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 4^th (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!”         

By Thomas Smith, Post 44 Historian 

Scottsdale AZ — You just arrived at Post 44.  You’re exhausted but feeling welcome as always.  You feel excited about winding down with that expertly made cocktail or maybe chatting with a fellow veteran or possibly giving that new food item on the menu a try.  With all that on your mind, you quickly shuffle through the Post 44 foyer on your way to our wonderful bar area.  Please slow down!  Tap the brakes.  Take a few minutes to contemplate Post 44’s past.  All too often most of us simply blow by our “Memorial Wall” without fully reflecting on the veteran and/or family members who created and added to this wonderful tribute.  It’s truly a significant part of our Post’s remarkable history.  

  The concept of this monument started in 1993 when Post 44 moved to our current 2^nd Street location.  The Post 44 Commander at the time was Robert Smith (a name memorialized on the plaque immediately outside of our building).  It began with a newly constructed brick wall and a simple idea from a handful of visionaries.  This idea has grown into what we have before us today.  Their vision was… “Let’s make this something we can grow and expand every year by dedicating an obvious location where we can memorialize our brothers and sisters in arms who have contributed to our nation’s support.  Let’s make sure our legion family remembers them.”   

Who is eligible for a plaque?

Adding a plaque (aka tile) to the wall can come from anyone or any organization looking to donate $100 to Post 44.  Contrary to what many in our legion family believe, a donation or plaque dedication is not reserved for post members.  Dedicating a plaque is available to:

• Veterans or spouses who want to recognize their loved ones  
• Organizations that want to recognize outstanding community service and/or support
• Sons, Riders, Auxiliary members or Post Veterans
• Individuals who want to celebrate a veteran’s service or contributions during a US conflict
• Or maybe a simple “Thank You” to a post member or veteran  

In 1993, they decided a donation for a tile would cost $100.  Today, dedicating a tile will still cost you $100!  If you consider the time value of money (aka inflation), a tile donated in 1993 would be worth $216 today.  What an amazing value!

While there appears to be plenty of space on the wall for additional plaques, here’s my math on the space that’s still available.  I estimate that there are currently ~638 tiles already on the wall (29 bricks x 22 bricks).  That leaves ~464 spots still available as of this article’s publishing date (29 x 16).  Of course, the “sweet” spot is at eye level or close to it.  Of course, eye level real estate is going at a quicker rate than the other areas.       

How Can I add a plaque to the wall? 

The process to customize your own plaque to celebrate one’s contribution is easy.  We have a form titled “Brick Wall Plaque Information (see below).”  Simply complete the contact information, add your 10 words or less that will show on the plaque, make your $100 check payable to American Legion Post 44, and submit this form with that check to the Post Adjutant.  The adjutant will then provide an estimated time of plaque delivery.        

What could “my” plaque look like?

“This memorial (the wall founder’s concluded) stands as a silent sentinel to remind all who gaze upon it the meaning of family, dedication and service above self to the noble cause of democracy, freedom, love and liberty.  Let us never forget”

One of these days as you’re sweltering from Scottsdale’s unbearable heat and proceeding through our Post 44 foyer, glance to your right.  Maybe pick a spot on the wall to focus your attention.  Give that group of plaques a read and consider the person being celebrated and/or the organization or individuals who donated to our legion.  Let them know in your heart that we remembered to notice.  We are so fortunate!  “Best damn Post in the west!”

By Thomas Smith, Post 44 Historian 

A special shout out and thanks to Post 44 members and our awesome auxiliary for their generous 2024 “back to school” donations.  It’s in support of the city of Scottsdale’s annual Vista del Camino Center Back to School Program.  This is in partnership with Scottsdale Community Partners who provide essential school supplies, backpacks, clothing, and shoes to income-eligible, Scottsdale-based students, kindergarten through 12th grade.  Over 950 students were helped!  

Photo is Christie Slegers (Auxiliary member) with 2024 donated supplies.  

By Thomas Smith, Post 44 Historian 

Quite a bit of fun stuff is the correct answer!  Post 44 hosts an entertaining event called the “Queen of Hearts.” However, before I briefly explain this event, members and guests may also enjoy food from a chef selected menu, the cheapest drinks in town and karaoke delivered by some incredibly talented singers.  If you’d like to take a crack at singing your favorite song across any genre, just let the host know and wait your turn. 

While all this fun is taking place starting at 5pm, know that all along the “Queen of Hearts” is hiding on the back wall of AL Post 44.  If you’re lucky enough to have your ticket drawn, you’ll be given the chance to find her amongst the remaining (unselected) 54 card deck.  If you do happen to pull the Queen of Hearts, you’ll win the overall cumulative jackpot.  Pulling a different card comes with its rewards too.  As of this article’s publishing, the jackpot currently exceeds $7,000.  If you’re one of those who like to know everything about the game, you can find the rules next to the Queen of Hearts board.

Tickets are sold during the Friday event starting at 5pm right up until the drawing at 7:30pm.  A game board of 54 cards in on display with their backs turned to the room. The Queen of Hearts is the jackpot card!  Our “lively” event hosts are shown in this photo and go by the names “Wrong Way” and “Pamela.”  Make sure to catch the cute one that always seems to smile a little bit more.   

Feeling extra lucky?  During all the singing and the buildup to the “Queen” selection, these two hard charging veterans (Billy & Dean) will be cruising the floor selling $1 50/50 raffle tickets.  Drawing the 50/50 ticket will take place after the Queen event.  If you purchase a minimum of $10 worth of tickets, you will learn the meaning of the “Billy Stretch!”  For those who feel extra lucky, enjoy playing slots in our semi-private gaming room now with 6 machines.

Ever wonder why the legion is so fond of the Queen of Hearts card?

It’s incredibly difficult to trace how the “Queen of Hearts” found its way into so many American Legions, however, the Queen herself subscribes to several legends as to why we are so enamored with her as an individual.    

The story goes that Elizabeth of York was so fond of card games that – after her early death on her 37^th birthday, after childbirth – the grief-stricken Henry VII ordered that her image become that of the Queen of Hearts, so that in this way she could continue in the pastime she had loved forevermore.

The Queen of Hearts is also a fictional character and the main antagonist in the 1865 book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.  She is a childish, foul-tempered monarch whom Carroll himself describes as “a blind fury”, and who is quick to give death sentences at even the slightest of offenses.  As you might recall, one of her most famous lines that is repeated… “Off with his/her head!” / “Off with their heads!” 

There won’t be head chopping at Post 44 any time soon, but I still look forward to seeing members and guests at the awesome event!!!

By Thomas Smith, Post 44 Historian 

The American Legion Post 44 celebrated the 2024 Fourth of July with a “best in memory” record turn-out. 

John Stamatakis provided the karaoke entertainment with our remarkable volunteer bartenders (Michele, Bree, Patrick, & Vinni) making sure the drink and food orders continued to flow.  For a small donation, they also offered a festively prepared Jello shot that looked and tasted like a wonderful dessert.  Buyer beware!      

United Catering (our Post 44 food service provider) also offered a special menu for the occasion that was second to none.  Where else can you get a Maine lobster roll on the 4^th?       

As only Scottsdale residents will do, members and guests braved the 110-degree Arizona heat to sing their favorite songs and enjoy listening to others do the same.  The genre for the evening included country, rock, pop and alternative.    

American Legion Post 44 is known for our awesome location (old town), comradery, community service, and the financial support we provide to greater Phoenix area veterans.  

American legion Post 44 is the… “Best Damn Post in the West!”  “It’s not a joke!”  Interested in becoming a member… stop by the Post 44 legion office to inquire.

By Thomas Smith, Post 44 Historian 

There are many reasons to honor our fathers, including their critical role in society, their influence on children, and their desire to pass on positive traits to future (military) generations.   

American Legion Post 44 (“Best Damn Post in the West”) celebrated Father’s Day (June 16) with a brunch buffet and live entertainment for members and guests.  The buffet was hosted by our food service partner – United Catering.  Never failing to impress, the food and drinks were expertly prepared and enjoyed by all.  The music was also a perfect addition to this wonderful Sunday celebration.       

By Thomas Smith, Post 44 Historian

Braving the summer heat, American Legion Post 44 (“Best Damn Post in the West”) hosted a community event on Flag Day (June 14) to honor members who have passed. 

Flag Day is celebrated in the United States every year on June 14 to commemorate the day the first flag resolution was passed. On Flag Day, several American Legion posts retire flags that are no longer serviceable.  Burning an old warn out flag is one method of flag retirement, which is what the American Legion Post 44 did last Friday.

“We must always honor and respect the United States flag.  It’s not just for all the good things that has happened with our nation that our flag represents,” said Ron Smith, Post 44 Commander. “It’s also those things that we might not be so proud of.  It’s still our flag. It’s our history.  Honorably retiring a flag is showing respect to those that came before us.”

Smith also added that any civilian who may have an old warn out flag and don’t know how to get rid of it, feel free to drop it off at Post 44 to be disposed of properly and honorably.

The Post 44 Color Guard provided much of the pageantry leading those in attendance through the flag retirement ceremony.     

Thomas P Smith, American Legion Post 44 Historian

June 6, 2024  

Over 80 people braved the Scottsdale heat to celebrate Memorial Day 2024 with members of the American Legion Post 44.  The celebration took place at Scottsdale’s “Memorial for the Fallen.”  The memorial is dedicated to the sixty-six Scottsdale residents (to include the native American community) who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/veterans/scottsdale-memorial-for-the-fallen

Post 44 Outgoing Commander (Randy Amos) was the ceremony’s host with our Incoming Commander (Ron Smith) reading the general orders issued in 1868 by John Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic.  A group of Union Army veterans, designating May 30 of that year a day for “strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land.”

Participants were fortunate to have remarks and reflections shared by Congressman David Schweikert and Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega.  

The Legion Color Guard posted the American and Arizona flags and performed a Gun Salute.  In addition, we had a bagpipe player lead us through a solemn Amazing Grace. 

During the ceremony, the Legion Auxiliary President (Kandy Wagenbach) also placed a wreath and red, white and blue flowers at the base of the memorial.

“We have joined together here for many years, as you know, to honor our fallen veterans and we appreciate your patriotism in joining us,” said American Legion Post 44 Commander Randy Amos.

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.  It is such a small gesture to place a flag or a flower on the resting place of these fallen heroes, but it is a major statement of our appreciation and dedication that not only will we not forget, but we will retain the lessons learned during these wars. They were only with us for a short time. We remain forever grateful. May God’s light shine upon you. We will never forget.

At the close of the ceremony, Commander Randy Amos invited participates (members or not) to join us at American Legion Post 44 for food, drinks and live music.  

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