Lisa Thaler Honored for Outstanding Service and Dedication
The members and family chapters of Ernest A. Love Post 6 in Prescott proudly recognize Lisa Thaler for being selected as the 2025 Auxiliary Member of the Year in Arizona. Lisa’s unwavering commitment and selfless dedication to serving veterans and her community truly set her apart. Through her generous gift of time and attention, she has made a lasting impact, demonstrating what it means to lead with compassion and service.
Lisa hails from Indiana and moved quite a bit between New York, Ohio, and Kentucky before settling in Prescott, AZ. Lisa studied Mathematics in college and in the late 1980s taught math to 7th-12th graders at Eastern High School, she also served as an ESL tutor and then worked in banking.
She joined Auxiliary Unit 6 in Prescott in 2022 and is a very active volunteer for veterans in Prescott and can often be seen playing cards, doing crafts, or working at the annual Stand Down at US Vets.
Lisa is a curious person and a good listener and continually asks this important question: “What else can I do to help?”
She has always been eager to help her family and friends since she was young, and Lisa continues this dedication today by actively supporting her family at the Ernest A. Love American Legion Post 6 and aiding veterans within her community. In the past year, she provided service to 36 veterans and volunteered 209 hours.
As the Unit Member of the Year for Arizona, Lisa was honored to attend the National Auxiliary convention in Tampa, Florida in August.
Lisa appreciates the pillars of the American Legion Auxiliary, which include patriotism, service to others, and reverence of faith, and she lives these values every day to provide aid and comfort to many. Her generous and joyful nature, combined with a lively spirit of optimism, inspires those around her and uplifts the entire community.
When not volunteering, Lisa and her husband Eric Thaler, who is a member of the Sons of the American Legion at Post 6, enjoys bike riding and hiking.
Prescott and the American Legion are lucky to have such positive and hard-working members in our community.
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.
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.
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
Every time I spend a few days away from home in a house surrounded by green trees, I get the urge to write. I’m not sure if it’s the clean air, the amazing views or the lack of distractions that prompts my literary desire to share my thoughts with you but here I go.
It could be the fact that I’m staying in a charming AirBnB in Prescott, AZ with my husband Steve and the owners from France have an amazing collection of books. Our bibliophile hosts feel like family to me as I view the many family photos on the white walls. I can feel the love and joy they get from cooking and sharing meals with their children and their friends.
As a recent and neophyte author, I have an immense appreciation for prolific and complex writers like Tom Clancy, Dan Brown and Michael Crichton. The main wall in the master bedroom has a large bookcase filled with pages of an adventure and intrigue. I could feel the emotion emanating from the titles on the spines.
So what is my story to share with you? Why would you be interested in my thoughts and experiences as I type these words from a wooden deck over looking the city of Prescott?
A large hawk just landed on top of a telephone pole about 50 meters from me. He hung our and watched me for a while and then flew off. Sometimes I wish I could be weightless and fly.
The morning air is clean and cool and crisp. My hands are getting cold as I type so I just grabbed my large, white ceramic mug of hot green tea and took a healthy sip. I look up again at the baby blue sky, the green and brown mountain horizon and feel a sense of serenity and gratitude. I feel happy to be able to share my thoughts and photos of this lovely place.
I feel connected with the trees and the birds and it brings me comfort and relief. I feel connected to the warm family that owns this home and as a result my own family in New Jersey is close in my heart and mind. I miss them dearly and look forward to my trip to see them in a few weeks.
The elevation of this property is 5,790 ft and I’m a facing due west at 270 degrees. My mind and senses are open to new input and information and I’m happy to chronicle my journey and share it with you.
I hope you have enjoyed my short and simple story of birds, words and green trees from Arizona.
Strong Words & Simple Truths 