Gilbert to Honor Fallen Soldiers this Memorial Day

Steve's service dedication began in 1987 when he enlisted as a Combat Engineer in the Marine Corps Reserves. After graduating from Arizona State University in 1989, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and served as a Logistics Officer. His active-duty career included deployment to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope aboard the USS Rushmore and trips across the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf. He earned an MBA in 2000. While in the Marine Corps Reserves, Steve completed two combat tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After over 30 years of service, he retired as a Colonel in 2019 and remains committed to the veteran community. Through various organizations in Arizona and nationally, he connects transitioning service members and veterans with resources. His dedication was acknowledged with inclusion in We Are The Mighty's MIGHTY 25 in 2021 and induction into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in 2022. Currently, Steve serves as Chief Strategy Officer for the Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix).

Guest Speaker, Les Presmyk

Les Presmyk, an Arizona native and University of Arizona graduate, moved to Gilbert with his wife Paula almost 40 years ago. He joined the Gilbert Planning and Zoning Commission in 1995 and was elected to the Gilbert Town Council in 1999, serving for 12 years, including three terms as vice-mayor. Les' father served six years in WWII. Over the past 27 years, seven nieces and nephews have served in the Army, Air Force, and Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their nephew and godson, Sgt. Kenneth Schall, was killed in action in Iraq and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Les has attended the Town's Memorial Day services since 1999 and has spoken at several events. In 2004, he helped start the Veterans Day ceremony, and five years later, initiated the Operation Welcome Home ceremonies for returning servicemen and women, presiding over the first 22 celebrations. In December 2019, Mayor Jenn Daniels asked him to develop the Veterans Advisory Board. By June 2020, the ordinance was approved, the Town Council selected the first seven members, and the board began its work. Les served as its first chairman and continues to be on this board.

To learn about resources available to veterans, visit gilbertaz.gov/veterans.