FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
American Legion’s Operation Comfort Warriors
competes for $250K Pepsi grant
Votes Needed!
INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 2, 2010) – The American Legion’s Operation Comfort Warriors is competing for a $250,000 grant to be awarded by Pepsi Cola, Inc. There are 729 charities competing for grants, which are determined by number of votes received online. As of this morning, Operation Comfort Warriors was third in voting. The top two vote getters will receive quarter-million dollar grants. Rules allow voters to vote for Operation Comfort Warriors once a day through the month of February.
Visitors can cast their votes at http://www.refresheverything.com/operationcomfortwarriors.
Since December 2008, the American Legion family has raised funds for Operation Comfort Warriors, a program dedicated to meeting the needs of wounded military personnel, providing them with comfort items not usually supplied by the government. OCW ensures that patients at U.S. military hospitals and warrior transition units are given items like sweat suits, DVDs, puzzles, electronic devices, books, calling cards and more.
“The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq continue. Military service will always include inherent dangers from training and other hazardous duties,” American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill said. “As long as our men and women are in harm’s way, there will continue to be wounded warriors. The American Legion needs to be there for our heroes. Operation Comfort Warriors is an excellent way to show our appreciation for their sacrifices. I urge all Americans to show their appreciation by voting for it on the Pepsi Refresh Everything Web site.”
All administrative and marketing costs for Operation Comfort Warriors are paid for by The American Legion, meaning 100 percent of all donations and grants received go to the troops.
With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.
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Media contacts: Marty Callaghan (202) 861-2700; Joe March or John Raughter (317) 630-1253, Cell (317) 748-1926 /(317) 441-8847. A high resolution photo of National Commander Hill is available at www.legion.org.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
New Riders Forum on main American Legion website
Our web site development team is launching an American Legion Forum on www.legion.org, part of the new roll-out of services and interactive content on the Legion's website.
To take part in Rider discussions, even start a new discussion thread of your own, visit www.legion.org/forum and sign in. Read posts, participate in ongoing discussions, and even start your own.
Bill Sloan (AWACS)
To take part in Rider discussions, even start a new discussion thread of your own, visit www.legion.org/forum and sign in. Read posts, participate in ongoing discussions, and even start your own.
Bill Sloan (AWACS)
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Fundraising Idea
Mr. Sloan,
My name is Wesley Thompson I am a SFC in the US Army and an active member of both the American Legion and Legion Riders at Post 192 in Evans, Ga. Since, joining the Legion riders, I have become very impressed and active in campaigning for the Legacy Fund. It is a matter that hit very close to home for us at post 192 as a fellow rider recently lost a brother in Afghanistan leaving behind his wife and 4 kids.
Over the years, I have seen many different companies and organizations execute different events to raise money for various veteran causes such as the Wounded Warrior Project. Recently, I attended a shootout in Ga where different companies donated various firearms for raffle with all the proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project. This got me thinking....What I would like to propose is creating and raffling an American Legion Rider "Legacy Bike". What I would like to do, is approach several large companies and organizations which have demonstrated support to veterans over the years for donations. With these donation a motorcycle would be purchased and the bike would be custom painted to project the spirit of the "Legacy Run". Next, tickets would be made available for sale, mainly through a website, where anyone could go an purchase them. All of the money raised from ticket sales would go to the Legacy fund. The bike would be ridden on the Legacy Run, and upon completion, the new owner would be drawn and contacted. I think this could be not only a great opportunity to raise funds, but could be an opportunity to create a website where photos of the bike being built and word could really get out about the Legacy Fund, the Legion Riders, and the Legion as a whole.
I would appreciate any opinion you have on this. Still being a new member I have not been exposed to all the rules and regulations which would deal with a situation like this. It would be a undertaking none the less and I know it is not something I could accomplish myself, but I would love to spearhead the opportunity. I do not believe I would be able to accomplish it this year (my first born is due on August 16th...hopefully I will be able to make the run!) but for 2011...I am on board!
I look forward to your feedback and I appreciate your time.
Respectfully,
Wesley Thompson
My name is Wesley Thompson I am a SFC in the US Army and an active member of both the American Legion and Legion Riders at Post 192 in Evans, Ga. Since, joining the Legion riders, I have become very impressed and active in campaigning for the Legacy Fund. It is a matter that hit very close to home for us at post 192 as a fellow rider recently lost a brother in Afghanistan leaving behind his wife and 4 kids.
Over the years, I have seen many different companies and organizations execute different events to raise money for various veteran causes such as the Wounded Warrior Project. Recently, I attended a shootout in Ga where different companies donated various firearms for raffle with all the proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project. This got me thinking....What I would like to propose is creating and raffling an American Legion Rider "Legacy Bike". What I would like to do, is approach several large companies and organizations which have demonstrated support to veterans over the years for donations. With these donation a motorcycle would be purchased and the bike would be custom painted to project the spirit of the "Legacy Run". Next, tickets would be made available for sale, mainly through a website, where anyone could go an purchase them. All of the money raised from ticket sales would go to the Legacy fund. The bike would be ridden on the Legacy Run, and upon completion, the new owner would be drawn and contacted. I think this could be not only a great opportunity to raise funds, but could be an opportunity to create a website where photos of the bike being built and word could really get out about the Legacy Fund, the Legion Riders, and the Legion as a whole.
I would appreciate any opinion you have on this. Still being a new member I have not been exposed to all the rules and regulations which would deal with a situation like this. It would be a undertaking none the less and I know it is not something I could accomplish myself, but I would love to spearhead the opportunity. I do not believe I would be able to accomplish it this year (my first born is due on August 16th...hopefully I will be able to make the run!) but for 2011...I am on board!
I look forward to your feedback and I appreciate your time.
Respectfully,
Wesley Thompson
Monday, December 21, 2009
Yarnell, AZ Post welcomes all ALR!
American Legion Post 79 said...
We have a very active Riders group at our post in Yarnell, AZ. Please stop in and visit us if you are traveling our way. Information and directions are on our site: http://americanlegion79.org
American Legion Post 79 Yarnell, AZ where the weather lets you ride year round.
We have a very active Riders group at our post in Yarnell, AZ. Please stop in and visit us if you are traveling our way. Information and directions are on our site: http://americanlegion79.org
American Legion Post 79 Yarnell, AZ where the weather lets you ride year round.
Friday, December 18, 2009
American Legion Legacy Run 2010 Registration NOW OPEN.
Registration for The American Legion Legacy Run, August 22-26, 2010, is now open. You can find the 2010 registration/waiver form at www.legion.org/riders/legacy, or contact legionriders@legion.org.
This year the Legacy Run will travel approximate 1350 miles from Indianapolis to the convention city of Milwaukee.
The final 2010 route, looping to the west from Indianapolis before turning north and back east into Wisconsin and the Milwaukee area, will be finalized and announced in the Spring of 2010.
Register early to be placed back into your 2009 groupings.
As a special treat in 2010, we will be joined by a group of Royal British Legion Riders, who will travel from Great Britain to be a part of our annual run. To learn more about the RBLR, visit their website at www.rblr.co.uk
See you all in late summer!
AWACS
This year the Legacy Run will travel approximate 1350 miles from Indianapolis to the convention city of Milwaukee.
The final 2010 route, looping to the west from Indianapolis before turning north and back east into Wisconsin and the Milwaukee area, will be finalized and announced in the Spring of 2010.
Register early to be placed back into your 2009 groupings.
As a special treat in 2010, we will be joined by a group of Royal British Legion Riders, who will travel from Great Britain to be a part of our annual run. To learn more about the RBLR, visit their website at www.rblr.co.uk
See you all in late summer!
AWACS
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Veterans of Valor
Klay South prowls the hallways of Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, visiting wounded warriors and making life a bit easier for them. Some patients are amputees, some severely burned. Others are scarred and disfigured by torso or facial wounds. South, a Marine Corps veteran, isn’t motivated by sympathy. He relates to these troops because of his own combat experience.
On Veterans Day 2004, during the first battle of Fallujah, South was struck in the face and leg by bullets fired from an insurgent’s AK-47 rifle. A field tracheotomy saved his life, and since then he’s endured more than 40 surgeries and procedures to reconstruct his face. When he visits wounded warriors, he knows their pain. He can look them in the eyes and honestly tell them that life will get better.
South, 33, is the founder of Veterans of Valor, a nonprofit organization formed to help meet the needs of severely wounded servicemembers with specific items, services and programs. During his hospital visits, South distributes hundreds of backpacks with iPods or Sony PlayStations, zip-up hoodies, breakaway pants and other items. Each backpack is valued at more than $500.
“I know what these brave men and women are going through,” said South, after visiting a double-amputee patient. “I have a titanium jaw. I lost 22 teeth and 20 percent of my tongue. Physical recovery is sometimes easier than the mental or emotional aspects of healing. I want them to think down the road, not about their current condition. Things will get better. I’ve survived the journey, and they will, too.”
Besides hospital visits, South invites wounded warriors, their families and caregivers to an evening away from the hospital. During his San Antonio visit, 700 servicemembers and guests enjoyed food, games and camaraderie at a Dave & Buster’s restaurant. Eighty members of the Texas American Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion and The American Legion Riders volunteered to pair up with wounded servicemembers and help in any way they could – even if it meant just listening.
Delegates at The American Legion’s 91st National Convention in Louisville, Ky., unanimously passed Resolution 108 to support the Veterans of Valor program.
“It’s ‘game on’ with The American Legion family,” said South, watching Texas Legion volunteers interacting with wounded Marines and soldiers. “I am amazed at the turnout of Texas Legionnaires on such short notice. Legionnaires want to do something. It’s what the Legion is all about.”
South said he’s also grateful that members from his own Legion home – Post 252 in Greenwood, Ind., along with two other Indiana posts in Carmel and Speedway – donated money and materials.
To learn more about the program, visit www.veteransofvalor.org.
On Veterans Day 2004, during the first battle of Fallujah, South was struck in the face and leg by bullets fired from an insurgent’s AK-47 rifle. A field tracheotomy saved his life, and since then he’s endured more than 40 surgeries and procedures to reconstruct his face. When he visits wounded warriors, he knows their pain. He can look them in the eyes and honestly tell them that life will get better.
South, 33, is the founder of Veterans of Valor, a nonprofit organization formed to help meet the needs of severely wounded servicemembers with specific items, services and programs. During his hospital visits, South distributes hundreds of backpacks with iPods or Sony PlayStations, zip-up hoodies, breakaway pants and other items. Each backpack is valued at more than $500.
“I know what these brave men and women are going through,” said South, after visiting a double-amputee patient. “I have a titanium jaw. I lost 22 teeth and 20 percent of my tongue. Physical recovery is sometimes easier than the mental or emotional aspects of healing. I want them to think down the road, not about their current condition. Things will get better. I’ve survived the journey, and they will, too.”
Besides hospital visits, South invites wounded warriors, their families and caregivers to an evening away from the hospital. During his San Antonio visit, 700 servicemembers and guests enjoyed food, games and camaraderie at a Dave & Buster’s restaurant. Eighty members of the Texas American Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion and The American Legion Riders volunteered to pair up with wounded servicemembers and help in any way they could – even if it meant just listening.
Delegates at The American Legion’s 91st National Convention in Louisville, Ky., unanimously passed Resolution 108 to support the Veterans of Valor program.
“It’s ‘game on’ with The American Legion family,” said South, watching Texas Legion volunteers interacting with wounded Marines and soldiers. “I am amazed at the turnout of Texas Legionnaires on such short notice. Legionnaires want to do something. It’s what the Legion is all about.”
South said he’s also grateful that members from his own Legion home – Post 252 in Greenwood, Ind., along with two other Indiana posts in Carmel and Speedway – donated money and materials.
To learn more about the program, visit www.veteransofvalor.org.
Run Dates Set for 2010!
Mark your calendars now! The American Legion Legacy Run will depart Indianapolis the morning of Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010, and arrive mid-afternoon in Milwaukee on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010. Stay tuned and visit the new websites at www.legion.org/riders.
--AWACS
--AWACS
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Legion Riders from Post 116 "Going on a Cruise"
American Legion Riders Post 116 sponsor A Legion Legacy Scholarship Fundraiser Cruise
September 26th, 2010
7 day Eastern Caribbean cruise from Baltimore, MD
join AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS Post 116
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th, 2010
Rates are from for:
Interior Category 4C $724.89
and
Balcony Category 8C $874.89
Oceanview Rates available upon request
Lower Rates may be available with Non-Refundable Deposit – Please ask for Early Booking Rates
Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy.
Includes all port charges & taxes, recommended gratuities are $70 per person & additional. Optional, but recommended, Travel Protection Insurance is also additional at a rate of $95 per person on interior cabins, $109 per person on balcony cabins.
$35 of your cruise fare will be donated to the scholarship fund, Carnival/Terry’s Travel will match your contribution to equal $70 per person or $140 maximum per cabin towards the Legion Legacy Scholarship
1st deposit of $125 per person due on or before 12/1/2009,
2nd deposit $125 per person due on or before 3/1/2010 and final payment due on or before 7/1/2010.
“Lower Rates May be Available”. Ask About Early Saver Rates – Requires full $500 deposit at the time of booking, deposit is nonrefundable, must be booked at least 5 months prior to departure, based on availability, offer can be withdrawn without notice, some restrictions apply.
For Reservations & Additional Information Please Contact Post 116 ALR Director:
Tim Clarke (squid126@yahoo.com), phone # 443-744-1617 Or Terry Heck at Terry’s Travel: 281-855-3067, 800-551-3067 Terrah1@aol.com
www.terrystravelco.com
Cruise rates are capacity controlled in US dollars, per guest, & based on double occupancy. Government taxes/fees are included. Air transportation is additional for all guests. Rates are available on select sailings only. Some restrictions (including stateroom category availability) apply. Rates are subject to change without prior notice. Ships’ Registry” The Bahamas and Panama.
September 26th, 2010
7 day Eastern Caribbean cruise from Baltimore, MD
join AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS Post 116
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th, 2010
Rates are from for:
Interior Category 4C $724.89
and
Balcony Category 8C $874.89
Oceanview Rates available upon request
Lower Rates may be available with Non-Refundable Deposit – Please ask for Early Booking Rates
Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy.
Includes all port charges & taxes, recommended gratuities are $70 per person & additional. Optional, but recommended, Travel Protection Insurance is also additional at a rate of $95 per person on interior cabins, $109 per person on balcony cabins.
$35 of your cruise fare will be donated to the scholarship fund, Carnival/Terry’s Travel will match your contribution to equal $70 per person or $140 maximum per cabin towards the Legion Legacy Scholarship
1st deposit of $125 per person due on or before 12/1/2009,
2nd deposit $125 per person due on or before 3/1/2010 and final payment due on or before 7/1/2010.
“Lower Rates May be Available”. Ask About Early Saver Rates – Requires full $500 deposit at the time of booking, deposit is nonrefundable, must be booked at least 5 months prior to departure, based on availability, offer can be withdrawn without notice, some restrictions apply.
For Reservations & Additional Information Please Contact Post 116 ALR Director:
Tim Clarke (squid126@yahoo.com), phone # 443-744-1617 Or Terry Heck at Terry’s Travel: 281-855-3067, 800-551-3067 Terrah1@aol.com
www.terrystravelco.com
Cruise rates are capacity controlled in US dollars, per guest, & based on double occupancy. Government taxes/fees are included. Air transportation is additional for all guests. Rates are available on select sailings only. Some restrictions (including stateroom category availability) apply. Rates are subject to change without prior notice. Ships’ Registry” The Bahamas and Panama.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Legacy Scholarship reaches $609,131.00
I just watched the Tuesday session at National Convention. Departments and Legion Riders from all over the US gave their contributions to the National Comander.
The goal for this year was $400,000. 00. At Convention on Tuesday, august 25th donations have reached $609,131. !!!
This blows all the other years out of the water! It was a thrill to watch everyone give their donations - - it was a great thrill to see TJ get up and give $32,000 (Converse Texas???) wish we could have been there.
I just received word from Bad Bob Crouch that there are pictures out there - I'll keep posting!
Signing off: Flamingo Tina
The goal for this year was $400,000. 00. At Convention on Tuesday, august 25th donations have reached $609,131. !!!
This blows all the other years out of the water! It was a thrill to watch everyone give their donations - - it was a great thrill to see TJ get up and give $32,000 (Converse Texas???) wish we could have been there.
I just received word from Bad Bob Crouch that there are pictures out there - I'll keep posting!
Signing off: Flamingo Tina
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Posted from "Doc" Shaw in Afghanistan.
Hi Bill,
I am sorry I was unable to make the Legacy Run for the 3rd year in a row but I am here in Kabul, Afghanistan on what I think is a higher mission. Be it known that I am there in spirit and via reading the blog. I have attached a letter that I would like read to the riders as they come to the great Commonwealth of Virginia. I would truly appreciate it if someone could read it to them.
Thanks,
H. David "Doc" Shaw
Central Post Office Bx 458
Durulaman Road
Kabul, Afghanistan
hdavidshaw@gmail.com
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Dear Legacy Run Riders,
Greetings from Kabul, Afghanistan where I am currently serving not on a military mission but armed instead with books and knowledge as we educate the hearts and minds of the young Afghans leaders who will lead this country into future. It saddens me that after participating with you all for two years that I am not with you again and cannot, in person, welcome you to my home state, the great Commonwealth of Virginia. Let it be known, however, that my heart and my mind are with you throughout this great mission that you are undertaking. I know it will be another overwhelming success.
I know many of you would like to know of the success of Operation Enduring Freedom here in Afghanistan. The one thing that I learned while living in the D.C. metro area and now even more living here in Afghanistan is that you cannot trust everything you hear, read, or see in the media. To paraphrase Mark Twain, “the news of the demise of Afghanistan is great exaggerated.” I often read the western news and shake my head in wonder as they report mostly negative things about the mission here. I am here, and trust me when I tell you that the U.S. and its International partners are winning the war on terror in Afghanistan and that the Afghan people truly appreciate all that is being done for them. They look back at the dark days of the Soviet invasion and then civil war and their days under the Taliban rule and they truly know what was and could be without the support of the U.S. and the international communities and not a day goes by when we are not thanked for what we are doing for them. I know I am speaking to the choir here as you all support our troops with an undying passion. Please continue to do so and to support the non military mission here as well.
As someone who has done it, I know you all will cherish your ride in the Legacy Run 2009. My memories of the past two years are permanently indelled in my mind. Most memorable, however, is that moment in which we were told that we had exceeded our goals in raising funds for the children of our fallen troops. I know once again you all will be successful in that effort. Have a great ride, a safe ride, and keep the shiny side up.
Sincerely,
H. David “Doc” Shaw
I am sorry I was unable to make the Legacy Run for the 3rd year in a row but I am here in Kabul, Afghanistan on what I think is a higher mission. Be it known that I am there in spirit and via reading the blog. I have attached a letter that I would like read to the riders as they come to the great Commonwealth of Virginia. I would truly appreciate it if someone could read it to them.
Thanks,
H. David "Doc" Shaw
Central Post Office Bx 458
Durulaman Road
Kabul, Afghanistan
hdavidshaw@gmail.com
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Dear Legacy Run Riders,
Greetings from Kabul, Afghanistan where I am currently serving not on a military mission but armed instead with books and knowledge as we educate the hearts and minds of the young Afghans leaders who will lead this country into future. It saddens me that after participating with you all for two years that I am not with you again and cannot, in person, welcome you to my home state, the great Commonwealth of Virginia. Let it be known, however, that my heart and my mind are with you throughout this great mission that you are undertaking. I know it will be another overwhelming success.
I know many of you would like to know of the success of Operation Enduring Freedom here in Afghanistan. The one thing that I learned while living in the D.C. metro area and now even more living here in Afghanistan is that you cannot trust everything you hear, read, or see in the media. To paraphrase Mark Twain, “the news of the demise of Afghanistan is great exaggerated.” I often read the western news and shake my head in wonder as they report mostly negative things about the mission here. I am here, and trust me when I tell you that the U.S. and its International partners are winning the war on terror in Afghanistan and that the Afghan people truly appreciate all that is being done for them. They look back at the dark days of the Soviet invasion and then civil war and their days under the Taliban rule and they truly know what was and could be without the support of the U.S. and the international communities and not a day goes by when we are not thanked for what we are doing for them. I know I am speaking to the choir here as you all support our troops with an undying passion. Please continue to do so and to support the non military mission here as well.
As someone who has done it, I know you all will cherish your ride in the Legacy Run 2009. My memories of the past two years are permanently indelled in my mind. Most memorable, however, is that moment in which we were told that we had exceeded our goals in raising funds for the children of our fallen troops. I know once again you all will be successful in that effort. Have a great ride, a safe ride, and keep the shiny side up.
Sincerely,
H. David “Doc” Shaw
Monday, August 24, 2009
South Carolina really gave big!
I received pictures from South Carolina today. This group from Post 178 and Post 166 rode the Legacy Run this year. The first picture is taken at Post 64 in Indianapolis prior to the Run.
The second picture is of Bob Duncan, South Carolina State Director presenting a check for $10,000 from Chapter 178 Murrells Inlet,S.C. Last year they gave $500 and swore they'd be back this year with more - - this was a LOT more!
Continue to send me your pictures (flamingotina@gmail.com) and I will post them on this blog...Flamingo Tina.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Legacy Run over $300,000!
These overpasses held American Legion, Legion Riders, Auxiliary, SAL and community supporters of the Legacy Run. It made the last few miles into Wheeling WV easier! We salute those volunteers who stood on overpasses and waited for the run to 'ride under'!
The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund goal this year is $400,000. Donations as of this morning were over $300,000. and convention hasn't even convened! Legion Riders from across the nation continued to give donations to National Executive Director Marty Justice at the Legion Rider meeting today in Louisville.
One of the wonderful things about being part of the Legacy Run is hearing about all the ways people collect donations. Mississippi and Hawaii both sold pins during the ride. Some chapters asked for donations from other organizations. Poker Runs, Baskets of Cheer, 50/50's, collections outside grocery stores, meals, raffles, everything from soup to nuts to bring in donations for this American Legion program.
Bill Sloan addressed the Legion Rider meeting today at the Convention Center in Louisville. There are officially 104,000 Legion Riders (according to the Consolidated Post Reports filled out and submitted by every Post for Convention). If every Legion Rider donated $10.00 and brought it to the Legacy Run next year that would be $1,040,000. Simply amazing when you do the math!
If you have pictures from this years run please email me at flamingotina@gmail.com and let me know where they are posted. Also, National Public Affairs is going to create a CD of all the pics and make it available for purchase - word will be posted on the Legion website - http://www.legion.org/.
Here is a picture of Group C from the Legacy Run - Mike Kirchoff was the Road Captain. Group C was larger when we started but Otis had to drop out because his brother-in-law passed away, a couple had to hurry to Louisville for committee meetings and another few moved to other groups. Hope we see all of you back next year.
I'll keep posting as long as people are emailing their pictures to me - and I'm going to download all the pics I have to a site and post where that is. Mike and I are still heading back to Florida. We are in Bowling Green, KY tonight and hope to take a couple of days to get home - - just relaxing and enjoying being on the road.
Signing off: Flamingo Tina
Friday, August 21, 2009
Legacy Run Arrives in Louisville
Picture taken by Laura A. Gibbs on the back a bike (overpass in Eastern Ohio)
The Legacy Run arrived in Louisville at 1:30 pm today. We had a great ride in from Charleston. We only got a litle bit wet! Lots of rain gear - not much water...that's the best news!
The Post here hosted a great lunch and Commander Rehbein took donations and collected $99,000 more dollars!!!
Here is a picture of one of the overpasses with the baloons...I will post more later. I'm at the Kansas Pool party at the Holiday Inn and need to get back - they have Bad Bob Crouch doing DJ in a kilt!
I will be posting where to access all the pictures taken by Legion staff. Bill Sloan has promised me a location within the week - - he is a bit busy you know - he rode the ride, worked the gas stops and now has to do that Legion work stuff...I'll keep you posted!
It has been a pleasure riding with all of you and until we meet again next year...
Flamingotina Signing off
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Legacy Run arrives in Charleston, WV
We left Front Royal, VA this morning at 7:30 am. Post 53 hosted a wonderful breakfast. The weather keeps threatening but we are still dry!
The ride through Virginia down I70 was uneventful. It is beautiful country and the groups continued south and east to lunch in Glen Murray Park, Buena Vista, VA.
Although lunch was in Buena Vista the Lynchburg VA Post hosted us with burgers and dogs in a beautiful park pavilion. Past Dept of VA Commander 'Andy' explained that it was his wish to have his Post host a meal but we were no where near Lynchburg, VA so they brought lunch to us! A great big thank you to the Dept of VA and all the people who worked to make this great lunch stop a reality.
The pavilion was on a rise behind an old farm house next to a creek. They staged our bikes up a small road, some bikes under trees, and the trikes/trailers up on a rise...all in all another challenge!
Have a mentioned all the gravel? I don't have any pictures but there was gravel with 2 U-turns at the Flight 93 Memorial, gravel at the gas stop today (had to park there 2 times). We were staged for gas on the gravel then re-staged for leaving on the gravel. The good news - no events with gravel! The other good news? I can really ride well on gravel now!
The highlight of the day was the last 90+ miles through the countryside on US 60 W. This road goes from Meadow Bluff to Charleston. It is a really nice road with lots of curves, ups and downs, and a few switch backs. Other than some issues with rush hour traffic in Charleston, it was a perfect ride.
The Dept of WV had a hospitality suite at the Ramada in Charleston and last time I checked it was still going strong! The dinner was good and it was fun seeing some new faces! Fifteen riders arrived today from Florida with our old friends Bud and Loretta out of Jacksonville.
Charlie & Ruth from Michigan are keeping track of us on this blog - - Hi Guys!
Tommorow we ride into Louisville and another Legacy Run is going to be over. We're going to bed early so we can get up and stage at 5:15 am.
Did I mention that it rained while we were gassing up in Midland/Meadow Bluff but we were all in the store waiting in line for the restroom - - the bikes got wet but not many of us did!
Hopefully the rain gods will be kind tomorrow!
We want to thank Reverend Ron (Legacy Run Chaplain) for his prayers every morning for good riding and support of our troops. The prayers are working because we've had a few near misses (bikes almost down, bikes down but back up, flat tires, exhaust systems broken, etc.) but nothing really bad has occured.
The purpose of this ride is to bring awareness to this program by escorting the National Commander to Convention and to raise money at individual posts and transport the $$ to convention thereby publicizing the need for donations! Oh, and have a safe ride that the Legion Riders can call their own and of course, have fun!
Today I had fun. Uncle Dick Woods (Head Road Captain) gave us a pointer that I actually heard and tried out today. It had to do with finding the spot where the rpm's on your bike are at the point where you don't have to down-shift, up-shift, or brake when coming into and out of curves. You just roll on and roll off your throttle - - its so simple! I found the zone on my bike and had the best time today! So easy!
Time to sign off: Flamingo Tina from Charleston, WV
ps. if anyone has pictures they would like to share - please post them on Picasa or Walgreens or CVS or Facebook and let me know where to find them. Thanks!
flamingotina@gmail.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Legacy Run Going Great - bringing in Donations!
The Legacy Run kicked off Tuesday with a great ride from Indianapolis east to Wheeling, WV. Over 200 riders rode out and as Head Road Captain Dick Woods said "This is the best first day we have ever had - everyone performed as though we had been riding together forever!".
National Commander Rehbein has been collecting contributions to the Legacy Scholarship Fund along the way and as of the first night in Wheeling it was at $89,000.00 (I think we are over $200,000 at this point on Wednesday night). Sarge, Road Captain of 'F' Troop continues to bring in $20 - 30 from perfect strangers at fuel stops and hotels! I even kicked in $5.00 out of my pocket when my cell phone went off during the presentations on Tuesday!
National Commander Rehbein has been collecting contributions to the Legacy Scholarship Fund along the way and as of the first night in Wheeling it was at $89,000.00 (I think we are over $200,000 at this point on Wednesday night). Sarge, Road Captain of 'F' Troop continues to bring in $20 - 30 from perfect strangers at fuel stops and hotels! I even kicked in $5.00 out of my pocket when my cell phone went off during the presentations on Tuesday!
The Legions along the way have been fabulous. Post 64 in Indianapolis hosted the run breakfast on Tuesday morning. Post 526 in Fairborn, OH hosted lunch. Eastern Ohio Posts manned overpasses with a big show as we headed east for West Virginia. There was even an overpass where they released red, white, and blue baloons! Fire Departments hoisted American Flags with booms and children waved flags - it was wonderful!
The McClure House Hotel and the city of Wheeling, WV showed us a great time for dinner on Tuesday and again for breakfast on Wednesday. Even though the logistics were a little tight the welcome we got in Wheeling was outstanding!
Wednesday morning dawned cloudy but still no rain! Our stop at the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA was extremely moving. National Commander Rehbein placed a wreath from the American Legion Riders in honor of the heroes that went into that field on 9/11. It was such a great honor to pay tribute to these people.
One of the plaques at the Memorial
A plaque from Motorcycle Riders
Things left at the Memorial
Commander Rehbein presenting the wreath
This is the field where the plane went in -
just behind our motorcycles and to the right.
Tonight we are staying in Front Royale, VA. We ride to Charleston tomorrow.
Flamingo Tina is tired and going to bed! There are tons of pictures that people are taking - I hope they will let me know where they are being posted to - -
Flamingo Tina signing off!
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