- 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
Join our Community of Sponsors
Thank you for your interest in becoming a sponsor!
The support of our sponsors is invaluable to us and the local charities and Veteran programs that benefit from our yearly motorcycle charity runs!
Download your copy of our Sponsor Brochure to see what level may interest you.
2022 Events and Sponsorship Opportunities
There is no limit to how many events you can sponsor. Use the link below the run to register online to be a monetary sponsor for the events you would like.
Your support is so appreciated, thank you!
Suicide Prevent Run - July 16th
This run benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention whose mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
Veterans Benefit Run - August 20th
This run will benefit local veterans programs to help ensure they are able to sustain the valuable programs and services for our veterans.
20th Annual Legacy Run - September 11th
This run raises money for the Legacy Scholarship fund that supports the possibility of higher education for children of post 9/11 Veterans with their scholarship fund.
5th Annual Foliage Run - October 8th
This run benefits the Rescue Dogs, Rescue Soldiers who train rescued dogs as service dogs for soldiers to provide a better life for both the soldier and the dog.
Have questions?
If you'd like to discuss sponsorship opportunities further complete the form below and we'll be in touch.
Thank you to our 2021 sponsors!
- Written by ALR Post 259
Help GIVE area Veterans Christmas!
Since 1897, the New York State Veterans’ Home at Oxford has given veterans and their significant others a haven to live out their senior years in comfort and care, all of their needs seen to and addressed. With the medical services that many of our veterans need readily available and plenty of activities to keep them engaged and occupied, the Home provides most of what our veterans could ask.
While the Home provides an immense amount of care to our senior veterans, it just isn’t enough to thank them for their service, and their loved ones for the sacrifices they have made as well. With your help, we can make a difference this holiday season - and while this is nowhere near enough to pay back the debt we owe them for serving our country, it may just be enough to make an American patriot smile.
That’s why we are looking for donations to help make the holiday season a little brighter for our veterans. Every dollar we raise will be given to the Home so they will be able to purchase Christmas presents to distribute to their residents.
We thank you in advance for your donation - every bit helps to make a veteran’s Christmas morning!
- Written by Super User
7th Annual Vets for Pets Run!
The Legion Riders at Post 259 in Oneonta are proud to host a ride in support of the Susquehanna SPCA and Super Heroes Humane Society.
These organizations help area animals by providing services and educational programs. All proceeds will benefit these two organizations.
When: Saturday, August 10, 2024
Registration: 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Kickstands Up: 10:30 am
Cost: $20 per participant
Location: 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY at the American Legion
50/50 Raffle | Raffle Items
*We will do a food stop on the run, this cost is not included in the registration*
Bring an item to donate to the organization to get a free raffle item card!
Save time in line, register online, and complete your waiver in advance!
All riders, cars, and trucks are welcome!
Donate | Volunteer | Adopt | Foster
