April 2026 Events Highlights

April 2026 Events Highlights

by | Apr 12, 2026 | 2026, All Blog Post, Community Events | 0 comments

April 2026 Events Highlights

April 1, Happy Hour Connections, 3:30 PM Philly’s Sports Bar

April 4, Easter Parade, Honor Guard leads parade

April 8, Coffee Connection, 7 AM Buzzed Goat

April 15, Coffee Connection, 7 AM, Buzzed Goat

April 15, Post 64 Regular Mtg, 4:30 PM at ARC

April 22, Happy Hour Connections, 3:30 PM

April 25, Ahwatukee Post 64 Adopt-A-Street Cleaning, 07:30 AM

Contact Us
Ahwatukee Post 64 Press Release & Blogs

American Legion

If you are a veteran in need of assistance, please contact Post 64 via email, or call our VSO.

[email protected]

Ahwatukee Post 64 Contact Number:
(480) 757-7779

Ahwatukee Post 64

5001 E. Cheyenne Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85044

Monthly Member's Business meeting is held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month @ 4:30PM

Managed By FreeForCharity.org
"Powered by Interserver"

Letters Received from Mark Kelly and Mayor Kate Gallego

Letters Received from Mark Kelly and Mayor Kate Gallego

by | Apr 12, 2026 | 2026, All Blog Post, Buddy Check Program, Community Events, Phoenix, Vets Helping Vets | 0 comments

 Letters Received from an Az State Senator & City of Phoenix Mayor

Senator Mark Kelly

City Of Phoenix Mayor Kelly Gallego

Contact Us
Ahwatukee Post 64 Press Release & Blogs

American Legion

If you are a veteran in need of assistance, please contact Post 64 via email, or call our VSO.

[email protected]

Ahwatukee Post 64 Contact Number:
(480) 757-7779

Ahwatukee Post 64

5001 E. Cheyenne Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85044

Monthly Member's Business meeting is held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month @ 4:30PM

Managed By FreeForCharity.org
"Powered by Interserver"

Fifth Friday Veteran’s Social Mixer

Fifth Friday Veteran’s Social Mixer

by | Jan 31, 2026 | All Blog Post | 0 comments

Fifth Friday Veteran Social Mixer of Jan 2026

All You Need to do is Show Up 

On Friday, January 30th, 2026, veterans from across the Ahwatukee community came together at Bubb’s 33 for American Legion Ahwatukee Post 64’s Fifth Friday Veterans’ Social Mixer. Held from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM, the evening was a powerful reminder that while our time in uniform may end, the bonds we formed and the sense of belonging we shared never truly go away.

What began as a casual gathering quickly turned into an evening filled with meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and genuine connection. Veterans from different eras, branches, and backgrounds sat side by side, swapping stories, catching up, and meeting new faces. The sound of laughter mixed with heartfelt conversations created an atmosphere that felt both familiar and comforting — like being back among your unit after time apart.

As the evening unfolded, discussions naturally shifted toward how we can better support veterans here in our own community. Attendees shared information about resources, talked through challenges that some veterans are facing, and brainstormed ways Post 64 can continue stepping up to meet those needs. The sense of teamwork in the room was undeniable. It wasn’t just a social event — it was veterans once again looking out for one another, just like we were trained to do.

At the same time, there was plenty of space to simply relax and enjoy the moment. No expectations. No pressure. Just good company and people who understand each other without needing long explanations. That simple comfort can mean more than many realize.

Events like our Fifth Friday Mixer serve an important purpose beyond socializing. Many veterans quietly miss the structure, mission, and sense of purpose that military service provided. Civilian life can sometimes feel disconnected in comparison. Gatherings like this help fill that space again. They remind us that purpose doesn’t disappear — it just changes shape. Sometimes rediscovering it starts with something as simple as showing up.

And that’s the heart of what makes these mixers special: you don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t have to be outgoing, connected, or even in a great place. You just have to walk through the door. From there, the conversations, friendships, and opportunities to make a difference tend to happen naturally. The community takes care of the rest.

If you’re a veteran who’s feeling isolated, going through a tough time, or just looking for a place to belong, there truly is no better way to spend an evening than with fellow veterans from the Ahwatukee community. Whether you come for the conversation, the support, or just to sit back and enjoy being around people who understand, you’ll always find a seat at the table at Post 64 events.

We’re already looking forward to our next Fifth Friday Veterans’ Social Mixer. When the next one comes around, we hope you’ll join us.
Contact Us
Ahwatukee Post 64 Press Release & Blogs

American Legion

If you are a veteran in need of assistance, please contact Post 64 via email, or call our VSO.

[email protected]

Ahwatukee Post 64 Contact Number:
(480) 757-7779

Ahwatukee Post 64

5001 E. Cheyenne Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85044

Monthly Member's Business meeting is held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month @ 4:30PM

Managed By FreeForCharity.org
"Powered by Interserver"

American Flag Retirement Boxes

American Flag Retirement Boxes

by | Jan 19, 2026 | 2026, All Blog Post, Community Events, Flag Retirement Program | 0 comments

New Flag Retirement Program Box Location

American Legion Ahwatukee Post 64’s American Flag Retirement Boxes for Veterans & Ahwatukee Community members disposal of torn flags

American Legion, Ahwatukee Post …64 is proud to announce the expansion of our American Flag retirement program. This initiative is especially meaningful to our post, as it allows us the opportunity to teach and demonstrate to our local Boy Scout Troop 172 the deep respect that every service member holds for the American Flag. Through this program, we help instill the traditions, values, and proper etiquette surrounding the care and display of our nation’s flag.
 
We now offer two convenient locations in the Ahwatukee area for veterans and community members to respectfully deposit worn or damaged American flags.
 
Our newest flag retirement box is located at:
 

ACE Hardware – Ahwatukee Foothills

1335 E Chandler Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85048

Ruggiero's ACE Hardware
Flag Retirement Box
Our original flag retirement box remains available at:
 

Ahwatukee Recreation Center

5001 E Cheyenne Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85044

Flag Retirement Box
 All flags collected at these locations are treated with the utmost care and are formally retired during a Flag Retirement Ceremony conducted by our local Boy Scout Troop 172. As part of this partnership, Post 64 helps teach the Scouts the proper etiquette for handling the American Flag, how to maintain and care for it, the rules for displaying and flying it at certain times of day, and the meaning behind flying the flag at half-mast. This ensures that each ceremony not only honors the flag but also serves as an educational and patriotic experience for the next generation.
 
In addition, any of the flags donated that are American-made flags (USA MADE ONLY) are provided to our partner organization, Stars for Our Troops (starsforourtroops.org). This nonprofit carefully recovers the stars and stripes from retired American-made flags and transforms them into meaningful keepsakes for deployed service members, veterans, and Gold Star families. These handcrafted pieces serve as lasting reminders that their service and sacrifice are remembered and appreciated.
 
After Stars for Our Troops salvages the portions of the flags that can continue to serve a purpose, the remaining pieces are respectfully retired by local Boy Scout troops. This ensures that every part of the flag is handled with dignity and that no portion of Old Glory is ever discarded.
 
Post 64 is honored to support this effort and grateful for the partnerships that allow us to continue serving both our veterans and our community.
 
If you have an American flag ready for retirement, please visit one of our drop-off locations and help us ensure Old Glory is always handled with the respect it deserves.

American Legion

If you are a veteran in need of assistance, please contact Post 64 via email, or call our VSO.

[email protected]

Ahwatukee Post 64 Contact Number:
(480) 757-7779

Ahwatukee Post 64

5001 E. Cheyenne Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85044

Monthly Member's Business meeting is held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month @ 4:30PM

Managed By FreeForCharity.org
"Powered by Interserver"

Veterans Legislative Outlook for 2026

Veterans Legislative Outlook for 2026

by | Jan 9, 2026 | All Blog Post | 0 comments

Veterans Legislative Outlook for 2026

What American Legion members should know about upcoming federal and Arizona laws affecting veterans

As we move into 2026, lawmakers at both the federal and state levels are considering legislation that could significantly impact veterans’ healthcare, benefits, housing, employment, and quality of life. Below is a clear, non-partisan overview of the key bills and policy changes expected to be active in 2026, along with important legislative deadlines to watch.

-Federal Legislation Impacting Veterans in 2026

Veterans’ ACCESS Act
This bill focuses on improving veterans’ access to care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. It would update standards for VA Community Care eligibility, improve appointment notifications, expand telehealth options, and strengthen mental health service delivery.
Why it matters: Greater flexibility and clarity when seeking care, especially for veterans who rely on non-VA providers.

Major Richard Star Act
This proposal addresses long-standing issues around “concurrent receipt,” allowing certain combat-disabled military retirees to receive both VA disability compensation and military retired pay.
Why it matters: Could improve financial stability for severely disabled retirees.

End Veteran Homelessness Act
This legislation expands and clarifies eligibility for the HUD-VASH housing program and strengthens case-management requirements for veterans at risk of homelessness.
Why it matters: Aims to improve housing stability and coordination of services for vulnerable veterans.

Veterans Education, Survivor & Support Bills (House-Passed)
Several bipartisan bills passed by the U.S. House are expected to be considered by the Senate in 2026. These focus on:

  • Improving survivor benefits coordination

  • Expanding access to job training and education programs

  • Updating life-insurance values to keep pace with inflation

  • Expanding research into service-connected health conditions
    Why it matters: Streamlines benefits delivery and strengthens long-term family support.

FY 2026 VA Funding
Annual appropriations for the VA fund healthcare, mental health services, benefits processing, housing assistance, and cemetery operations.
Why it matters: Funding levels directly affect service availability and wait times nationwide.

Arizona State Legislation Affecting Veterans in 2026

SB 1050 — Lifetime State Parks Pass for Veterans
This bill would provide eligible Arizona veterans with a free lifetime pass to Arizona State Parks.
Why it matters: Expands quality-of-life and recreation benefits for veterans and their families.

Veteran Bills Likely to Reappear in 2026
Based on prior legislative sessions, Arizona lawmakers may revisit proposals involving:

  • Property tax exemptions for 100% service-connected disabled veterans and surviving spouses

  • State grant funding for veteran mental and behavioral health services

  • Consumer protection standards for veteran benefits advising
    Why it matters: These proposals focus on affordability, mental health access, and protecting veterans from fraud.

📆 2026 Legislative Deadline Tracker

Federal (U.S. Congress)

Federal timelines are flexible, but members can expect:

  • Early 2026: Senate committee hearings and bill markups

  • Spring–Summer 2026: Senate floor votes on priority veteran legislation

  • Fall 2026: Final negotiations on VA funding and remaining bills

Arizona Legislature (57th Legislature – 2nd Regular Session)

  • January 12, 2026: Session begins

  • February 2–9, 2026: Final deadlines to introduce Senate and House bills

  • February 20, 2026: Last day for bills to be heard in original chamber committees

  • March 27, 2026: Last day for bills to be heard in opposite chamber committees

  • April 25, 2026: Expected end of session (sine die)

What This Means for Veterans

2026 legislation continues a national and state focus on:

  • Improving healthcare access and mental health services

  • Strengthening financial stability and survivor support

  • Expanding housing solutions and homelessness prevention

  • Enhancing quality-of-life benefits for veterans and families

American Legion members are encouraged to stay informed as these measures progress through the legislative process.

This update is provided for informational purposes only.

Contact Us
Ahwatukee Post 64 Press Release & Blogs

American Legion

If you are a veteran in need of assistance, please contact Post 64 via email, or call our VSO.

[email protected]

Ahwatukee Post 64 Contact Number:
(480) 757-7779

Ahwatukee Post 64

5001 E. Cheyenne Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85044

Monthly Member's Business meeting is held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month @ 4:30PM

Managed By FreeForCharity.org
"Powered by Interserver"

A Place to Write Memories of Pete

A Place to Write Memories of Pete

by | Dec 20, 2025 | 2025, All Blog Post | 0 comments

In Loving Memory of Past Post Commander Peter H Meier

 

Legionnaires,
 
It is with heavy hearts that American Legion Post 64 announces the passing of our longtime member, leader, and friend, Pete Meier. Pete was not only part of this Post from its very beginning—he was its heart, its steady presence, and its quiet foundation. His absence is deeply felt by our members, our veterans, and the entire Ahwatukee community.
 
Pete proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. His three years of military service were spent primarily in communications, a role that reflected his calm, reliable nature and his ability to keep people connected. Much of his service was spent stationed in Germany, where he carried out his duties with professionalism and dedication. That commitment to service never left him and continued to guide his life long after his military career ended.
 
Following his return home, Pete became an integral part of the Ahwatukee community. As a respected real estate professional for 48 years and a REALTOR® Emeritus, he helped shape the community from its earliest days through his work with Presley Homes. Pete knew nearly everyone in Ahwatukee and built countless personal friendships rooted in trust, kindness, and genuine care for others.
 
Pete was a longtime member of Ahwatukee Post 64 and lifetime Legionnaire of American Legion. Over the years, he held nearly every leadership and board position within the Post, not for recognition, but because he believed deeply in serving veterans. Pete quietly handled countless responsibilities behind the scenes—often without anyone else knowing—simply because he saw a need and took care of it. Even now, we continue to learn just how much Pete did to keep this organization running smoothly.
 
As Post Commander starting prior to COVID and throughout the whole pandemic, Pete never stopped serving. During one of the most isolating times our members have faced, he ensured no one was left alone by holding outdoor membership meetings so fellowship, connection, and support could safely continue. His leadership, persistence, and unwavering dedication kept Post 64 alive and prevented it from closing during an incredibly challenging period.
 
Pete was known for his calm demeanor, warm smile, and welcoming presence. He rarely became upset and always greeted others with kindness and sincerity. He genuinely cared about people and was always thinking about what he could do to help—often without expectation of thanks or acknowledgment.
 
Pete’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of American Legion Post 64. His impact will continue to be felt through the veterans he supported, the community he helped build, and the countless lives he touched along the way. He set an example of service, humility, and compassion that will guide this Post for years to come.
 
Pete will be deeply missed, but he will never be forgotten.
 
 
“Pete Meier was more than a leader—he was the heart of our Post. His dedication, kindness, and quiet strength will inspire us always.”
 
— David Green, Veteran Service Officer, American Legion Post 64
 
-Written by Veteran Service Officer David Green & Member-at-large Mark Poisson.
 
A full public announcement will be released after the holidays with updated service information. Donations in memory of Pete Meier may be made online at https://americanlegionpost64.org/peter-h-meier or via Zeffy at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/in-the-remembrance-of-peter-h-meier.
 
A remembrance post is available under the Newsroom section of our website, where comments, shared memories, and photos may be submitted.
 
For questions or updates, please contact our Veteran Service Officer:
Call/Text: 928-830-0085 |
The Deeper Meaning of Veterans’ Day

The Deeper Meaning of Veterans’ Day

by | Nov 11, 2025 | 2025, All Blog Post, Newspaper Article, Vets Helping Vets | 0 comments

The Deeper Meaning Of Veterans’ Day

The Deeper Meaning of Veterans' Day

Every year, when Veterans Day comes around, I find myself sitting quietly for a moment before the noise begins — the flags, the parades, the speeches, the “thank you for your service.” Don’t get me wrong — those gestures mean a lot. But for many of us who served in Iraq, Veterans Day goes far deeper than public ceremonies or free meals. It’s a day that reminds us of the cost of service, the weight of survival, and the meaning of being part of something greater than ourselves.

When I was deployed, life was simple in one way — every day had a purpose. We had a mission, a team, and a bond that only those who’ve faced war together can understand. Coming home, that sense of purpose doesn’t fade easily, but it changes. Veterans Day brings back the faces and names of brothers and sisters who didn’t make it home. It brings back the long nights under foreign skies and the moments when life and death were separated by seconds. For me, it’s not just a holiday — it’s a reminder to live in a way that honors them.

As our nation approaches 250 years, Veterans Day should remind every American that our country’s strength has always depended on the willingness of ordinary citizens to step forward in extraordinary times. From the Revolution to Iraq and Afghanistan, every generation has carried the torch of service. But those who serve don’t do it for praise — we do it because we believe in something worth protecting: freedom, family, and the idea that our country can always strive to be better.

That’s the real meaning of Veterans Day. It’s not about war; it’s about people. It’s about the men and women who returned home changed — sometimes physically, sometimes invisibly — and who still stand ready to serve their communities. It’s about remembering that “thank you” isn’t the end of the conversation. It’s a call to action: to ensure veterans have the healthcare, support, and understanding they’ve earned.

So as America nears 250 years, I hope we all take a moment to look beyond the uniforms and parades. See the humanity, the sacrifice, and the stories carried quietly in the hearts of those who served. Veterans Day, at its core, is about keeping faith — with our history, our fallen, and the living who still bear the burdens of battle.

That’s the promise I believe this day should hold — not just remembrance, but responsibility.

The Power of Presence:

The Power of Presence:

by | Oct 26, 2025 | 2025, All Blog Post, Community Events, Honor Flights, Phoenix, Sky Harbor | 0 comments

The Power of Presence:

What “Thank You for Your Service” Means to a Vietnam Veteran

You don’t need long speeches or grand gestures to make a difference. Just showing up—being present, listening, and expressing sincere appreciation—can speak volumes. When we take that time, we remind these heroes that their community still stands beside them, that their legacy continues to inspire us, and that their service will never be forgotten.

At American Legion Post 64, we hold firm to a promise:  We do not forget the sacrifices of our Vietnam Veterans, nor the sacrifices of every man and woman who has served our great nation.

For many Vietnam Veterans, the words “thank you for your service” carry a weight that words alone can’t capture. When they returned home decades ago, many did not receive parades, open arms, or even simple respect. Instead, they came back to a divided nation, often facing indifference or hostility rather than gratitude. Yet they served with honor, courage, and loyalty—because love of country was stronger than any hardship they faced.

From the earliest days of our republic to today’s ongoing missions, the American Legion remembers and honors the service and sacrifice of all who wore the uniform in defense of freedom:

  • The American Revolution (1775–1783)

  • The War of 1812 (1812–1815)

  • The Mexican–American War (1846–1848)

  • The Civil War (1861–1865)

  • The Spanish–American War (1898)

  • World War I (1917–1918)

  • World War II (1941–1945)

  • The Korean War (1950–1953)

  • The Vietnam War (1955–1975)

  • The Persian Gulf War (1990–1991)

  • The Global War on Terrorism – including Afghanistan (2001–2021) and Iraq (2003–2011)

  • Ongoing Operations: Syria, Africa, and other missions around the world

Every one of these conflicts demanded courage, endurance, and sacrifice. Every generation of veterans has stood guard for liberty, and the American Legion stands as a living tribute to them all.

So, let’s ask ourselves—how hard is it to take 30 minutes, maybe an hour at most, to show up at the airport and welcome our Vietnam Veterans home?
Is it really that difficult, or have we simply forgotten to make the time?

These heroes waited decades for a proper welcome. We can give them that moment.

As for me, I will always make sure to take the time to thank every veteran I see. Because sometimes, the greatest gift we can offer is not found in words—but in showing up, standing proud, and never forgetting.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive our monthly newsletter.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Veterans Helping Veterans

Secret Link