Tim Medina - Support Our Troops

 Phoenix

Tim Medina - Support Our Troops

1625 E Glendale Ave, Phoenix (Arizona Canal Trail)

Popular Phoenix muralist, Tim Medina, has brightened up a very large wall of the Armored Mini Storage building along the Arizona Canal Trail.  Medina has been working in the Valley since 1994, with multiple murals to his credit.  He also produces portrait, animal, pin-up and motorcycle art. 

The canal mural, Support Our Troops, has been around for many years, and it takes us back, even further, to the days of World War II soldiers and the famous pin-up girls.  These overly-glamorized representations of Betty Grable, Rita Hayworth, Jane Russell and the like, were hung next to soldier’s cots, stored in their footlockers, or carried in their backpacks, to be a source of inspiration as they faced the terrors of war.  Medina, who works in the pin-up genre, has used this old-fashioned style, along with a patriotism that also harkens back to prior decades, to emphasize the messages so boldly written on the mural: “Support Our Troops” and “God Bless America.”  Aside from the woman’s hairstyle, which looks like something from the 80s, her outfit and figure are straight out of the 40s.  The position of her body is also suggestive of a ship’s figurehead, providing guidance and protection for those on board, yet another way to send a supportive message to the troops.  

The color palette of red, white and blue is an obvious, and appropriate, choice.  Medina has also included the United States Marine Corps motto, Semper Fi, a shortened version of the Latin Semper Fidelis, which translates as “always faithful.”  This will surely resonate with anyone who recognizes the Marine motto, but the sentiment can be applied to any soldier who faithfully serves the United States.

The message of this mural is clear: A straightforward plea to back those who are fighting for our freedom.  This is an appreciated reminder for all of us.

To view Support Our Troops, it is best to park in the Sprouts parking lot at 1625 W Glendale Avenue.  You can get to the Arizona Canal Trail by walking east on Glendale Avenue and then turning south onto the trail.  You will see the mural on the west side of the path.  If you have children with you, the canal has no fencing, and there is a steep drop-off along the west side of the path, so be cautious.  However, the path is wide and there are plenty of good, and safe, locations from which to view the mural. 

Last verified 12/2020.