- Written by ALR Post 259
AAA and the American Legion Riders Post 259 are helping Fort Drum fulfill their mission of supporting those who support us and we can use your help!
We are looking for donations items to send to our troops. See the list below and if you can help with any of these items that would be great!
There are three drop off locations for you to choose from. If you prefer you can donate money and items will be purchased.
Donations must be received by Monday, November 4th.
| AAA Oneonta 762 State Hwy 28 Oneonta, NY 13820 |
American Legion 279 Chestnut Street Oneonta, NY 13820 |
Directive (Lobby) 330 Pony Farm Rd Oneonta, NY 13820 |
- Written by ALR Post 259
Tech for Vets
Do you know or are you a local senior veteran in need of a mobile phone?
We have several mobile devices available to provide to our local senior veterans in need of a working or modern phone.
If you know a senior veteran (60 years or older) or if you are a senior veteran and an active American Legion member in Otsego or Delaware County, who could use one, let us know by completing the form on this page.
These men and women left their homes to protect this country and the ideals we live by -- the least we can do is give them a reliable way to stay in touch.
Do you know a vet who could use a phone?
Let us know! Fill out the form on this page so we know who they are and how to reach them.
Thank you so much for helping us to give back.
- Written by ALR Post 259
Your donations help save the lives of dogs, cats and other animals in need!
Friday, October 11 from 4:30pm to 7:00pm the American Legion Riders Post 259 and the Red Knights Chapter 44 will be hosting a by-donation spaghetti dinner to benefit Super Heros in Ripped Jeans. Late in August, the Super Heros in Ripped Jeans Thrift Shop (located at 4 South Main Street) was vandalized putting a crimp in their fundraising. Our two organizations want to help the organization and the animals that ultimately were impacted.
Spaghetti By Donation Dinner
Date: Friday, October 11
Time: 4:30pm to 7pm
Where: American Legion, 279 Chestnut Street Oneonta
We'd love your support!
Stop by the American Legion at 279 Main Street and enjoy a great dinner hosted by our volunteers. Feel free to bring items the animals need or swing by their Amazon wish list and show your support!
- 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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