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The annual ceremony honors veterans for outstanding community contributions

���۴�ý is pleased to announce that Christine Martinez, military outreach manager of the ���۴�ý Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA) and Navy veteran, was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame (AVHOF) on October 14, 2022. Martinez served in the United States Navy for 22 years and retired a Senior Chief Petty Officer.

The AVHOF recognizes veterans who serve their communities through outstanding advocacy and volunteer efforts. Veterans nominated for induction into the AVHOF must meet a rigorous selection process, including nomination approval by the governor of Arizona. Founded in 2001, AVHOF is the second veteran’s hall of fame established in the United States, and inductees make up less than one percent of Arizona’s veteran population.

“Christine is an outstanding leader and deeply committed to serving her community,” states John Ramirez, dean of operations at the College of Doctoral Studies at ���۴�ý. “Her passion for helping her fellow veterans infuses everything she does, and she consistently connects veterans and their families with much-needed resources. Christine’s work makes a tremendous positive impact only for our students, but throughout the community.”

Martinez began her career at the ���۴�ý as an academic counselor for the military division. In that role she supported both active-duty members and veterans in their academic pursuits. In 2018, she joined the OMVA where she helps to support military-affiliated students during their educational journey. In addition to her duties at the OMVA, Martinez served two years as the first elected lead for the ���۴�ý Veterans Employee Resource Group, which fosters a sense of community, support, and shared mission among employees.

Martinez says her induction into the AVHOF is a tremendous honor. “To be included among the fourteen veterans selected this year is amazing,” she shares, “but even more amazing is to have the chance to represent veterans in my community. I hope my work encourages veterans to seek out the resources available to help them thrive. I know that when we look outside of ourselves, we can find the courage necessary to not only heal ourselves, but to heal our communities as well.”

Martinez also volunteers for several nonprofit organizations, including serving as a navigator for the Arizona Housing Coalition's Maricopa County StandDown. The StandDown is a community-based event connecting veterans and their families with support services necessary to gain and maintain housing stability. Martinez also volunteers her time to support Casa Veterans Ministry, Catechist for Youth Ministry, The Mission Continues, and the ���۴�ý Veterans Day Parade Committee.

In addition to her volunteer efforts, Martinez is an active member of the Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Fleet Reserve Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Martinez has been an employee of the ���۴�ý since 2009.

About�����۴�ý

���۴�ý is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life® help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.��

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