COMMANDER'S CORNER – September 2026

A Month to Remember. A Month to Honor. A Month to Serve.

September is a month filled with moments that remind us exactly why the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 107 exists—to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans, support our American Legion Family, strengthen our community, and ensure that the next generation never forgets the price of freedom.

As we begin the month with Labor Day, we recognize the hardworking men and women who have helped build this nation. Service comes in many forms, and the strength of America has always depended upon ordinary people willing to step forward, work hard, and contribute to something greater than themselves.

But perhaps no date in September carries more meaning for our generation than September 11th.

We Will Never Forget

On September 11, 2001, our nation changed forever.

We remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost that day. We remember the firefighters, police officers, first responders, military personnel, and everyday Americans who ran toward danger when others were trying to escape it.

We also remember what happened afterward.

For a time, Americans weren't divided by politics, backgrounds, or differences. We were simply Americans.

Flags appeared on homes and businesses. Neighbors checked on neighbors. Communities came together. Thousands of young Americans raised their right hands and volunteered to defend our nation.

Twenty-five years later, we have a responsibility to make sure that spirit—and the memory of those we lost—is never forgotten.

This September marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, making this year's remembrance especially meaningful. I encourage every member of Squadron 107 to participate in our remembrance activities and ceremonies and help us show our community that at Post 107, “Never Forget” is more than a phrase—it is a promise.

September also gives us an opportunity to recognize Patriot Day, POW/MIA Recognition Day, Constitution Day, and the birthday of the United States Air Force. Each represents a different part of our nation's history, but all remind us of our responsibility to honor those who served, remember those who never returned home, and preserve the freedoms handed down to us.

We Need Your Help on Saturdays

I want to address something that is extremely important to the continued success of Squadron 107.

We need volunteers for our Saturday lunch.

Our Saturday food service has become an important part of what we do. It brings people into Post 107, creates fellowship, generates revenue for our programs, and gives members and guests another reason to spend time with their American Legion Family.

But it doesn't happen by itself.

We need people willing to help cook, take orders, serve food, prepare plates, clean tables, wash dishes, stock supplies, and help with cleanup.

You don't have to be a professional cook.

You don't have to volunteer every Saturday.

And you don't have to spend your entire day at the Post.

Even a few hours can make a tremendous difference.

If you've been wondering how you can become more involved with Squadron 107, Saturday lunch is one of the easiest places to start. Come down, work alongside your fellow members, meet some new people, and help us continue building something special.

Our Squadron continues to grow, but with growth comes responsibility.

We cannot continue expanding our programs, meals, fundraisers, community outreach, veteran support, and special events if the same small group of volunteers is expected to do everything.

We need more members to step forward.

If every member gave just three or four hours once a month, imagine what we could accomplish.

Our Mission Continues

There are many exciting things happening at Squadron 107.

We continue working to improve our food service, expand our fundraising opportunities, grow our membership, strengthen our online presence, improve our technology, support Post 107, and develop programs that directly benefit veterans, children, families, and our community.

Our Ace of Spades continues to grow and provides an important source of support for Sons of the American Legion programs. Every ticket sold and every person who helps promote the game contributes to our ability to accomplish our mission.

But fundraising is only part of the equation.

The real strength of Squadron 107 continues to be our people.

Every breakfast cooked.

Every Saturday lunch served.

Every Ace of Spades ticket sold.

Every ceremony attended.

Every flag placed.

Every veteran honored.

Every new member welcomed.

Every hour volunteered.

Every time someone asks, “What can I do to help?”

Those are the things that make a Squadron successful.

As we move through September, I ask each member to think about what service means to you.

On September 11th, remember those we lost.

On POW/MIA Recognition Day, remember those who still have not returned home.

When you see our veterans, thank them.

When Squadron 107 needs help, step forward.

And when someone asks what the Sons of the American Legion stands for, show them through your actions.

We inherited a tremendous legacy from those who served before us.

It is now our responsibility to carry that legacy forward.

Let's make September a month of remembrance, patriotism, fellowship, and most importantly—service.

Together, we will continue to honor our past, support today's veterans, strengthen our American Legion Family, and build tomorrow's legacy.

Proud Possessors of a Priceless Heritage.

For God and Country,

Thomas Friedlander
Commander
Sons of the American Legion Squadron 107

 

Join Us!

Whether you’re a current member, a potential recruit, or someone looking to volunteer, there’s a place for you in Squadron 107. We honor our veterans by serving our community and continuing the proud traditions of The American Legion Family.

Contact us at thomas.e.friedlander@gmail.com
Visit us at 20001 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024