Supporter Spotlight
- Role
- Supporter
- American Legion
- American Legionnaire, life member of Disabled American Veterans, and former Legion Service Officer in Connecticut
- Service
- U.S. Navy, 1969 to 1972, aboard the USS John F. Kennedy
- Support vehicle
- 2022 Chevrolet Corvette named “Let’s Roll”
- Off the bike
- Retired electronics specialist. Enjoys cooking, fishing, gardening, NASCAR, and time with fellow veterans
Ron Tatora
Supporter
“Popeye”
I like being with other veterans and seeing what we can do to help each other and help others.
Ron Tatora served in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1972 aboard the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy. Military service was part of his family before he enlisted. Three of his father’s four brothers also served, and their example helped shape his commitment to veterans and service.
Ron is an American Legionnaire and a life member of Disabled American Veterans. While living in Connecticut, he also served as an American Legion Service Officer. After joining the Legion in Oneonta and getting to know members of Post 259, he found another way to serve by supporting the Riders and the causes they take on.
Motorcycles were once an important part of Ron’s life. His brother raced motorcycles on dirt tracks and helped spark Ron’s interest in riding. Over the years, Ron rode BSAs, Hondas, and Harley-Davidsons. He no longer rides because of a physical disability, but he remains an active part of the work behind each run.
Ron helps wherever he is needed, especially on the road. He often follows the group in his 2022 Corvette and serves as a rear guard, helping prevent other vehicles from passing into the formation. He takes that responsibility seriously because keeping the Riders safe is both a duty and an honor.
The Corvette carries the name “Let’s Roll” in tribute to the passengers and crew of Flight 93. Ron chose the name to honor their courage and sacrifice on September 11, 2001. It is a personal reminder of people who understood the danger ahead and acted to protect others.
Service has also taken Ron far beyond the Legion. In 1990, the American Red Cross named him Volunteer of the Year for his work with blood services. He organized and ran blood drives, found locations, and recruited donors. The work mattered to him because every successful drive helped save lives.
Before retiring, Ron worked in electronics for Foxboro Analytical, servicing infrared spectroscopy and air-sampling equipment used by industrial facilities. His interest in racing also brought him close to the action as a flagger at Watkins Glen. Away from volunteer work, he enjoys cooking, fishing, gardening, and following NASCAR.
What Ron values most about supporting the Riders is the chance to spend time with other veterans and work beside people who want to help. He believes the Legion and the Riders strengthen the community, support scholarships and other worthy causes, and give veterans a place to help one another receive the benefits they earned.
