Our chapter was founded in 2006 by a small group of dedicated veterans and led by Gary Lemonds. Gary was a highly decorated combat veteran from the Vietnam War. He was a Ranger and is in the Ranger Hall of Fame. He was also nominated for the Medal Of Honor, holds the Army Cross, a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and three Purple Hearts. In January of 2009, we lost Gary but his chapter continues on in his honor.
Today we have members that are made up of Legion members, Womens Aux, and Sons Of the American Legion (SAL's.) A lot of us are also in the 40/8. We are dedicated to helping ALL veterans, those still serving, and their families through the various charities we support. We invite you to become a member of this ELITE group of men and women as we continue to serve our country and support or military.
Today over 1000 American Legion Riders programs, organized by Chapters, Districts, or Departments, support Americanism and Children and Youth programs in virtually every state in the nation, and more are organizing each month. One of the fastest-growing and most highly visible of the many programs offered by The American Legion, The American Legion Riders are a very diverse group, and so are the programs that they support.
What do American Legion Riders do? The activities are far too many to mention in this space, but here are a few examples:American Legion Riders chapters and districts, nationally have become some of the most generous donors for the American Legacy Scholarship Fund, raising as much as $5,000 or more in a single event. Legion Riders participate in the annual POW/MIA Rally held each Memorial weekend in Washington D.C. known as "Rolling Thunder".
Legion Riders sponsor or participate in local and national charity events in support of the sponsoring American Legion Post. Legion Riders ride to raise money for such organizations as local VA Hospitals, Battered Women and Children Centers, Varied Children and Youth programs, a School for Blind Children, Veterans Relief, Needy families and many, many others. Legion Riders founded a national movement called “Patriot Guard” that honors and protects the sanctity of military funerals and memorial services. Legion Riders have formed special motorcycle Honor Guards and ceremonial teams highlighting the special bonds formed in military service and the motorcycling community.
Legion Riders have also begun to teach motorcycle and driver safety in the community and in schools in cooperation with ABATE and other national motorcycling organizations.
Remember: American Legion Riders are a very dedicated group of
Legion Family members. When your Post or district sponsors a new Riders organization, you create a win/win situation for your post, district, and Department!
