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Today the American Legion Riders have grown to nearly 800 Legion Rider programs in virtually every Department and in several
overseas areas. Over the last few years, Riders in Iowa have formed an honor guard called The Five Star Freedom Riders. Riders
in Mulvane, Kansas, reacting to a religious cult that uses the deaths of military members to further a misguided cause, formed
the original “Patriot Guard” to protect and show our respect to the families at military funerals. American Legion
Riders in all states have escorted returning military units as they return home from combat tours overseas, and have raised
literally millions of dollars for countless local, state, and national charities.
And the Riders have only just started to roll. Each American Legion Rider Chapter manages
its programs at the post level, where all of the best ideas are born in the best American Legion “grass-roots”
tradition. Here are only a few examples of the programs and projects of The Riders: - Participation
in the annual POW/MIA Rally held each Memorial weekend in Washington D.C. known as "Rolling Thunder".
- Participation in annual regional rides such as “Operation Wounded Warrior, sponsored by Riders in Nevada, Texas,
New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, California, and several other western states.
- Sponsoring or participating
in local charity events in support of The American Legion or of the community.
- Raising money
for such organizations as local VA Hospitals, Women and Children's Centers, Children and youth centers, schools, and many
others.
- Sponsoring or participating in motorcycle "Runs" to benefit numerous charities,
including charities for underprivileged children and medical research, just to name a few.
- Participation
in local memorial ceremonies and community parades.
- Annual participation in The American Legacy
Run, a fundraising cross-country run from The American Legion’s national headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the
year’s national convention city.
- Riding to honor fallen military men and women, and to
protect the sanctity of their funerals from those who would dishonor their memory.
- Riding escort
for military units enroute to departure airfields and airports to combat tours overseas, and welcoming them home upon their
return.
Motorcyclists are a very dedicated group of people. When you combine them with
The American Legion Family, you create a win/win situation. How can I become an American Legion
Rider at Post 75?In all cases, the prospective Rider must first be a current member, in good
standing, in one of the three organizations of The American Legion Family: The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary,
or The Sons of The American Legion. The American Legion Riders have also adopted the following
basic eligibility rules for membership: - All members of the American Legion Riders must hold
individual membership in The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, or the Sons of The American Legion.
- All operators must be properly licensed and insured per Florida laws
- All members
will obey the motor vehicle laws in any state in which they are operating a motorcycle or riding as a passinger.
FISHER HOUSE OF THE EMERALD COAST In recognition of the special sacrifices of wounded or ill service members and their families, the Fisher House Foundation
donates "comfort homes" so that families may face medical crisis together.
Fisher House of the Emerald Coast will be built on Eglin Air Force Base in Northwest Florida and will provide a "home away from home" so that
our military families can be together during treatment for serious illness or physical/occupational therapy. The
House will be within steps of the Eglin Air Force Base Hospital and Veteran's Clinic.
Patriot Guard Riders
The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering
respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join
us. We don’t
care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement
that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to
ride. The only prerequisite is Respect. Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission
we undertake has two basic objectives:

- Show
our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
- Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions
created by any protestor or group of protestors.
We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent
means. To those
of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing
you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.
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