'Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve.' Author: Jeffrey Sabato Updated: 5:08 AM MST May 31, 2021 PHOENIX — There are roughly half a million veterans living in Arizona. We are honoring those who serve by sharing their stories of service, dedication, hope and perseverance. For many, making the move from the military to civilian life can be challenging. But Army Veteran Michael Cripe is trying to make that transition a little easier for others. "When someone says thank you for your service, I'm deeply appreciative, but honestly when I hear that I always want to say, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve." It is that sense of service that drives Cripe - an Army veteran who comes from a family with a very long history of serving our country.