AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS
DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA
More than 106,000 American Legion Riders convene in more than 2,200 chapters, covering all domestic departments and at least three foreign countries.
These chapters of American Legion Riders are renowned for their philanthropic efforts. They have accompanied military units returning home from overseas deployments and have fundraised extensively, generating millions of dollars for children’s hospitals, schools, veterans’ homes, severely wounded service members, and scholarships.
The Riders receive support from Legion posts, Sons of The American Legion squadrons, American Legion Auxiliary units, departments, and private donations.
HISTORY
In Garden City, Michigan, in 1993, Chuck “Tramp”
Dare and Bill “Polka” Kaledas, commander of American Legion Post 396, started a motorcycle enthusiasts association within The American Legion organization.
The two longtime riders wanted an environment where Legion family members could come together to share a common love for motorcycles. They agreed to establish a central source for the Riders to ensure that chapters formed not as motorcycle clubs or gangs, but as Legionnaires, Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion.
In addition to community fundraising, the Riders focus on promoting motorcycle safety programs and providing a social atmosphere for American Legion family members.
HIGHLIGHTED
EVENTS
True to the Legion’s grass roots tradition, each chapter manages the programs at the post level, where the best ideas are born. The Riders are a part of many programs and events, including:
AMERICAN LEGION LEGACY RUN
Annual cross-country fundraising ride to the National Convention city.
POW/MIA MEMORIAL RIDE & CEREMONY
Annual ride over Jacksonville’s seven bridges that concludes with a POW/MIA Ceremony at the National POW/MIA Memorial.
MERRY-GO-ROUND
Annual, month-long statewide fundraiser for Children & Youth Programs.
FLORIDA SUMMIT
Annual State Summit for Legion Riders featuring vendor expos, classes, and more.
ROUND ROBIN
Annual, month-long statewide fundraiser for PROJECT: VetRelief’s Suicide Prevention Initiative.
IN-STATE UNITY RIDE
Statewide ride and fundraiser for PROJECT: VetRelief’s Suicide Prevention Initiative. Starts with a Meet & Greet event.
STATE RALLY
Closing celebration of the In-State Unity Ride.
The Florida Legion Riders participate in patriotic events and services throughout the year including the Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom, honoring fallen military men and women. They also protect the sanctity of their funerals from those who mean to dishonor their memories.
