City hires navigator to help with benefits, resources
The city of Surprise now offers a full-time navigator specializing in veteran benefits and resources. Leo Pooley was the Surprise veteran who served as the grand marshal for the 2025 Veterans Day parade.
Independent Newsmedia/Jason Stone
The city of Surprise now offers a full-time navigator specializing in veteran benefits and resources.
The city hired Omar Lopez for the position, who is not only a veteran himself but also brings 25 years of experience to the role.
This position was created to serve as a connection point for veterans, service members and their families, as well as community organizations seeking information about available resources.
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Community
Surprise beefs up its veteran services
City hires navigator to help with benefits, resources
Independent Newsmedia/Jason Stone
The city of Surprise now offers a full-time navigator specializing in veteran benefits and resources. Leo Pooley was the Surprise veteran who served as the grand marshal for the 2025 Veterans Day parade.
Posted
The city of Surprise is dedicated to doing everything we can to support veterans and their families.”
Kevin Sartor | Surprise mayor
IF YOU GO
What: Surprise Resource Center
When: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays; and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month.
Where: 12425 W. Bell Road
Information: Omar.Lopez@surpriseaz.gov, or call 623-222-1658
By Independent Newsmedia
The city of Surprise now offers a full-time navigator specializing in veteran benefits and resources.
The city hired Omar Lopez for the position, who is not only a veteran himself but also brings 25 years of experience to the role.
This position was created to serve as a connection point for veterans, service members and their families, as well as community organizations seeking information about available resources.
“I’m incredibly proud to serve on a city council that truly supports our veteran community,” Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor said. “As a 20-year Army veteran, I know firsthand the challenges veterans face, and the city of Surprise is dedicated to doing everything we can to support veterans and their families.”
Lopez is available by appointment at the Surprise Resource Center. Walk-ins are also accepted, but appointments will be given priority.
The center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays; from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays; and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month.
To connect with Lopez or make an appointment, email Omar.Lopez@surpriseaz.gov, or call 623-222-1658.
Surprise operates a number of resources for veterans, in addition to the Veteran Resource Navigator, available through the Surprise Resource Center. It offers community-wide support programs and the West Valley Veteran Success Center, both located in the AZ TechCelerator complex at 12425 W. Bell Road.
For information about the West Valley Veteran Success Center, visit surpriseaz.gov/Veterans. For information about the Surprise Resource Center, visit surpriseaz.gov/ResourceCenter.
To contact the West Valley Veteran Success Center or Surprise Resource Center, email SurpriseCares@surpriseaz.gov or call 623-222-1600.
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