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!”