- Written by ALR Post 259
Help Us, Help Out
To support the American Legion Riders (Post 259) is to support the community.
Why do we ride? Well, besides our love of the open road and the freedom that riding brings, it allows us to contribute to a wide variety of charitable causes around our area.
While many of our events are held in support of our veterans and service members, we’ve also supported children’s hospitals, humane societies, and schools with the proceeds we raise. Furthermore, we help to draw attention to these needs by presenting a united front as we cruise down the road, applying our passion for riding to contribute to something even greater.
Will you help us serve our veterans and the people whom they have protected?
Anything you can give is more than appreciated. Thank you so much for your support.
- Written by ALR Post 259
Almost
54 years ago, one of the deadliest battles of the Vietnam War was fought in the Ia Drang Valley, where the North Vietnamese Army ambushed the American GIs of the First Cavalry Division. Retired First Sergeant Billy Middleton was there that day, and despite being hit by shrapnel, managed to return to his hometown of DeRuyter, New York. His military experience inspired him to undertake a special project - a memorial to the fallen soldiers of the Ia Drang, as well as to other veterans and the heroes of September 11.
Just outside of DeRuyter, on Mariposa Road, is a clearing filled with statues, flags, and a Hughes “Huey” UH1 helicopter - the kind used in Vietnam, which was the first “helicopter war” the United States was involved in. In his days in the military, the Huey was how soldiers like Middleton were brought to the battlefield, including the Ia Drang Valley.
The Battle of Ia Drang, the first major battle involving the Northern troops and American forces, lasted from November 14 to November 18 in 1965. The North Vietnamese forces ambushed the American army, killing or wounding more than half of Middleton’s unit. This experience drove Middleton to create his military tribute, which recognizes every military branch and features a 9/11 memorial in addition to the Huey chopper.
A Lasting Legacy
While Middleton has since passed, his wife and son continue to maintain his military memorial park. The park takes a lot of work and has some costs associated with it. Replacing the flags, the poles, cleaning the statues and keeping the lawn mowed and more. It's a labor of love to honor all Veterans.
The American Legion Riders from the Oneonta, Sidney, Norwich and McDonough Chapters are looking to collect donations to present to the Middleton's to help with the maintenance and upgrades for the park. We are reaching out to our communities, the American Legion and Rider Chapters in New York State to give what they can. Let's help the late Bill Middleton's passion project continue on!
ALR Members will be meeting at the American Legion in Norwich, New York on Sunday, September 8th, 2019 with Kick Stands Up at 10:30 am to ride out to the site and present the check and to raise an American Legion Riders Flag at the site. There is no cost or registration.
How to Visit the Middleton Military Memorial
To visit the memorial take Crumb Hill Road (County Highway 58) East from DeRuyter to Mariposa Road and turn right. The memorial is on the right-hand side about 3/4 of a mile after the turn. The memorial is moving and a must see!
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- Written by ALR Post 259
Win This Bike!
Kawasaki Touring
Voyager XII 1200
$10 / ticket!
Error
Excellent used 1992 Kawasaki Voyager XII 1200*. Fast, smooth and comfortable. 23,186 Miles. She is ready to roll!
- New Michelin Commander II tires.
- New brakes.
- New battery.
- All fluids have been changed.
- New windscreen.
- Drivers seat backrest and passenger armrests.
- Trunk light and factory mirror.
- Factory CB, 4 speaker stereo with upgraded speakers and intercom system.
Proceeds benefit the American Legion Legacy Fund
*The motorcycle is raffled as is.
- Written by ALR Post 259
Corning C-VETS Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
Corning | C-VETS Corning Veterans Engaged to Support
Visit their Website Follow on Facebook
C-VETS (Corning Veterans Engaged To Serve) is a Corning employee resource group whose primary objective is to enhance the lives of veterans, their family members, and their supporters in Otsego county and the surrounding areas. Our mission is to partner with organizations like the American Legion and the New York Department of Health to conduct volunteer work and fundraisers that help generate resources needed to support veterans causes across the region that we serve.
Gold Sponsor
Corning | C-VETS Corning Veterans Engaged to Support
Visit their Website Follow on Facebook
C-VETS (Corning Veterans Engaged To Serve) is a Corning employee resource group whose primary objective is to enhance the lives of veterans, their family members, and their supporters in Otsego county and the surrounding areas. Our mission is to partner with organizations like the American Legion and the New York Department of Health to conduct volunteer work and fundraisers that help generate resources needed to support veterans causes across the region that we serve.
Silver Sponsor
Corning | C-VETS Corning Veterans Engaged to Support
Visit their Website Follow on Facebook
C-VETS (Corning Veterans Engaged To Serve) is a Corning employee resource group whose primary objective is to enhance the lives of veterans, their family members, and their supporters in Otsego county and the surrounding areas. Our mission is to partner with organizations like the American Legion and the New York Department of Health to conduct volunteer work and fundraisers that help generate resources needed to support veterans causes across the region that we serve.
Charter Sponsors
Come get some delicious food from Wise Guys in downtown Oneonta. We do Hot Sandwiches, Cold Subs, Burgers, Salads, and other custom creations!
Come get some delicious food from Wise Guys in downtown Oneonta. We do Hot Sandwiches, Cold Subs, Burgers, Salads, and other custom creations!
Come get some delicious food from Wise Guys in downtown Oneonta. We do Hot Sandwiches, Cold Subs, Burgers, Salads, and other custom creations!
Bronze Sponsors
Come get some delicious food from Wise Guys in downtown Oneonta. We do Hot Sandwiches, Cold Subs, Burgers, Salads, and other custom creations!
Come get some delicious food from Wise Guys in downtown Oneonta. We do Hot Sandwiches, Cold Subs, Burgers, Salads, and other custom creations!
Come get some delicious food from Wise Guys in downtown Oneonta. We do Hot Sandwiches, Cold Subs, Burgers, Salads, and other custom creations!
- Written by ALR Post 259
Thank you to all our participants in the first annual Corning C-VETS run!
It was a great success and we beat any rain! Take a moment and check out our sponsors who helped make the event successful!
