Kurt W. Abel - U.S. Army
On May 27, 2011 U.S.VETS-Arizona held its first Annual Veterans In Progress (VIP) Transitional Program Graduation to celebrate Veterans successful transition into the community as well as their achievements in the academic arena and workforce. Special tributes were made to honor four deceased U.S.VETS-Prescott Veterans. Representing these special Veterans were respective family members.
One of the Veterans honored was Kurt Abel, U.S. Army, 1968-1971. Representing the Kurt Abel family was Kurt’s daughter Sandy Akin, from Phoenix. Sandy received a U.S.VETS graduation diploma and wristwatch in honor of her Father’s military service and tenure with U.S.VETS-Prescott.
“I so appreciate the services U.S.VETS provides and I am thankful that they are able to help veterans in their time of need,” said Sandy.
Remembering Kurt William Abel, U.S. Army
7/24/1950 – 03/13/2010
Kurt first came to U.S.VETS-Prescott in October 2007. During his stay with U.S.VETS he worked at NAZCARE helping administer to the needs of the Seriously Mentally Ill. Prior to his time at U.S.VETS, Kurt ran his own Air Conditioning and Heating Company in Phoenix, AZ. Kurt continued to help others and to contribute to the local community until he lost an ongoing battle with stomach cancer in March 2010.
Kurt Abel's daughter, Sandy receiving her father's diploma. (Pictured with Tim Prater of U.S.VETS-Prescott)
Kurt served as Helicopter Crew Chief in the Army and was a Private First Class when he was discharged from service. He served a tour in Vietnam and in Germany.
Kurt’s daughter Sandy is currently majoring in Sociology at Arizona State University. She feels a strong connection to U.S.VETS and its commitment to help Veterans. Perhaps the greatest tribute to Kurt is his daughter Sandy’s desire to become involved in some aspect of social work and to perhaps one day be of service to future generations of Veterans.
