By Thomas Smith, Commander 

American Legion Post 44 has proudly earned the distinction of being named the “Best of 2026” award winner as the top veteran services organization in Scottsdale, Arizona, according to Business Rate.  This recognition highlights the Post’s continued commitment to serving veterans, their families, and the broader community with excellence and consistency.

In a competitive field of organizations dedicated to veteran support, Post 44 secured the #1 ranking, outperforming the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), which placed a close second.  The rankings were determined using Business Rate’s comprehensive Benchmark Score system, where Post 44 achieved an impressive score of 234, edging out the VFW’s score of 225.

A key factor in this achievement was Post 44’s strong Endurance Score of 161, compared to the VFW’s 152.  This metric reflects sustained performance, reliability, and long-term impact… areas where Post 44 continues to excel.

Community engagement and member satisfaction also played a major role in the ranking. American Legion Post 44 received 236 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 stars, demonstrating both strong participation and consistently positive experiences. In comparison, the VFW recorded 65 reviews with the same 4.6-star average, indicating that while both organizations are highly regarded, Post 44 has reached a significantly broader base of community feedback.  Location, location, location…

This recognition underscores the dedication of Post 44’s leadership, volunteers, and members, whose efforts have strengthened its programs and expanded its outreach. From supporting veterans’ needs to fostering camaraderie and community involvement, American Legion Post 44 continues to set the standard.

As the organization looks ahead, this award serves not only as a milestone achievement but also as motivation to continue delivering exceptional service to those who have served our nation.

Thank you for your support — and for helping make Post 44 the “best damn Post in the West!”

Reference: https://businessrate.com/report/7167250?geocatSerial=1437981625&scoreType=br

The Post 44 Havin’ Fun Band will feature a very special guest this week. Lieutenant Colonel Richard Shelton, USAF (ret) will be sitting in with our band this evening from 7-9 PM.

Colonel Shelton is Music Director and Conductor of the Arizona Winds Concert Band in Glendale. He is the 2^nd director in the band’s 50-year career and has held that position for the past 23 years.

Colonel Shelton retired as the senior ranking officer in the United States Air Force Band Program in 1995 after 25 ½ years of service as an Air Force Band Commander and Conductor.

During his Air Force career, he commanded Air Force Bands throughout the United States and Southeast Asia and has entertained and performed for Presidents Reagan and George W. Bush, French President Francois Mitterand, Pope John Paul II, Imelda Marcos, former first lady of the Philippines, and numerous US Ambassadors overseas; national and international events including 1983 World Economic Summit in Williamsburg, Virginia, the US Bicentennial Celebration at Yorktown, US Embassy hosted tours throughout Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines and Portugal; and the US Bicentennial
Celebration at Yorktown, US Embassy hosted tours throughout Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines and Portugal; and the US Bicentennial Celebration at Yorktown.  Following his Air Force retirement, Colonel Shelton joined the staff of the prestigious Naples Philharmonic in Naples, FL, working with renowned Pops conductor Erich Kunzel.

Post 44 is honored to have Colonel Shelton entertain our members.

By Thomas Smith, Commander 

In response to member feedback, Post 44 recently made a small but meaningful change to the bar area’s table layout.  For years, the high-top near the back corner of the room – informally known as “Table 1” – developed a reputation among some members as a bit of a clique.  While those who sat there weren’t intentionally unwelcoming, they simply enjoyed each other’s longtime company.  That perception continued to exist.

To address this, 2nd Vice Commander Mike Moore took proactive action.  He removed the “Table 1” designation, replaced several high tables with lower ones to make the space feel more accessible, and asked the longtime Table 1 regulars to relocate to the alcove area.

The group embraced the change with good humor, even christening their new spot as “Table Zero,” as seen in the photo.  The adjustment was made to ensure all members feel comfortable, included, and welcome in the Post 44 social spaces.

Thank you for your support – and for helping make Post 44 the “best damn Post in the West!”

Juanita Lang Grant, Auxiliary member and wife of Navy veteran Richard Grant, produced an amazing 89th birthday party for Richard and a tribute to military anniversaries of 2025- the 80^th anniversary of the end of WWII, 50^th anniversary of the withdrawal of troops from Vietnam and Post 44’s 90^th birthday. Among the 100 invited guests were Post 44 Commander Tom Smith, Congressman David Schweikert and family, Brigadier General John Conley, Adjutant General of Arizona, State Legion Commander Gary Vaughn and Mrs. Vaughn, last year’s State Commander Manny Beltran and Mrs. Beltran, Sun City West Post 94 Commander Jack Coyle, Rick Kreiberg, Founder and CEO of Veterans Affinity, and numerous chapters of Vietnam Vets of America.

The first half of the party began with a hilarious performance by Bob Hope impersonator Bill Johnson, who was flown in from Las Vegas for the show.

Following “Bob Hope” were the Manhattan Dolls, a USO-style group singing hits from the 40’s.

Following intermission, a live bugler got everyone’s attention when he played Reveille. The 2^nd half of the evening was called Good Morning Vietnam, a tribute to Vietnam vets and starred a Tucson tribute band which included singer Mindy Rondstadt, niece of Linda Rondstadt. 

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Adjutant@azpost44.org

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!”