
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:
- 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.