The American Legion Riders

Today over 425 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's Center, 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” (www.patriotguard.org) 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!

First, let me start with a big thank you and a ooh-yah to everyone that helped us with the bike show. To all of the Legion members, SAL and Auxiliary who helped out - THANK YOU! It was a group effort and really showed what we can do as a Post. I have not heard anything on the numbers as of this printing. Hopefully it is all good. The efforts of the Sun Riders needs to be recognized as well. We didn't have the turnout we had hoped for the bikes due to major bike events and a huge concert in Tucson. For next years show we will plan for a different day, maybe an evening show.

Second, if anyone got pictures of the show please send them to the web site for posting. With all of the running around I was doing I never even got my camera out.

Third, I would like to thank Post 59, 36 and 109 for showing their support. If anyone is interested in joining the Riders please give me a call on my cell, 248-0915. Just a reminder-you need to be a member of the Post to join. Please pass on to anyone who rides that they are welcome at the Dugout as a guest of the riders. This could lead to new members and some additional cash flow.

Last, we will be collecting plastic model kits-skill level 2 or above-for service members wounded in Iraq/Afghanistan. They use these kits for dexterity therapy after major surgeries. Some of these folks have been badly wounded and could use our support and help with their recovery. The kits will be sent to Ft. Sam Houston Medical Center and other recovery centers as we get them. Drop the kits off at the Post. Thanks again and keep the shiny side up.

Lou Scheer, Jr. Vice Commander Post 7

We're still here. Just wanted to let everyone know that the Legion Riders are here and we are planning our first "unofficial" meeting in October. I will let everyone know within the next two weeks or so, but it will be on a Saturday. Just a reminder to anyone interested in the Riders. We are Legion members first.

By the time you read this the bike show will have already happened. I am looking forward to a great show. The final results should be published in a later edition of the Sunshiner. The next bike show will have a committee so if you are interested please let us know.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank John Smith and his lovely wife Donna for coming out to the 911 Tribute Ride on Saturday the 13th at Post 59. Post 7 was represented. If I missed someone from the Post that was there I apologize. Gary, I look forward to working with you and your wife even with an extra wheel on her bike, Good luck with your surgery. The money raised on the run is going to the American Legion Legacy Fund. Even though 59 started the whole run idea all four Post's with rider chapters were given credit for the donation as a District donation. That included us at Post 7. That was a huge thing to do on the part of the Post 59 Riders and El Hombre-Warren. We look forward to more of these in the future with the same mutual help and respect.

If anyone has any ideas for future events or activities let us know. Keep the shiny side up,

Past Letters (September 2008)
Well it has finally happened. Tucson Legion Post #7 has come together as a chapter of The American Legion Riders. Those of you not familiar with the Riders please let me give you a run down. The Riders were started in Michigan by a few guys at their Post who shared the love of motorcycles, being a veteran and belonging to The American Legion. It has grown by leaps and bounds across the country. To be a member of The American Legion Riders you MUST meet the following requirements:
1) Be in good standing with a Legion Post-dues paid up as well
2) A Legion member, an Auxiliary member or an SAL member
3) Have a motorcycle that is at least 350cc or bigger
4) Motorcycle must be legally registered and insured.
5) A valid license is required.
Some of the benefits of being a Rider are the many rides and functions that take place all over the state and locally. It is quite a feeling to ride along with fellow riders and represent our Post. Riders are also showing the Legion by wearing the "colors" of the Legion and Riders on the back of the vest/jacket that is worn on these rides and functions, this includes the Post#. The Pony Express and the Patriot Guard Riders are Legion Riders. Several riders from Tucson are meeting the Legacy Ride as it comes into Arizona (in Globe) for the National Convention.
It is my intent to bring more folks into our great Post. It is the oldest Post in Tucson and has a great past and this means something. We would like to honor that past and represent American Legion Post #7 in our rides and events. We also plan on supporting all of the programs at the Post, veterans who need and deserve it, and Operation Wounded Warrior. As many of you may know we can be asked to escort a funeral, ONLY at the family's request. This also includes homecomings and deployments when INVITED to do so. For now I am the Point of Contact or POC. If interested get in touch with me. As more comes together we will have meeting times and such, worked out. I know as a Post we can make this happen.
Lou Scheer 248-0915