Wisconsin Legion Riders ride to provide veterans ‘a little bit of peace and happiness’ 

Since 1925, Camp American Legion in Lake Tomahawk, Wis., has provided a respite for the state’s honorably discharged veterans and their spouse or caregiver and immediate dependent-age children, to active-duty military personnel and their families, and to the families of U.S. servicemembers and National Guardsmen killed while on active duty overseas.

Completely free of charge, the 300-acree-acre camp offers boating, fishing, hiking, camaraderie and a chance to enjoy Wisconsin’s beautiful Northwoods between Little Lake Tomahawk and Big Carr Lake. Across the state, American Legion posts have provided support for Camp American Legion’s mission. And so has the American Legion Riders Association of Wisconsin.

For years, Legion Riders from across Wisconsin have come together for a fall fundraising ride that culminates with a final overnight stop at Camp American Legion in late September. And for two of the past three years, the Riders have staged a summer ride directly benefitting the camp, the most recent “Back to Basics” ride taking place July 17-19.

Corey Doehrmann, Wisconsin’s state ALR director and the ride’s coordinator, said approximately 45 people participated in the “Back to Basics” ride, which traversed around 680 miles and made stops at 13 American Legion posts and Soldiers Walk Memorial Park in Arcadia, with a drive through the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery.

Wisconsin’s American Legion Riders have staged eight state rides, the first five benefitting The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund and one other raising money for The Highground Veterans Memorial Park in Clark County, Wis.

The first ride for Camp American Legion went to purchasing a new cabin, while this year the money raised – $31,500 so far, with more coming in – is dedicated to the interior renovation of the camp’s recreation building.

“We started planning in August of last year,” said Doehrmann, who also serves as the District 2 ALR director and is a member of both The American Legion and Sons of The American Legion at Post 486 in Jackson. “The state ride last year was in June. We took about two to three weeks off, and then we started right back in as a committee, meeting and talking and trying to figure out where we wanted to go, what we wanted to raise money for. We’ve already started talking about next year, and we’ll meet probably every other week for six months, and then the pace increases.”

Doerhmann said the desire to fundraise for Camp American Legion is based on a few different things. “(It’s) the peace and the tranquility and the beauty and everything about the Northwoods experience,” he said. “But then I think what seals the deal is when you think about the fact they’re serving veterans and their families. The veteran has to get there. That’s their only expense for the entire week that they’re there.

“So, when you combine that experience that you know they’re going to feel supported, with the fact that it’s at no expense to them, there’s nothing better than doing that for a veteran.”

Doehrmann said he’s visited Camp American Legion many times and believes it can make a big impact on a veteran who may be struggling.

“You get up, you get your coffee in the morning and go out and watch the steam roll off the lake … it’s almost like riding a motorcycle the peace that you can feel,” he said. “And when I think about the struggles that a lot of our veterans have, there’s nothing better than giving them that little bit of peace. It may not last forever, but it’s a little bit of happiness and peace that hopefully will sustain them for a while.”