Joe Foss Post 97
San Tan Valley, AZ
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.
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
Photo: 2026, STV Veterans Center, new modernization to meet the need of community and Post 97 American Legion
Renamed in Honor of a Hero
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.
Founding Members
Larry Moore
US Marine Corps
Vietnam
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.
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.
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.
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.