‘Wherever there is a family or veteran in need, we’ll be there’

New American Legion Riders Chairman David Heredia shares vision for the future.

A man who has been a fixture on the National American Legion Legacy Run for years has been tasked with leading the organization’s fastest-growing program.

Maryland Legionnaire David Heredia was appointed National American Legion Riders chairman during the National Executive Committee’s Fall Meetings earlier this month.

After serving as the Legacy Run’s chief tail gunner, Heredia has served as assistant chief road captain since 2022. He’s also the immediate past commander of The American Legion Department of Maryland and a member of Bernard L. Tobin Post 128 in Aberdeen. 

Heredia, who spent more than 22 years in the U.S. Army, talked with American Legion Social Manager Steven B. Brooks about what it feels like to be appointed as chairman, his vision for the Legion Riders and the importance of continuing their legacy of service.

Steven B. Brooks: How does it feel knowing that national American Legion leadership has the faith in you to appoint you to this position?

David Heredia: I’m deeply humbled and honored to serve as the fourth national chairman for The American Legion Riders. I’m grateful for National Commander Dan Wiley and the leadership of The American Legion for their trust and confidence. I take this position seriously, because the Riders are a focus in the community. We’re a force to be reckoned, especially when we ride in large numbers.

Question: What is your vision for the Riders? What do you think is working, and how would you like to see the Riders continue to evolve?

Heredia: As chairman of The American Legion Riders, I’ll have a simple focus. We’re going to ride for the veterans and their families like we’ve done in the past. We’re going to continue to uphold the Legion’s Four Pillars and strengthen the Veterans & Children Foundation (VCF). We’re going to live Be the One. We’re going to continue checking in, connecting, working to prevent veteran suicide and ensuring no one feels forgotten or alone. And as I said throughout my year as department commander, we’re going to do this as “Champions of Hope.” The reason why I say that is in the heart of “Champions of Hope,” we save lives, we change lives. We ride for those who can no longer ride. For those who are suffering in silence and anyone who feels forgotten. So, for every mile, every handshake, and every salute and smile that carry our message forward, we’re going to let them know that they’re not alone. Wherever there is a family or veteran in need, we’ll be there.

Question: How do you accomplish these goals?

Heredia: We have to have a family first culture that reflects the values of The American Legion, which will inspire new members to join. We have to enhance collaboration across the Legion Family, because not everybody sees the Riders as a force for good. I’m going to work with the Internal Affairs Commission, the National Executive Committee and our national commander to strengthen the ties between the Auxiliary and the Sons at the post so that the Riders are a bridge and not a silo within the Legion Family.

Question: How valuable are the Riders in raising awareness about The American Legion’s mission and programs?

Heredia: When communities see our vests and our unity, they’re going to see compassion in motion. It’s promoting awareness and understanding of what The American Legion Riders’ mission is across posts, districts and departments.

Question: How would you like to see the Riders participate in the Legion’s USA 250 Challenge?

Heredia: The USA 250 Challenge is important for many reasons. It gets us visible out there in the community. What I would ask the Riders across our nation is think of ways that they can contribute to this. What it’s doing is not just helping the VCF at the national level. It’s creating awareness down in the local communities. Bringing awareness to the general public of why The American Legion is here. We’re a veterans organization, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t help our local brothers and sisters in the community. By getting involved in the USA 250 Challenge, they’re not only helping the VCF, but they’re bringing awareness to The American Legion. We can get people who have never served or are not members of our Legion Family to participate in this somewhere, either by donations or spreading the word.

Question: Is there anything else you’d like to say to the Legion Riders?

Heredia: It’s important to continue the work and vision of those who came before more. This all started with the vision of Past National Chairman Terry Woodburn and continued through Bob Sussan after that. Both of those two are in Post Everlasting now, and their work was continued by (Immediate Past Chairman Mark Clark). They’re they ones that started and then built this, and now it’s my responsibility to keep that going.