Joe Foss Post 97

San Tan Valley, AZ

Elderly veterans sitting side by side at a memorial or ceremony, wearing white uniforms with American flags and yellow cords, and black caps with gold lettering. The focus is on the profile of the veteran in the center.

Founding and Vision

The Joe Foss American Legion Post 97, originally known as San Tan Valley Post 97, was founded in June 2009 by Larry Moore (Vietnam–Marine Corps) and Alan Pease (Cold War Europe–Army Security Agency). Both men recognized a gap in services for veterans and youth in the rapidly growing community of San Tan Valley, and decided it was time the area had its own post.

From the very beginning, the founders set Post 97 apart from the typical American Legion model. Larry and Alan agreed that Post 97 was not going to be like most other American Legion posts — centered on a restaurant and bar where veterans could gather for a drink, a smoke, and an exchange of stories. Instead, they had a vision of tapping into the national Legion headquarters for youth programs that would best serve the veterans and young people in San Tan Valley.

This community-first philosophy became the defining characteristic of Post 97 and remains central to its identity today. The post describes itself as a service-oriented organization that respects the sacrifices of both the warrior and his or her support network at home, and is designed to serve veterans rather than require veterans to serve the post. 

Parking lot with accessible parking space, American flags, a flag for the U.S. Marine Corps, and a flag for Veterans of Foreign Wars near a small building with a person standing in front of it.

Photo: 2020 STV Veterans Center, new home of the Post 97 American Legion

general membership meeting

Join our American Legion Post 97 General Membership Meetings, held on the first Saturday of every month at 10:00 AM.

Meeting held at the San Tan Valley Veteran Center

5764 E Hunt Highway, Florence, AZ 85132

A small blue building labeled 'Veteran Center' next to a flagpole with an American flag in front. There are a few trees, a parking lot, and a cloudy sky overhead.

Photo: 2026, STV Veterans Center, new modernization to meet the need of community and Post 97 American Legion

Renamed in Honor of a Hero

A young man in military uniform is receiving a medal from an older man, while a woman with a hat and another woman with a headscarf observe. The young man is smiling and leaning forward as the medal is pinned on. All are inside a room with wooden walls.

In 2017, the post took a significant step in honoring American military heritage. The post was renamed Joe Foss American Legion Post 97, in honor of Joe Foss, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient. 

Joe Foss was a figure of extraordinary distinction. Joseph Jacob Foss (April 17, 1915 – January 1, 2003) was a United States Marine Corps Major and a leading Marine fighter ace in World War II, who received the Medal of Honor in recognition of his role in air combat during the Guadalcanal campaign. In three months of sustained combat, Foss's unit — known as "Foss's Flying Circus" — shot down 72 Japanese aircraft, including 26 credited to him personally. Upon matching the record of 26 kills held by America's top World War I ace Eddie Rickenbacker, Foss was accorded the honor of becoming America's first "ace-of-aces" in World War II. On May 18, 1943, Foss received the Medal of Honor from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. 

Foss also had deep ties to Arizona: he died on New Year's Day 2003 in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he and his wife had made their home in later years. Naming the post after him was a natural tribute — honoring a man whose life embodied service, courage, and dedication to country, values that the post strives to reflect every day.

The emblem of the United States Marine Corps, featuring an eagle, globe, and anchor, with the motto 'Semper Fidelis' on a banner.

Founding Members

A man wearing a military-style cap decorated with various pins and badges, glasses, a white shirt with badges, and a tie with stars and stripes. He has a mustache and beard, and is smiling.

Larry Moore

US Marine Corps

Vietnam

A man in a U.S. military or veteran's uniform wearing a dark hat with patches, a white shirt, and an American flag-patterned tie, smiling at the camera.

Alan Pease

US Army - Security Agency

Cold War Europe

serving veterans, Youth, Community

True to its founders' vision, Post 97 built its reputation on programs rather than a bar. In the first ten years, the post sent candidates to Boys State and the American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy (ALLECA), sponsored six teams of American Legion Baseball, held American flag etiquette sessions for scouts, and participated in the Joe Foss Institute for patriotism presentations at schools. 

The post has been actively involved in the broader community as well. Activities have included blood drives, public meetings, and school functions, exemplifying a commitment not only to veterans but also to the wider San Tan Valley community.

A crowd of students sitting in an auditorium, listening to a man in a white shirt and navy blue pants, who is speaking or presenting.

Veterans in the classroom

The post runs a Veterans in the Classroom program, in which members bring history to life by telling students about their experiences in the military, giving students firsthand knowledge from veterans who lived the stories they are telling. This open forum instills patriotism and an appreciation for freedom, and can also help veterans heal from psychological wounds by sharing their stories with an appreciative audience. 

Four people standing inside a room with an American flag and framed pictures on the wall. Two men in the center are holding plaques; the man on the left has a beard and wears a black shirt with a badge, and the man on the right has a white beard and is wearing a shirt with a patriotic eagle design. The woman on the right has long wavy hair and tattoos on her arm, while the man on the left is smiling, all dressed casually.

Shop with a sheriff (pinal county)

Post 97 is active in supporting the San Tan Valley community. Members of Post 97 hold fundraisers annually to support this program, which allows families who are struggling financially during the holiday season to Shop with the Sheriff at local Walmart locations. Post 97 members have been integral in supporting this program since 2020.

Children at an outdoor event, one boy holds a fish on a scale, a girl looks on, with other kids and adults in the background near a pond and residential houses.

fishing derby

With the 9th Annual Fishing Derby now concluded, plans are already underway for the 10th Annual Fishing Derby in 2027. The event is organized by American Legion Post 97, which remains committed to supporting veterans, their families, and the local community through a variety of initiatives, including youth programs.