TEMPE, AZ – Today, more than 100 leaders from across the Grand Canyon State gathered in Tempe to explore what America’s global leadership means for Arizona’s families, businesses, and communities. The message was clear: what happens globally matters locally. 

At an energizing event hosted by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), a powerhouse lineup of voices, from Capitol Hill to community halls, made the case for why Arizona’s future is tied to America’s role in the world. 

Headlining the event, U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04) emphasized how U.S. engagement overseas delivers real results at home in Arizona—supporting jobs, fueling exports, and strengthening national security. He was joined by: 

• Amb. Jeff Flake, former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and former U.S. Senator from Arizona 

• Lt. General Jon T. Thomas, U.S. Air Force (Ret.) 

• Mayor Neil Giuliano, former Mayor of Tempe 

• Marina Sandoval, Executive Director, State Forty-Eight, Arizona Advisory Council Member 

• Kristin Allen, President & CEO, Global Ties Arizona, Arizona Advisory Council Member 

Together, they showcased Arizona as a global economic force—with over $28 billion in exports and more than 832,000 jobs tied to international trade. From microchips to aircraft parts, what Arizona makes is shaping the world. Veterans and business leaders agreed: U.S. global leadership isn’t charity—it’s a smart investment in Arizona’s future. Hear it directly from Arizona’s local and national leaders: 

• Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04) stated, “America’s interests are global. Arizona’s interests are also global, and our security and prosperity depend on the strength of our alliances…It’s not about charity, although people benefit from it. It’s about supporting the long-term interests of the United States of America.” 

• Ambassador Jeff Flake asserted, “[On PEPFAR] That program, aside from alleviating a lot of human suffering, saving millions of lives, bought us enormous goodwill, and still does across the entire continent [Africa]. We have security agreements, intelligence arrangements, and protocols on public health that we draw on because of that soft power, and if you get rid of that you really leave a big hole in terms of U.S. global leadership.” 

• Lt. General Jon T. Thomas, U.S. Air Force (Ret.) reflected, “If we don’t have to have another squadron of airplanes for $3 billion because we have a relationship with an ally or a partner…then it’s simple math…The overall wisdom of the principle is something that is going to be universal and lasting as long as we’re a nation.” 

• Luke Wenz, USGLC Deputy National Outreach Director for the West and Military noted, “From our bases to our boardrooms, Arizona shows how global leadership delivers locally. Strong U.S. engagement abroad means more jobs, safer communities, and a stronger future for the Grand Canyon State.”