- 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
2023 Legacy and Foliage Run
We would like to thank the sponsors, donors, and volunteers who supported the run and a special thank you for those brave enough to ride in the weather!
Thank you to our sponsors!
Certified Auto
Dante's
Gotham Property Services
Southside Cinema
Lemon Tree
BJs Wholesale Club
Alfresco's Italian Bistro
Oculo Visitant Gallery
AAA
- 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!
