American Legion Riders national chairman shares highlights of this year’s fundraiser for the Veterans & Children Foundation, which will depart Nebraska and finish at the General George Patton Museum of Leadership.
On Aug. 23, hundreds of American Legion Family members will depart Towers’ Frontier Harley-Davidson in Lincoln, Neb. Over the course of the next five days, they will travel through four more states and 1,000 miles before finishing up at the General George Patton Museum of Leadership in Fort Knox, Ky.
Prior to, and along the way, they have one mission: to raise funds to assist both veterans and children through The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (VCF).
The 2026 Legacy Run, which already has 173 registrants, will travel through Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa and Indiana before finishing up just outside of Louisville, the site of this year’s American Legion National Convention (Register here). It’s the 20th anniversary of the ride, something not lost on American Legion Riders National Chairman David Heredia Jr.
The chief road captain of this year’s Legacy Run, Heredia talked with American Legion Multimedia Manager Steven B. Brooks about this year’s ride, sharing day-by-day highlights while also stressing the importance of the mission behind it: providing funding for the Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance program and training for American Legion service officers.
Steven B. Brooks: What’s it like leading the American Legion Riders and the Legacy Run in a year like this one?
David Heredia: Being part of this historic year – our 250th birthday as a nation, our 33rd year as a national program and our 20th year of the American Legion Legacy Run – it’s a mission, it’s a ride and it’s a legacy that honors our past while serving our future.
Question: What does it say about the dedication of the Riders that this ride – the Legacy Run – is now in its 20th year?
Heredia: It says a lot. For those Riders who have rode in past Legacy Runs, we could not be here without them. They started the tempo for us. This year’s ride captures both the history of the Legacy Run and the purpose of our mission as we continue to build a stronger future for our veterans and their families through the VCF. For those Riders who take the time to register and join us year in and year out, they are the reason why we’re so successful with the Legacy Run. They are the mechanism that keeps us going. And at the end of the day, their patriotism and their support … is the reason we can do what we do. They are champions of hope, because they provide hope to those in need at their darkest hour.
Question: Go day by day and share what you think are some of the highlights of this year’s ride.
Heredia: From the moment we start at Towers’ Frontier Harley-Davidson, with the Nebraska National Guard being there and the adjutant general … that’s going to set the tempo for what we have going forward. And then going to the (Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum) and seeing some of our history through an Air Force perspective … and seeing the history that’s there, that’s a feat in itself. And then ending Day 1 at the Gold Star Hall (at Iowa State University) – a beautiful place honoring our fallen, honoring those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice – that is going to end the day on an emotional level.
Going on to Day 2, Texas Roadhouse is letting us use their parking lot and is going to feed us breakfast. Leaving Texas Roadhouse and going to our first fuel stop, we’re going stop at the Meskwaki Indian Nation, and they’re going to give us a tribal dance. That’s something we haven’t had since we were in Phoenix (in 2021), so that’s something in itself. And on our way to Solon and Post 460, they’re rolling out the red carpet for us. They’re going to block off some streets for us. It’s a small post, but they are working with the city to make sure we are welcomed with open arms and that people understand the importance of this mission. And then we’re going to end the day in Muscatine at a small post (Post 27) that’s very excited. They’re stoked about us being there.
Moving on to Day 3, we’re going to end up in Hannibal (Mo.). On our way, we’re going to stop in Keokuk for fuel. In talking to the folks there, they told us about a cemetery that they have there. So while we’re fueling at the gas station, I’m going to take a flight and we’re going to pay our respects to the veterans buried in that cemetery. Then we’re going over to the Illinois Veterans Home … which is a treat in itself. We’re going to tour the facility and we’re going to meet with the veterans. And we’re going to present them with a grill from (Operation Comfort Warriors). We’re going to end the day in Hannibal at Post 55, and they’re going to have (The Wall That Heals) inside their hall. It’s going to be a great day.
Day 4 is a long day, and there’s a time change when we get to Indiana. And we have something that we haven’t done in some time. In Taylorville, Ill., we’re going to a VFW post, but the American Legion post (Post 73) is providing the lunch. The two are collaborating with each other. A lot of the members of the Legion post are members of the VFW. And the town is rolling out the red carpet. The Chamber of Commerce is going to be there. It’s going to be a great time. And we end the day at one of the largest posts in Indiana in Terre Haute at Post 104. They’ve been graciously helping us.
And on the last day, we’re going to end the ride at the General George Patton Museum of Leadership. They’re excited about us coming there. Wellcare is going to be there with the shaved ice that we’ve had the last few years. I know that’s something that the Riders are excited about. We’re going to be able to tour the museum. And there’s a gentleman (Alan Wallace) who was a firefighter on 9-11 (at the Pentagon), and his helmet is on display in the museum. He’s going to come talk to us. I think that just completes our mission.
Question: There are multiple stops at American Legion posts. Why is that important?
Heredia: That’s what makes this ride awesome. We need to visit our Legion posts. We need to give back because they do so much for us – not just on the Legacy Run, but every day.
Question: Is there anything else you want to say about this year’s Legacy Run?
Heredia: I wanted to give the Riders some sense that what they do matters. I’m excited about the ride from start to finish. Having the National Guard be a part of this … we’re bringing the soldiers and getting them introduced to what The American Legion is all about: service and honor. And we do it for them, as well as their family members. From start to finish, it’s going to be a great experience for us.
- Riders