Join us: honor future military service members at Community Salutes
Post Date:05/04/2026Every year, young men and women across Tempe make the important decision to serve our country in the armed forces. This year, the City of Tempe will celebrate nearly 50of those young people at the 11th Annual Tempe Community Salutes on Monday, May 11, from 6-8 p.m. at Tempe Center for the Arts. The hometown send-off celebration is free and open to the public.
Recruits represent graduating seniors from the Tempe Union High School District, as well as enlistees from neighboring cities. They will receive a commemorative “First to Say Thank You” challenge coin and a special graduation stole embroidered with their respective military service branch.
Speakers will include:
Mayor Corey Woods
The Honorable Tait D. Elkie, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, East Valley Regional Veterans Court Judge
Michael Garrison, U.S. Air Force veteran, City of Tempe Veteran Services Coordinator
Since 2015, hundreds of local high school students bound for the military have taken part in Tempe Community Salutes. A national initiative, Community Salutes honors and supports the nation's newest and youngest service members. Return to full list >>