Rendezvous in Shanksville

This summer, Pennsylvania motorcycle enthusiasts will embark on the third annual Master Sgt. Sean M. Thomas Memorial Ride, raising money for the future education of Thomas’ daughter, Alexa. This year, they’ll also contribute to The American Legion Legacy Scholarship fund, which benefits children of servicemembers who have died since 9/11. “I thought we could do more and help more people by donating 50 percent of the proceeds to the American Legion Legacy Run,” says Andrew Kline, adjutant for Post 323 in Watsontown, Pa. The annual Legacy Run is the scholarship fund’s major source of donations. Kline and his fellow riders will join Legion Riders and American Legion National Commander David K. Rehbein at an Aug. 19 ceremony in Shanksville, during the national Legacy Run. Riders will lay a wreath at the Flight 93 Memorial, honoring the passengers and crew who died in the 9/11 plane crash that stopped terrorists from reaching their target, the U.S. Capitol. The Thomas Memorial Ride is scheduled for June 6, starting at American Legion Post 268 in Muncy, Pa. Registration is 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The ride covers about 50 miles. Thomas was killed in action March 27, 2007, during a rocket attack in Iraq. “I started this ride to ensure that his only child, Alexa, had her educational future paid for by the time she graduated high school,” Kline said. “We’d like to expand our operation and help more kids.” To do that, Kline said the Thomas Memorial Ride plans to donate half its fundraising proceeds to the Legion’s Legacy Scholarship fund every year.