‘We’re going to remember all those we’ve lost this year’

As per tradition, American Legion Legacy Run Chief Road Captain Mark Clark spent a portion of the ride’s kickoff event on the grounds of the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Ala., talking safety, protocol and why the ride is so important. First-time participants were asked to stand up, Legion Riders leadership was recognized, and donations were taken.

But there also was a solemn portion to the program: recognizing and honoring those former Legacy Run participants who have passed away this year – including one in the past four days.

On his way to Mobile, Ala. – the start of this year’s Legacy Run – Kansas Legion Rider Dave Schoonover was involved in an accident on Aug. 17 in Arkansas and succumbed to his injuries later that day. A member of the National American Legion Riders Advisory Committee and a participant in every previous Legacy Run, Schoonover was remembered for his efforts both at the state and national level.

“He was just a pillar. We’ve lost a giant of a man,” said Kansas Legion Rider Chris Krueger, who serves as the state’s ALR Sons of The American Legion liaison and was riding with Schoonover and other Kansas Legion Riders when the accident occurred. “He was just, in every way, the epitome of what the Legion Riders and what The American Legion stand for. We’re devastated, and he will never be replaced.”

Krueger said Schoonover helped plan Kansas Legacy Runs and served as a mentor when Krueger started participating in national Legacy Runs in 2008. “He was always about, ‘You’ve got to represent your organization,’” Krueger said. “He was mindful of the (public relations) aspect. And Dave was always, ‘I’ve got an ideal. I’ve got an ideal.’ Not an idea. He was putting out ideas on how the Legion could recruit younger members. The growth of the organization was always big for him.”

Tony Berenotto, a member of the national advisory committee and the Department of Alabama judge advocate, has been on eight Legacy Runs and credits Schoonover with helping him progress through ALR leadership roles.

“I wouldn’t be where I am with the American Legion Riders if it wasn’t for Dave,” Berenotto said. “When I made mistakes, he would take me under his arm to the side and not berate me in public. And then he recommended me to be road captain. And then he recommended me to be on the national committee. I’m honored, and I honestly hope I make him proud.”

Berenotto said Schoonover still will be a part of the ride. “He’s going to be looking over us, he’s going to want us to be safe, and he’s going to want us to be looking at the bike in front of us,” he said. “And to take all those things, and keep them in mind and be safe.”

Among those also honored was American Legion Riders co-founder Bill “Polka” Kaledas, a member of American Legion Post 396 in Garden City, Mich. Kaledas passed away Aug. 8.

“I had the privilege of serving on the (National American Legion Riders Advisory Committee) with him and to listen to his vision,” said Clark, now chairman of the committee. “The last time I spoke with him … a month ago, he was as excited as he was when they started (the Riders). He told me, ‘Mark, we never could have imagined what we’d become. But we’re so terribly proud.’

“We’re going to remember him this year. But he’s not the only one we’re going to remember. We’re going to remember all those we’ve lost this year. We’ve lost seven Riders who were Legacy Run riders.”

Making history. Clark said that for the first time ever, all three heads of the American Legion Family – American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard, American Legion Auxiliary President Kathy Daudistel and Sons of The American Legion National Commander Michael Fox are on the Legacy Run.  

Dillard amplified the message behind the Legacy Run. “We ride for (disabled veterans) so that their children can have the opportunity to attend college,” he said. “We also ride for the fallen heroes who never came home. The children of those who died on active duty are the living legacy of these heroes. They, too, deserve an opportunity for a quality education.

“So we ride for our veterans. We ride for their children. We ride as a family. The American Legion Family is their family. Nobody will ever be able to replace loved ones lost. But we be there to offer our support, friendship and strength.”

Daudistel will be riding a motorcycle along the route, which Clark said also was a first. “I can’t think of a better way to get my head in the right space for the craziness of national convention than riding with you all,” Daudistel said. “I am so excited to be riding with you all this year.”

Fox, who was made a member of Towson (Md.) ALR Chapter 22 by Past National SAL Commander Joe Gladden during the ceremony, offered a similar sentiment. “I look forward to a good run, and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my last six days before I go out of office than with a bunch of Riders,” he said.

Donations kick-started. More than $118,000 thousand was donated during the kickoff event, thanks in large part to $100,000 from Kenneth N. Dowden Wayne Post 64 in Indianapolis.

Indiana ALR Director Jeff Everman, a Legion and SAL member of Post 64, presented the check to Dillard. He credited fellow Chapter 64 Legion Rider Dewey Knowling – who has been on every Legacy Run – with spearheading the effort to raise the money.

Being able to present a check of that size was “awesome,” said Everman, who is joining five other members of Post 64’s Legion Family on the ride. “We know that it’s for the kids and for their education.”

Longtime participants honored. Past Department of Texas Commander Jim Fleming, who has participated in every ride, was honored. Fleming also took part in the Pony Express Ride in 2020 when the Legacy Run was cancelled because of COVID-19.

“If it’s not special, I don’t know what is. If there’s not something magical about this, I don’t know how to explain it,” Clark said of Fleming’s dedication. “It’s amazing, and Jim, sir, you are a legend of this ride. You have my immense respect.”

And Rollie Otte, a member of American Legion Riders Chapter 340 in Morse Bluff, Neb., and a 15-time Legacy Run participant, also announced it will be his last time on the ride.

“Over the years it’s been really, really memorable. I’ve met so many great people,” Otte said. “The mission for the kids, don’t ever forget that. That’s who we’re riding for.”

Follow the 2022 Legacy Run on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #LegacyRun2022.