Hi there! I’m Alicia Haygood, your host for the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, and today we have a very special guest, Dan Futrell, who is the CEO of the Pat Tillman Foundation. Pat Tillman is a well-known name across Arizona and the country, and his legacy continues to inspire and impact the lives of many. We’re going to dive into Dan’s journey, the mission of the Pat Tillman Foundation, and what it means to be a recipient of one of their prestigious scholarships.

Dan’s Story

Dan’s story is one of resilience and determination. Growing up in foster care in California, he faced many challenges, but found solace in nature and adventure. This passion led him to join the military, where he served for five years and earned several accolades, including the Combat Infantry Men’s Badge, the Ranger tab, and two Bronze Star medals. In 2011, he became a Tillman Scholar, and in 2019, he took on the role of CEO.

How it Started

The Pat Tillman Foundation was founded in 2004, just a month after Pat’s tragic death, to honor his legacy and support veterans and military spouses pursuing higher education. Their mission is to empower military veterans and their spouses to become leaders in their fields and communities through education, mentorship, and community-building. To date, the foundation has provided scholarships to over 800 Tillman Scholars who are making a difference in their communities and beyond.

As CEO, Dan is deeply honored to be part of the organization and to continue Pat’s legacy. He expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to meet people who knew Pat and to be part of an event that commemorates Pat’s life and accomplishments. He acknowledges the immense strength and resilience of Marie Tillman in starting the foundation just a month after her husband’s death and carrying on his legacy in a meaningful way. Dan is committed to upholding the foundation’s mission and making a positive impact on the lives of veterans and military spouses.

The Foundation’s Impact

The foundation’s impact on the lives of veterans and military spouses has been profound. Through scholarships, mentorship, and community-building, the foundation empowers these individuals to pursue their academic and professional goals. Many Tillman Scholars have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields, embodying the values of service, leadership, and integrity that Pat Tillman stood for. The foundation’s programs not only provide financial support but also create a strong support system for Tillman Scholars, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

Pat’s Run

Pat’s Run is an annual event that has become synonymous with honoring Pat Tillman’s legacy. The race, which is 4.2 miles long and ends on the 42nd yard line of the Sun Devil Stadium, a symbolic reference to Tillman’s jersey number, 42, is not only a tribute to Tillman’s memory but also a celebration of his enduring legacy. Dan shared how Pat’s Run has become a beloved tradition for thousands of participants who come together to remember and honor Pat Tillman’s life and sacrifice. The event has grown exponentially over the years, with tens of thousands of people joining from all over the world to participate in the race and support the foundation’s mission.

Dan Futrell’s journey, along with the mission and impact of the Pat Tillman Foundation, is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. The Foundation’s impact will continue to ripple through generations, as the legacy of Pat Tillman lives on through the countless lives it has touched. I am so honored to have had the chance to speak with Dan. Thanks for joining me Scottsdale, until next time!

Hey everyone, I am thrilled to share that we have reached an incredible milestone, we celebrate our 100th episode this week! Scottsdale Vibes has become a go-to for all things Scottsdale and has grown to the top 10% of all podcasts globally and the 15% most downloaded podcasts on Spotify! This is all thanks to our ability to showcase all the great people, places, and events in Scottsdale, along with our commitment to bringing new and exciting content each week. But most importantly, it is due to our amazing listeners! I am so grateful for the support that has made this possible. Is is a dream come true!

How We Are Celebrating

To celebrate this milestone, I have invited some of my past guests to share their favorite Scottsdale vibes. Additionally, two of our amazing sponsors, Jeremy Mueller from State Farm Insurance and Dr. Rob DeVito from Arizona Center for Laser Dentistry will be featured in this episode. Both sponsors have been with us since before the beginning and are excited about the future of Scottsdale! Especially the Cavassion development and the new Optima 101 on Scottsdale Road.

All About the Vibes

Scottsdale, Arizona is often associated with luxurious desert living, perfect weather for most of the year, and a unique vibe. This vibe is what inspired the title of our podcast “Scottsdale Vibes,” which explores the different impressions people have of the city. We invite guests to share their favorite Scottsdale vibe, providing listeners with an in-depth look at the city’s diverse community and culture.

We have featured a variety of people over the past couple of years including Tammy Fellows, publisher of the High-End Magazine, City Lifestyle. She loves the city’s active community and how it keeps people moving, making it an essential part of Scottsdale’s vibe.

Mark Stanton, President of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, loves the fact that there is always something new going on in Scottsdale. From the Arabian horse show to the Phoenix Open and Barrett Jackson there is always an event happening.

Mayor Ortega also talks about the Scottsdale Smiles and how it shows that the city is happy and back to its vibrant self.

Arizona Homeland Director Tim Roamer, who was born and bred in Scottsdale, talks about his favorite Scottsdale vibe, which encompasses everything from golf courses to a great restaurant scene. He also talks about his passion for the Kierland area and how it has evolved over the years.

Scottsdale Summed Up

In conclusion, Scottsdale’s vibe is a combination of an active community that focuses on health and wellness, constant pulse of events and activities, and a unique sense of pride and ownership of the city. It is a city that has something for everyone, from golf courses to a great restaurant scene, and is home to successful and influential people who are making an impact on the city, state, and even the country.

The Scottsdale Vibes Podcast has played a significant role in showcasing this vibrant city to the world, and its future looks bright with more exciting content to come. If you know someone who should be featured on the show, have them check out our sponsorship page to learn more!