ABOUT US & HOW TO JOIN US 

CONTACT:

    TOM WASKOM                    ELLEN HACKER

The American Legion Riders are a diverse group of motorcycle enthusiasts sharing common goals. All are members or spouses of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion—and all are united by patriotism. They answer the call to ride in service to America’s military, her veterans, and for the children and youth of our country.

The activities of The Legion Riders are limited only by the imagination of the members of the local Riders organizations, and many local chapters have independently raised thousands of dollars for local children’s hospitals, veterans’ homes, and scholarship programs. In 2006, Riders united nationally for the First Annual American Legion Legacy Run and raised more than $180,000 for The American Legacy Scholarship Fund for the children of those who given their lives on active duty, defending our freedoms in the War on Terror.

Interested in joining the Riders? Or in starting a brand new Legion Riders chapter at your post, unit, or squadron? Your best resource for information, including a Rider's chapter locator, a report form for your new chapter officers, examples for the proper wear of the patch, and much more can be found at the original American Legion Riders site--The American Legion Riders Information Center. This is the place to start!

 

In all cases, the prospective Rider must first be a current member, in good standing, in one of the three organizations of The American Legion Family:

The American Legion
The American Legion Auxiliary
The Sons of The American Legion

Many Posts, but not all, have also adopted the following eligibility rules for Rider membership:

Own of a motorcycle of at least 350cc engine displacement and must possess a valid driver's license in your state of residence (if overseas, appropriate local licensing is acceptable).

Applicant must maintain proof of coverage for all motorcycle collision, medical, property damage and liability insurance required by local and state laws, and of any additional coverage required by the sponsoring American Legion Post.

If applicant does not own a motorcycle, then he/she must be the spouse of an ALR member in good standing within the Chapter of application.

NOTE: No national authority can be found that mandates any set of eligibility rules or procedures over any other for American Legion Riders groups operating under the proper authority of a local American Legion Post.

Since the American Legion Riders are predominantly sponsored and supported as post programs, there is no “national” constitution or by-laws in force specifically for American Legion Riders. However, many posts and Departments have adopted the model by-laws and eligibility requirements prepared by the original group of Legion Riders and presented by the National American Legion Riders Information Center (NALRIC) at www.americanlegionriders.net.

No separate charter is necessary for the organization of a Riders chapter or group, since the Post that hosts them as an activity already governs each group. Riders may be disciplined or removed from the program under existing Post procedures outlined in the Post’s own constitution or by-laws. This does not prevent Riders groups from adding more stringent rules to those already present in the Post bylaws and constitution.

To join the American Legion, you must have served honorably on active federal service in the Army, Navy, Marine Corp, Air Force, or Coast Guard during any of these periods of conflict:

· April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918 (World War I)

· December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946 (World War II—includes certain Merchant Marine service)

· June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955 (Korean War)

· February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975 (Vietnam War)

· August 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984 (Lebanon/Grenada)

· December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990 (Operation Just Cause - Panama)

· August 2, 1990 to today (Operation Desert Shield/Storm/War on Terrorism)

A copy of your DD214 or other discharge paperwork showing dates and character of service is required at application