans Advisory Board because, as a Marine Corps veteran, I have always been driven to lead from the front and advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. I look forward to working alongside Representative Ansari and her team to support and uplift the veterans within her district. Rep. Ansari has shown herself to be a strong, principled leader in Congress, and I am proud to stand with her as a strong female veteran,” said Selina Cardenas, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran.
“Having served all over the world, including Iraq during wartime, I understand the profound sacrifices that my fellow soldiers and their families make every single day. As a noncommissioned officer, section chief, and squad leader, I've stood shoulder to shoulder with the best soldiers this country has to offer. They selflessly put themselves in harm's way to protect America and defend our democracy. I refuse to stand by while the foundational tenets of our nation are under relentless attack. The sacrifices made by our service members will not be in vain. That is why I am committed to working alongside another fierce protector of our democracy, US Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari. Together, we will ensure that the voices of those who serve are heard and protected,” said Miguel Medrano, U.S. Army Veteran.
The Veterans Advisory Board members include:
David Lucier, U.S. Army Veteran
David Lucier served as a Green Beret in the Vietnam War. Lucier now serves as President and CEO of the Arizona Veterans and Military Leadership Alliance. He is also active in numerous local organizations, including Co-Founder of the Tempe Veterans Commission and Co-Founder and board member of the ASU Alumni Association Veterans Chapter. He is also a member of the Veterans Heritage Project, Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce, and served on Veterans Advisory Boards for several statewide elected officials. In 2009, Lucier was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.
Wanda Wright, U.S. Air Force Veteran
Wanda Wright is the third generation of her family to serve in the U.S. military. As a 1985 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, she began her military career as Deputy Budget Officer with the Tactical Air Command in South Carolina. During 21 years with the Arizona National Guard, she served in various positions, finishing her career as the Director of Staff for the Adjutant General in Phoenix. She retired from military service in 2011 at the rank of Colonel. In 2015, Director Wright was selected by Governor Doug Ducey to lead the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services. Wanda holds a B.S. in Management from the U.S. Air Force Academy, a M.B.A from Webster University in South Carolina, a M.P.A. from the University of Arizona, and a M.A. in Educational Leadership from Arizona State University. Col. Wright’s military decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. She currently serves as the Chair for the VA Advisory Committee on Women Veterans. In 2023, Col. Wright was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.
State Representative Aaron Marquez, U.S. Army Veteran
Aaron Marquez served in the U.S. Army with two deployments to Afghanistan. Marquez is the proud product of Arizona public schools, graduating from the University of Arizona and Mesa Community College before joining City Year, a civilian national service program through AmeriCorps. He has studied International Politics at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. During college, he co-founded ServeNext.org, a non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to expanding civilian national service programs. Under his leadership, ServeNext.org played a pivotal role in the development and passage of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, the largest authorized expansion of national service programs since the Civilian Conservation Corps. Marquez currently serves as a school board member and the State Representative for Legislative District 5.
Vic Petersen, U.S. Air Force Veteran
Vic Peterson served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, including service in Vietnam and Operations Desert Shield Storm, Southern Watch, and Enduring Freedom. Petersen currently serves as Vice President of the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans and Legislative Representative for the National Active and Retired Federal Employees in Arizona. Peterson is an active member of Team Red White and Blue, and Valors on 8th. In 2019, Petersen was inducted to the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.
Selina Cardenas, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Selina Cardenas served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps before earning a degree in business and human resources. She serves as a labor organizer with the Arizona Education Association (AEA) and is active on veteran boards, advocating for veterans’ issues. Cardenas is also the Chief of Operations at La Machine Consulting.
Miguel Medrano, U.S. Army Veteran
Miguel Medrano served in the U.S. Army as a Non-Commissioned Officer, Section Chief, and Squad Leader in Iraq. A member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, he serves on the Penjamo Yaqui Pueblo Board of Directors. He has previously led as the Executive Director of the Maricopa County Democratic Party and currently serves as Chief of Staff to Phoenix City Councilwoman Betty Guardado.
Nicole Baker, U.S. Army Veteran
Nicole Baker is the Executive Director of Communications for Phoenix Elementary School District. She previously served as an Army Public Affairs Specialist and earned recognition as an award-winning journalist. Baker has also held various roles within the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services, where she managed strategic communications and led a team in public and intergovernmental affairs. A proud alumna of Oklahoma State University, she holds a degree in Sports Media Broadcast Production.
Ricardo Reyes, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Ricardo Reyes served in the U.S. Marine Corps and is a first-generation immigrant, born and raised in Phoenix. Reyes serves as the Executive Director of VetsForward, advocating for a better future for all. Prior to his role at VetsForward, Ricardo was the Arizona Lead Organizer for Common Defense.
Signa Oliver, U.S. Army Veteran
Signa Oliver served in the U.S. Army from 1981 to 1987 as an enlisted soldier and from 1995 to 1998 as an officer. Her roles ranged from Combat Telecoms Center Operator to Judge Advocate Officer, showcasing her leadership and commitment. A proud Phoenix native, Signa is also a proud U.S. Army veteran, mother, and grandmother. Outside her military career, she contributes to her community through her work with the Phoenix Union High School Governing Board and as a Board Member for Vets Forward.
Paloma Greenwald, Military Family Member
Paloma Greenwald is a proud military spouse of 30 years and military mother. With 25 years of experience as a public health nurse, she has co-chaired state-level organizing for the Harris-Walz campaign and has led a military family workforce development group serving 850 Arizona members. Greenwald has specialized climate-health training at the United Nations and World Health Organization in New York City and Rome. Greenwald is a graduate of ASU College of Nursing and the University of San Francisco’s Public Leadership program.
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