Hello John,

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged Arizonans in ways we never could have imagined. 

For every trial this year has brought us, we’ve seen heroes rise to the occasion. Medical professionals, teachers, Arizona National Guardsmen, and law enforcement have served our state selflessly and tirelessly. These dedicated men and women are Arizona’s everyday heroes — and they’ve been by our side every step of the way. 

Here are some of their stories: 

• Janette Rodriguez, Kindergarten teacher, set up her own classroom to follow public-health guidelines. She enlisted her husband to build the barriers between the desks. 

• The Phoenix Police Department Communications Bureau collected enough food to provide 1,200 meals for families in need during a holiday season that was difficult for many. 

• Linda Pauley, Director of Risen Savior Lutheran Church Child Care Program in Chandler, helped operate the program as an enrichment center. She has worked hard to ensure families have safe and secure child care.

• Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen have been supporting sites across the state in a variety of roles such as vaccinators, medical administration, training, planning and logistics. 

• Long-term care workers who’ve recovered from COVID-19 donated their plasma to help those who’ve contracted the virus. 

• Danelle Luciani, an ICU nurse at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, battled the virus all over the country, from Arizona to Pennsylvania. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Danielle has sacrificed a wedding and honeymoon to serve. 

Thank you,

Governor's Office