Pictures from DAY 1

American Legion National Commander Marty Conatser gives the more than 200 American legion Riders a pep talk at a kickoff breakfast Aug. 17 for the third annual Legacy Scholarship Run. The riders are traveling 1,800 miles from Indianapolis, Ind., to Phoenix, Ariz. to raise money for scholarships to children of active duty military men and women who have lost their lives in the war against terrorism.

Mike Kayler, an American Legion Speedway, Post 500 members direct American Legion Riders in the predawn hours August 17 to their assigned flights at Indianapolis Post 64 - the kickoff point for an 1,800 mile Legacy Scholarship ride to Phoenix.

American Legion Rider Rick Hirsch rides his handcrafted tricycle across illinois Aug 17 from Indianapolis to his home post 331 in St. Robert, Mo., during the third annual American Legion Legacy Scholarship ride. The tricycle is powered by a VW motor.

Indianapolis Post 64 member Harry Greene prepares eggs for American Legion Riders prior to the start of their 1,800 mile American Legion Legacy Scholarship Ride from Indianapolis to Phoenix.

More than 200 American Legion Riders prepare for their American Legion Legacy Scholarship Ride from Indianapolis to Phoenix in the early morning Aug. 17.

The lead flight of American Legion Riders complete the first leg of the third annual American Legion Legacy Scholarship Ride from Indianapolis to Phoenix Aug. 17. At the end of the first day, they arrived in St. Robert, Mo., with more than $168,000 in donations.

Monday, August 18, St. Robert, MO to Oklahoma City, OK

Another day - - another 384 miles!

Note: I got the video to load but couldn't get any pictures to load tonight. Sorry! I'll try again to load pictures taken today when I get to New Mexico - don't you just love technology!




One of the challenges of riding cross country is fuel stops. Here is Wanda Haines on what it is like to set one of these up.

We left St. Robert in beautiful weather that felt like 57 degrees. It was a glorious ride and today we really started to gel as a group. People you've never known before rode next to you like you'd been riding together for years! It is still a challenge to ride in close quarters!

There have been a lot more donations. Billy is going to give me a number when I see him tomorrow - - the National Commander just keeps taking donations at each stop!

The American Legion Riders in Missouri worked our gas stop in Joplin, MO. What an awesome sight to see their bike-mounted flags waving! Also, the Harley dealer was there to sell some great Route 66 T-shirts.

We rode Route 66 for about 60 miles today - the Mother Road! Awesome!

Post 308 in Tulsa, Ok made us a great lunch. I'm from Texas and Brisket is the bomb! It was my favorite lunch so far!

However, we hit the proverbial rain leaving Tulsa! We knew we couldn't ride 1800 miles without getting wet but it would have been better if we could have ridden into Ok City without being wet! We arrived into Oklahoma City at rush hour traffic and I'm sure the Ok City drivers would have loved it if we hadn't ridden in with 200+ bikes right into their normally disfunctional commute! What happened to that Police support???

We arrived at the Biltmore Hotel at 5:30 pm and checked in. We then found food, found drinks, visited with friends, and then found beds!

Posse up is at 7:30 am in the morning and we ride to Tucumcari, NM...wish all you Legion Riders could be here riding with us - - we'll catch you on the flip/flop!

I'm still trying to find out where they are posting the pictures taken by the photographer on the ride! If you know, please email me at tinakirchoff@knology.net

It is time for bed - but I'm watching the tie breaker in the women's gymnastics on the tube - I think the U.S. just took the Silver - Oh well! From Oklahoma City - - I bid you goodnight!

Signing off: Flamingo Tina

August 17 - Indianapolis to St. Robert, Missouri

'Big' Dave Adams shares why he rides....





60 degrees. 230+ motorcycles. A common goal...it just don't get any better than this!

0500 am - Breakfast was served at Post 64.

Flight A, Unit 2 Sweep 'Casper' before dawn!

0645 am - Safety Briefing - Group A3

0730 - Kick Stands Up!

I can't take pictures while driving my bike so the exit of the bikes and first gas stops had no pictures. There were no incidents early on and everyone got into the swing of riding in close quarters. We ride with a 2 second interval between you and the bike in front of you. That gives you a 1 second interval between you and the bike to your immediate left or right. It doesn't sound complicated but riding with 230 of your best friends for 377 miles the first day is pretty tiring and keeps everyone on their toes!


The ALR of Missouri fed us in Eureka, MO. Their hospitality is greatly appreciated!

Once we arrived at our destination of St. Robert, MO, Post 331 welcomed us with flag waving, and dinner. Prior to dinner, however, we got to meet Amy Sabalu and her 2 children. Her husband (their father) was killed in Afghanistan in service to his country. If you ever question why we ride this ride and why we are raising this money, just check out the picture of her and her two children - this is why we do it. They will have the benefit of this Scholarship Fund.

Commander Conaster was at a loss for words, as were we all, after meeting Amy and her children and hearing her thank the Riders for doing this Run. Commander of Post 331 Ralph Turner, Frank Grossbeck, 16th District Commander, and Victor Straggliotti, Department of Missouri Commander all welcomed us and helped Commander Conaster receive donations for the Legacy Scholarship Fund.

Did I mention that the Run had already received $70,000.00 in donations as of yesterday and that the Commander had received over $40,000.00 in donations today (before we ever left Post 64 in Indy!!!)??? You ain't seen NOTHIN' Yet!!! Every day Riders, Posts, Districts, and Departments are turning in more donations. One of the Riders even collected $79.00 from people at one of the gas stops (as well as several taxi guys!).

Post 331 hosted our dinner and then Riders began making their way back to the hotel to shower, relax, and get ready for tomorrow's ride. We head for Oklahoma City with KSU at 7:30 am.

I can't end the day without mentioning another program within this program. The 'Princess' from Converse Texas (see her picture below) collects soaps, shampoo, mouthwash, etc. that are in the Hotel Rooms that people don't use each day of the run. These sundries are taken to BAMC in San Antonio, TX for long term patients who do not receive personal sundries. Hats off to her for this wonderful cause.




It's 8:00 pm and I'm about to pack it in - we have another fun filled day ahead of us tomorrow and I've got to get some sleep!!

Signing off: Flamingo Tina

Saturday, August 16th, Kick off meeting in Indianapolis

Today was the big day! Legion Riders arrived at Post 64 in Indianapolis from all over the United States. Old friends and new friends registered and began to share stories! People with names like 'Sarge', 'Top', 'Casper', 'Top Hat', 'Patches', 'The Colonel', and 'Socko'.


Ruth & Charlie from Michigan

Post 64 Parking Lot

Georgia Crew



The parking lot began filling up with every kind of bike imaginable. Lots of Harleys, BMW's, Gold Wings, even a Boss Hoss Trike (with a Corvette looking rear end) and a Volkswagen 'stretched' Trike. One sidecar, a couple of bikes that look like they were made from several bikes but one thing in common - all Legion, Auxiliary, and Son's of the American Legion members- Legion Riders - riding for a common goal...to raise money for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.


At 3:00 pm there was a Road Captain meeting where T.J. Haines and 'Uncle' Dick Wood laid out the safety issues and guidelines that will govern our ride to Phoenix. Each year T.J. and his crew from Texas work out all the logistics for these rides and
'Uncle' Dick is the Head Road Captain.


They really stressed that the mission of this ride is to promote the American Legion Legacy Scholarship, to arrive in Phoenix safely, and have fun.




The Department of Michigan called all Afghanistan and Iraq Vets up to the podium and presented them with a special award for their service. Very awe inspiring that there were 10 that are going to be on the ride.




Post 64 hosted a wonderful pulled pork dinner (no cost to the riders!) and really showed great hospitality to this group. T.J. and Uncle Dick addressed the packed room to make sure that everyone understood the Mission of the ride and did a Safety brief.

Remember, first year, approximately 65 riders rode all the way from Indianapolis to Salt Lake City, last year about 100 riders rode the whole way to Reno, and this year there will be approximately 150 bikes making the entire ride to Phoenix. There are more challenges with more bikes but also more chances for making lasting friends and raising even more money for the Fund!



Following the meeting Commander Kenny Hoffman welcomed the Legacy Run riders and congratulated everyone on their dedication. A.J., the representative for the Department of Indiana also welcomed everyone. The National S.A.L. Commander also spoke and thanked all the Legion Riders gathered.



The highlight of the evening was when young Samantha Smith had a donation of $1,000.00 for the Scholarship Fund raised out of her own allowance and help from the community. What dedication from such a wonderful young lady.



By 7:00 pm most of the Riders were ready to get their bikes gassed up, get back to the Hotel and make sure their gear and bikes are ready for our 7:30 am departure tomorrow. However, those that could not wait, turned in the first donations for the fund.


Keep monitoring this blog as well as http://www.legion.org/ for updates on the run and the donation tally.



Siging off: Flamingo Tina

August 15th - On the Road

Mike & I picked up 'Papa Joe' this morning and headed for Indianapolis. Our ride was uneventful - just lots of trucks and pot holes on I65! We arrived around lunch time (time change!) and we checked into the La Quinta.

Ron from Germany (Dept of France) bought another
bike on EBay and rode over from Washington, DC. He got a
bigger bike (last year on a small Kawasaki also purchased
on EBay!). Ron is third from the right. You've got to love his dedication!

We arrived in time to visit with some new friends. Ken "Casper" Jones from Scott, LA rides out of China Post 1/Shanghai, China 'Operating in Exile'. Mike and I are also riding out of China Post 1.

Marty Skaggs, Director of Indianapolis Riders Chapter 64
was on hand to greet Riders who arrived
at the Post this afternoon. Post 64 is a
wonderful Post that greeted us road-weary Riders.
(middle of the picture)

Mike (Group 2 Road Captain, Soko (Ks) Group 3 Road Captain, and Papa Joe

The group from Kansas!

Tomorrow we have Road Captain Meetings, Riders keep arriving, and we'll have our Riders meeting around 7:00 pm at Post 64. Can't wait! Wish all of you were here with us to enjoy this big time! All these Legion Riders converging to ride for this great cause - the American Legion Legacy Run.

Flamingo Tina signing out.

August 14th - on the road!

August 14th - On the Road

Hey Legion Riders! Mike & I left Panama City this morning at 0600. It was a beautiful morning with the sun just starting to come up - as we got further north we hit a lot of fog and we were actually chilly! Not something we are in the Florida Panhandle or 'Lower Alabama' in August!

We had a great ride - 485 miles and rode into Northern Tennessee (exit 108 on I65) around 4:30 pm. A quick dip in the pool and some supper and we're turning in early!

Here's a picture of Airman Hall with Mike who took our picture North of Birmingham. He just finished Basic Training in San Antonio and will deploy for Japan very soon. It was a pleasure meeting him at one of our gas stops.

We heard from 'Papa Joe' (he rode from Valdosta) and he is at exit 98 on I65 and will join us in the morning for the ride into Indianapolis.

We hope all the Legion Riders converging on Indy have a safe ride and can't wait to see you for the ride to Phoenix.

Signing off: Flamingo Tina

FlamingoTina here from Panama City. Mike and I sold raffle tickets at First Friday in downtown Panama City on Friday the 1st of August. We made $998.00 on the Booze Basket! All for the Legacy Scholarship Fund. Our Rider's group helped sell tickets and sign up new members. Every month we rent a space at this community event to bring attention to how much our American Legion does in the community.

Joe and Carol Volpi manned the booth for a while and Butch Schumaker sold over $600.00 of the tickets for us. We have a great group here in PC.

Last month we cooked three meals at Legion Post 356. Sure wish the kitchen was bigger! We have cooked meals, sold raffle tickets, and gotten Corporate Sponsorships - still don't have a final total but will have our check with us to deliver to Phoenix.

Are you ready to ride? We leave for Indanapolis on Thursday the 14th to arrive on the 16th. Can't wait to see old friends. I was going through pictures from the last 2 Legacy rides and what a time we have had!

I'll be making posts from on the road - next stop - Northern Tennessee on the way to Indy!

Signing off,

Flamingo Tina

Share a room/Share a Ride!

HOTEL ROOMS TO SHARE?

Anyone who has a room for the Legacy Run, but is interested in sharing the space and splitting the cost, can use this post to list your name and contact information. Be clear about what nights and locations you can share!

Likewise, some of you who haven't yet gotten a room might also leave your name and contact information!

OR, link up here with riders from your part of the United States for a possible joint ride on the way to Indianapolis or back from Phoenix.

To see the offers, simply click on the "comments" below this blog.

Bill

American Legion "Tribute to Service" Sunday, Aug 24.

As you make plans for your upcoming trip to The American Legion National Convention in Phoenix, be sure to set aside the afternoon of Sunday, August 24th for a new, patriotic, exciting event! The addition to this year’s convention is The American Legion Family’s Tribute to Service. This spectacle of patriotism will feature performances by Country Music Artist Michael Peterson and the U.S. Marine Corps’ famous Silent Drill Platoon. The Tribute to Service will honor military families in attendance and host a group military enlistment and reenlistment ceremony. Small delegations from The American Legion’s 55 departments will march into the US Airways Center in downtown Phoenix to kick-off the event which will include National Commander Marty Conatser, American Legion Auxiliary National President Jan Pulvermacher-Ryan and Sons of the American Legion National Commander Raymond P Giehll Jr. Spirit of Service Award winners and Youth Champions will also be in attendance. Peterson’s hits include “Drink Swear Steal & Lie” and “From Here to Eternity.” He has raised thousands of dollars for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund by donating proceeds from his DVD titled “It’s Who We Are.” “The Tempations Review” will also entertain the audience, courtesy of the Casino Arizona. The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon is based at the historic Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C. Members of the platoon are handpicked from all over the Marine Corps, based on the ability to carry out precisely orchestrated rifle drills with no verbal instructions whatsoever. It is a truly impressive performance to watch, featuring rifles with bayonets soaring high into the air between Marines. The award-winning Joliet American Legion Band will also be performing at the event. Since 1946, the band has emulated the precise disciplined tradition of John Philip Sousa before loyal audiences, which have included seven U.S. presidents. The Tribute to Service starts at 4 p.m. Admission is free to all registered American Legion Convention attendees, including Auxiliary and Sons Of The American Legion. Shuttles will also be provided at no cost to the departments or attendees.

The American Legion on myspace.com

http://www.myspace.com/the_american_legion

bill,

take a look at the myspace page.. I featured Legacy run 2008 video on the page… can you put it out to the legion riders that if they have a myspace page, then please add TAL national hq as their friend…

I know there is a lot of legion riders on myspace, we need them to get some momentum behind this thing…

Thanks…

jin

American Legion Post 356 prepares for Legacy Run

Mike and I are busy again raising money for this year's Legacy Run. So far we have cooked Chicken Fried Steak, cooked Burgers & Dogs at our Rider's Poker Run, and are selling booze basket tickets. We've gotten donations from members at the Post for the Legacy Cards, some have given us money as pledges per mile and some have just plain donated! In all, we have personally raised over $800.00 and hope to make it $1,000.00. I sent out Corporate Sponsorship letters today and hope that will generate some more.

This will be our 3rd Legacy Run and can't wait to see everyone in Indy. Mike is going to be Road Captain of Group II (again!) and we can't wait to ride with Big Dave, Jeff, Pops, Ed, Bad Bob, and others.

Welcome to anyone riding this year for the first time. You will have a blast and it is for such a great cause. This picture is Mike & I in Apalachicola with 189 bikes at the Three Servicemen Statue Dedication.

Flamingo Tina signing off from Panama City, FL

Texas: City and County Issue Proclamations for "American Legion Legacy Day"

The Bexar County Commissioners Court (Texas) proclaimed August 2, 2008 American Legion Legacy Day in San Antonio. The city has done one too! The Converse 593 Riders set up a “Community Leaders Advisory Committee” and recruited former San Antonio Mayor Howard Peak to help. Mayor Peak set up the proclamations. The Riders are also working with the new District Commander to get the other posts in the area involved. The Riders, District Commander and Post 2 Commander attended the Proclamation Presentation at Commissioners Court. The presentation got a little press coverage locally.

On American Legion Legacy Day, the Riders are setting up donation collection points around the city, including Legion Posts and at least one Motorcycle Dealership (Alamo Cycle Plex). The Riders will host an American Legion Legacy Day Dinner that evening. They wanted to expand ticket sales beyond the capacity of Post 593, so they partnered with Post #2 and will hold the Dinner at that location. They expect 200 to attend. They also recruited “The Roadhouse” as a sponsor, they are donating the food.

Also, the 593 Riders held their annual “Legacy Run” this past weekend and had over 100 participants.

Just thought you would like a little news from South Texas./tj

Announcing "The American Legion Legacy Run" Forum.

Welcome to The American Legion Legacy Run blogsite and discussion forum. Many of the Legacy Run veterans, new riders, and Legion family volunteers interested in learning more about The American Legion Legacy Run should visit this site often--it is interactive and safe, and will allow you to share your comments with all visitors to the forum.

The forum also welcomes open discussion. Give us your thoughts about The American Legion Legacy Scholarship and the Legacy Run itself. Share your stories of previous runs to Salt Lake City and Reno. Tell us about your chapters' own upcoming American Legion Rider events and fundraisers connected with the Legacy Scholarship, and your Rider's goals for 2008.


--AWACS
(Bill Sloan, site moderator)
www.legion.org