September 2026
A long view of veteran care in Mohave County, current program progress, community partnerships, and what comes next.
A Note from Lonnie
Dear Friends and Supporters,
This issue begins with a question that reaches beyond one program or one building: how do we care for veterans throughout their lives? Mohave County has an unusually large veteran population, and many neighbors are growing older. Dick Dobson’s recent research helps put numbers behind what we see every day at JAVC.
We are making tangible progress now. Liberty Commons has a 72-home design, our transportation program has a new name—Operation Lifeline—and community partners are joining us in housing, fellowship, and service. We are also beginning a longer conversation about what a complete veterans campus could become over five, ten, and twenty years.
Thank you for the time, generosity, and trust that make this work possible.
Semper Fidelis — United We Serve,
Lonnie Wills
Executive Director
Why Mohave County Needs a Long View
A September JAVC discussion brief prepared by Dick Dobson puts our local need in perspective. Based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020–2024 estimates, Mohave County is home to approximately 23,089 veterans. Veterans are 12.5% of the civilian population age 18 and older—about one in eight adults. That is roughly 58% above Arizona’s veteran rate and about twice the national rate.
About one-third of all Mohave County residents are 65 or older. Those facts should shape the questions we ask about affordable housing, transportation, aging in place, caregiver support, access to care, assisted living, and memory care.
The Next Horizon: A Veterans Campus and Continuum of Care
Liberty Commons is our current 72-home housing project. Alongside that work, JAVC is beginning to examine a broader veterans campus as part of a five-, ten-, and twenty-year vision.
That continuum could connect recovery and transitional support, permanent housing, transportation, peer relationships, and access to healthcare. JAVC is also considering whether the campus could eventually include assisted living for veterans and a dedicated memory care program.
Board & Leadership Update
Ben LaParne became President of the JAVC Board of Directors effective July 28, 2026. JAVC is grateful for his leadership as these projects move forward, and for Pat Farrell’s service during an important chapter of JAVC’s history.
A Successful Day on the Course
Thank you to the sponsors, golfers, donors, staff, and volunteers who made the August 22 tournament at Cerbat Cliffs Golf Course a success. Your participation strengthened JAVC’s work across Mohave County.
Liberty Commons: 72 Homes in the Plan
The current Liberty Commons design is set at 72 homes, with a 1,200-square-foot community center on Sunshine Drive in Kingman. Selberg Associates has advanced the architectural drawings, and the civil engineer is completing the remaining work.
JAVC hopes to submit final plans to the City of Kingman in the first week of November, subject to completion of civil engineering and final coordination.
Operation 6: A Path Toward Stability
Operation 6 continues to give veterans safe housing, structure, case management, and support as they work toward permanent housing. Each room is an opportunity to reconnect with services and take the next step with dignity.
Operation Lifeline: A Ride to What Matters
JAVC has officially named its scheduled veteran transportation program Operation Lifeline. For a veteran without a reliable ride, transportation can be the link to medical treatment, VA care, a benefits meeting, housing support, or another essential appointment.
Operation Lifeline helps bridge that distance with scheduled rides, supported by JAVC vehicles and trained volunteer drivers. Please request rides at least 48 hours ahead whenever possible; availability depends on capacity and scheduling.
A Veterans Memorial at Iron Wolf
JAVC is working with Dave Stone, owner of Iron Wolf Golf Course, Selberg Associates, and Stacey Lee on a proposed veterans memorial in Lake Havasu City. JAVC is contributing veteran and community perspective as the owner and design team develop the vision.
JAVC is also grateful to Havasu Ironworks for a recent donation and support.
Kingman Band of Brothers Softball
Chris Patterson is leading the Kingman Band of Brothers effort with Stacey Lee and the ECHO Group Band of Brothers Arizona team. Two teams are established, and there is room for more veterans and eligible community members.
The league is built around camaraderie, connection, and looking out for one another. Registration is open to adults 18 and older who are veterans, active duty military, first responders, or family members of veterans. Contact Chris at 928-303-6460 or visit ECHOVETS.org.
October Community Calendar
- Saturday, October 17 — Lake Havasu Stand Down. A day centered on connecting veterans with resources and community support.
- Monday, October 19, 5:00–10:00 PM — Benefit Bowling Tournament for Ed. Cerbat Lanes, 3631 Stockton Hill Road, Kingman.
- Sunday, October 25 — Strikes for Vets. Registration begins at noon and bowling starts at 1:00 PM at Havasu Lanes, 2134 McCulloch Boulevard N, Lake Havasu City.
Expanding Rural Access to Healthcare
JAVC continues developing a regional proposal for rural telehealth access and care coordination. The proposed model aims to reduce barriers caused by distance, provider shortages, and limited transportation. Confirmed milestones will be shared as the work advances.
Fellowship at the Veterans Center and Journey Church
Veterans Coffee: Second Thursday of each month at 9:00 AM at the JAVC Veterans Center, 315 E. Oak Street in Kingman.
Weekly Bible studies: Wednesdays at 8:00 AM and Thursdays at 3:00 PM.
Sunday church transportation: Veterans traveling with JAVC to Journey Church meet at the Veterans Center for pickup at 10:15 AM. The service runs from 10:45–11:45 AM, and everyone is brought back to the center by 1:00 PM.
Your Monthly Support Makes the Daily Work Possible
Long-range plans matter, but veterans also need help today. Operation Lifeline depends on community giving to help get veterans to care and essential appointments. JAVC’s Veterans Assistance Program relies on the same generosity when a veteran needs practical help to regain stability.
A monthly gift gives JAVC dependable support we can plan around. It helps keep programs ready, respond when a need arises, and continue showing up after an event or campaign has ended.