Retired U.S. Army Colonel Joseph Abodeely passed away on Friday, April 25. A man of extraordinary courage and unwavering integrity, Colonel Abodeely was laid to rest with full military honors at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
Military Service: Col. Abodeely’s military service was marked by bravery and principle. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he often spoke about Operation Pegasus—the critical 1968 mission to relieve the besieged U.S. Marine base at Khe Sanh. Leading the first Air Cavalry platoon to reach the base after seven days of intense combat, he regarded his greatest accomplishment as ensuring that none of his men were lost in the effort.
After his combat service, he continued to serve as a military lawyer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, where his legal insight helped shape policies for U.S. military police worldwide.
Whistleblower Defender: Col. Abodeely brought that same sense of justice and moral clarity to the courtroom as a civilian attorney. I had the great honor of working with him personally when I found myself in the crosshairs of unethical leadership at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Phoenix VA Healthcare System. His powerful and meticulously written statement of facts became a cornerstone in my whistleblower case. It was later used by the VA Office of the Inspector General to help expose wrongdoing. Abodeely didn’t just defend me—he stood up for truth, fairness, and the principles we swore to uphold in uniform.
Lasting Legacy to Military History Preservation: Beyond the courtroom, Joe Abodeely dedicated over 40 years to honoring military history as President of the Arizona Military Museum, where he helped preserve the stories of Arizona’s veterans from every era. He also hosted Vietnam Veterans Recognition Dinners for nearly a decade, ensuring that his fellow Vietnam vets received the honor and respect they deserved.
Col. Abodeely is survived by his beloved wife, often called “Saint” Donna, a dedicated partner in every aspect of his work—from the museum to veterans’ events to the legal battles he fiercely fought on behalf of others.
Col. Joe Abodeely was more than a soldier; he was a warrior for justice, a champion for veterans, and a true friend. His legacy lives on in the lives he protected, the history he preserved, and the truths he helped reveal.
Help Us Honor Col. Joe Abodeely by Reopening the Arizona Military Museum
Before his passing, Col. Joe Abodeely made great efforts to meet the requirements set forth by the Arizona Army and Air National Guard’s Adjutant General (TAG) in hopes that the Arizona Military Museum—his life’s passion—could reopen and continue telling the story of our state’s proud military history.
Today, despite those efforts, the museum remains closed. As time passes, we risk losing priceless artifacts and the opportunity to preserve and share Arizona’s military legacy for future generations.
Governor Katie Hobbs has long supported Arizona’s veterans and their contributions. As the military TAG reports directly to the Governor, we are hopeful she will take a fresh look at this situation and help restore access to this historic institution. Doing so would honor Col. Abodeely’s vision and ensure that the sacrifices of Arizona’s service members are not forgotten.
If you believe, as we do, that Col. Abodeely’s legacy—and the stories of thousands of Arizona veterans—deserve a permanent home here in Phoenix at the Arizona Army National Guard property at Papago, we encourage you to write a respectful letter of support to Governor Hobbs at:
Office of the Governor
1700 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Together, we can help ensure the Arizona Military Museum opens its doors again—to educate, inspire, and honor those who served.
