Peoria gets nod for support Published April 20, 2007 By Deborah Marie Gibson 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The city of Peoria received the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service at a luncheon April 12 for its outstanding military support. Brig. Gen. Tom Jones, 56th Fighter Wing commander was among the more than 100 guests in attendance. "The city of Peoria has distinguished itself through exceptional public service in support of the Armed Forces and the United States," General Jones said. "The city played an instrumental role in encouraging the state of Arizona to officially proclaim its support for the America Supports You program and the Pentagon Channel and helped the Arizona Chamber of Commerce to become the first to join the ASY team." The ASY program informs corporations, community groups and individuals about ways to support the military. Peoria was the first city in Arizona to broadcast the Pentagon Channel which broadcasts military news and information primarily for members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The city is currently negotiating with Cox Communications to launch the channel statewide. Peoria has also supported and led numerous federal and state legislative bills regarding land used by Arizona's military bases. In addition, the city has undertaken initiatives aimed to support the military community such as sending more than 6,000 pounds of care packages to Iraq. "We ask the men and women serving in our military to make the supreme sacrifice every day," said Peoria Mayor Bob Barrett. "Those brave individuals deserve our support."