The seasons may change, but our mission never stops.
For many American Legion Riders across our nation, the arrival of colder weather signals the end of another riding season. Motorcycles are cleaned, serviced and prepared for winter storage. Group rides become fewer, and the highways that brought us together throughout the year grow quieter.
But while some of our motorcycles may be parked for the winter, our mission as American Legion Riders never stops.
Of course, not every Rider puts their motorcycle away when temperatures drop. Across our southern and western states, and even in some of our colder regions, many American Legion Riders continue riding throughout the winter months. Whether participating in holiday charity rides, Wreaths Across America events, veterans’ escorts, or simply gathering with fellow Riders, their dedication to service continues.
I've often said that being an American Legion Rider is about much more than riding a motorcycle. It's about service, camaraderie, family, and making a difference in the lives of our veterans, their families and the communities we call home.
We are members of The American Legion Family first, united by a shared commitment to service. Our motorcycles are simply one way we bring that commitment to life.
Being a Champion of Hope Goes Beyond the Ride. I recently came across two people wearing sweatshirts with simple yet powerful messages that really caught my attention.One read, “Dear person behind me, the world is a better place with you in it. Love, the person in front of you.”
The other simply said, “You are enough.”
What struck me most was how a few simple words could carry such a powerful message, reminding someone they may never meet that they matter. Imagine the difference we could make if every American Legion Rider and every member of our Legion Family took a moment to share that same encouragement, kindness and compassion with those around them.
Being a Champion of Hope does not always require a motorcycle ride, a fundraiser or a special event. Sometimes, it simply means reaching out, offering a few words of encouragement, or being there for someone who needs us.
We never truly know what someone else may be going through. It could be a veteran who hasn't attended a post meeting in months, a fellow Rider who has quietly stopped participating, or a surviving spouse facing another holiday season alone.
For many, the holidays are a time of celebration, but for others, they can bring loneliness, grief, or a sense of isolation. A simple Buddy Check, an invitation to share a meal, or a few minutes of genuine conversation can make all the difference, reminding someone that they are valued, remembered and never alone.
That's the heart of our Be the One mission, and it's what I mean when I encourage our Riders to be Champions of Hope. Because sometimes, the greatest impact we make isn't measured by the miles we ride or the money we raise, but by the lives we touch and the hope we bring to others.
Keeping Our Chapters Active Throughout the Winter. Consider organizing Buddy Checks, visiting veterans in nursing homes or VA facilities, supporting local food pantries, helping military families during the holidays, or joining your post, unit, and squadron in community service projects.Reach out to members who haven't participated recently, invite prospective members to a Legion Family event, and support the programs of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion.
Use these months to become more involved with your home post. Attend meetings, volunteer, support membership efforts and learn more about Legion programs.
Our strength as American Legion Riders comes from the relationships we build with our sponsoring posts and the entire Legion Family. By working together, we strengthen our chapters and support the mission of The American Legion.
Winter is also a time to prepare for the year ahead: review safety practices, mentor new leaders, and plan rides and fundraising activities. Take advantage of Legion training opportunities, including Training Tuesdays, the online Basic Training course, and your department’s Legion College or other leadership programs, where available.
A recent conversation with a member of my department brought us back to a simple idea: Back to Basics. For Riders, that means supporting our sponsoring posts, remembering why we serve, and keeping The American Legion’s mission at the center of what we do. It is also a practical way to live our national commander’s message, Be Part of the Solution. Get involved, share ideas and turn challenges into action.
As we plan for the next American Legion Legacy Run, let’s remember that our year-round efforts support the Veterans & Children Foundation and the veterans and military families it serves.
For Those Who Continue to Ride. For our Riders who continue riding throughout the colder months, I encourage you to make safety your first priority.Shorter daylight hours, changing weather conditions, reduced tire traction, and the possibility of ice or road salt create additional risks. Check your motorcycle, dress appropriately, monitor the weather, and never allow the desire to participate in a ride to outweigh good judgment.
There is no shame in arriving on four wheels instead of two or three. What matters most is that everyone returns home safely to their families.
One Voice. One Purpose. One Mission. As national chairman, I want our Riders to continue growing as a united, mission-driven part of our Legion Family.I challenge every Rider and every chapter this winter to find one more way to serve. Make one more Buddy Check. Reach out to one more veteran. Invite one more person to become part of our Legion Family.
We ride for those who served. We serve those who need us. And we stand beside those who may have forgotten just how much they matter.
The seasons may change, but our commitment to service never stops.
Ride Together – Serve Together – as Champions of Hope!
- Riders