Thomas P Smith, American Legion Post 44 Commander

On a beautiful late day in May with temperatures near 80 degrees, more than 120 people gathered to commemorate Memorial Day 2026 with the event hosts… members of American Legion Post 44.  The ceremony took place in front of Scottsdale’s “Memorial for the Fallen,” a recently renovated memorial dedicated to the 67 Scottsdale residents (including Native American community members) who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/veterans/scottsdale-memorial-for-the-fallen

Post 44 Incoming Commander Thomas Ghrist served as the ceremony host alongside Outgoing Commander Thomas Smith.  During the ceremony, Smith read General Orders No. 11 issued in 1868 by John A. Logan (Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic).  The order established May 30 as a day to honor fallen service members by decorating their graves with flowers, a tradition that became the foundation of Memorial Day observances across the nation.

The Scottsdale Fire Department presented and retrieved the American and Arizona flags, while the Post 44 Honor Guard performed the ceremony’s three-round gun salute.  A bagpipe tribute accompanied the solemn playing of “Amazing Grace.”

Attendees were honored to hear a moving eulogy delivered by Justin McDaniel from Elks Lodge #2148, along with heart felt reflections from Congressman David Schweikert, Chief Master Sergeant Wesley Peel II of the 944th Fighter Wing, and Gold Star Family Member Norma Smith.  Norma Smith’s keynote remarks received a standing ovation from those in attendance.  The Chaplain from the VFW Post 3513 offered both the opening and closing prayers. 

Following the reading of Scottsdale’s fallen veterans, Post 44 Auxiliary members joined with the VFW and the Elks to place red, white, and blue wreaths at the base of the memorial.

“We have joined together for many years to honor our fallen veterans, and we appreciate your patriotism in joining us,” said Incoming Commander Thomas Ghrist.

“As we reflect upon the service and sacrifice of millions of Americans who served in our nation’s armed forces, we can stand with pride and respect.  For without their sacrifice, we might not have the opportunity to gather as we have today to honor them.  Though placing a flag or flower at a resting place may seem like a small gesture, it is a meaningful expression of gratitude and remembrance.  We remain forever grateful for their service and sacrifice, and we will never forget.”

On Tuesday morning (5/19/26), four members of The American Legion Post 44 made the 50-minute drive to Queen Creek to honor one of our most distinguished legionnaires (Melvin “Mel” Brody) on the remarkable occasion of his 70 years of continuous membership with the American Legion and Post 44.

Representing Post 44 were Commander Thomas P. Smith, Adjutant Herb Durbin, Sergeant-at-Arms Billy Estes, and Staff Judge Advocate Rodger Wells.  The visit was a special opportunity to personally present Mel with a certificate from National Headquarters recognizing seven decades of dedication, patriotism, and service to veterans, our community, and our nation.

At 94 years old, Mel remains an inspiring example of service and leadership.  During the Korean War, he witnessed history firsthand, including seeing General Douglas MacArthur in action as United Nations forces fought to save the Korean Peninsula from invasion.  Following his military service, Mel went on to build a successful 30-plus year professional career, ultimately serving as Director of Sales for the West Coast region.

Very few individuals can say they have devoted 70 years to an organization built upon service and sacrifice.  Mel’s commitment reflects the very best values and is perfect reflection of General MacArthur’s famous “Duty, Honor and Country” speech to West Point Cadets.

In addition to this incredible milestone, Post 44 is also proud to recognize Mel’s 2005 induction and membership of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.  This is an honor reflecting a lifetime of leadership, service, and dedication to veterans and the community.

On behalf of Post 44, our department leadership, and National Headquarters, we thank Mel Brody for his extraordinary legacy of service and congratulate him on this historic achievement.

Thomas P. Smith
Commander, The American Legion Post 44

Today, President Trump declared May as National Foster Care Month in honor of the 400,000 children currently living in foster care homes.

Post 44’s JoAnne Harner Moore, auxiliary member and wife of 2^nd Vice Commander Mike Moore, knows a great deal about providing foster care. Along with her late husband, Paul Harner, JoAnne fostered over an amazing 500 children in Idaho and Arizona over a 35-year period, adopting 8 of those children.

JoAnne said it began in the small town of Rathdrum, ID where the local chief of police asked JoAnne and her husband if they could occasionally provide short-term care to local kids whose parents were incarcerated. Her first children were 4 boys aged 3-13, abandoned by their mother.

After a time, however, laws changed and the chief could no longer randomly assign children to local caretakers; licensed foster parents were now required. JoAnne asked how to become a foster parent and immediately submitted the paperwork.

JoAnne explained that most of her children were young, troubled teens which posed unique disciplinary problems. But she and Paul established strict house rules and required each to help with chores around the house. For many, it was the first discipline they experienced. Amazingly, JoAnne said, most of the children quickly adapted to their new environment.

As we approach National Foster Care Month, we are grateful for adults such as JoAnne and Paul for their selfless dedication to children in need.

Post 44’s Patriot Hall was jam-packed for last night’s performance by Sweet Soul & Harmony. The dance floor was packed start to finish as the group recreated Motown classics by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, the Supremes, the Temptations and so many more. The talented singers even found a way to slip in some Billy Joel, Roy Orbison and Bob Seger.

Thanks also to our volunteer bartenders and servers. And of course, our 2^nd Vice Commander Mike Moore and his wife JoAnne were there to help clear tables and tend to anything else needed to make the event spectacular. To our outgoing Talent Coordinator Jana Vida- you hit gold with booking Sweet Soul & Harmony. Nice job!

By Thomas Smith,Commander 

We’re excited to introduce a new chapter in dining at Post 44… one built on experience, passion, and a shared love of great food and community.

Please join us in welcoming our new food service partners: Executive Chef Paty C., owner of Oak & Olive Chef Events LLC, and James Porch, owner of Porch & Grub LLC.

Chef Paty brings over 20 years of culinary experience, known for her creativity, attention to detail, and ability to elevate any dining experience.  Partnering with her is James Porch, a seasoned professional with more than 30 years in the kitchen, specializing in high-volume, real-deal operations that keep quality high and customers happy.

Together, they offer a wide range of services including:

• Catering for special events
• A mobile food trailer
• Meal plans
• Farmers market offerings
• Private cooking classes
• Charcuterie and dessert tables

Their story is just as impressive as their resume.  The two first worked together at the exclusive Silverleaf Club, where Chef Paty trained James.  From the start, there was mutual respect, a strong work ethic, and undeniable chemistry.

That bond deepened during their time living and working in Hawaii, where food is bold, fresh, and centered around bringing people together.  It’s there that their partnership truly took shape… and it is that same energy they’re now bringing to Post 44.

Their philosophy is simple: no fluff… just solid food and real people!

We’re also happy to share some familiar and welcome news: Miriam (our beloved kitchen team member) will remain with us and continue serving Post 44 as part of this new team.

We’re confident this partnership will bring exciting new flavors and experiences to our Post while honoring the sense of community we all value.

Please stop by, say hello, and help us give Chef Paty and James a warm Post 44 welcome!

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.