“As a TriWest employee and parade participant, I felt the importance of making sure our Veterans are seen, heard, and appreciated for the sacrifices they’ve made.” – Alleynah Cofas, Sr. Communications Specialist, Executive Operations
During the season of appreciation, it’s rewarding to look back on impactful experiences that make a positive impact on the lives of others. As December closes, looking back on memorable experiences during 2025 can be an uplifting way to end the year.
For employees at TriWest Healthcare Alliance (TriWest), one of the most rewarding experiences each year is participating in the annual Phoenix Veterans Day Parade.
As an annual parade sponsor, TriWest encourages employees to participate in the parade where they gain impactful memories representing TriWest’s long-time commitment to serving those who have served.
This year, dozens of TriWest teammates again enjoyed a uniquely uplifting experience walking together in the 2025 Phoenix Veterans Day Parade.
During this season of appreciation, several participating employees shared their impactful memories from this year’s event.
Scott Fortin, Director, Health Plan Communications
TriWest role:
As the recently hired Director, Health Plan Communications, I oversee and lead communications to TriWest’s external health plan stakeholders – beneficiaries, providers, and government contacts.
Close family who are Veterans: I have many family members who are Veterans, including my grandfather and my uncle who were in the U.S. Air Force. My stepfather and my brother-in-law also served in the U.S. Army. They are all proud Veterans who regularly talk about their experience serving our country.
Most memorable experience from the Phoenix Veterans Day parade: Being able to be a part of the parade, especially this early in my career with TriWest, was a great blessing! While I’ve always admired the service of my family members and the many others who have served, to be in person to see so many active duty and Veterans as well as their families was an extremely positive experience.
My most memorable part of the event was when several of us went deep into the crowd at the Phoenix VA Medical Center along the parade route. Greeting the Veterans in wheelchairs with TriWest Chief Military & Veteran Services Officer Terry Moulton, and others who went into the crowd was amazing to see the smile on their faces as we thanked them for their service!
Perspective after participating in Phoenix Veterans Day Parade: Veterans Day has always been an important holiday to me with all of my family members formerly in the services. After being able to see the faces of so many military members in person through the route light up when we thanked them for their service, I won’t hesitate to go up to each Veteran I see in public not just on Veteran’s Day, but every day, so I can identify them as one.
Working in a company that strongly supports military and Veteran communities: It’s hard to describe the great amount of pride I had participating in the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade and in the time since to reflect on the importance of our mission. After seeing people thanking TriWest for all we do, it certainly is something I think about each day as I do my work and help to lead our efforts around communicating with that audience. It’s a great reminder that what we do each day matters.
Courtney Clay, Web Designer, Creative Services
TriWest role:
My job role at TriWest is creating visual designs that support our mission while also helping to communicate to beneficiaries and other stakeholders.
Close family who are Veterans: I have an aunt and uncle who both served in the Air National Guard.
Most memorable experience from the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade: My most memorable experience from participating in this year’s parade was that it was a great opportunity to interact with those we serve. It was so fun to see all the smiling faces and know we’ve helped so many Veterans, and we continue to do so every day.
Perspective after participating in Phoenix Veterans Day Parade: As one who has close family who served in the military, Veterans Day was already impactful for me.
Now, as someone working in an industry that directly helps Veterans, participating in the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade was a great reminder to me of the work we do and why we do it.
Working in a mission-driven company supporting military and Veteran communities: As a TriWest employee, it’s incredible to know that we are providing important care for our Veteran communities and those actively serving. Health care is so important for all. I consider health care a necessity and am thankful to know we can provide it to such a large community of people who gave up so much to serve and protect.
James Park, UI/UX Designer, Creative Services
TriWest role:
I’m a UI/UX Designer for Creative Services at TriWest. My work focuses on creating intuitive designs that make our websites easier to navigate, which ultimately helps military members, their families, and Veterans access health care services more efficiently.
Veteran status and close family who are Veterans: I was commissioned as a U.S. Air Force officer in 2011 through the Chaplain Candidate Program and have been serving as a Reserve chaplain. I also have a second cousin who served in the U.S. Army. After completing his enlistment, he transitioned into the IT field, and it’s been great to see him apply the skills and discipline he gained during his service to his civilian career.
Most memorable experience from the Phoenix Veterans Day parade: The most memorable experience for me participating in the parade was being able to honor Veterans by rendering salutes to them along the parade route.
When several Veterans noticed my Air Force cap and also thanked me for my service, those brief exchanges created an unexpected sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.
Perspective after participating in the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade: The parade experience gave me a much deeper appreciation for Veterans and for those who support our nation’s military. Seeing generations of Veterans celebrated by so many devoted families, supporters, and volunteers during the parade was very moving.
Working in a company that strongly supports military and Veteran communities: I am proud to be part of TriWest, a company that is dedicated and committed to serving our nation’s military and Veteran communities. As a military Veteran, I also feel appreciated and supported by my team and the entire TriWest organization.
Allison Oloruntobi, Manager, Community Relations & Outreach
TriWest role:
As the Manager of Community Relations & Outreach at TriWest, I help to oversee corporate contributions, event sponsorships, calendar management, staff volunteerism, and special projects.
Most memorable experience from the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade: It was an honor to participate in the parade this year. Given that many of us work remotely, it was a welcome opportunity to change environments, engage with staff, and greet children and families present for the parade. The most memorable experience for me was greeting and honoring the Veterans seated outside the Phoenix VA Medical Center. That moment was a humbling reminder of the impact we have as an organization.
Perspective after participating in Phoenix Veterans Day Parade: At TriWest, we support several amazing programs and organizations that serve Veterans and military families. However, Veterans Day is a unique opportunity to celebrate and honor our Veterans in a personal way. Volunteers get to smile, hand out giveaways, shake hands, and directly express appreciation to Veterans. After participating in the parade for the first time this year, I am even more determined to stay involved in community events.
Working in a mission-driven company supporting military and Veteran communities: I personally enjoy working with others, experiencing new cultures, and discovering new subject matter. My current role has given me the opportunity to learn more about military principles and issues concerning Veterans and military families. I believe that exposure to these areas makes me knowledgeable and empathetic, both as a person and as an employee.
Alleynah Cofas, Sr. Communications Specialist, Executive Operations
TriWest role:
My role at TriWest is serving in the Communications department where I oversee provider communications for the DOW TRICARE and VA CCN contracts.
Close family who are Veterans: My paternal grandfather served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a guard at the United States Embassy in Cyprus. My maternal grandfather was in the U.S. Army and served during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.
Proudest experience from participating in the Phoenix Veterans Day parade: My proudest moment from being a part of the 2025 Phoenix Veterans Day Parade was walking side by side with my coworkers and managers to honor the Veterans who served and fought for us.
As a TriWest employee and parade participant, I felt the importance of making sure our Veterans are seen, heard, and appreciated for the sacrifices they’ve made.
Perspective after participating in Phoenix Veterans Day Parade: During the parade, I saw Veterans Day differently than I had before. Through participating in the parade and walking the route, I got to see the faces of those our work impacts.
Working in a mission-driven company supporting military and Veteran communities: For me, being part of TriWest and its mission to support our nation’s military and Veteran communities means being connected to something bigger than myself. As employees, the work we do every day makes a difference in the lives of Veterans and their families.