American Legion Riders (ALR) members answer the call to ride in service to America’s military, veterans, children and youth. The activities of ALR are limited only by the imagination of its members. Many chapters have independently raised thousands of dollars for local children’s hospitals, schools, veterans’ homes, severely wounded service men and women, as well as American Legion scholarship programs.

The Patriot Guard

No single activity or program defines the American Legion Riders, but several key issues have been given national attention largely because of the efforts of individual ALR chapters and individual riders. For example, the Patriot Guard originated in August 2005 by the Kansas American Legion Riders of Mulvane, Kansas. The Patriot Guard members started by providing escort and shield to the families of the fallen Legion Riders and other veteran motorcyclists from the sight and sound of protestors. Today, at the request of stricken families, the Patriot Guard is providing escort for funerals and memorial services in tribute to our fallen warriors all over the country.

The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund

Since 2006, riders have united nationally for “The American Legion Legacy Run” to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. This fund has been established for the children of those who have given their lives on active duty defending our freedoms around the world.

Heroes to Hometown Program

The Heroes to Hometown Program is yet another way the Riders assist with one of the Legion’s oldest missions—to help recover the wounded from our battlefields. The Heroes to Hometown is a new partnership between the Pentagon and the Legion—one that will unfortunately need to continue for many years as our severely wounded combat veterans return home.