Legion Names May Veteran of the Month


American Legion Post 58 has announced its veteran of the month for May 2022. Pictured is CPT Joseph Winters, a helicopter pilot who served in the US Army from August 1958 to December 1975. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross; Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal (w/4 bronze oak Leaf Clusters); Army Commendation Medal (w/1 bronze oakleaf cluster); Vietnam Service Medal (w/1 sliver star); Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/ V device, Parachute Badge; Meritorious Service Medal and the Army’s Aviation Wings. Presenting his Veteran of the Month certificate is Post 58 Historian, Chuck Christoph.
 

 

April 22, 2022 - April Veteran of the Month

American Legion Post 58 has announced its veteran of the month for April 2022. Pictured is LCDR John Schwab, a graduate of the US Naval Academy who served in the US Navy from June 1970 to June 1990 during the height of the Cold War and completed many missions. During this time, he was a submarine officer on board fast attack and ballistic missile submarines and also served as an Executive Officer . He was awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal; Navy Commendation Medal (w/star); Navy Achievement Medal (w/star); and a Meritorious Unit Commendation award. Presenting his Veteran of the Month certificate is Post 58 Historian, Chuck Christoph.

 

February 15, 2022

Post 58 Hosts District 12
American Legion High School Oratorical Competition
 

The district 12 Competition was held on February 15, 2022 at the Fountain Hills Veterans of Foreign Wars facility. Members of the Post 58 as well as two outside volunteers served as the Judges.
The Oratorical competition requires participants to present an original oratory on an aspect of the United States Constitution. The participants also are required to be prepared to present a shorter oratory on one of four pre-prepared topics, also relating to specific provisions of the Constitution.
First place in the competition was awarded to Kamaron Cochrane of Pinnacle High School, a part of the Paradise Valley School District. He spoke on the topic “Freedom to Speak, a Radical Revolutionary Idea.”
Corynn Gates of Veritas Preparatory Academy, a Phoenix Charter School, took second place. Her topic was “The Closing Argument for the US Constitution.”
Under the Department rules both the first and second place finishers in a District Competition advance to Area competition and then, if successful on to the Department Competition. MS Gates advanced to the Department finals where she finished fourth overall.

 

January 23, 2022
Post 58 Recognizes and Celebrates Iraqi War Veterans

 

 

On Sunday, January 23, 2022, Fountain Hills American Legion Post 58 recognized 22 Veterans of the Iraqi War. Joining in the celebration and presenting the certificates and American Legion Medals of Valor were Post 58 Commander, John Weedo and the Adjutant General of Arizona, Major General Kerry Muehlenbeck. Only four were able to make the ceremony but all will receive their awards.

Standing from left to right are, Justine Ellison, Maribel Ellison, Commander John Weedo, Major General Kerry Muehlenbeck, John Caligiuri, and Glen Glace.
Photos by Chuck Christoph Post Historian

 

 

January 11, 2022
Fountain Hills American Legion Post 58 Honors
William “Buck” Rogers

Corporal William “Buck” Rogers, a Marine Corps veteran passed away recently. He was an active member of Fountain Hills American Legion Post 58 and the American Legion Riders where he served as a road captain. Buck earned the marksmanship rifle badge, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Buck received the Post Everlasting certificate and framed Presidential certificate from Post 58 Commander John Weedo and Post 58 Chaplain Bob Frost. Accepting on his behalf is his wife, Sarah Rogers.
Photos by Chuck Christoph Post Historian

 

 

January 2022 - Veteran of the Month

 

 

American Legion Post 58 has announced its veteran of the month for January 2022. Pictured is Vietnam veteran Specialist SP5 John (Skip) Maiorana, US Army who served from 6/10/1969 to 12/10/1971. From July 1979 to July 1971, he served as a helicopter door gunner while in Vietnam. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross; Purple Heart medal; Air Medal; Army Commendation medal; Republic of Vietnam service medal; Republic of Vietnam campaign medal and National Defense medal. Presenting his Veteran of the Month certificate is Post 58 Commander, John Weedo.
Photos by Chuck Christoph Post Historian

 

 

December 7, 2021
Post 58 Participates in Annual Fountain Hills
Pearl Harbor Ceremony
Photos by Chuck Christoph Post Historian

 

On December 7, 2021 veterans and the public recognized the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. Participating in this year’s ceremony were American Legion Post 58, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7507, and the Marine Corps League Det. 1439. Al DeMange led the Pledge of Allegiance and Sandi Thompson followed by singing the National Anthem. John Weedo, Commander American Legion Post 58 gave the opening remarks and Don Hervey, Commander VFW Post 7507 gave the keynote speech. Closing remarks were given by Bob Frost, Commandant Marine Corps League Det. 1439. A solemn playing of Taps by Al DeMange completed the ceremony and had many attendees wiping tears from their eyes in remembrance of those who died in the service of their country on the fateful day and all who have fallen since.

 

 

Post Everlasting Honors Ken Nichols

 

 

November 16, 2021 - American Legion Color Guard takes part in Medal of Honor ceremony

 

 

Article in Fountain Hills Times

 

 

November 2021 Veteran of the Month - Jonathan Shine
 

 

August 27 - National Convention Colorguard Competition

Phoenix, Arizona hosted the 102nd American Legion National Convention at the Phoenix Convention Center.
On Friday, August 27 at 4:00 PM, the Color Guards from several states competed for the National Title. The Post 58 Color Guard was entered and formerly won the national championship in 2018 and was the AZ Stated champion in 2018, 2019 and is the current state champion.
The Post 58 Color Guard participated in the Advancing/Retiring of Colors and the Military Class both of which require a precise and complicated marching routine. The members of the Post 58 Color Guard are Kevin Wood, Commander and American Flag bearer, Tait Elkie, Trail Rifleman, Phil Yin, Director and Lead Rifleman and Gerry Jacobus, Flag Bearer. They faced stiff competition from Newport Harbor, CA, Department of Massachusetts, and Harrisburg, TX., and in a very close competition took third place.
(Photos by Chuck Christoph, Post 58 Historian)

 

 

August 26 - Legacy Riders visit Post 58

Fountain Hills Post 58 sponsored the American Legion Riders who participated in the Legacy Run. At the completion of their trip from Rogers, Arkansas to Scottsdale, Arizona, a distance of 1,393 miles. The ride started on August 22 and ended on August 26 at 2:00 PM at the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens. After the ceremony, about 200 riders rode to Post 58 in Fountain Hills to meet with the National Commander, James W. “Bill” Oxford. During the meeting, he presented a plaque to Post 58 Commander John Weedo for the support he and Post 58 provided to the riders. In addition, the National Commander presented French Legion of Honor Medals to Eugene Metcalf and posthumously to Alexander Tait. Commander Weedo then announced that Post 58 would honor James Oxford by attaching a plaque with his name, dates of service and title on the Post 58 Honor Wall where the names of other veterans have already been placed on the wall.
(Photos by Chuck Christoph, Post 58 Historian)

 

 

Legion Names August Veteran of the Month

 

American Legion Post 58 has announced its veteran of the month for August, 2021. Pictured is Major Harland Peelle, US Air Force who served from January 1997 to January 2017 and was in Iraq from January 2009 to August 2009. Presenting his Veteran of the Month certificate is Christopher Towne, Senior Patrol Leader for Boy Scout Troop 343. Major Harland is an Assistant Scout Leader and is an active member of both the Boy Scouts and American Legion Post 58. He served as the Developmental Engineer and Space Systems Engineer and Program Manager while on active duty and received the following awards: Defense Meritorious Service Medal w/one oak leaf, meritorious Service Medal w/2 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air force Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Iraq Campaign Medal w/ one service star, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air and Space Campaign Medal, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border and one Oak Leaf Cluster and President’s 100 Rifleman Award. (Photo by Chuck Christoph, Post Historian)

 

 

 

July 2021 - Legion Names July Veteran of the Month

American Legion Post 58 has announced its veteran of the month for July, 2021. Pictured is SFC Glen Glace receiving his Veteran of the Month certificate from Commander John Weedo. Glen served in the US Army from 1995 - 2014. He was a Petroleum Supply Corps Analyst and was recalled for Operations Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq. He received the Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/2 stars, Army Commendation Medal w/3 stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal w/star, NATO Medal, and Combat Action Medal. (Photo by Chuck Christoph, Post Historian)

 

June 2021 - Legion Names June Veteran of the Month

 

American Legion Post 58 has announced its veteran of the month for June, 2021. Pictured is Captain Christopher Martell receiving his Veteran of the Month certificate from Sr Vice Commander John Schwab. Christopher served in the US Army from 2005 - 2012. He was an all source intelligence analyst in Iraq and received the following decorations: Iraq Campaign Medal w/six stars, Bronze Star Medal (2nd award), Army Commendation Medal (3rd award), Unit Commendation (2nd award), and Global War on Terrorism Medal.

 

May 2021 - Legion Names May Veteran of the Month
 

April 2021 - Fountain Hills American Legion Post 58 Honors
Walter O’Neil

HM1 Walter O’Neill, a Coast Guard veteran passed away recently. Walter was an active member of the Fountain Hills Post. Accepting on his behalf are several members of his family: From left to right are: Kathryn Nelson, Walter’s, daughter, Edward Nelson, Annie O’Neill, and great grandchildren Leena and Jacob. Mrs. O’Neil received the Post Everlasting certificate and framed Presidential certificate from Post 58 Commander John Weedo.

 

April 2021 - Fountain Hills American Legion Post 58 Honors
Peter Wilks

SGT Peter Wilks, a US Airforce Veteran passed away recently. He was an active member of Post 58. He served on several committees and was a Member at Large on the Executive Board. He was also an avid pool player at the Post. On his behalf, his wife Linda received Peter’s Post Everlasting certificate and framed Presidential certificate from Post 58 Commander John Weedo.

 

 

April 24, 2021 - Post Everlasting Ceremony for Richard Stock

 

CN2 Richard Stock, a Navy constructionman veteran passed away recently. Richard was an active member of the Fountain Hills Post. Accepting on his behalf is his wife, Edith and their two sons, Matthew and Michael. He received the Post Everlasting certificate and framed Presidential certificate from Post 58 Commander John Weedo.

 

March 2021 - Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans

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March 2021 - James R. Breniser, 75-Year Member of the American Legion

 

A lifelong Middlebury, Indiana resident and part time Fountain Hills, AZ resident, a Navy veteran and American Legion member of Fountain Hills Post 58. James R. Breniser in coordination with Post 58 was awarded the 75-year continuous membership and American Legion Valor certificates during a ceremony at Post 210 in his hometown at a regular meeting April 5. Standing with Mr. Breniser is First Vice Commander Lonnie Franks and past Post Commander Barry Weldy. Attending the ceremony are daughters Susie (Kevin) Gipson and Laurie (Kevin) Schmidt.

James Robert (Bob) Breniser was born in 1924 in Middlebury, IN and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 18 in March of 1943 - April 1946. Basic training was at Great Lakes Navel training station in northern Illinois. From there he was stationed in San Francisco and then went to Australia. From there he was in Panama City, Panama for three months and then he was stationed in the South Pacific for two years. He was stationed at Admiral Thomas Kinkaid’s base, which was beside General Douglas MacArthur's base in New Guinea from 1943-1945. He was the ship’s cook second class and was one of five cooks on the base for 125 people.

After his discharge he worked for NIPSCO for a short time and then worked for his parents after they bought The Middlebury Dairy. He delivered ice and made ice cream.

He and his wife, Bernie, were married in 1950. They had three children and were married for 69 years. He has three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is still living in the home he moved to in 1961. He has been an avid Cubs fan since he was 12 years old.

He has been a member of the American Legion for 75 years and marched in the Memorial Day parade for about 10 years as a rifleman in the color guard.

 

 

March 2021 - Peter Wilk's Remembrance & Memorial at Post 58
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March 20, 2021

Post 58 Posthumously Honors WWII Veteran

Photos by Chuck Christoph Post Historian

On March 20, 2021 Fountain Hills American Legion Post 58 honored John Fabian, a Navy WWII veteran who passed away recently. John was awarded the Valor Medal by Post 58 Commander John Weedo and accepting on his behalf are his daughter, Joyce and her husband Jerry Hillard.

 

 

March 20, 2021

Post 58 Posthumously Honors WWII Veteran

Photos by Chuck Christoph Post Historian

 

On March 20, 2021 Fountain Hills American Legion Post 58 honored Walter O’Neill, a Coast Guard veteran who passed away recently.  Walter was an active member of the Fountain Hills Post. Accepting on his behalf are several members of his family:  From left to right and top to bottom are:

Michael Nelson, Walter’s grandson, Catherine Nelson Walters, daughter and Michael’s mother, Mary Ryberg, Walter‘s daughter, Kevin O’Neill, Walter’s son, Seann O’Neill, Walter‘s grandson and Kevin‘s son, Lena O’Neill and Jacob O’Neill Walters, great grandchildren and Seann’s daughter and son. Walter was awarded the Grateful Appreciation Medal by Post 58 Commander John Weedo.

 

 

March 14, 2021 - Honoring WWII Veterans

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March 3, 2021
Post 58 Participates in General Harvell’s
Memorial Service and Plaque Honor
Photos by Chuck Christoph Post Historian

March 2021 - Veteran of the Month
 

Veteran of the Month - Sergeant Robert Hogeboom presented by Commander John Weedo

February 2, 2021 - Friday Fish Fry

 

  

 

 

February 2021 - Veteran of the Month

 

Jon Hitchcock is Veteran of the Month (presentation by John Schwab, Senior Vice Commander)

 

The American Legion and Legion Riders held a Rally
to Collect  Funds for Operation Isabella 



Bill “Wild Horse” Wooster led a rally to collect funds for Isabella’s treatment and future therapy.  The Legion Posts that participated were 117 of Phoenix, 62 of Peoria, 34 of Cave Creek, and 58 of Fountain Hills who also hosted the event.  The Legion Riders and Legion Members collected over $10,000 to support Isabella, a daughter of a Veteran and as always, the American Legion was there to help as needed.
Pictures by Chuck Christoph

December 2020 - Toys for Tots Run

 

Post 58 Honor Wall

October 31, 2020 - Post Everlasting

Tommy Weaver - Draping the Charter, Anne Wicklund & Shadow in honor of Wayne Wicklund, Kathleen Mateski and daughter Jill Brick in honor of Jack Matesky, Susan Shaw and son
John Shaw in honor of Randy Shaw

 

October 3, 2020 - Gene Metcalf's Promotion to Sargent

 

September 26, 2020 - BGEN Harbel Memorial

Flag Bearers                                                                              Flag presented to Mrs. Harbel   

Missing Man Formation for BGEN Harbel
 

9/11 - 2020 Memorial

 

 

 

July 4, 2020 - Veteran of the Month Wayne Wicklund

 

June 1, 2020 - Member Everlasting

In remembrance of Colonel Ana Rodriguez, pictured receiving her member everlasting certificate is her brother, Dr. Ramon Rodriguez, presented by Sr. Vice Commander John Schwab

 

Member Everlasting certificate presented by Commander Weedo to Billy Ensign's daughter Cindy

Past Commander, Sam Coffee receiving a letter of condolence from Commander Weedo, on behalf of Sam's wife Lola

Memorial Day, May 25, 2020

May 24, 2020 - Pos 58 Pandemic Opening

 

Our 2019 Color Guard Champions at Department Convention

Pictured: Tait Elkie, Phil Yin, Kevin Wood, Dept. Commander Steve Aguirre, Gerry Jacobus and Post 58 Commander John Weedo
 

2019-Baseball Team sponsored by Post 58
Competed in a tournament during the College World Series