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What is the American Legion Serving?

Your local American Legion Post serves numerous things- many of which are not well known, understood, or appreciated. Beyond the stereotypical cheap drinks, the Legion actively serves people, young and old, in communities across the country.

My personal experience at the Ernest A. Love American Legion Post 6 in Prescott, AZ, has opened my eyes and warmed my heart- showing me that The Legion is more than a bar, more than a building. 

Post 6 Commander, Sam McPherson, cooking eggs for Sunday breakfast

What are they serving at my post? Thousands of home-cooked meals of soup, sandwiches, tacos, eggs, potatoes, bacon, and pancakes per year. Grilled burgers to warm up the crowd for Queen of Hearts on Thursdays. Sunday breakfast is served with a healthy side of smiles and laughter.

Post, Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion Members keeping spirits high in the kitchen

The local American Legion post is a unique and warm place where veterans and their families can come to relax and share stories. It is a place to sing and dance-  a place that combats loneliness. A place that serves up cheer, good will and support.

What does it mean to serve? Well, there are over 12 definitions of the verb Serve.

Here are three main meanings:

  1. As in to attend to. To help a person to food or drink. To work for or wait on.
  2. As in to act. To be of use. Hold an office. Discharge or perform a duty. Respect and honor.
  3. As in to provide services that benefit or help others. To assist or answer the needs of.  The American Legion Service Officer is a prime example of this role.

I have witnessed Legion members and officers acting in all three of the above listed definitions of Serve.

Like my father (a WWII veteran), my mother (a post Auxiliary member), my husband (Post Photographer), my brother (a Son of the American Legion) and cousins (Vietnam veterans), it is my honor to serve.  It is all about Veterans Helping Veterans.

So what are we serving at the American Legion?

  • We are serving aid to the homeless, the lonely, the sick, and the injured.
  • We are serving connection and support to veterans through Buddy Checks.
  • We are serving as a home and welcoming “3rd place” that people can go to for  comfort and belonging.
  • We are serving smiles, hugs, and laughter.
  • We are serving camaraderie, meaning, and purpose.
  • We are serving history, honor, and remembrance.
  • We are serving traditions, respect for the flag, and Americanism.
  • We are an extended family who looks after each other. Supports and assists when the chips are down.
  • The Legion is light- not heavy (like in the 1969 song  “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”), lifting up our veteran brothers and sisters. Lifting the burden of loneliness, trauma and grief. Giving a warm and comforting hand when it’s needed most. 

This is what the American Legion is serving!

Post 6 Officer and ALR Member, Rusty Snyder, serving members at annual Picnic in Prescott, AZ

The American Legion had strong and active family units and chapters who extend and expand the service of the post members. The Sons of the American Legion (S.A.L), the Auxiliary, and the American Legion Riders (ALR) all play an important role in the service to the veterans, their families and the community.  They also make awesome bacon guacamole burgers and Denver omelettes!

The Legion is more than a bar. It is more than a building. 

The American Legion Post in the heart and soul of the local community serving veterans and their families.  

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When Love is Earnest

I knew that Prescott was a veteran-friendly town steeped in rodeo and Wild West history but what I didn’t know until we moved here 5 months ago was just how many strong and brave heroes hailed from this mile-high, Arizona city.

As a U.S. Army veteran, I value and appreciate military history and traditions. From my recitation of the Flanders Field poem in Toastmaster speeches to my affinity for the symbolic red poppy, my active participation in the American Legion and VFW has increased my knowledge and awareness of the sacrifices so that so many U.S. servicemen and women have made for their country and in support of our allies across the globe.

Photo by Steve Smull

I was delighted when I discovered that the American Legion post in Prescott, AZ was named after WWI pilot Ernest A. Love. The airport also bears this home-town hero’s name. What I didn’t realize until I attended a presentation by Air Force veteran and pilot, Dan Baier, at Yavapai College in November 2024, was just how powerful and Ernest’s story was. Mr. Baier was a master storyteller and brilliantly wove the letters, photos from the early 1900’s into an engaging historical and emotional experience that left few dry eyes in the auditorium.

Ernest A. Love is buried in Arlington National Cemetery due to the tenacious efforts of his mother, Etta, who did not wish to have her son laid to rest on enemy soil. What impacted me most about his story were the words engraved on this headstone which read:

“If I am to give my life for this cause, I am satisfied.

There is no way I’d rather go than serving my County.”

Wow, this hits hard and speaks to the loyalty and passion of this young American who graduated from Prescott High School in 1914 and enrolled in ROTC while at Stanford University. He was commissioned a 1LT and was sent to flight school and training in San Diego and then France.

Ernest was an exceptional aviator and flew 22 missions in two and a half months in France. His wood and canvas plane was a SPAD 13 and he was killed in action on September 15, 1918 and his last letter to his Mom, Etta in Prescott was dated September 12th. This letter was not signed.

So many heartfelt letters were exchanged during this time and they are archived and shared at the Sharlot Hall Museum as well as in the display case at the American Legion Post in Prescott, Arizona.

Display case at Legion Post 6 in Prescott, AZ. Photo by Steve Smull

Love of Country. Support of Veterans.

One hundred-five (105) years ago, the American Legion and the Ernest A. Love Arizona Post 2 (later to become Post 6), were founded. 

The four pillars of Veteran’s Affairs & Rehabilitation, Americanism, National Defense, and Youth & Children are still the guiding principles of the nation’s largest veteran organization. 

On a local level in Prescott, the post has been vibrant center of activity and support for veterans, families, scouts, and students. Since getting their physical post home on 202 S. Pleasant Street in 1930, the post has hosted countless dances, dinners, social and community events. 

American Legion was chartered by the U.S. Congress in September of 1919 and the Prescott Post was named after Ernest A. Love that year. 

By all accounts Ernest loved his country. He was friendly, helpful and optimistic about life in America. He was a Boy Scout, supportive son, and neighbor. 

I am proud that members of Legion Post 6 and its family of chapters (Auxiliary, Sons of the Legion, and Legion Riders) pay tribute and respect to those who gave up their lives to defend freedom and liberty.

I am proud the American Legion helps veterans, families, and students in their communities.

I am proud that a group of U.S. soldiers stationed in France after WWI came up with the idea to start this organization to increase the low morale of the war-weary troops.

I am motivated and inspired by Ernest A. Love’s story of duty and honor which are forever inscribed in white marble stone in Arlington: 

I am proud that I am a member, and now officer, of the American Legion post in Prescott that is named Ernest A. Love Post 6. 

“There is no way I’d rather go than serving my Country.”

Prescott’s hometown hero has a life-sized statue of him outside of the local airport which bears his name.  He also has a large memorial display of photos, letters, military service caps, and a burial flag in the main hall of American Legion Post 6 on South Pleasant Street and it was honor to share his story with you. 

Post 6 Members Lou Cappadona, Brenda Smull & John Boyer. Photo by Steve Smull

When love is earnest, it is all the more powerful with its sincere and intense conviction.

1LT Love showed us this in the fields of France in 1918 and his spirit and dedication to country lives on in the extended family of the American Legion.

Photo by Steve Smull

Display case in the hall of Legion Post 6 in Prescott, AZ. Photo by Brenda Smull

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American Legion Riders visit and donate to BASIS school in Prescott, AZ

A group of fifteen American Legion Riders (ALR) from the Ernest A. Love Legion Post 6 rode their bikes to the front of BASIS Charter school-Prescott on the brisk but sunny morning of Tuesday October 29, 2024. 

First grade students eagerly lined up in front of the school entrance and were greeted first by the roar of the motorcycle engines and then by the smiles of riders who are a dedicated, volunteer group of U.S. military veterans, members of the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion.

Photo by Steve Smull

The ALR’s mission was to present the school with requested school supplies and gift cards valued at $450. This was the first time the group has visited BASIS Prescott.

This event was a coordinated effort between ALR Director, Sandra Tavares and Dean of Upper School- BASIS Prescott, Robin Aitken, who is also a member of the ALR and President of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 40.

Sandra Tavares and ALR member present gifts at BASIS School. Photo by Steve Smull

Community outreach between veterans and their families with students and teachers is key to building stronger social connections and support in the local area. 

The American Legion has a proud tradition of supporting our nation’s youth. The organization was founded on the principle in 1919, when Children and Youth was declared one of the Legion’s four pillars.  In the years since, a number of youth-oriented programs have been developed including Temporary Financial Assistance, Family Support Network and child safety and well being programs. 

Prescott area Legion posts and family chapters provide ongoing support to students with sponsorships and activities such as: Boys State, Girls State, Oratorical contests, and flag events. 

For more information, check out these websites: 

https://www.legion.org/

https://www.legion.org/advocacy/youth-support/about-youth-support

Ernest A. Love Legion Post 6:

https://www.americanlegionazprescott.org

BASIS school teachers and staff with ALR members. Photo by Steve Smull

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Courage is Contagious

It’s time to tell a story. A story about two women leaders who are speaking a great deal this week about topics which are top of mind for many Americans. 

I had to the privilege and honor to see, hear, and meet one of these speakers in person at an event at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona. I was left inspired and motivated to spread the word of her important message and call to action. While only 24 years old, this elite athlete was one of the most impressive presenters I have seen in years. The clarity and focus of her message were strong and effective. Riley Gaines shared her story and experiences in the 2022 NCAA women’s swimming championship competition with poise and grace. She left me with a memorable mantra: Courage is Contagious.

As someone who has been focused on improving my communication skills for the last 30 years in Toastmasters, I tend to analyze and evaluate every public speaker I listen to. I notice and silently grade aspects of an orator’s delivery, speech structure and audience impact.

The second female leader I heard speak this week was 35 years older than Riley Gaines but left me feeling unsettled and confused. Her message was light and airy with words like opportunity, unity, dreams and aspirations but the delivery was distracting and unprofessional for someone of her experience. I suppose I have very high standards and expectations for the communication skills of an attorney and a politician who is running for the office of President of the United States. But alas, Kamala Harris left me scratching my head trying to understand what she meant with her lofty words and rehearsed phrases. She left me with no memorable mantra or call to action. 

The stark contrast between these two speakers was felt in my head, my heart and my gut. 

As Riley Gaines courageously fights for fairness in sports for women and girls by presenting at U.S. congressional hearings, on cable news shows and in countless public events around the country, Kamala Harris is talking with Oprah Winfrey in a staged and inauthentic manner. Riley is rallying to protect Title IX while Kamala is focused on hot button topics and ideas that a good portion of the country is opposed to. 

When evaluating a speaker’s presentation, I strive to separate style from substance but in this side-by-side comparison I would have say that the young champion swimmer won hands down on both delivery and content. 

During the Q&A at Riley’s event which was titled “An Evening of Sanity and Satire”, I asked a question about self-censorship and her reply was “Don’t be afraid to speak the truth- it’s the easiest way to thing to say”. I believed her and will continue to share my thoughts, ideas and experiences. 

As I reflect on the impact of words spoken by Kamala Harris and Riley Gaines this past week, I can’t help but think that simple truth and clarity about strongly held beliefs connects and resonates more deeply with an audience than generalized concepts of how things could and should be. 

The Courage to Communicate is the subtitle of my book, Strong Words and Simple Truths, and I wish our elected officials would have more strength and conviction to verbally express their true values and ideas. Authentic expression and storytelling are a powerful ways to reach and connect with others and this speaker comparison illustrates that point as clear as the starting bell.

Steve Smull, Riley Gaines and Brenda Smull in Prescott, AZ

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Will We Ever Learn?

Do human beings learn from their mistakes?

It doesn’t seem so.

I’m observing that many people on this earth are continually repeating negative patterns and unproductive behaviors.  There doesn’t seem to be much adaptation or changing of course when mistakes are made.   Learning from our mistakes and adjusting how we approach a situation is not a common occurrence today.  Perhaps it is because we humans tend to base our decisions more on feelings and emotions rather than logic and facts.   Can you ever really “learn” from a feeling?

I wrote the blog below ten years ago in May 2014 and I’m sad to say the sentiment is still valid today.  The title “Leadership Challenges in Non-Profit Organizations” is a continuous issue for another who volunteers or is elected to an Officer.  

My observations and recommendations on these phenomena also apply greatly to our local, state and federal leaders.  

Leadership Challenges in Volunteer Organizations.  

Published online on May 30, 2014.

Strong leaders are critical to the success of any organization- be it a non profit,  a corporation, a military unit,  a church or a bicycle club.   I believe that successful leaders can be developed and nurtured through mentoring, coaching and training but I have recently witnessed how unchecked power and bloated egos can corrupt leaders of volunteer groups.   Over the last 20 years, I’ve been a member and/or officer in numerous nonprofit and corporate organizations and have seen a negative trend in leadership ethics.

Since college I have had the honor and privilege of serving under many inspirational officers, managers and executives who truly embodied the values of respect, humility and service.   These altruistic and motivational men and women were my role models and taught me the importance of recognition, encouragement, honesty and integrity.   They taught me to stay focused on the team member’s needs above my own.

In the past few years, I have become concerned by the increase in the frequency and negative impact that “corrupted” leaders are having on their organizations (this is across the board in society-  from the local nonprofit and school board to the state and federal governments).   There are more power-influenced leaders today and fewer selfless ones. There is more Me and less We and that’s not the way it should be!  Another disappointing theme I’ve observed recently is a misplaced focus where the officers of organizations are more concerned about their own power, titles and agendas with little priority or attention given to the actual members.

I recently wrote a speech and created a presentation entitled “Leadership Challenges in Volunteer Organizations”  where I outlined issues, impediments and possible solutions to address membership growth and retention concerns in non profit groups like Toastmasters and the VFW.   I sadly will cite the destructive and non-collaborative behaviors of power trips, politics and petty personal attacks as key factors negatively impacting the morale and growth of many well meaning, non-profit groups.

Solutions to these issues are often difficult to implement in a broad sense since they need to come from within the individual leaders however,  a positive organizational culture coupled with strong team agreements can go a long way toward improving a group’s leadership challenges.   An unwavering commitment to the organization’s  core Mission, without compromise, is also a critical to ensuring that ethical leaders are rewarded, encouraged and attracted.

Here are the Mission Statements of two organizations I am a member of:

“Provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills.”

 “ To serve our veterans, the military and our communities.  To advocate on behalf of all veterans.”

Notice that nowhere in the statements above does it mention the role, power or importance of the leaders or officers of the group.  They are solely focused on the members of the organization.  Losing sight of this simple fact is what I believe is causing many of the leadership issues we see in our volunteer organizations today.

Perhaps this message and blog can reach others and be shared in order to make a positive impact in our communities and non-profit groups.  I hope so!

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The Ultimate Three-fer

On this first day of summer 2024, my yoga instructor Chris reminded us that energy is building due to three key events this June. One is the auspicious Summer Solstice on 6/20, two is International Yoga Day on 6/21, and three is the Full Moon (Strawberry moon) on 6/22. Wow, now I know why our 2 kitties have been going crazy in the house this past week!

Photo by David Besh on Pexels.com

The heat waves in the US are upon us and this increase in cosmic and thermal energy can add to the turbulence and the temperature in our lives. My advice is to be extra mindful of your hydration levels and strive to temper your responses to stress with pauses and deep breaths.

While in the middle of this three-fer event, I’d like to make 3 wishes for the world:

  1. Patience
  2. Tolerance
  3. Compassion

“Patience is not simply the ability to wait- it’s how we behave while we’re waiting”. – Joyce Meyer

“In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher.” – Dalai Lama

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” -Dalai Lama

Photo by Elina Fairytale on Pexels.com
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Of Courage and Judgement

In the eleven years of writing my thoughts and ideas on my Word Press site Strong Words and Simple Truths, I’ve observed that some posts receive more random views than others.  The blog below was written in October 2016 and is one that is consistently gets viewed by three or four people every month and I’ve always wondered why.

On this morning in June 2024, I pulled the Judgement card and reflected on the symbolism once again.  I haven’t seen this card in years and decided to read the widely read 2016 blog again.

It’s uncanny how similar patterns in the world and in my personal journey keep repeating themselves.

As I embark on a new chapter and journey in life, I am reminded to keep the faith and have the courage to do what is right.  

Photo by Lukas Hartmann on Pexels.com

The following excerpt about the Judgement tarot card is taken from https://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/meanings/judgement.shtml and applies to all people facing major changes in their lives.

“It’s a very hard card to read, in part because it deals with very hard and final decisions.  And it means facing something that most querents don’t want to face.  This is not about Death, something ending whether you want it to or not, this is about deciding to make a change, to stop doing something that isn’t working or do something that will work.  Which means that’s it really a card about courage, and about recognizing that you’re holding on something that needs to be let go.”

Here’s my post from October 9, 2016 titled The Fool on the Hill and the Judgement Card:

There is nothing like a good tarot card reading, a pending move to a new state and a bizarrely disgusting election news cycle to get me to look at things in an altered way.  An Agile Life encourages us to have frequent Retrospectives to review what is going well, what is blocking us and what we can do differently.

I view tarot cards as a mirror to the heart and soul and they often reflect thoughts and notions back to us in a new light.

“There is no way to leave the past behind,” The Angel observes. “Each step wears down the shoe just a bit, and so shapes the next step you take, and the next and the next. Your past is always under your feet. You cannot hide from it, run from it, or rid yourself of it. But you can call it up, and come to terms with it. Are you willing to do that?

The Angel hands the Fool a small trumpet. The Fool is hesitant, but he knows that the Angel is right. There are certain memories he has a hard time looking back on as they make him feel guilty, ashamed, angry. He knows that he’s never come to terms with what happened and he must if he wants to make that final transition.”

Here are some retrospective thoughts and questions based my drawing of the Judgement Card last night:

Are we able to resurrect the past, forgive it and let it go?

Do we need to start something we’ve been putting off or have the courage to finally end something that isn’t good for us?

Is it time to move on?

As I bask in the glorious autumn weather of Colorado and watch the leaves turn to orange, yellow and red, I remember that they will all fall to the ground soon, dead but nurturing to the soil below. I also have faith that the leaves will be reborn in the spring as the seasons continue to roll by.

I have hope that after the cold winter, there will be a better, brighter season but in the meantime…

It’s time forgive and move on to more important things.

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My Final Report to Legion Post 64

These words were published in the June 2024 Newsletter for American Legion Post 64 in Phoenix, Arizona.

This is my final report to you as your Commander.  One year ago, I was honored to be elected to lead the Ahwatukee Post and I am happy to say that we fulfilled our promise to directly help and assist local veterans and their families.

Adjutant Roddy Charlton and Chaplain Rebecca Schmidt presented me with the Commander’s Award

In mid 2023, the officers of Post 64 came together and crafted an Action Plan which focused on meeting the needs of our members.  The plan had 3 points:  1) Engage- Make Connections, 2) Expand- Build Bridges, and 3) Retain- Strengthen Social Fabric.  When I look back at the last 11 months and reflect on all the good work, activities, and events that our members participated in, the words Mission Accomplished come to mind.

Engage– We listened to what was important to our members and held three social mixers, two fundraiser dinner dances and numerous activities outside of our 10 regular member meetings at the ARC.  The number of veterans and guests who attended and actively participated also increased as the word got out about what value and benefit the American Legion can provide.  The outstanding personal outreach of the Buddy Check program by our Service Officer Craig Annis and a small team of volunteers also had an amazingly positive impact on engagement.

Expand– Our strong partnership with Auxiliary Unit 64 helped us expand and improve the quality of our service to those in need.   We built bridges to the community with active roles in the Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scout Troop 172, local Middle and High Schools, and other veteran service organizations which extended our service reach.  With these actions and an enhanced PR/multimedia marketing emphasis, we increased awareness and visibility of the Legion programs that help those in need.

Retain– Taking care of the needs of our existing members while strengthen the social fabric of our post and local community enabled us to have the high member retain rate in District 12.   The key ingredients in this area were members’ passion and service to others with meaningful causes.  Having fun added the extra spice that kept people coming back and renewing their membership and increasing their involvement and commitment to our post.

As I pass the baton to our incoming Commander, Tamma Notaro, I am confident that she will keep the momentum going with our goal of Veterans Helping Veterans.  Her strong leadership, communication and mentoring skills, in addition to a military intelligence background, will serve her well in coming year.

Lastly, the most important thing I need to say is Thank You to all the post members and auxiliary for supporting me this past year.  We couldn’t have accomplished anything without you.  I was blessed to have an amazing team of officers who all stepped up and exceeded my expectations.  Words of appreciation are not enough to express my gratitude to the leaders of Post 64.  I enthusiastically salute the 2023-2024 Post and Unit 64 officers:  Al Hunter, Pete Meier, Roddy Charlton, Craig Annis, Jay Hendrix, Rebecca Schmidt, Mark Shillinger, David Green, Darlene Hunter, Joan Uhler, Kristy Hendrix, Judy Steffen, and Bev Shillinger.  Great job everyone!

I also want to express my deep appreciation to our Post Photographer, Steve Smull, who has been creatively capturing so many memories and moments at Post 64 for the past 6 years. 

A few words from Steve,

“As Post Photographer for Post 64, I was honored to serve and support Brenda’s efforts as Commander. We share a mutual respect for the efforts of our nation’s veterans, not just in defense of our borders, but also in their support of their peers. 

Brenda and I will carry our efforts for veterans up the hill with us. I enjoy supporting veteran events with images which support veterans’ efforts. Thanks for allowing me to do it.”

Steve Smull with the GOAT Award from Post 64

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Red Poppies are Not Artificial

The red poppy is a real and hardy flower that thrives in Belgium, France, England, and along the streets of Georgetown, Texas. This vibrant wildflower is a strong and passionate symbol of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces across Europe, Canada, and the United States.

Poppies are authentic.

Poppies are powerful.

Poppies are the perfect reminder of the true meaning of Memorial Day in the United States.  A stark and true symbol of remembrance and hope.

I first learned about the poppy when I was 10 years old and competing in my local VFW Post’s Poppy Queen contest.  Having studied the history and background of the red and black flower, I have grown to appreciate its beauty and enduring symbolism.  While paper replicas of the Papaver roheas are hand-crafted and distributed outside thousands of grocery stores on Memorial Day weekend in the U.S., they are not artificial.  Rather, they represent the truest of all human experiences – that of noble sacrifice for one’s country.

It is an honor to don a red poppy in remembrance for those who have served in the military and paid the ultimate price.

The last stanza of the famous WWI poem, In Flanders Field, strikes me in my heart every time I read or recite it:

“Take up our quarrel with the foe

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch;  be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die.

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

 In Flanders Field.”

The reality of humankind’s warlike ways is painfully evident across the globe and the valiant fight of good against evil continues.   The simple red poppy remains a strong and radiant light of truth, power and sacrifice.  Nothing is more real than that.