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What Really Matters?

How can we make a positive difference in other people’s lives? 

Thirteen members of the American Legion Riders (ALR) of Ernest A. Love Post 6 recently showed us what matters with their actions and deeds.  They embarked on A Ride That Matters.

Raising over $14,000 and riding their motorcycles and trikes over 2,500 miles in the western United States- the ALR team made a huge impact on hundreds of people’s live. Veterans and their families, children and burn victims were assisted in this effort. 

The ALR members of Post 6 embarked on their eight-day journey on May 31, 2025 and rode from Arizona to Nevada, California, Oregon, Idaho, and Utah. they stopped at multiple locations and met with the four non-profit organizations listed below to distribute the donations they collected. 

Members of Post 6 American Legion Riders as they depart Chino Valley, AZ on 5/31/25

Each of these organizations received $3,000 donations from the American Legion Riders:

  • Camp Courage:  Arizona Burn Foundation.
    • Arizona Burn Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for burn survivors and their families in Arizona, while promoting burn prevention advocacy and education. The camp is a week in Prescott, AZ for burn survivors age 6-19 to build courage as they connect with other survivors through horseback riding, swimming, arts and crafts, high ropes, rappelling.
    • https://azburn.org/camps
  • Central Oregon Veterans Ranch
    • Over the past nine years, the Central Oregon Veterans Ranch has touched the lives of veterans and their families through therapeutic, vocational, and agri-therapy programs on our 19-acre working ranch.
    • Supporting at-risk veterans with weekly movement and mindfulness sessions including yoga, tai chi, and gentle aerobics. 
    • https://www.covranch.org/
  • Project Healing Waters
    • A leading nonprofit in therapeutic outdoor recreation, using the sport of fly fishing as an intervention. They help active military service personnel and Veterans in need through a dedicated, developed curriculum of fly fishing.
    • https://projecthealingwaters.org/about-us/
  • Yavapai Big Brothers and Sisters
    • Mentoring: Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”), ages 6 through 24. 
    • Provides families life-sustaining resources like food, shelter, and medical care.
    • https://azbigs.org/what-we-do/
ALR Members present donation check to Camp Courage in Prescott, AZ

In addition to visiting the non-profits, the ALR team stopped at over 10 American Legion Posts along the route of A Ride that Matters. At the June 2025 General Meeting of Legion Post 6 in Prescott, Commander Sam McPherson gave praise and recognition for the outstanding hospitality to five Legion posts who went above and beyond to support and welcome the tired and weary riders.  

Here are the American Legion Posts who welcomed the Post 6 ALR with open arms, big smiles, and warm spirits during their week-long ride.

  • Post 40 in Henderson, NV
  • Post 8 in Klamath Falls, OR
  • Post 18 in Nampa, ID
  • Post 112 in Salt Lake City, UT
  • Post 69 in Kanab, UT

A Ride That Matters was not just a success; it was an accomplishment that shows the strong impact we can have on each other’s lives. This act of goodwill exemplified two of the four pillars of the American Legion – Rehabilitation of Veterans and Youth and Children. The outpouring of love and support resonated deeply with everyone involved, making the world kinder and more compassionate through these efforts.

Thank you to everyone who participated in, supported and donated to this incredible event.

The children, veterans, and families that were helped by this ride showed their appreciation with their smiles and laughter— and that is ALL that really matters.

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American Legion Auxiliary raises thousands to help veterans in Prescott, AZ

The Auxiliary members of the Ernest A. Love Unit 6 American Legion extend their sincere thanks to everyone who generously donated during their annual Poppy drive this year.

Auxiliary Unit 6 Officers Diane Shaffer and Sandy Gorraiz

Armed with bright, red poppies and warm smiles, twelve members of the Unit 6 Auxiliary set up tables outside of True Value and two Fry’s locations in Prescott, AZ.  The goal of the annual campaign around Memorial Day is to not only raise awareness but to raise money for local veterans.  This year the team received $2,148 in donations.

This tradition, deeply rooted in history and patriotism, invited the Prescott community to show their support for veterans while contributing to meaningful programs that directly benefit them and their families.

The Significance of the Poppy

The iconic red poppy has long been a symbol of remembrance and resilience. Its history dates back to World War I, inspired by the poignant poem “In Flanders Fields” written by Canadian soldier John McCrae. The poppy grew in the battlefields of Europe, blooming amidst the chaos and destruction, and it became a powerful emblem of sacrifice and hope. The American Legion Auxiliary adopted the poppy as a tribute to the courage and sacrifices of veterans and as a beacon of support for those who continue to serve.

Supporting Veterans Through Donations

Every poppy distributed by the American Legion Auxiliary represents a story of bravery and endurance. Donations collected during poppy campaigns directly fund programs designed to assist veterans, military families, and active duty servicemembers. These funds help maintain critical services such as rehabilitation programs, housing assistance, job placement initiatives, and mental health support.

In Prescott, the Ernest A. Love Unit 6 Auxiliary is committed to making a difference by channeling donations into local and national efforts that uplift the lives of those who have sacrificed for freedom. When you wear a poppy, you stand as a testament to their service and affirm your dedication to remembering their contributions.

Auxiliary Unit 6 President Glenda McFarland and Connie Turner.

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An Honor to Serve: Prescott’s Post 6 Guard

The Honor Guard at the Ernest A. Love Post 6 American Legion is impressive and dedicated.   For 30 years, they have provided support and comfort to the families and friends of deceased veterans.

Averaging 300 services and events a year, the honor guard is committed to paying respect and providing the final salute to those who have served their country.

The American Legion Honor Guard provides military honors to deceased veterans who would otherwise not receive them, including folding and presenting the flag to survivors, and performing a three-volley gun salute at funerals. 

The 17-member team here in Prescott, Arizona takes its role seriously and can be seen most afternoons gathered next to the old fireplace at the Post 6 building, raising their glasses in a closing toast to the veteran they just honored at the local or national cemetery.

Post 6 Honor Guard pays their respects at the Vietnam Veteran Day Ceremony on 3/29/25 in the Prescott, AZ Courthouse Plaza. Photo by Steve Smull.

When I asked some of the Post 6 Honor Guard members “What is the most important thing you provide to the veterans’ families at these services?”, they all replied, “Our presence”.  

Wow! That simple yet powerful word, presence, hit me hard as I realized that showing and being there for these ceremonies has an immense impact on those who are mourning the loss of a loved one.  Sadly, sometimes the honor guard are the only ones present to pay respects to the veteran.

What these Honor Guard team members do is American Legion exemplified and is greatly respected and appreciated by American Legion members and family chapters as well as the community.

Here’s the history of the group I received from the Captain of the Post 6 Honor Guard:

“In March of 1995, Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home called the Post and asked if we could provide Military Honors for a deceased veteran. Al Tercero, a several times Past Post Commander, and Past Department Commander, said yes. 

Al organized our Honor Guard, consisting of 2 VFW members and 3 Post 6 members. Our first bugler was Leonard Rosie Ross, bugler for General Eisenhower during WWII, and member of Post 6 and VFW Post 541. Our Honor Guard soon began traveling throughout Northern Arizona to render Honors for veterans, from Kingman to the Navajo Nation to Wickenburg the White Mountains. Where we were requested, we went.

In the last thirty years, our Honor Guard has rendered honors for 9,000 veterans, presented Colors at over 1,000 events, and represented Post 6 in nearly 100 parades.

Our Honor Guard is a certified Authorized Provider by the Department of Defense. That means that, when the Active-Duty services cannot provide the Honor Guard for the veteran, we are obligated to do so. Your Honor Guard takes that responsibility seriously and is ready to provide anything needed to honor our veterans.” – Clarence S. “Sherm” Scott III , Captain, Post 6 Honor Guard and Past Post 6 Commander

Taken on Flag Day, 2024 in Prescott, AZ during a flag burning ceremony.

A toast to the members of the Post 6 American Legion Honor Guard!

Thank you for your noble service. Your presence at these ceremonies holds immense significance, offering comfort and solace to those mourning their beloved veterans.

You are the embodiment of honor and respect, and your dedication enriches our community, our Legion, and our nation to which we are so indebted.

Here’s to the Post 6 Honor Guard—may your valor, dedication, and unwavering presence continue to shine brightly, honoring the legacy of those who served.

Cheers!

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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