By Thomas Smith, Post 44 Historian
The American Legion provides various activities aimed at improving the lives of veterans nationwide. Our veterans have made great sacrifices for us and our nation, and it’s important that we recognize their service by periodically giving “thanks.” What most people associated with AL Post 44 don’t realize is that our bi-laws were written to guarantee on-going veteran support. More specifically, the bi-Laws state that Post 44 will donate 25% of our net gaming income in support of veterans.
The Commander of Post 44 appoints a four-person committee of legionnaires who decide how we will distribute this revenue. Our 2024 committee consists of Billy Estes (Chair), Billy Martin, Dean Hamilton, and Doug Maust. We call this committee our Charitable Giving Committee (CGC).
This committee faces the usual challenges in selecting charities for Post 44 donations. One such challenge is simply the number of credible charities (such as the Wounded Warrior Project or the Fisher House Foundation) that provide financial assistance for medical bills, housing needs, employment opportunities, mental health care, and more. However, our post leadership added one additional challenge for the committee to consider… “let’s make an effort to stay local” or donate to veterans’ organizations in the Valley of the Sun (keep it close to home).
On October 4th (Friday) at our weekly Queen of Hearts event, the CGC handed out a $5,000 check to the Mana House. This Phoenix organization meets all our Post 44 charitable criteria.
During past distributions of Post 44 charitable donations, the exchange of funds was very unceremonious. We simply wrote them a check. However, this time the check was handed to the charity of choice in front of a packed membership event. Billy Estes, our committee chair, saw the community benefits of publicly demonstrating our on-going generosity. We plan to continue distributions in this format.
Rachel Masch (Community Engagement Coordinator Catholic Charities MANA House with Billy Estes (Post 44 Charitable Giving Chairman)
What is the MANA House? https://www.manahouseaz.org/about-us
Formerly known as Madison Street Veterans Association, the MANA (Marines, Army, Navy, Airforce) House is a peer-support organization of homeless and formerly homeless veterans. We help support veterans rebuilding their lives by providing support from our staff and partners.’
Vision… Alone, the challenge of homelessness is daunting. Together, no one is alone, and we can overcome any obstacle. Together we can bring an end to veteran homelessness.
Mission… MANA House is a peer-run organization of homeless and formerly homeless veterans offering personal, individualized basic resources, community and advocacy for all veterans.
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 a generous Post. Why? It’s the “Best Damn Post in the West!”