Best Damn Post in the West
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American Legion Auxiliary Unit 44 Scottsdale, doing what we do best for our Veterans
A great Veterans Day ceremony.
Thank you for your generous donations.
Donations go towards our Veterans charities.
Christina Parra Hatounian, Poppy Program Chairman
Ellen Felton Unit V.P., Krista Beale, Chaplain, Kim Jones, member
Moryah Benevides, Unit 44 Poppy Princess
On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, American Legion Post 44 in Scottsdale proudly celebrated the United States Air Force Birthday in conjunction with our always-popular Big Band Wednesday. The evening was filled with music, camaraderie, and a powerful reminder of the service and sacrifice of our nation’s Airmen – past and present.
At 7:00 p.m., Post 44 Commander Thomas Smith opened the ceremony with the traditional national American Legion toast. From there, the celebration turned to honor one of the evening’s most distinguished guests: Burton “Gordon” Pheatt. At 100 years old, Burton is a World War II veteran of the United States Army Air Corps, the proud predecessor to today’s Air Force.
Escorted to the front of the packed Patriot Hall by Post Sergeant-at-Arms Billy Estes, a retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Burton received a heartfelt standing ovation. In his honor, the hall erupted in the singing of the United States Air Force Anthem, accompanied by the swinging sounds of Post 44’s beloved big band.
The highlight of the ceremony came when Billy and Burton joined forces to cut the official Air Force Birthday cake with a ceremonial Air Force sword – a tradition steeped in honor and history.
Commander Smith then delivered his closing words with trademark flair:
“The cake’s been cut, the song’s been sung… now the dance floor is cleared for takeoff! Post 44 – prepare for lift-off!”
As the cake was whisked away for cutting and distribution, the dance floor immediately came alive, with couples filling the room and “cutting the proverbial rug” to the big band’s lively tunes.
It was a night to remember – one that showcased the spirit, tradition, and fellowship that make our Post what it is. After all, as we like to say:
“Post 44 is the best damn Post in the West!”
By Thomas Smith, Commander
The Post 44 Executive Committee recently made the decision to conclude our food service contract with The Secret Kitchen. We sincerely thank Suzanne and her crew for their dedication and service to our members over the past year. Their final day with us will be Saturday, September 27, 2025.
We are pleased to announce that beginning Sunday, September 28, 2025, Chef Eric Osburn will take over as our new kitchen chef. Eric has graciously agreed to start more than a month earlier than planned to ensure uninterrupted food service at the Post. While we are confident that Eric and his team will do a fantastic job, we ask for your patience as they transition into our Legion environment.
Meet Chef Eric Osburn
Eric is the creative force behind Phoenix’s thriving food truck scene and a seasoned culinary artist with fine-dining roots. A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York with a pastry degree, Eric has built a career defined by creativity, boldness, and reinvention.
In 2010, his passion for European-inspired cuisine led to the opening of Centurion at Roosevelt Square – a sophisticated dining spot that made its mark before closing in 2015. Since then, Eric has continued to push culinary boundaries, blending respect for tradition with fearless innovation. More than just meals, Eric creates experiences.
Please join us in thanking The Secret Kitchen for their service and in giving a warm welcome to Chef Eric Osburn and his team. Exciting times are ahead at Post 44!
By Thomas Smith, Commander
At American Legion Post 44’s weekly Big Band Wednesday, the music and dancing paused for a moment of honor. Commander Thomas Smith stepped forward and introduced Russell Eaton – a World War II veteran who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.
Eaton, who served bravely in the Pacific theater, was presented with a complimentary membership to Post 44 in recognition of both his service and his remarkable milestone.
As Smith handed him the certificate, the crowd rose to their feet with applause. “Russell represents the very best of the Greatest Generation,” Smith said. “It’s an honor to welcome him into our Post 44 family.”
With big band classics soon filling the hall again, Eaton’s smile lit up the room as he received congratulations from fellow veterans and community members. True to form, he then stepped out onto the dance floor, “cutting the rug” as he does every Wednesday at Post 44.
The evening was more than a membership ceremony – it was a heartfelt reminder of the enduring legacy of service, sacrifice, and fellowship that Post 44 proudly upholds.
American Legion Post 44 is located on the southeast corner of 2nd Street and N Bishops Lane in Old Town Scottsdale and host Big Band Wednesdays. We are all so fortunate to be members of such a generous Post. Why? It’s the “Best Damn Post in the West!”
I’d like to share some membership aging metrics that I believe are both revealing and important. While many of us already sense that our membership is aging, the gradual pace of change can obscure just how significant the shift has been. These numbers became more apparent as we began reviewing member birthdays to help personalize communications going forward.
Post 44 Birthday Distribution
A chart worth 1,000 words…
This trend isn’t unique to Post 44. Aging membership is a challenge faced across all American Legion posts. The average age of a Legion member is now 67, with over 400,000 members aged 80 or older, according to national data. Despite a rich history and strong member benefits, younger veterans simply aren’t joining in the numbers we need to sustain our future.
Here’s a broader look at the national landscape:
Our Membership Goals for 2025–2026
Like every Legion post, we must continue seeking new members to keep our mission going strong. Your executive board has set the following goals:
We’re already off to a great start — three new members have joined in just the first few months! And here’s the truth: most veterans don’t join by accident. They join because someone they know — someone like you — talked up the value of our membership.
I joined the Legion because my father loved CA Post 271 in San Juan Capistrano. He introduced me to an incredible network of veterans, and I was hooked by the camaraderie, the service, and, yes, the storytelling.
Let’s continue sharing what makes Post 44 special, so others can experience it too.
Thank you for your support — and for helping make Post 44 the “best damn Post in the West!”
We’d like to provide a quick update on the Post 44 alcove renovation project—particularly for those wondering, “Why the delay?”
As many of you may already know, the project came to a halt after we discovered that our previous contractor was unlicensed and unable to obtain a permit from the City of Scottsdale. The city received multiple inquiries about the construction, which they were not aware of, prompting us to pause the project.
A few E-Board members and I recently met with the City of Scottsdale’s inspection supervisor, who expressed a willingness to work with us to resolve the situation. He recommended we hire an architect to produce a full rendering of the project for submission through the city’s official review and approval process.
With full support from the E-Board, we hired the architect recommended by the city. The rendering is currently in progress. During recent discussions, the architect we hired discovered there is no official record (at the city) of the ~2006 alcove buildout at Post 44. Because of this, the previously undocumented construction must now be included in the new rendering and be reviewed as part of the current approval process. (Note: The city transitioned its records to microfiche around that time, so the original blueprints and permit may still exist.)
The rendering is expected to take up to seven weeks.
Dean Olson—who successfully managed our recent roof replacement—has graciously volunteered to take over as project lead. Dean brings extensive experience managing large construction projects for Tesoro Oil, and I’m confident in his ability to guide this project to completion. Going forward, Dean will serve as the sole point of contact for external communication.
To simplify the process, we’ve also decided to reduce the overall scope of the renovation. The two remaining elements are:
All other patio enhancements have been deferred and will be addressed on a separate timeline.
Thank you for your patience and continued support.
Tom Smith is the new Commander of Post 44 for the 2025-2026 year. It’s the 2nd time Tom has served as Commander.
The career Army veteran who served 23 years in the Army Finance Corps has also served our post as 1st Vice Commander, Finance Officer, Historian and as a member of the Color Guard.
Tom has been a Legionnaire for over 15 years, and is a past Commander of Post 271 in San Juan Capistrano, CA.
Upon taking office, Tom announced a number of initiatives he believes will engage more current members and increase new membership.
These initiatives include:
Commander Smith said, “Strong leadership, clear communication, and a deep respect for military service are crucial. Operational skills — such as budgeting, planning, and accountability — are equally important to keep the Post running smoothly. Having served in Army Finance and Civilian Banking, I bring a data driven approach to management and resource allocation.”
Asked if he has any tips or strategies for interacting with other Post 44 team members, staff, or the community, the new Commander said, “Yes — listen first, lead second. I’ve found that showing respect for others’ ideas and service experience creates a foundation of trust. I also prioritize follow-through: if someone brings a concern or suggestion, I make sure they see it addressed. Transparency and consistent communication go a long way in building unity.”
Post 44 welcomes new Commander Tom Smith and looks forward to an active year under his guidance.
By Thomas Smith, Post 44 Commander
Braving the summer heat, American Legion Post 44 — proudly known as the “Best Damn Post in the West” — hosted a heartfelt community gathering on Flag Day, June 14, to honor members who have passed.
Flag Day, observed annually on June 14, commemorates the adoption of the first U.S. flag resolution. Across the country, American Legion posts mark the day by retiring worn and unserviceable American flags. At Post 44, this tradition was upheld with dignity and reverence through a solemn flag retirement ceremony.
“We must always honor and respect the United States flag,” said Thomas Smith, Commander of Post 44. “It’s not just about celebrating the good our nation has achieved but also acknowledging the difficult parts of our history. It’s still our flag — it’s our history. Retiring it with honor is a tribute to those who came before us.”
Commander Smith also invited community members to bring any old, worn-out flags to Post 44 for proper and honorable disposal, ensuring this tradition continues with respect.
A special thank-you goes out to our Trustees, who delivered one of the best “flag fires” in Post 44’s history — outstanding work, gentlemen!
The Post 44 Color Guard led the pageantry, guiding attendees through the moving ceremony and offering a powerful tribute to the flag and the legacy it symbolizes.
Workers this week installed large outside windows in the new Windows Lounge, the former pool and card room, and new high-top tables and 24 stools were put in place Friday. During mild weather, the windows open to the street.
The new space will accommodate 40 or more members and guests, which is vital during our busy winter visitor season and for special events in the bar and lounge.
Trustees Eddie Bogonovich, Ron Ihsen and Gene Houk were joined by other volunteers Friday to assemble stools and arrange the new tables.
The next phase is to install a new door connecting the Windows Lounge to the outdoor patio which is also being updated. A second patio will extend from the existing patio west to the parking lot.
Inside the lounge, more seating will be added via high-top tables and stools where the booths were located on the north wall. The mirrors will be replaced with a large window identical to those in the Window Lounge, providing additional light and visibility between the lounge and the remodeled outdoor patio.
Thomas P Smith, Post 44 Historian
Scottsdale, Arizona — On April 24, 2025, Post 44 held elections to select officers for the 2025–2026 term. A total of 63 members in good standing participated in the voting process, conducted in full compliance with the organization’s bylaws to ensure fairness and transparency. The newly elected officers were officially installed during a general meeting ceremony on May 22, 2025, where they took the oath of office and now begin their respective duties.
2025 / 2026 Leadership Team
About American Legion Post 44
American Legion Post 44 in Scottsdale, Arizona, was founded on May 13, 1935. Established by a group of World War I veterans in the small, rural community of Scottsdale. It was the first corporate organization in the area at that time.
In 1949, the post was renamed Sipe-Peterson Post 44 to honor Travis Sipe and Clayton Peterson, two local men who lost their lives during World War II. The name change reflected the community’s commitment to remembering and honoring its fallen heroes.
Today, Post 44 remains an active and vital part of the Scottsdale community, serving veterans and their families, and hosting a variety of events and activities. It continues to uphold its mission of service, camaraderie, and community involvement. Post 44 is Scottsdale’s oldest continuously active civic organization and serves approximately 1,000 members, including Legionnaires, Auxiliary, and Sons of the Legion. For more information about Post 44’s activities and leadership, visit their official website at azpost44.org.
American Legion Post 44 is located on the southeast corner of 2nd Street and N Bishops Lane in Old Town Scottsdale. We are all so fortunate to be members of such an awesome Post. Why? It’s the “Best Damn Post in the West!”