Guests - Michael & Bonnie Quinn, Matt Neely, Cheryl Caswell
Rockin’ for Heroes: A Tucson Tradition of Gratitude and Giving Back
In the heart of Oro Valley, a Veterans Day weekend tradition has grown far beyond its original intent. What began as one family’s heartfelt thank-you to first responders has evolved into a full-fledged movement supporting veterans, active-duty military, police, fire, EMTs, and Gold Star families. Mike and Bonnie Quinn, founders of Rockin’ for Heroes, joined host Kathleen Winn and co-host Matt Neely on Winn Tucson to recount the fourth annual event and the lasting impact it continues to create.
From Personal Loss to Community Mission
Mike and Bonnie Quinn never planned to launch an annual concert series. In 2021, after losing their son PJ to cancer during the height of COVID, they wanted to thank the Golder Ranch Fire District and Oro Valley Police Department who had cared for him faithfully in his final months.
“We weren’t in the music promotion business,” Mike Quinn explained. “This was our personal gift back to the community that served our son so beautifully. The community demanded we do it again—and again.”
Four years later, the free day-long concert at Cree Park in Oro Valley has become one of Tucson’s most anticipated patriotic events. Food trucks, military flyovers (when the government cooperates), and top-tier live music draw thousands who simply bring a folding chair and a grateful heart.
Honoring a Vietnam-Era Hero: Captain Jack Uli
This year’s tribute spotlight fell on Captain Jack Uli, a Korea/Vietnam-era veteran who flew more than 300 combat missions. Nominated by his daughter Danette, Captain Uli’s story left the crowd in awe.
A standout moment came when Tucson’s own Voces de Me Pueblo—a mariachi ensemble composed entirely of Pueblo High School graduates—performed an acoustic, instrumental rendition of the national anthem. “It gave me shivers up my spine,” Bonnie Quinn recalled. “One of the most moving versions I’ve ever heard.”
The Hero Fund: Where the Music Never Really Ends
While the concert remains free to the public, every dollar raised now fuels the Rockin’ for Heroes Hero Fund—a 501(c)(3) with less than 2% administrative overhead.
“We say it all the time,” Mike Quinn emphasized. “Our work goes on long after the music ends.”
Key initiatives include:
Jacob Dittinger EMT Memorial Scholarship at Pima Community College (fully endowed; matched 50% by the Connie Hillman Family Foundation). The second recipient was recently hired by Golder Ranch Fire—the very district that inspired the event. “Full circle,” Bonnie said, voice cracking with emotion.
University of Arizona Veteran Student Scholarship—a $50,000 endowment (halfway funded) that covers gaps the GI Bill leaves: books, car repairs, life emergencies. Veterans Education and Transition Services (VETS) director Blaze Smith—a veteran himself—disburses the funds.
Law Enforcement Support Fund—helps active officers pay for continuing education required for promotion.
Recycled Rides program (partnered with Caliber Collision and GEICO) gifted a refurbished vehicle to a Tohono O’odham Nation firefighter.
Real Stories, Real Impact
First scholarship recipient Thea, a 39-year-old pastry shop worker, became an EMT after holding Tucson Police officer Adam Buckner’s hand in his final moments following a horrific crash. She now inspires others to serve.
The Quinns remain awed by the ripple effects. “We see God at work in every story,” Bonnie said. “These young people go on to save countless lives we’ll never know about.”
Donations start at rockinforheroes.org (no “g” in rockin, “4” for “for”). Even $10 recurring monthly donations—“Give up one beer or one Prosecco,” Mike laughed—keep the mission growing.
Cheryl Caswell Enters the Race for LD19 State House
Later in the program, Kathleen Winn welcomed Republican Cheryl Caswell, a candidate for Arizona Legislative District 19 (one of the state’s geographically largest districts, spanning five counties).
Caswell, mother of 21-year-old triplets and a longtime election-integrity advocate, jumped into politics after the 2016 election when she noticed friends who voted for President Trump weren’t supporting his policies.
Currently a Member-at-Large for Arizona’s GOP Congressional District 6, Caswell previously served as Third Vice Chair of the Pima County Republican Party and Pima County Election Integrity Commissioner.
Why She’s Running Now
“My children are the reason,” Caswell declared. “I feel a calling to serve at this moment.”
Key priorities if elected:
Election transparency and reform
Stopping perpetual tax extensions (she opposes the 20-year RTA extension)
Fiscal responsibility and audits at every level of government
Water security and responsible economic development in rural Arizona
Caswell has already exceeded signature requirements (aiming for 1,776 total) and met multiple fundraising goals. Voters can sign her petition or donate at caswellforarizona19.com.
Upcoming Elections and Civic Call-to-Action
Caswell highlighted a packed 2026 calendar:
February 9 voter-registration deadline for the March 10 RTA election
Benson recall election in May
Precinct committeeman elections
She urged citizens to become poll workers and observers, especially during early-ballot processing where Republican oversight remains restricted under current Pima County Recorder policies.
“Transparency isn’t partisan,” Caswell stressed. “We all want elections everyone can trust.”
A Community That Still Says Thank You
From a mariachi national anthem that brought thousands to their feet to scholarships changing young lives, Rockin’ for Heroes proves gratitude remains alive and well in Tucson.
As Kathleen Winn closed the segment: “In a world that sometimes forgets to honor service, Mike and Bonnie Quinn are a distinction. They remind us that saying thank you—out loud, in public, and with action—is still one of the most powerful things we can do.”