American Legion Post 58’s newly formed color guard competed at the annual American Legion Department of Arizona Convention June 21-24, 2018, held at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort in Phoenix. Post 58’s color guard competed against other American Legion posts in the Posting/Retrieving of the National Colors competition. Color guard members were Kevin Wood, commander and American flag holder; Bob Putnam, American Legion flag holder; and Tait Elkie and Phil Yin, riflemen.
Post 58 was awarded first place by the judging committee, which consisted of the Luke AFB Color Guard Team and competition chairman Francisco Barraza. The competitors who placed included color guards from American Legion Post 29 (Glendale), Post 135 (Cornville) and Post 27 (Apache Junction). Trophies will be presented at the Department Fall Conference in October 2018. As part of the honor of taking first place, Post 58 will now have the honor of posting and retrieving the national colors at the 2018/2019 state conferences and the convention.

EACH TEAM WAS INSPECTED ON THE FOLLOWING:
Eligibility – member in the American Legion organization.
Inspection – inspected for eligibility, uniform and equipment compliance.
Flag Code – Basis for judging flag code violations was the “American Legion Flag Code.”
Timing – each team had a maximum of four (4) minutes for posting and retrieving of the colors.

EACH TEAM WAS JUDGED ON THE FOLLOWING (100 POINT MAXIMUM):
EXECUTION – Commanding Officer, Unit Members and Marching and Manuevering – 20 points each/TOTAL 60 POINTS.
GENERAL EFFECT – Dignity and Military Bearing – 20 points and Showmanship – 20 points/ TOTAL 40 POINTS.

The performance video can be viewed on Post 58’s website – www.azalpost58.org. You can also find information on membership, officers, calendar, programs, benefits, Legion Riders and Auxiliary.