About the American Legion Riders
About the American Legion Riders
The American Legion Riders (ALR) are a motorcycle enthusiasts program of The American Legion, open to Legionnaires, Auxiliary members, and Sons of The American Legion who own and ride motorcycles. They focus on camaraderie, patriotism, escorting troops, honoring the fallen, and raising funds for veterans, children, and community causes.
National History
In fall 1993, Chuck "Tramp" Dare and Bill "Polka" Kaledas (commander of American Legion Post 396 in Garden City, Michigan) conceived the idea for a motorcycle group within the Legion family. They wanted a welcoming space for shared riding interests without the image of traditional motorcycle clubs. Post 396 passed a resolution creating the first chapter with 19 founding members. The group quickly grew as other posts sought information, establishing guidelines to keep chapters as Legion programs.
By 2007, the ALR became an official national program. It expanded rapidly to thousands of chapters and over 100,000–200,000 members across all U.S. states and several foreign countries. Key activities include the annual Legacy Run (since 2006), which has raised millions for scholarships and veterans' causes, plus troop escorts, funeral honors (e.g., Patriot Guard), charity rides, and support for wounded warriors.
In Michigan's Upper Peninsula (UP)
Michigan Riders, including those in the UP, have been active since the early days of the program. UP chapters (such as those affiliated with posts in Ishpeming, Sault Sainte Marie, Gladstone, and others) participate in statewide and regional events while supporting local veterans. They contribute to causes like the UP Honor Flight, PTSD awareness rides (e.g., the popular Hell to Paradise run that crosses into the UP), community parades, memorials, and fundraising for children's hospitals and veterans' programs.
American Legion Post 114 Riders (Greenwood Post in Ishpeming) exemplify this local spirit, engaging in rides, escorts, and veteran support across the UP's vast forested and rural landscape.
Today, Legion Riders continue as a grassroots force—riding for service, fellowship, and the Legion's mission of God and country.