Grounded No More, a local non-profit charity providing veterans with exciting rides aboard vintage military aircraft was the recipient of two sizeable donations from Post 44. On Saturday, Billy Estes, the Charity Committee Chairman along with longtime member Dean Hamilton, presented a check to Tony Anger, President of Grounded No More for $5000. Earlier, Christie Slegers, President of the Post 44 Auxiliary presented Anger with a check in the amount of $3000.
Post 44 Charities made another large donation Tuesday. Billy Estes and Dean Hamilton are shown here presenting a $5000 check to Rachel Masch-Perez of MANA House.
Our monthly Poppy making session. The 1st Thursday of the month at 11 A.M. in the Patriot Hall. Volunteers welcome. Contact: Chris Hatounian Poppy program chairman. 480-204-9243
On a lively March Saturday (March 29th), the American Legion Post 44 kicked off our weekly celebration of community featuring a fun, familiar band that brought the house down with a mix of classic Elvis hits, upbeat tunes, and lively rhythms.
The evening started with a surprise visit from the famous Army veteran of the 1950’s. This veteran has gone by several nicknames like “The Hillbilly Cat”, “The Memphis Flash”, “John Stamatakis” and most notably “The King of Rock and Roll.” Of course, that veteran is the famous Elvis Presley. The grateful Post 44 crew in attendance couldn’t seem to get enough.
After Elvis left the house, the venue transitioned into classic hits, more cutting the rug, and the unmistakable sound of good times rolling. For those lucky enough to have joined, it was an entire evening very few will soon forget.
Elvis has a way with the women!!
The Heart of the Community
The American Legion has long been a place where veterans and their families come together to celebrate their service, honor traditions, and foster a sense of camaraderie. This last Saturday evening, the walls echoed with laughter, friendly chatter, and of course, music that appealed to everyone in the room.
Several Saturdays every year, the Legion invites local bands to perform, providing an excellent opportunity for people to relax, unwind, and experience live music in a warm and welcoming environment. This week’s band was no exception, bringing a mix of Elvis tunes, classic rock, R&B, and some modern hits that had everyone on the dance floor.
Standing Room Only
A Band That Knows How to Keep the Party Going
From the moment the band hit the stage, it was clear that they were a group of musicians who knew how to work a crowd. The lead vocalist (John) set the tone with an amazing impression of Elvis that had everyone’s attention.
As the night progressed, the setlist grew more dynamic, pulling from a broad array of genres. There were moments when the crowd sang along to classic songs they knew and loved, and others moments that packed the dance floor with people showing off their best moves to energetic tunes. For those who just wanted to sit back and enjoy the show, the atmosphere was perfect—a perfect balance of upbeat energy and laid-back fun.
The band also took a moment to acknowledge the American Legion 7PM salute followed by a wonderful rendition of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless America” … giving a heartfelt thank you to all who have served. It was a reminder of the importance of supporting veteran organizations that provide a sense of community and honor the sacrifices made by so many.
Viva Lost Wages will be back at Post 44 on 24 May at 6PM.
The only band with a tin can guitarJohn leads the Electric Slide
More Than Just Music
While the live band provided the highlight of the evening, there was much more to enjoy. The American Legion’s kitchen and bar staff were on hand, offering delicious food and drinks to keep everyone refreshed. Whether it was a burger, a refreshing drink, or a tasty snack, the atmosphere was one of pure enjoyment. The bar was bustling with conversations, and the camaraderie was as contagious as the music itself.
Taking a well-deserved break
A Perfect Way to Spend a Saturday Evening
Whether you were a long-time member of the American Legion or someone just stopping by for the first time, the Saturday evening event was an experience that exemplified the best of local culture and entertainment. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best nights are the ones spent in the company of good friends, enjoying music, laughter, and the joy of being part of something bigger than yourself.
So, the next time you’re looking for something fun to do on a Saturday night, head to Post 44. With great music, a welcoming atmosphere, and a community that feels like family, it’s the perfect way to spend an evening out.
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!”
American Legion Post 44 is excited to invite all members and guests to our Weekly Bar Bingo event! Every Thursday and Sunday (and the first Saturday evening every month), Post 44 is bringing fun, community, and the chance to win some extra cash right to the heart of Old Town Scottsdale AZ. Whether you’re a seasoned bingo player or a first timer, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an evening out with friends, support your local veterans, and maybe even take home a few bucks!
ANOTHER RAGING BINGO SESSION!ALWAYS A WINNER!
Why You Should Join Us:
Win Cash: Each round offers a chance to win stone “cold cash”! As they say in Vegas… “the more you play, the more you can win!”
Support the American Legion: All proceeds help fund our programs and services for veterans and their families. It’s a fun way to give back while having a great time.
Casual and Fun: Whether you’re a competitive player or just looking for a casual, laid-back atmosphere, Bar Bingo is a great way to spend your afternoon or evening. Enjoy drinks, socialize with fellow members, and see who calls out “Bingo!” first.
Friendly Atmosphere: Our members are like family, and everyone is welcome. Newcomers, regulars, veterans, and friends—everyone enjoys a good time at Post 44!
JOURNEYMAN – SELLER & CALLER
When & Where:
Day: Every Thursday and Sunday. Also, the first Saturday of each month @ 6:30PM.
Time: 6:30 and 2PM respectively
Location: American Legion Post 44, 2nd Street and N Bishops Lane in Old Town Scottsdale
How to Play / Quick Rules:
Arrive Early: Find a great seat. Order a drink, visit the banker to obtain small bills, and grab your dabber.
BANKER… READY TO MAKE CHANGE
Play and Chat: The salesperson for the event will bring around bingo cards for purchase. There are nine games in total where six are $2 for three cards. Two games are $4 for three cards with the final game (AKA the finally) being $6 for three cards. Listen for the numbers, watch the bingo monitors, mark your cards, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow members.
Win and Celebrate: If you’re lucky enough to get a Bingo, let the caller know LOUD and IMMEDIATE! If the bingo caller is not notified of your bingo and calls out the next number, it’s no longer a good bingo. Wah-Wah! However, don’t sweat it, there’s almost always the next round!
No Experience Necessary
If you’ve never played bingo before, don’t worry! Our friendly team members will be there to guide you through the process. It’s easy to learn, and the atmosphere is all about having fun and supporting our great veteran community.
So, mark your calendars and come on down for a fantastic evening of Bar Bingo at American Legion Post 44. We look forward to seeing you there and making memories together!
Bring your friends, meet new ones, and let’s make it a night to remember. See you at Post 44 Bar Bingo!
WE’LL NEVER FORGET
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!”
Valentine’s Day is always a special occasion for lovers and friends to come together. This year, the holiday just happened to fall on a Friday which for AL Post 44 members means it’s “Queen of Hearts” night. It’s the perfect combination for fun! `
As usual, American Legion Post 44 hosted an unforgettable Valentine’s Evening, combining romantic touches, a mixture of karaoke entertainment, with a sense of community pride. Guests were treated to a delightful mix of activities, making the event a memorable one for all those who attended.
Our Talented Karaoke Singers
From the moment you walked through the doors, the ambiance and decorations were nothing short of charming. The Post 44 entertainment committee carefully curated a warm and inviting atmosphere. Red, white, and pink decorations lined Patriot Hall, giving the venue a festive yet intimate vibe.
Celebrating the holiday!
For those seeking a more intimate setting (aka Awesome Beginnings), there were plenty of tables set up in the bar area for couples to enjoy a romantic meal and peaceful evening together. For others, the communal vibe created by the shared space provided the perfect opportunity to dance, meet new people, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.
The evening wouldn’t have been complete without the entertainment. The Post brought in our incredibly talented and fun DJ (John “Dino” Stamatakis) who dressed like cupid, played classic love songs and added a wonderful mix of dance tunes. If the hilarity of the cupid costume wasn’t enough, his energetic music encouraged many guests to hit the dance floor, where they swirled and twirled to romantic ballads and upbeat tunes alike. For those who preferred to sit back and enjoy (like your historian), the lively tunes set the perfect backdrop for conversation and relaxation.
Witnessing the classic cupid costumers
As usual, Friday evening also presented our regular Queen of Hearts and 50/50 raffles, with the proceeds going to our various veteran programs. An overall winner was not declared!
Let the raffles begin!
For those who attended this event, it was an unforgettable evening—one that captured the essence of Valentine’s Day in a way that only the American Legion Post 44 can. Whether you came to try your luck with the raffle, dance the night away, enjoy a fantastic meal, or simply appreciate the company of loved ones, the night was a reminder that love, and community go hand in hand.
We are so fortunate to be members of Post 44! Why? It’s the “best damn Post in the west!”
The Parada del Sol historic parade has been a Scottsdale, AZ tradition since 1953. As in previous years, on Saturday February 1st the streets of Old Town Scottsdale welcomed over 30,000 spectators and nearly 150 parade entries who marched down Scottsdale Road and along our Second Street frontage. After the Parade, the streets of Old Town Scottsdale immediately transition into “The Trail’s End Festival.” It’s a huge block party for all ages featuring a variety of live concerts, food, and fun. As the Parada’s longest running participant, American Legion Post 44 did not disappoint participating in the day’s festivities!
Post 44 Color Guard: At the forefront of the parade is our Post 44 Color Guard made up of individuals who have served in most every branch of the military. Their presence serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for the freedoms enjoyed by all. Our Color Guard participants are equally rewarded with a standing ovation throughout the 2 ½ mile parade route.
Marching Bands and Performances: Local marching bands take to the streets, filling the air with the sound of patriotic music. These talented old and young musicians provided an uplifting backdrop to the event playing everything from “The Star-Spangled Banner” to “God Bless America.” Dance teams, drill teams, and other performers also joined in adding to this festive atmosphere.
Community Participation: The parade was a showcase for local pride, with participants ranging from youth groups to native American assemblies to civic organizations. Local businesses sponsored floats or provided decorations, creating a colorful procession that reflected the spirit of unity in the town. This parade is more than just a celebration; it’s a reaffirmation of our past and the strong bonds within our community.
After the Parade: The festivities continued with an after-party at American Legion Post 44 where veterans, families, and residents came together to relax, celebrate, and enjoy each other’s company. Post 44 transformed into a hub of celebration, complete with food, drinks, music, and entertainment.
Food and Drink: The after-party typically featured a variety of food options (to include early bird breakfast burritos and coffee) with a focus on classic American cuisine. This was led by our new Post 44 food service provider (@thesecretkitchen) who prepared delicious meals such as barbecue pork sandwiches, hot dogs, and hamburgers. The event offered something for everyone and most importantly accompanied by beverages that included well drinks, craft beers, soft drinks, and other refreshments.
Live Music and Entertainment: The Post 44 after-parade celebration also featured live music from two bands (Signature Blend and Band 44) who played a mix of classic rock, country, and patriotic tunes. It was the type of entertainment that brings people together to dance and/or simply allows individuals to relax, enjoy and reflect on the day’s meaning. As veterans share their stories and community members interact with those who have served, it was the perfect opportunity for everyone to acknowledge the sacrifices made in the name of freedom.
Until Next Year: The Parada Del Sol Parade and our subsequent after-celebration party are not just events… they’ve become valuable memories and overtime – the soul of Scottsdale! The parade brings together backgrounds, and experiences, creating a community that respects those who have served and sacrificed for this nation. Whether marching with the Color Guard, volunteering / participating in the Post 44 festivities, or simply standing in the crowd, the day served as a powerful reminder of the importance of service, the pride of the American spirit, and the value of Post 44 to our community. Most importantly for our Post 44 family, it was a day to reconnect with old friends.
We are so fortunate to be members of Post 44! Why? It’s the “best damn Post in the west!”
Scottsdale, AZ – Excitement filled the air at American Legion Post 44 as members prepared for a significant event: the visit of National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr. This visit, announced just days prior, sparked an enthusiastic response, with an “all hands-on deck” call rallying the community to showcase what is proudly referred to as “the best damn post in the West.”
On Saturday, January 4, 2025, the post came alive with activity. Members, auxiliary volunteers, and Legion Riders turned out in full force to welcome the National Commander. The day’s festivities included a delicious dinner prepared by United Catering and a special presentation by the Post 44 Riders, who proudly handed over an oversized check to support the National Commander’s charity of choice.
James A. LaCoursiere Jr., an Air Force veteran, was elected National Commander of The American Legion on August 29, 2024, during the organization’s 105th National Convention in New Orleans. During his visit to Post 44, he commended the members on their commitment to the Legion’s mission and challenged them to take it a step further.
“We need to go beyond the four walls of our post to become much more visible,” LaCoursiere urged, encouraging Legionnaires to strengthen their community presence and impact. The visit left a lasting impression on all who attended and reinforced Post 44’s dedication to service and excellence.
We are so fortunate to be members of Post 44, and I’m positive the AL National Commander would agree! Why? It’s the “best damn Post in the west!”
The 2025 New Year’s celebration hosted by AL Post 44 was nothing short of spectacular. With a lively atmosphere, a sold-out house, a dance floor that never seemed to stop, and a band soon to be inducted into the AZ music hall of fame… this year’s event was one for the history books. Held in our post’s beautifully decorated patriot hall, the party brought together members, friends, and all those familiar faces to “ring in” our new year with style.
It was a night to remember!
The evening was highlighted with a warm welcome and a legion toast from Bobby Dunches (our party organizer), who expressed gratitude to the attendees and highlighted the importance of coming together as a community. Guests were treated to a delicious buffet featuring a variety of dishes catered by our most favorite partner, United Catering. Live music also filled the air, with the highly acclaimed band “Cold Shot and the Hurricane Horns” setting the tone for the night. Their energetic performance and variety of music crossing several genres kept the dance floor buzzing with guests showing off all their moves.
It wasn’t quite midnight magic, but we got close!
As the countdown to 10pm began (we cut out a bit early), guests celebrated as we so often do.
Toasts were made, resolutions shared, and laughter echoed throughout the hall as attendees embraced the spirit of hope and renewal that comes with a fresh start.
We’re always looking ahead…
The success of the 2025 New Year’s Party has set a high bar for future events at American Legion Post 44. “We’re thrilled with the turnout and the positive feedback,” said Commander Smith. “It’s moments like these that remind us of the strength and unity of our community.”
Our appreciation is always in order…
Huge “public” thank you to several Post 44 Auxiliary members who did an amazing job decorating for this event. We also would like to thank United Catering for their super job with the buffet. In addition, our awesome volunteer servers who kept the beer and wine flowing all with smiles on their faces.
It’s the community that makes this place special, and we’re grateful to everyone who supports the mission of helping veterans find their place in a world after dedicated service. Thank you so very much for being part of this unforgettable celebration.
We are so fortunate to be members of Post 44! Why? It’s the “best damn Post in the west!”
In brief, here are the benefits associated with setting new year’s goals.
Most of us desire to pursue a balanced, purpose-driven life. If you’re in agreement, it’s essential to set goals that nurture not only your personal development but also your sense of community and service to others… particularly while in retirement! By taking the time to set these annual goals, you empower yourself to actively shape your life and hopefully achieve “meaningful” results. This process not only provides direction but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and personal growth. It is a valuable practice for anyone seeking to live a more fulfilling life. Why wouldn’t we all want that?
Why is this in a Post 44 article?
As most of us are fully aware, memberships in traditional military veterans’ organizations like the American Legion and VFW are in decline. This is primarily due to an aging population of veterans from wars like World War II, Korea and Vietnam. In addition, younger veterans are simply showing less interest in joining us. For our veterans, military members, and those patriotic civilians, one impactful way to offset this trend is by participating more at AL Post 44.
Getting more involved at various levels – either in leadership, social activities, committee participation, or just good conversation around the bar – can bring a sense of belonging, fulfillment, and camaraderie. It can also foster personal growth that few other activities offer.
Here’s why it might matter to you!
1. Community Service and Giving Back… Post 44 is dedicated to serving veterans, military families, youth, and the broader community. By becoming actively involved, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in initiatives like supporting homeless veterans, raising funds for scholarships, or organizing community events. Volunteering your time and skills not only impacts the lives of others but also fosters a deeper sense of purpose in your own life.
2. Personal and Professional Growth… Active participation in our post can help you develop new skills and leadership qualities. From organizing events and managing budgets to public speaking and strategic planning, these responsibilities will help keep your skills sharp. You’ll also have the chance to network with other veterans, business leaders, and community influencers.
3. Building Lifelong Connections… Many of us veterans may go through life event periods of isolation (i.e. death of a spouse). Participating at this post offers a place to build meaningful relationships with people who have shared, similar life experiences. These friendships often extend beyond the post, creating a social support network that strengthens mental health and well-being.
4. Preserving Patriotism and Legacy… Our Post’s mission revolves around honoring and preserving the legacy of service members and their contributions to our great nation. By actively participating, you’re helping us to sustain these traditions, educate future generations, and ensure the sacrifices of veterans are remembered and honored
How do I incorporate Post 44 participation into my goals?
1. Set Clear, Achievable Objectives… When adding Post 44 participation to your goals, be specific about what you want to achieve. Instead of stating, “Be more involved with the Legion,” aim for clear and measurable objectives like, “attend monthly general membership meetings,” “join for the color guard,” or “organize a fundraiser.” These goals can be broken down into actionable steps, making them more manageable and concrete.
2. Schedule Your Involvement… Time is one of the most significant barriers to participation. To overcome this, schedule your Post 44 activities just as you would work meetings, gym sessions, or family commitments. Whether it’s attending monthly meetings, helping with event planning, or joining a committee, organizing these tasks on your calendar will help to visualize your schedule and track your goal progress.
3. Leverage Your Unique Skills and Talents… Consider how your personal skills and professional expertise can benefit Post 44. If you’re good with art, offer to create event flyers. If you like numbers, volunteer to help with budget planning or fundraising. This approach allows you to make a significant impact while doing something you’re already good at and enjoy.
4. Track Your Progress and Reflect… End-of-year timing is crucial when tracking your progress. As the year draws to a close, review your contributions. Celebrate your or our successes, recognize areas for improvement, and set new goals for the next year. The end of the year is a natural reflection point. Reflection helps you see the personal growth and community impact you’ve achieved. This is guaranteed to help motivate you to stay engaged.
Here are some ideas for participation goals.
Attend at least six Post 44 monthly meetings
Serve as a post officer or committee chair
Volunteer at Post events like the upcoming Parada
Raise $1,000 for a one of our initiatives (i.e. poppies)
Mentor a younger veteran or military family member
Help recruit five new members to the post
Recall my earlier article encouraging members to donate military service items
My final thought.
Incorporating Post 44 participation into your annual personal goals allows you to give back, grow as an individual, and foster lasting relationships. It’s an investment in our community and yourself. As you look ahead, seriously consider the impact you can have through involvement —and the impact it could have on you personally. By doing so, you’ll create a more balanced, purposeful life that extends beyond your personal and professional ambitions.
