Field of Honor - Honor Wall Presentation

Veterans Memorial Park - Field of Honor
Honor Wall Recognition
City Council Quality of Life Subcommittee – July 31, 2025, 11:00am, 5th Floor Large

Agenda
•
History of Veteran's Memorial and Commission
•
Veteran's Commission Honor Wall Discussion 
Timeline and Recommendation 
•
Honor Wall Recognition Panel Details
•
Honor Wall Submission Process Review
•
Discussion and Direction

Veterans Memorial
•
The Field of Honor pays tribute to 
the Southeast Valley’s past, 
present and future veterans. The 
Field of Honor is the first veteran 
memorial of its size and scope in 
the Southeast Valley. 
•
The memorial space honors all 
veterans from all branches of the 
U.S. military. It highlights a wide 
range of American history, serves 
as an educational resource, and 
provides a solemn and inspiring 
experience for all ages.

Veterans Memorial
•
Inspired with the original 
Veterans Oasis Park planning
•
Extensive community outreach & 
engagement  (2008-2011)
•
Guiding Principles and Vision:
Freedom, Reflection, Recognition, 
Sacrifice, Family, and Memories
•
Visioned as a Regional Landmark

Chandler Military and 
Veterans Affairs Commission
(MVAC)  - est.  Nov 1, 2021
Purpose, Function and Duties. The Military and Veterans Affairs Commission 
shall serve as an Advisory Commission to the Chandler City Council. The 
purpose, function and duties of the Military and Veterans Affairs Commission 
shall be:
➢A. To advise the Mayor and Council concerning military and veterans related 
issues including the quality and effectiveness of veteran's services in Chandler;
➢B. Educate the military and veteran community on available resources and 
support;
➢C. Collaborate and coordinate activities with military and veteran associations, 
commissions, and relevant government agencies; and
➢D. Consider ways to acknowledge and honor the service and dedication of current 
military service personnel, veterans, and their family members; and
➢E. Such other functions and duties as may from time to time be approved by the 
City Council.

Chandler Military and 
Veterans Affairs Commission

Discussion - MVAC Topic Timeline
February 13, 2023
March 12, 2024
August 8, 2023
Introduction of Concept
•
staff presented an early concept of 
the memorial wall.
•
It was noted that funding was not 
yet allocated in the current budget 
but could be considered for the next 
fiscal year.
•
The Commission expressed support 
for the proposal and encouraged 
continued progress.
Positive Reception & Visualization
•
Staff provided a visual mock-up of 
what the memorial wall could look 
like.
•
The Commission remained 
enthusiastic and reaffirmed its 
support.
•
No specific funding or timeline 
commitments were made.
Funding Consideration
•
Staff reported that additional 
funding for the next phase of the 
memorial project was under 
consideration by City Council for the 
next fiscal year.
•
This indicated a shift from concept 
to more formal evaluation and 
planning stages.

August 13, 2024
February 11, 2025
Project Budgeting & 
Implementation Planning Begins
•
Staff announced funding ($750k) was 
allocated in July through the capital 
improvement budget.
•
The project will soon enter 
Implementation Planning
•
The Commission discussed future 
steps including:
•
Nomination vetting 
(ex: verify via Form DD 214s).
•
Engraving criteria
•
Name arrangement
Veterans Representation Expansion
•
During public comments, a 
representative from Jewish War Veterans 
Post #619 proposed a plaque or 
memorial honoring Jewish war veterans 
at Veterans Oasis Park.
This concept was determined to be 
placed on the next agenda for action.
•
This marked the beginning of discussions 
to diversify the memorial's 
representation and received general 
acceptance of exploring the concept
Discussion - MVAC Topic Timeline

March 11, 2025
Veterans Memorial Phase 3: Group/Organization Inclusion Discussion
•
A mock-up panel design was reviewed; technical constraints prevented inclusion of backlighting due to font 
limitations.
•
The Commission discussed adding rank abbreviations and special designations like KIA, MIA, and POW.
•
A significant portion of the meeting addressed whether to allow representation of veteran groups and organizations 
on the memorial.
Consensus
•
The memorial should emphasize unity and shared service, rather than highlighting specific groups.
•
Including organizations might lead to perceived bias, challenges in verifying legitimacy, and mission drift.
•
The Commission recommended against including group names in Phase 3 but left open the idea of honoring 
organizations through other methods.
Discussion - MVAC Topic Timeline

Honor Wall Recognition ~ Concept

Existing
Proposed
Honor Wall Recognition ~ Concept

Honor Wall Recognition 
Details
➢14 Sections, 4 Panels per section
➢Panels = ~ 48" wide x 22" tall
➢Nameplate = 9.5" wide x 2" tall
   ~ 42 names total per panel
   ~ 2350 total names at build out

Honor Wall Recognition
Proposed Locations at completion

Honor Wall Recognition 
Proposed Locations at completion
Stage 1
336 names

Honor Wall Recognition 
Proposed Locations at completion
Stage 2+
- future

Honor Wall Recognition ~ Name Layout

Proposed Policy and Procedure
Eligibility: Must have served in the US Armed Forces with an honorable discharge or 
be currently serving. Must have a connection to the City of Chandler / East Valley. 
Can be living or deceased, serving or served in Branch or Reserves.
Submission: Complete the official application form available online. Provide the 
veteran's full name, service branch, service dates, and proof of service (e.g., DD-214).
Deadlines: Submissions are accepted year-round.  Installs planned Feb, June, Oct.
Review: The MVAC reviews applications and records agenda action at monthly 
meetings. Applicants will be notified of their submission status.
Inscription: Names are inscribed with First Name, Last Name, Years of Service, Branch 
of Service, and Rank. Name placement is based on the date of approval.
Appeals: Denied submissions can be appealed within 30 days with additional 
documentation.
Contact: For inquiries, contact CSAdmin@chandleraz.gov or call 480-782-2727

Submission Process
Webform 
Submitted
MVAC 
Review/Approval
Nameplate 
Graphic Design
Applicant Approval 
& Payment
Production / 
Installation
Applicant Notified 
of Status
Applicant Action 
Required
Applicant Notified 
of Receipt
Applicant Notified
of Installation
Staff work with
Vendor
Applications for Recognition 
Plates offered year-round
Process =  ~4 months 
(application to installation)
All honorees will be featured
in promotional materials
Featured webpage for finding 
names

Submission 
Process ~
Webform

Discussion
•
Individual Recognition Layout
•
Discussed and approved through MVAC.
•
Groups
•
MVAC recommended against group recognition 
on this wall / phase  - propose alternate 
•
Donation through Park & Rec Trust Fund
•
 $150 - $200 per individual
•
Potentially subsidized via fundraising through 
the MVAC events & sponsorships

Discussion – 
Subcommittee Direction