Arthur Sharf, past Commander of Jewish War Veterans Copper State Post 619 of Sun Lakes, was one of 15 outstanding veterans inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in an Oct. 24 ceremony.
Administered by Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs and John Scott, director Arizona Department of Veterans Services, the event was held at the Talking Stick Resort Conference Center in Scottsdale, according to a news release.

It was to recognize veterans of the U.S. military who have made Arizona their home and have made significant professional or volunteer contributions to their community, state or the nation.
Stationed in the Panama Canal, Sharf served with U. S. Army Military Police from 1969 to 1971.

He then returned to his hometown Rochester, New York, where he worked for Kodak. Sharf joined the Knights of Pythias, where he raised thousands of dollars to support local charities including those that helped disadvantaged children, the release states.

One program that stands out in his mind, the release states, was a camp for children undergoing cancer treatment.

Sharf remained loyal to the lodge and maintained his membership even after leaving New York in 2003 to come to Arizona, it states. In 2007, he joined Jewish War Veterans Post 619 in Sun Lakes, and quickly became Junior Vice Commander.

He served in other Post 619 leadership positions until 2020, when he was diagnosed with lymphoma, which he is still battling.

Sharf received numerous awards and honors from JWV Post 619 for his volunteer work. In April 2024, he received a lifetime service award “for long-term commitment to help disadvantaged veterans.”

Specific innovative programs he implemented were “meal” events to have post members serve food to the veterans at the Arizona State Veteran Home, US Vets, MANA House, and the VA Mental Health Clinic, the release states.

These events inspire the membership to participate JWV’s Poppy Drive, which raises thousands of dollars yearly, to support critical services and events for the vets.

Sharf received the JWV Person of the Year award March 2015 for his contributions to and modernization of the post’s primary fundraiser Poppy Drive at eight Fry’s Market locations.

He then assisted the post as it distributed funds, ensuring that the nonprofits receiving money were wise investments and helping find new worthy veteran-focused organizations in need of financial aid.

Sharf’s volunteer work was primarily focused on helping support struggling vets, especially those at-risk with substance abuse issues, dealing with homelessness, hospitalization, etc. His unyielding goal was to help vets get back on their feet and live their best lives when dealing with obstacles and disabilities

The JROTC program at Hamilton High, established by Sharf, which supports the cadets travel to the Air Force Academy, was recently resurrected in 2025 by the post. Cadets now participate in JWV ceremonies and events and have attended post meetings.

Sharf’s induction puts him on an exclusive list of Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, joining Post 619 members Jesse Gersten from the Class of 2004, Arthur Sloane in the Class of 2008 and Steven D. Weintraub in the Class of 2022.

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