Terry Harkenreader

Terry “Hark” Harkenreader is a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War, including time as a tank operator. His love of motorcycles goes back even further. Hark has been riding since he was 12, starting with minibikes and dirt bikes before moving on to motorcycles. By his senior year of high school, he was the only student in his class riding a Harley-Davidson Sportster to school every day.

After a career as a New York State Correction Officer, Hark joined the American Legion more than 20 years ago, originally to become a Legion Rider alongside his friend Gary Ballard. Today, he continues his service to the Legion as Commander.

For Hark, one of the things that makes the American Legion Riders special is the bond between its members. He appreciates that backgrounds and occupations do not matter when everyone comes together. Whether someone is a business owner, a blue-collar worker, or anything in between, the Riders share a love of motorcycles, a commitment to veterans, and a willingness to help one another.

One Legion initiative especially important to Hark is Be the One, which encourages people to take an active role in supporting veterans who may be struggling or in crisis. He believes strongly in reaching out, starting the conversation, and making sure veterans know they do not have to face difficult times alone.

Hark also supports Vets for Pets and its work helping animals while supporting veterans and the community. When he is not handling Legion business or out riding, he enjoys spending time outdoors hunting and fishing.

These days, Hark rides a Can-Am Spyder, but it took a little adjustment to get there. After a back injury made maneuvering his Harley difficult, he tried a friend’s Spyder and quickly realized it would allow him to keep doing something he had loved for decades. The motorcycle may have changed, but Hark’s love of riding certainly has not.