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.

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.