John Creaser

John Creaser served in the U.S. Air Force from 1985 to 1992 and is a Desert Storm veteran. He has been an American Legion member since 1992, on and off. After he was honorably discharged during the military downsizing that followed Desert Storm, he joined the Legion to stay connected to the military community.

John now serves as Sergeant at Arms for American Legion Riders Post 259. After moving to the area a couple of years ago, he was glad to find a local Riders group. He rejoined the Legion and applied to the Riders because he wanted to serve veterans and form new friendships.

John has been riding since he was eight, when his father gave him a minibike. His first real motorcycle was a Bridgestone 175. Growing up with a 12-acre field as his backyard gave him plenty of room to ride. Today he rides a 2023 Vulcan, after years with motorcycles including a Harley-Davidson Road King, Wide Glide, Fat Boy, Sportster, and other non-Harley-Davidson bikes.

Health-related restrictions limit how much John can participate, but they have not changed his commitment. He remains determined to serve for as long as he can.

Away from the motorcycle, John works as the compliance officer for Otsego County’s Community Services Department. He plays guitar, spends time with his grandkids, attends Oneonta Reformed Presbyterian Church, and enjoys life with his wife, Kelly. In his former riding community he was known as “Bull.” Here, he is Reacher, and Kelly is known as “Mrs. Reacher.”

John’s passions include service and allegiance to veterans, service through his church, and writing about human rights, mental health and substance misuse, and selected political issues.

John believes the Legion helps veterans, their families, and those still serving remain part of a community after military service ends. He wants today’s active members to carry that spirit forward so the Legion can continue serving veterans and the community for years to come.