Thomas P Smith, Post 44 Chaplain
Sometimes, helping a veteran doesn’t require a committee meeting, a mountain of paperwork, or weeks of waiting. Sometimes, it simply requires veterans helping veterans.
That was the case recently when a Maricopa County inspector reached out to the American Legion Post 44 Adjutant Scott Lane seeking assistance for an Army veteran in Scottsdale. The veteran (who served as a Cobra helicopter mechanic in 1975) is now limited in his mobility. He also provides in-home care for his brother, who is blind. His property had fallen into disrepair, and the county was looking for someone who could help get the yard cleaned up.
Initially, the county inspector contacted the City of Scottsdale for assistance. While the City was willing to help, the process required the homeowner to complete extensive paperwork and then locate and hire a landscaper himself. Given the veteran’s age and circumstances, that process proved to be simply too burdensome.
That request forwarded by Post 44 Adjutant Scott Lane to the Chaplain Thomas P. Smith. We immediately began considering a solution.
Chaplain Smith contacted Executive Committee member Greg Sternitzke (a contractor by trade). Greg reached out to a landscaper his company regularly works with (Carlos – in below photo) and asked him to visit the property and see what could be done.
Carlos came through in a big way. After seeing the property, he offered to complete the cleanup for just $600… an extraordinary price compared with past estimates easily exceeding $1,000.
Chaplain Smith took this quote to Billy Estes (head of Post 44’s Charitable Giving Committee) who quickly ran it through his committee receiving their unanimous approval.
The work began Tuesday, September 2, and was completed in just two days. The transformation was remarkable. What had been a difficult situation for the veteran became a clean, safe, and welcoming home once again.
But the story is about more than landscaping. It is about veterans taking care of veterans.
After seeing the completed work, Maricopa County Inspector Sarah shared this heartfelt message with Post 44:
“Amazing! I love the American flag picture! It makes my heart soar! I will contact John later today, but I am sure it was good for him to feel the Legion love. I am encouraging him to continue fellowship with Post 44 so that he can be a part of a community where he feels belonging. I can’t thank you enough for what you do for our veterans.”
Those words capture what Post 44 is all about. Our mission doesn’t end when a veteran leaves military service. We remain committed to serving those who served… and to making sure our veterans know they are not alone.
Most importantly, it demonstrated the power of the American Legion family.
One veteran. One family. One community. One Post making a difference. This is what happens when veterans take care of veterans. And this is why Post 44 continues to earn its reputation as: “The Best Damn Post in the West!”