Legion charity ride raises $551,568 for scholarships

More than 220 American Legion Riders and their passengers rode into Reno, Nev., Thursday afternoon, bringing with them $551,568 raised to help children of fallen servicemembers and disabled veterans attend college. The 12th Annual Legacy Run, sponsored by USAA, took the Riders from Dodge City, Kan., through Colorado and Utah before ending up in

“This is one of the many good things The American Legion does: take care of families,” said American Legion National Commander Charles Schmidt, who rode part of the Legacy Run. “We never forget our fallen. And many of the fallen have children. Somebody has to take care of them. That’s what we do: give them an opportunity.”
Along the six-day ride, Legion Riders solicited donations for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, which provides college money for the children of U.S. military personnel killed on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, as well as the children of post-9/11 veterans rated 50-percent disabled or higher.

In 12 years, the Legacy Run has raised more than $7.4 million for the scholarship program.

Along the route, the Legion Riders also made stops at veterans cemeteries and memorials to lay wreaths. Legion posts opened their doors to provide meals and present donations to the ride.

More donations to the Legacy Fund will be made during the Legion’s national convention on Aug. 22.