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Loss of a Hero: Frank Shankwitz

February 5, 2021
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by Ray Newton
Because of one man, Frank Shankwitz, who founded the Make-A-Wish Foundation with his wife Kitty and dedicated colleagues on the Arizona Highway Patrol, almost a half-million children throughout the world have benefitted from his inspired belief in helping others.
Shankwitz, 77, died Jan. 24, 2021. He had been a Prescott resident since his retirement.
A Prescott High School graduate, Shankwitz was an Air Force veteran. He later had a 42-year career as a member of the Arizona Department of Public Safety as a motorcycle patrol officer.
That led to his unwittingly becoming a hero for thousands.
As a patrolman in 1980, he met 7-year-old Chris Greicius, a Scottsdale youngster with terminal leukemia. Chris told Shankwitz: “I wish I could be a motorcycle cop.” 
Shankwitz took that wish to his superiors. A few days later, Chris was made an honorary officer in the Arizona Highway Patrol, complete with a custom-made uniform and badge. Chris died a few days later, but Shankwitz was inspired by how making that wish come true had affected the boy.
That led to Shankwitz, his wife and others founding the now-worldwide Make-A-Wish Foundation. He was the nonprofit group’s first president and CEO. He helped turn the Make-A-Wish Foundation into what is now an organization operating in five continents, giving children with life-threatening illnesses their “wish.”
Shankwitz was honored by former presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump with the President’s White House Call to Service Award. This is one of dozens of recognitions he received.
In 2019, a movie — Wish Man — told the story of his meeting with Chris and the creation of Make-A-Wish.
 The Arizona Department of Public Safety issued a statement mourning the loss of Shankwitz. It said in part: “He was dedicated to AZDPS and Arizona families and children.”

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Prescott Living Magazine

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Prescott Living Magazine
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED! Additional drivers are needed for the DAV Transportation Network to help Veterans get to their medical appointments. Can you help? This announcement from the Northern Arizona VA has the details.. . .PRESCOTT, Ariz. – With the Greatest Generation of World War II-era Veterans fading into history and baby boomers working longer into their retirement years, the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System, in partnership with the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Transportation Network is recruiting additional volunteers to help provide transportation for eligible Veterans to and from scheduled medical appointments at facilities across Northern Arizona.Last year, DAV volunteer drivers provided more than 500 rides for Veterans with scheduled medical appointments to and from VA medical facilities. Each year the demand for Veteran transportation has grown.“We need people who recognize the service and sacrifices of our heroes and are willing to make a commitment to ensure the promises our country made to our Veterans are kept,” said Bruce Nogar, DAV Transportation Network Hospital Service Coordinator. “Our program provides a very important service to eligible Veterans at no cost to them, but we can’t keep up with the demand if we don’t have people who are willing and able to support it.”To become a DAV Transportation Network volunteer, drivers must have a valid, state-issued license, show proof of personal auto insurance, pass a basic physical through the VA, and commit to one year of volunteering for the program. VA will provide the driver physical, all required training as well as the vehicles used for transportation. Also, all volunteer drivers that work a minimum of four hours are eligible for a free meal at the Prescott VA’s main campus.Those interested in becoming a volunteer driver do not have to be a Veteran or a DAV member. We are looking for committed individuals who want to serve Veterans and show their appreciation for all that they’ve done in the service of our Nation.For more information on becoming a volunteer driver, please contact the Northern Arizona VA Voluntary Service Office at (928) 776-6013.Northern Arizona VA Website: www.va.gov/northern-arizona-health-care/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Prescott Living Magazine

22 hours ago

Prescott Living Magazine
OUT & ABOUT — Thank you to Karen Shaw for sending in these shots of Jerome and the San Francisco Peaks on a beautiful winter day! We publish reader photos in every issue of Prescott LIVING. Send in your best shots by email to photos@roxco.com. Photos should be taken by you, anywhere in the Greater Prescott area. Selected photos will appear in print and on our social media channels.#jeromeaz #prescott #northernaz #sanfranciscopeaks ... See MoreSee Less

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