AMERICA 250

Military veterans from Chandler welcome 250th events

Dave Waltzer, left, and Bop Dalpe, right, pose with Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke at a “Drop Zone” event in Mesa in May. Waltzer and Dalpe both are veterans who said they’re happy to participate in America 250 events this year.

Courtesy of Dave Waltzer

Military veterans tend to show up and embrace July 4 celebrations around the U.S. just as enthusiastically as they do for Veterans Day or other special events that highlight their profession and the millions who’ve served.

With the U.S. in a seemingly more divided and different space in 2026 than it was in back in 1976 when the bicentennial drew out smiles and celebrations, are veterans energetically getting into the 250th celebrations?

The answer, at least for two Chandler-area veterans, is yes.

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