Help us, help them.  

We are motorcycle enthusiasts who believe strongly in supporting our local veterans and community through fundraising events.

Each year our charity events centered around motorcycles enables us to raise and contribute monies to various Veteran and local charity programs including our Veterans Scholarship fund to benefit students of veterans in Otsego, Delaware, and Chenango counties.

Your support is appreciated in helping us help to support area Vets, Pets and Kids.
Click to submit your donation.

Thank you.

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Marketing Your Rider Chapter Effectively!

Are you looking to improve your fundraising efforts and provide additional value to your donors and contributors?

There is a lot to know if you want the marketing that you do to effective. So, let us provide you with that knowledge! This four-part webinar will help provide you with the knowledge needed to put your best foot forward.

Part 1. Marketing Your American Legion Rider Chapter on Facebook!:
Scheduled: March 15th at 4:00 PM
The topics covered in this session include properly setting up your Facebook page, getting more likes of your page and using paid online advertising for your events and recruiting on a budget. 

Thank you for all who attended the presentation. If you are in need of Facebook images you can click here to let us know!
Missed it? We did record it and would be happy to send it to you!

Part 2. Implement a Sponsorship Program
Scheduled: April 5th at 4:00 PM
With a formal Sponsorship Program, your fundraising abilities are brought to a new level with the area businesses you get involved by building your credibility, improving your public image and building your prestige. 

Part 3. Developing the Perfect Ride Event
Scheduled: April 19th at 4:00 PM
A combination of ideas, training, and the tools needed to professionalize and automate the process such as; checklists, software, spreadsheets, template for fliers, postcard templates, email templates, graphics, map and route creation, blog posts and much more. We provide the resources/vendors for supplies, along with how to promote events and your chapter online through Facebook using paid advertisements effectively. All of these resources will be shared for free with any chapter that needs help and wishes to attend the webinars.

Part 4. Website Creation and Management
Scheduled: May 3rd at 4:00 PM
Turning your website into the central hub for all local motorcycling related events. 

Use the form on this page to register for the webinar!

Videos

Legion Riders Photo Gallery

Legion Riders Resources

Documents

You can find the National American Legion Rider Advisory Committee contact information and map on the CONTACTS page.

Disclaimer of Liability: With respect to information contained in these links neither The American Legion nor any of its employees makes any warranty, express or implied, nor assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process implemented at the post or department level. All items of information contained in these resource links are suggestions. You should consult your department for program operations and/or your own counsel for "best practices" when dealing with any business operations or The American Legion programs in your community even those which are covered by resolutions approved by the National Executive Committee or National Convention.

FAQ

For more specific questions about the formation and conduct of the Legion Riders in your state, or the proper wear of the Riders' emblem, or about your chapter's constitution and bylaws, contact your department headquarters for guidance.

For questions of a more general nature contact #, assistant director, Internal Affairs Division.

Q. Does The American Legion officially recognize The American Legion Riders program?
A. Yes. The National Executive Committee officially adopted The American Legion Riders (ALR) as a national program with Resolution 35 (October 2007) and Resolution 32 (May 2011).

Q. How do I start a chapter at my post?
A. The process is easy. No charter paperwork is necessary, but a chapter must be supported by a post or department. There is no national or "at large" chapter. The following steps are suggested:

• Get the approval of the sponsoring post. A copy of the minutes of any regular post meeting approving the formation of a chapter is your authority to start organizing a new chapter.
• Contact your department headquarters or department ALR liaison to see if another ALR chapter is nearby. If so, inform that chapter of your intention to start your own and get information on how that chapter is set up. The members of that chapter will very likely be willing to assist.
• Set up a meeting with your new ALR members to discuss how your program should be governed, and develop a chapter constitution and bylaws for the review and approval of your post's leadership.
• At later meetings, elect chapter officers per your approved constitution and report your chapter to department headquarters.
• Some departments, but not all, will present an American Legion Riders charter to newly organized chapters within the department. There is no national charter.

Q. Are there many restrictions on how we can set up a chapter constitution?
A. As a subordinate organization of The American Legion, all riders chapters must take certain steps to protect their right to wear the trademark patch and to use the words "Legion Riders" as a description of their activity. Federal trademark law requires subordinate organizations and entities to follow certain rules, which include:

• All ALR officers must be confirmed or named by the hosting American Legion post. In actual practice the Riders elect their own officers, who are then "installed" (confirmed) by the post at an appropriate ceremony. Another way to accomplish this is for the chapter to report the election of officers during a normal post meeting. The election is valid after the report is duly accepted by the post.
• The Riders must render an activity report and a financial report at the regular post meetings.
• A post or department officer (typically the finance officer or treasurer) must be designated as signatory on all chapter bank accounts.
• The chapter constitution and bylaws (or other organizational documents) must be approved by the host post. Any subsequent changes made to such documents must also be approved by the host post.

Note that these trademark rules apply to all subordinate programs and activities of The American Legion, not just The American Legion Riders.

Q. Can we have members who do not own motorcycles or are not spouses of owners?
A. Program guidance from Resolutions 35 and 32 grants the local chapters the authority to allow an existing ALR member to remain a full member of the chapter if he or she has involuntarily given up motorcycle ownership due to age, injury, or other medical condition outside the control of the rider. This is a decision left to the local chapter members, who may optionally require all members to be owners at all times.

Q. Can girlfriends, friends, cousins, mothers, fathers, etc., join as regular members even if they are ineligible under the bylaws?
A. No. Membership eligibility requirements are clearly stated in the program guidance defined by Resolutions 35 and 32: "All members of The American Legion Riders shall be current members of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion". Membership criteria is established not to exclude family and friends, but to comply with the constitutional requirements of the supporting post or department, which must adhere strictly to American Legion constitutional requirements as well as local, state and federal laws regarding veteran, civic and fraternal organizations.

Q. Where do we get American Legion Riders patches?
A. Patches are available through National Emblem Sales. You can order by phone at (888)-453-4466, or shop online at http://emblem.legion.org.

Q. How about American Legion Riders-themed clothing, jackets, vests and gear?
A. National Emblem Sales has a line of high quality shirts, jackets, motorcycle gear, flags, caps, pins and many other items designed for Legion Riders by Legion Riders. They can be viewed and purchased at http://emblem.legion.org, by mail (catalog), or by phone at (888) 453-4466.

Q. Is ALR recognized as a nonprofit organization?
A. Each chapter is supported as a subordinate entity by a post or department and generally enjoys the same nonprofit status as every other post or department program. However, some activities might not be considered nonprofit, so you should always refer to your post or department for guidance.

Q. Can our local chapter change the suggested constitution and bylaws?
A. Yes. The constitution and bylaws template is a starting point. Chapters are extended the same courtesy given to every Legion post since 1919: an autonomy and trust that members will make the right decisions based on local conditions. Chapters must adhere to the minimum program guidance defined by Resolutions 35/32 and to the existing constitutions of the post and department in order to protect their right to wear and display The American Legion Rider trademark emblem. Remember though that any change to your existing constitutions and bylaws must be approved by your post or department.

Q. When and where was ALR started?
A. ALR started at Post 396 in Garden City, Mich., in the fall of 1993. Chuck "Tramp" Dare and post commander Bill "Polka Bill" Kaledas had an idea to start an association of motorcycle enthusiasts within the Legion. The two Legionnaires – both longtime riders – wanted to create an environment where members of the Legion family could come together to share a common love for motorcycles. The Department of Michigan agreed with the concept and provided the two riders and 19 other founding members instructions on how to manage the program at the post level. The members of Post 396 soon adopted a resolution for a new program called the "American Legion Riders."
The American Legion recognized Garden City Post 396 as the "founding chapter" with a commemorative plaque in 2007.

Q. How many members do I need to start a chapter?
A. The minimum number is determined by the supporting post or department. Many chapters have initially formed with only two or three members. Most chapters grow quickly and bring new members into the Legion Family.

Q. Motorcycle clubs have rules about what can be worn on a vest with the emblem; what are our rules?
A. Program guidance states that "All ALR members shall strive to maintain the image of The American Legion, at all times upholding The American Legion name and emblem, which symbolizes the integrity and principles of this great organization." Remember that ALR is not a motorcycle club, so there is no obligation to wear identifying clothing or patches. However, patches and vests are popular with members as a way to show pride and community. Contact your department headquarters or neighboring chapters for guidance regarding the wear of the main ALR patch and other decorations on the vest and apparel. Many state or local ALR programs have developed standard wear and appearance policies, including restrictions on profane or inappropriate language.

Q. Is there national representation for The American Legion Riders programs?
A. Riders may wish to submit resolutions for national ALR program changes—if so, the chapter would submit the resolutions to the post and department organizations for approval—the department would then forward the approved resolution to the National Executive Committee or National Convention. Each year prominent Riders from around the country represent the interests of American Legion Riders to the Internal Affairs Commission and to the National Commander and staff. The National Commander American Legion Riders Advisory Committee makes recommendations for program guidance whenever a resolution pertaining to The American Legion Riders is presented. The ALR Committee is appointed annually by the National Commander.

Q. Should our program become a program of our department?
A. That is entirely a decision for the members of your department. Many departments have chosen not to form a statewide program, preferring to wait, perhaps, until more chapters form. In any case, Riders should consult with department leadership before taking any steps toward a state ALR program, since any state ALR program is invalid without the consent and approval of the department.

Q. Does our chapter or post need special insurance since we ride motorcycles?
A. Resolution 35 requires the sponsoring post or department to review and ensure that liability insurance coverage is available to cover the post itself, not necessarily the chapter or any of the ALR members (who would wisely carry individual motor vehicle liability insurance in any case). Many chapters require members to carry insurance regardless of state laws that may not require it. Remember that insurance laws vary greatly from state to state, so your chapter and post together must decide what is best beyond that. Many existing post insurance policies may already cover the ALR as another program of the post. Check with your post or department about coverage. Chapters frequently purchase special-event coverage very inexpensively to cover events or even multi-day runs in the same way other motorcycle organizations and clubs do. Your best source of information is the agent or agency that provides insurance coverage for your post. Shop around for the best rates.

Q. Do members of our ALR chapter have to be members of our post?
A. Many posts allow their ALR chapter to accept eligible Legion Family members from other posts, units and squadrons. You should check with your sponsoring post or department. Sometimes, the post or department constitution itself may prohibit outside members from being a member of, or to hold office within, a program supported by that post.

Q. Are there membership dues for The American Legion Riders?
A. Chapter dues may be charged at the discretion of each chapter after approval of the chapter constitution and bylaws from the supporting post or department. Some departments also charge department dues. There are no national dues.

Q. How should we fly the U.S. flag on our motorcycles?

A. The American Legion has long taken the advice of The American Legion Riders on flag placement on motorcycles, as well as the age-old military custom of flying the national colors from the bumpers or fenders of staff cars and vehicles of government officials, general officers and military motorcycles. While the stationary U.S. flag is normally flown or displayed at the observer’s left, on vehicles the observer is assumed to be on the curb side (right side) of the motorcycle or car - in other words, as in a parade. The flag should be displayed on the right front or rear of the motorcycle to be more easily seen by someone standing on the curb, and not blocked by other flags. If a single U.S. flag is flown, is should be centered on the rear of the motorcycle or offset to the right rear. The flag should also be centered, and raised higher than the others, when multiple flags are flown. Otherwise, place the U.S. flag on the far right (curb side) of the group.

How to Participate

• Find a Legion Riders Chapter in your area
• Contact your Department Headquarters to start a new chapter at your post

Eligibility requirements

• Members must hold membership in and be in good standing with The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion.
• Members must be legally registered motorcycle owners or be the legally registered owner's spouse within the state of registration.
• All operators must be properly licensed and insured per state laws.
• All members must obey motor-vehicle laws in the state in which they are operating a motorcycle or riding as a passenger.

ALR Post 259, is committed to protecting your privacy. ALR Post 259 does not sell, trade or rent your personal information to other companies or nonaffiliated companies except to provide products or services you've requested, when we have your permission, or under the following circumstances:

• We respond to subpoenas, court orders, or legal process, or to establish or exercise our legal rights or defend against legal claims.
• We believe it is necessary to share information in order to investigate, prevent, or take action regarding illegal activities, suspected fraud, situations involving potential threats to the physical safety of any person, or as otherwise required by law.
• We transfer information about you if ALR Post 259 is acquired by or merged with another company. In this event, ALR Post 259 will notify you before information about you are transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

Certain communications from ALR Post 259, such as service announcements, and administrative messages will be sent to you.

Collection and Use of Your Personal Information

We collect and use information about you which will help us administer our business or provide products, services or other opportunities to you. Among other things, we use the information we learn about you to help us personalize and improve the experience you have on our website, to respond to your requests and to communicate with you. The types of information we collect, retain and use include the following:

Information You Provide to Us: When you complete a form on our site to receive news or information from ALR Post 259, we collect profile information from you. We require that you provide your first and last name, email address, and other information as requested in the applicable pages.

By providing this information you agree to our collection and usage of such information as described in this Privacy Policy. We use your information to respond to your inquiries, process an order, contact you regarding account status or customer service, ask you for feedback on our service, let you know about products or services which may be of interest to you, or allow you to access specific account information. When you register or submit a form, you consent to allow us to contact you for those purposes.

Cookies: Like many websites we use "cookies" to enable us to remember your password, to help us identify the portions of our Site that may be the most relevant for your needs, and to help us identify other products or services that may be of interest to you or others. A cookie is a small piece of information that a web site can store on your web browser and then retrieve at a later time. We use cookies to track the portions of our Site you visit.

Email Communications: We use your email address to contact you to respond to your inquiries or to provide information on products or services to you. To help us determine whether you have received an email from us, and to help us make emails more useful and interesting, we may receive a confirmation that you have opened an email from us.

Links to Other Sites: Our site may link to other websites that may collect personal information about you. ALR Post 259 is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of those linked websites.

We do not knowingly solicit or receive information from people under the age of 18.

Protecting Your Information

We maintain numerous security standards and procedures to help prevent unauthorized access to confidential information about you. Our site uses encryption technology and authentication to protect your personal information. Be sure the web browser you are using supports Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), your information will be submitted to us with a high level of security.

Notices and Changes to Our Privacy Policy

If we decide to change our privacy policy, we will post the changes on this page so that you are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances we disclose it. We may email periodic reminders of our notices and terms and conditions and post any changes to the Privacy Policy on our Site.

Information Sharing for SMS Messaging Services

No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes.

Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties, except for aggregators and providers of the text message services necessary for delivering SMS messages.

Information sharing with subcontractors supporting services such as customer support is permitted.

All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent. This information will not be shared with any third parties, excluding aggregators and providers of the Text Message services.

Your Rights Regarding SMS Communications

You can opt out of SMS messages at any time by texting "STOP" to the shortcode provided.

If you need assistance with SMS communications, text "HELP" or contact us at  or 1-(607) 432-0494

The American Legion Riders Work to Support the Greater Good

In 1993, two members of the American Legion Post 396 in Garden City, Michigan, had the idea to start an internal association for motorcycle enthusiasts to share their passion for riding. Their efforts eventually coalesced into a Legion-wide organization, with over 110,000 riders across 2,000 chapters. Today, members of the organization participate in a variety of events and efforts, hosting fundraising rides, escorting military units as they return home, all in addition to fundraising for assorted charities in their own states, counties, and hometown communities.

These efforts involve things like:

• • Escorting military members to and from the airport as they depart and return from overseas tours
  • Protecting funerals from disruption and riding in honor of the fallen
  • Raising funds for various causes and charities, many of which benefitting service members and their families, as well as community needs
  • Taking part in community events and parades

Being a Rider is Being Part of a Community

Just as the military serves our country abroad, the Riders work to serve on the home front, promoting important causes and rehabilitating the public perception of motorcyclists at large through service and citizenship. There is also a lot to be said about the camaraderie that the Riders themselves have amongst themselves, allowing members to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Join the Legion Riders

 The Riders are a community that is relatively easy to join. In order to be eligible, all that is required is that someone:

• • You must be a current member in good standing of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion
  • You must be either the legally registered owner of a motorcycle, or you are the spouse of an ALR 259 member in good standing.
  • You must be properly licensed and insured per state laws.
  • You must obey motor-vehicle laws in the state in which you are operating a motorcycle or riding as a passenger.

The American Legion Riders participate in parades and other ceremonies that are in keeping with the Aims and Purposes of the American Legion. To promote motorcycle safety programs and social atmosphere for American Legion members who share the same interest. To use our Association to promote and support programs of the American Legion. 

You do not have to be a veteran to join the riders!

The American Legion Family consists of The American Legion, Sons of the American Legion (SAL), American legion Auxiliary and American Legion Riders Members of the Riders must be members of the Legion, Auxiliary or Sons. 

The American Legion is active every day. Its members work together to support their local communities, focusing on services classified under the organization’s four pillars: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation; National Security; Americanism; and Children & Youth.

Read more about Why You Should Belong to the American Legion

Get started!

Download the application to join the American Legion and then complete the Legion Riders Application. Complete form and send a copy of it and a checks payable to:
American Legion Riders Post 259, 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY 13820. 

Once your information is approved you will be notified. 

So why should you consider joining American Legion Post 259?

Support for our Veterans: We are dedicated to helping our area veterans and their families in their time of need. By being there when needed and providing help with various programs and initiatives through the National American Legion we are proud to be a resource for those who have served.

Advocacy: The National American Legion works to ensure that the rights and benefits of veterans are protected, and that their needs are met. As a member, you can help to advocate for important issues affecting veterans and their families.

Community: Through our local and the national events, you can connect with others who have served and build meaningful relationships.

Leadership Opportunities: If you are interested in organizing events, serving on committees, or taking on a larger role to help our Veterans, the American Legion provides a platform for growth and development.

Legacy: By joining the American Legion, you become part of an organization that has been serving veterans and their families for nearly 100 years. By supporting this legacy, you are helping to ensure that future generations of veterans receive the support and resources they need.

Veterans helping veterans, families, and communities

The American Legion is active every day. Its members work together to support their local communities, focusing on services classified under the organization’s four pillars:

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
National Security
Americanism
Children & Youth.

Since 1919, the American Legion has Enabled Veterans and their families to Continue their Patriotism Amongst Their Communities
In the years since its incorporation by Congress as a patriotic veterans organization, the American Legion has grown to be the largest veterans organization of its kind. With various programs meant to benefit the community and promote the grassroots activities of the communities that Legionnaires live in. These efforts take shape in numerous ways, such as:

• • Advocating for honor and patriotism
  • Mentoring youngsters in the community
  • Sponsoring community youth programs
  • Supporting active service members and veterans

As a nonpartisan and nonprofit organization, the American Legion has played a major part in many local programs and political efforts, all meant to as a means of advocating for veterans and their continued and sustained quality of life. Our mission is to enhance the well-being of America's veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.

There are also several benefits to joining!

Discounts: From car rental to insurance American Legion members and their family are able to take advantage of practical, money-saving discounts.

Magazine: The American Legion magazine is a monthly magazine featuring in-depth analysis, historical stories, Q&As with high-profile officials, news about veterans issues and more.

VA Benefit Assistance: Your membership helps support department service officers nationwide who assist veterans in preparing claims and obtaining their full military health-care benefits through VA.

Are You Eligible to Be an American Legion Member?

If you have served at least one day of active military duty since December 7, 1941 and were honorably discharged or you are still serving active military duty honorably, you are eligible for membership with The American Legion. We welcome those who wish to join our ranks.

You do not have to be a Veteran to Join the American Legion!

The American Legion Family consists of The American Legion, Sons of the American Legion (SAL) and the American legion Auxiliary.

To be eligible for membership in the Sons of the American Legion, you must be a male descendant (son, grandson, stepson, or adopted son) of: a member of The American Legion.

To be eligible for membership in the American Legion Auxiliary, you must be a female descendant (grandmothers, mothers, sisters) or a spouse of a member of The American Legion.

Help us support veterans, advocate for their rights, and build a strong community.

Learn more by giving us a call at 607-432-0494, completing the application today! or submit the form on this page to be sent our membership packet!

About The American Legion Riders Post 259

American Legion Riders chapters are well known for their charitable work, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local children's hospitals, schools, veterans homes, severely wounded service members and scholarships. Since 2006, Riders nationwide have participated in The American Legion Legacy Run to annually raise money for the Legacy Scholarship Fund, established to provide scholarships to children of U.S. military personnel killed since Sept. 11, 2001.

For a brochure visit: https://www.legion.org/sites/legion.org/files/legion/publications/70IA0318-Legion-Riders-Brochure.pdf

History

In Garden City, Mich., in 1993, Chuck "Tramp" Dare and Bill "Polka" Kaledas, commander of American Legion Post 396, shared an idea to start a motorcycle enthusiasts association within the organization. The two longtime riders wanted an environment where Legion family members could come together to share a common love for motorcycles.

Dare and Kaledas wrote a letter to Michigan Department Adjutant Hubert Hess, sharing their idea. Hess replied that he liked the concept and wanted to pursue it. Later, he gave Kaledas and Dare instructions for managing the program at the post level. He also explained how they could be approved to use the American Legion emblem, and how to gain Membership's support and recognition. At a regular meeting, Post 396 members passed a resolution for a new program to be known as the "American Legion Riders."

Joined by 19 other founding members from their post, Dare and Kaledas were flooded with requests for information about their organization. They agreed to establish a central source for the Riders to ensure that chapters formed not as motorcycle clubs or gangs, but as Legionnaires and Auxiliary and SAL members joining to ride as Legion family.

Legion Riders today

Currently, over 110,000 American Legion Riders meet in over 2,000 chapters in every domestic department and in at least three foreign countries. Riders in Iowa have formed an honor guard called The Five Star Freedom Riders, and Riders in Mulvane, Kan., founded the Patriot Guard to protect the sanctity of military funerals from protesters. Riders in all states have escorted military units returning home from combat tours overseas, conducted massive cross-country fundraising events for wounded warriors from all services, and have raised millions of dollars for countless local, state and national charities. Many Riders, supported by their departments, conduct annual statewide Legacy Runs in direct support of American Legion scholarship progras of Operation Comfort Warriors (OCW), supporting our wounded servicemembers across the nation.

True to the Legion's grassroots tradition, each chapter manages its programs at the post level, where the best ideas are born. The Riders are part of many projects and events, including:

• Rolling Thunder, the annual POW/MIA rally in Washington on Memorial Day weekend.
• Annual regional rides such as Operation Wounded Warrior, sponsored by Riders in Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, California and other Western states.
• Local charity events in support of The American Legion and local communities.
• Raising money for VA hospitals, women and children centers, children and youth centers, schools and other facilities.
• Sponsoring or participating in motorcycle runs to benefit numerous charities.
• Local memorial ceremonies and community parades.
• The American Legion Legacy Run, an annual cross-country fundraising ride from National Headquarters in Indianapolis to the national convention city.
• Riding to honor fallen military men and women, and to protect the sanctity of their funerals from those who would dishonor their memory.
• Escorting military units to departure airfields and airports for combat tours overseas, and welcoming them home upon their return.

Please use the form below to contact us. Most questions are answered in 24 hours or less.