Ernest A. Love

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The Heart of a Commander: Sam McPherson

Effective veteran service organizations have strong and passionate leaders that take care of their members by continually maintaining connections and looking after their needs.  

Ernest A. Love Legion Post 6 is fortunate to be one of these organizations due to the stewardship of Sam McPherson.

Sam McPherson served as the Commander of Ernest A. Love Post for the 2024-2026 terms.  He is a Prescottian and a patriot who loves his hometown, his country, and the American Legion family.   

Sam was born in San Diego, CA and his father served in the U.S. Navy. His mother hails from Prescott and worked at the VA Canteen for 20 years.

Sam graduated from Prescott High School, following in the footsteps of Ernest A. Love, though their graduations were separated by 67 years. After completing high school and working as a Dairy Clerk at Safeway, Sam enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1984, where he served for 28 years.  He achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (E-8).

Sam McPherson at Basic Training, 1984

Serving as a Missile Electronic Equipment Specialist (AFSC 316X2G), Sam worked on the electronics systems of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM- Minuteman III).  His duty stations included Minot, ND, tech schools in Chanute AFB in Rantoul, IL, Vandenburg AFB, and Malmstrom Air Force Base. 

Electronic maintenance of Command and Control, Security and Power distribution systems of the missiles was critical, and Sam diligently chased “green time” readiness for launch.

When he returned to his hometown in 2014, Sam joined the American Legion Post 6. Jack Taylor recruited him and he quickly volunteered to support the veterans and youth of the community as the Americanism chair, presenting ROTC awards to the cadets in the local schools. 

Sam is a natural born leader and has served in numerous officer roles at Post 6 including: Commander of Sons of the American Legion (S.A.L.), 2 Year Executive, 2nd Vice Commander, and Post Commander.

The thing that impresses me most about Sam is his love of his volunteers.  He consistently appreciates and acknowledges the lifeblood of any non-profit veteran organization- the volunteer members.  I proudly wear the Army Veteran Legion shirt he gifted me at a monthly meeting last year.

Sam also loves serving people- literally and figuratively and prepared hundreds of meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. His bacon guacamole burgers on Thursday nights were a big crowd-pleaser, and he always wears a smile with his Legion Apron.

Sam grilling at the Post 6 Annual Picnic

Sam married his lovely wife Megan Asbury in September of 2022 who is active in the Ernest A. Love Auxiliary Unit 6. Megan was elected Auxiliary President for the 2025-2026 term.

Sam enjoyed and supported the American Legion Riders (ALR) and participated in the Ride that Matters- a multi-day fundraising ride around the western U.S. to help children and veterans in need.  Another local event where Sam represented Post 6 was the annual Wreaths across America at the Prescott National Cemetery.

Sam built bridges with the community and ensured that Post 6 was an active member of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce.  He led with heart, enthusiasm and empathy and deeply cared for his officers and the members of all the Post 6 families- Post, Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, Honor Guard, and the American Legion Riders.

Sam brought people together and fostered the sense of family at Post 6- a team that looks out for each other and works together as one.

When I asked Sam what he liked most about being in the military, he stated, “Being a Leader and taking care of people”.

When asked what he did not like about his time in the Air Force, he sadly replied, “Not deploying to combat operations”.

Sam McPherson is a dedicated leader who has served in multiple roles at Ernest A. Love Post 6 and consistently demonstrates his appreciation for volunteers and his community. He is known for his heartfelt service. His leadership is defined by caring for others and bringing people together.

Tracey, Sam, John, and Megan serving meals to members from the Post 6 Kitchen

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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