Navy Veteran Who Exposed the Phoenix VA Wait-Time Scandal Marks 30 Years of the City's Veterans Day Parade – Military.com

Navy Veteran Who Exposed the Phoenix VA Wait-Time Scandal Marks 30 Years of the City’s Veterans Day Parade  Military.com

She was banished to a VA basement after blowing the whistle. Now Paula Pedene leads a Veterans Day parade expected to draw 45,000 people. Paula Pedene has succeeded in multiple military-related spheres, be it as a U.S. Navy broadcast journalist, television news anchor, or as a renowned Department of Veterans Affairs whistleblower. But her three-decade journey overseeing the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade is hard to top. This year's event in Arizona is special for a couple of reasons. Not only is it taking place during the United States' 250th birthday, it is also the 30th year of veterans galvanizing with the public to honor those who serve.

Taking place on Nov. 11 and put on by the organization Honoring America's Veterans, the annual event over the years has included more than 1.5 million spectators and participants, recognized over 600,000 veterans, and reached a statewide population surpassing 75 million people. Approximately 45,000 spectators are expected to attend. This year's theme is "250 Years of Freedom, 30 Years of Honor." Pedene spoke to Military.com about her history involving the military and veterans. Pedene coordinates the nonprofit organization's parade for the event instituted under the VA banner in 1997. All these years later, the executive director along with her team of partners, veterans groups and volunteers create a memorable event that combines patriotism