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

• Born before 1940: 20%
• 1940 – 1960: 60%
• 1960 – 1990: 16%
• After 1980: 4%

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:

• Aging Membership:
  The average member age is 67, with a significant portion of members over 80.
• Fewer Younger Members:
  Younger veterans are not joining at the same rate as previous generations.
• Impact on Posts:
  Many posts are struggling to remain active or are closing due to shrinking membership.
• Efforts to Recruit Younger Veterans:
  The American Legion is working hard to engage younger veterans by promoting key services such as assistance with medical claims, GI Bill benefits, and community programs.
• Legacy of the Organization:
  The American Legion has played a vital role in supporting veterans and our communities. Sustaining that legacy will require a proactive effort to grow and diversify our membership.

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:

• Recruit 10 new members
• Retain ~90% of our current membership

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:

1. Enlarging the entrance to the alcove, and
2. Installing a higher-quality swinging door to the patio.

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 2^nd 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 1^st 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:

• Membership Growth: Recruit 10 new members and retain approximately 90% of current membership.
• Community Engagement: Host at least four public-facing events (e.g., Memorial Day, Veterans Day, scholarship fundraiser) and partner with three local organizations or schools.
• Veteran Support: Provide direct support (housing, mental health, VA claims assistance) to 25 veterans and expand or launch a mentoring program for transitioning service members.
• Youth and Education: Sponsor two students for Boys/Girls State, award a minimum of $2,000 in scholarships, and assist the local Boy Scout troop with two charitable events.
• Post Operations & Leadership: Launch a weekly email update with communication goals, develop a leadership succession plan, recommend officer training, and complete post renovations within budget.
• Recognition & Morale: Introduce a quarterly Volunteer Spotlight program and organize two post-wide member appreciation events.

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

• Commander: Thomas Smith
• First Vice Commander: Tom Ghrist
• Second Vice Commander: Mike Moore
• Finance Officer: Thomas Hughes
• Chaplain: Billy Martin
• Historian: Randy Thomas
• Sergeant-at-Arms: Billy Estes
• Executive Committee Members: Linda Esposito, Gary Johnson, Richard Grant, Craig Sternitzke
• Trustees: Ron Ihsen, Gene Houk, Ed Bogonovich
• Adjutant: Herb Durbin
• Service Officer: Tom Ghrist
• Judge Advocate: Rodger Wells

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!”         

By Thomas Smith, Post 44 Historian

This Mother’s Day, American Legion Post 44 transformed into a haven of warmth, gratitude, and celebration as families gathered for a delightful brunch buffet honoring the women who mean the most in our lives. Post 44 opened our Patriot Room doors with welcoming smiles, delicious aromas, stunning decorations and a heartfelt tribute to mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures of all kinds.

From the moment guests arrived, they were met with roses and chocolate cookies.  It was immediately clear this was no ordinary Sunday morning. The spacious hall was adorned with colorful centerpieces and soft pastel décor, creating a cheerful, elegant atmosphere.

The buffet that was put together by our wonderful food service partner… “The Secret Kitchen” drew everyone’s attention.  Guests were treated to a spread that was as generous as it was delicious. Heaping platters of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, ham, hash browns, and buttery biscuits with gravy filled the air with mouthwatering scents.  For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert table offered wonderful pastries.  A fresh fruit display added a refreshing, upscale touch.

By the end of the brunch, it was clear that this event was more than just a meal—it was a memory in the making.  Our volunteer wait staff did a fantastic job.  Many guests decided to lingere long after their plates were cleared, enjoying mimosas and wonderful music from our live band. 

As attendees departed with full hearts and satisfied appetites, there was a shared sentiment: this Mother’s Day at American Legion Post 44 had been truly magnificent—a perfect blend of delicious food, meaningful connections, great music and well-deserved celebration. Here’s to honoring mothers, not just on this special day, but every day of the year.

Grounded No More, a local non-profit charity providing veterans
with exciting rides aboard vintage military aircraft was the
recipient of two sizeable donations from Post 44.
On Saturday, Billy Estes, the Charity Committee Chairman along
with longtime member Dean Hamilton, presented a check to Tony
Anger, President of Grounded No More for $5000. Earlier, Christie
Slegers, President of the Post 44 Auxiliary presented Anger with a
check in the amount of $3000.

Post 44 Charities made another large donation Tuesday.
Billy Estes and Dean Hamilton are shown here presenting a $5000 check to Rachel Masch-Perez of MANA House.