National Chairman David Heredia Jr. has set a goal of raising $1.5 for the Veterans & Children Foundation during the 2027 Legacy Run.
The strength of the American Legion Riders has always been our people, our commitment to service, and our dedication to the mission of The American Legion.
With that spirit in mind, I am proud to introduce the 2026–2027 National American Legion Riders Advisory Committee.
Together, we will build upon the foundation established by those who came before us, strengthen our program, and continue moving forward with One Voice, One Purpose, and One Mission.
National Chairman
David Heredia Jr. — Maryland
Vice Chairman
Jon Hosfeld — Pennsylvania
Committee Members
· Kenneth “Rino” Rynes Jr. — Wisconsin
· Mark Meysembourg — Texas
· George Pogge — Kansas
· Jake Newman — North Carolina
· Gerard Brinkman — Arizona
· Patrick “Doc” Phillips — Arkansas
Consultants
· Chad Woodburn — Indiana
· Cliff Barker — Iowa
· Michael Harris — Oklahoma
· Bruce Mersereau — Virginia
· Andrew Pajak — Massachusetts
· Brian Carpenter — Montana
Legion Family Liaisons
· Joseph Navarrete — New Mexico | Sons of The American Legion
· Kathy Daudistel — Kentucky | American Legion Auxiliary
OUR MISSION. OUR COMMITMENT. OUR FUTURE.
As we celebrate the 34th year of the American Legion Riders program, prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of our American flag, and look ahead to the 21st National Legacy Run, we have much to accomplish together.
Our goal for the 2027 National Legacy Run is ambitious — $1.5 million in support of the Veterans & Children Foundation. But our success is about more than the dollars we raise. It is about the veterans and families we help, the communities we serve, and the hope we bring to those who need it most.
This year, we will continue emphasizing Back to Basics while embracing our National Commander's message, Be Part of the Solution (BPOTS). That means strengthening communication, supporting our Departments and Chapters, promoting motorcycle safety, reinforcing accountability, and remaining true to the Four Rules and the principles upon which our program was founded.
Our responsibility as an Advisory Committee is to listen, support, mentor, and provide the guidance and resources necessary to help our Riders succeed. We are here to serve the program, not the other way around.
I also want to recognize and thank our past National Chairmen, outgoing committee members, and consultants for their dedication and leadership. Their contributions have helped shape the American Legion Riders into the program we are today, and we will continue building upon their legacy.
To the thousands of American Legion Riders across this great nation, thank you for your patriotism, dedication, generosity, and continued service. You are the heart of this program, and everything we accomplish begins with you.
We may wear different Department and Chapter patches, but we are ONE American Legion Riders program, ONE Legion Family, and ONE TEAM.
We Are Better Together.
We Are the Champions of Hope.
Ride Together • Serve Together.
- Riders