Director's Message

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Greetings Fellow Legion Riders and Legion Family, 

Who'd have thought after the scorchingly hot days of early- and mid-August, we'd be having 60* nights by late-August? I'm thinking some Indian Summer days in early-September, how about you?

Riding season will end in the next few weeks. Harvest will soon be under way, which means farm implements of all sizes will be sharing the roadways of Nebraska. I urge everyone, whether on two (or three) wheels or on four (or more) wheels, to be vigilant as you drive Nebraska highways and byways in the next couple of months. 

I was deeply saddened during August by two motorcycle fatalities here in Lincoln. While I did not know either rider, it reminded me to remain extra aware as I ride and drive. One of the accidents occurred not far from my residence. I drive by that spot nearly every day and can still see evidence of the crash on the roadway. These accidents are a grim reminder to watch out for one another on the road (and to not act the fool by excessive speed).   

On a happier note, I am so excited to tell you that our annual Poker Run was a resounding success! The weather was perfect for riding, and nearly 70 riders and passengers signed up to participate. Between the poker hands, silent auction and raffle, we cleared just under $2,000. We also gave away the rifle, for which we have been selling tickets for the last six months or so. Our rifle raffle netted just over $4,000.

Added to the mix this year was a motorcycle raffle. Donated to the Riders by a Post 3 member, we were able to raise another $4,000 or so in that raffle. The lucky winner won a motorcycle, valued at about $10,000, for a measly $20. Outstanding!! Our two charities, the Veterans Mission of Mercy (which provides FREE dental care to Nebraska Veterans) and the JAVALAN service dog project (which provides service dogs to Nebraska Veterans and first responders), will reap the rewards of the Poker Run and motorcycle and rifle raffles. 

Lincoln was selected as the start point for the 2026 American Legion National Legacy Run. What an honor, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your ALR Chapter 3! Each year, American Legion Riders from all across the USA meet at a designated start point and ride to the city hosting the National Convention. 

The American Legion Legacy Run supports the American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (VCF), which provides temporary financial assistance grants for military and veteran families facing sudden hardships and funds training for Legion service officers. This year, over 240 Riders gathered in Lincoln to start the ride to Knoxville, Kentucky. In addition to several Chapter 3 Riders participating in one (or more) days of the Legacy Run, we also provided a flag line as the group departed Lincoln. It was an awesome experience!

I want to give a big shoutout and a huge thank you to every Rider, Legionnaire, Son and Auxiliary member who has supported your American Legion Riders Chapter 3 in our fund-raising efforts.  

Until next time, 

Ride (and Drive) Safe! 

Bruce Gubser  

Director

Lincoln ALR Chapter 3 

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After Action Report - Legacy Run 2026

Two Chapter 3 ALR members departed Lincoln with the National Legacy Run on Sunday, August 23. Those Riders, Mike Streeter and Bruce Gubser, joined about 240 ALR members from across the nation on a five-day trek across Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Indiana and Kentucky on the way to National Convention. Due to previous commitments, Bruce was only able to ride on Day 1 and returned to Lincoln after we reached the Day 1 destination of Ames, Iowa. Mike continued riding on Day 2, then returned home. 

What an amazing, and humbling, experience! Along the entire route, citizens in towns large and small lined the streets with American Flags. Special shout out to the residents of Denison, Iowa. It appeared that half the population (of about 1,500) were lined up and waving us on.  

When the Legacy Run arrived at the final destination in Fort Knox, Kentucky, the National ALR Chairman, David Heredia, presented National Commander Wiley with a check representing the over $520,000 raised by ALR members for the Veterans and Children’s Fund. In total, this year's Legacy run donated over $1,011,000 to the VCF. Your Lincoln ALR Chapter 3 donated a total of $1,000 to the VCF this year, $500 through the Nebraska Legacy Run and $500 through the Department. 

The Legacy Run family is sad to report there was one fatality during the Legacy Run. A Rider from Kansas, Michael Haas, who was on the Road Guard Team, was involved in a fatal accident on Day 3 of the ride. It appears he experienced a medical emergency while riding and crashed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the entire Department of Kansas American Legion Family.

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After Action Report - Poker Run

We held our annual Poker Run on Saturday, August 29th. The weather was favorable, even a little hot, and some riders even experienced a little watery blessing from Heaven while on the route. We had 51 logged participants, sold $930 in poker hands, our share of the 50/50 was $205, and we raised $261 in a silent auction. 

All three winners of the poker hands (High, 2nd High, and Low) donated their winnings back, totaling $600. We ended up with a net income of $1,426. We also held drawings for our Rifle Raffle and Motorcycle Raffle. The Rifle Raffle net income was $4,288, and the winner, Jeff F from Lincoln, will be putting his new rifle to good use. He mentors and trains at-risk youth by teaching them all kinds of outdoor skills including camping, hunting and shooting. 

The Motorcycle Raffle net income was $4,829. We sold only 249 of the available 750 tickets. Honestly, although we were a little disappointed in the sales volume, since the motorcycle cost us nothing (other than $12 to put the title in our name and $138 to print the raffle tickets), that $4,800 was all profit. Combining the Poker Run, Rifle Raffle, and Motorcycle Raffle proceeds, we will share OVER $10,500 with our two designated charities (JAVELAN Service Dog Project and the Veterans Mission of Mercy). 

American Legion Riders Chapter #3 Lincoln, NE

The requirements for membership are.

A. An individual must be a current member of one of the following: 

1. An American Legion Post 

2. An American Legion Auxiliary Unit

3. A Sons of the American Legion Squadron

B. Each individual shall, in order to establish and maintain membership, own (name on title) a motorcycle of at least 350cc in size (no ATV's) that is licensed and insured as required by Nebraska state law.

C. Each individual must have paid the required dues and submitted any required documentation annually.

Dues and Documentation of Membership

a. Dues will be $20.00 per calendar year. To remain a member annual dues will be required to be paid by April 1st, each year. 

b. To insure accurate information on members is maintained, Members annually shall verify that the information contained on their original application is current and correct or provide any changes to the information at time of renewal of membership. 

c. Persons joining the Chapter at any time during the year will be required to submit a completed Post 3 ALR application to verify they meet membership requirements and pay the annual dues for that year. 

Membership qualification may be verified at any time by the Sergeant at Arms.

For History and info: https://www.legion.org/riders/about

     

                                 ALR Post 3 Meeting Minutes

                                        September 17, 2026

                          Denton American Legion Post #355

1800 meet and greet –Dinner furnished to members at their cost by Host.

1900 Call to Order - by Director

   Present Colors and MIA Chair

   Attention to Colors – by Director

   Prayer - by Chaplain

   MIA chair – by Director

   Pledge of Allegiance - by Director

   Recitation of American Legion Rider Creed - by Director

Opening Introductions

   Officer Roll Call - by Secretary

      Director - Present

      Assistant Director - Present

      Secretary - Present

      Treasurer - Present

      Ride Captain - Absent

      Sergeant at Arms – Present

   Self-Introduction of 19 members, 3 guest, and 0 prospective members.

Minutes from previous meeting - by Secretary

   The August meeting minutes were posted on the Post 3 ALR web page, and on September 15th membership was asked to review and forward any needed changes, additions or deletions. Director – Minutes are approved as posted.

Membership report - by Secretary

   We have 41 paid members.

Financial Report -

   A copy of the August report was sent to all membership on August 20th. The report was reviewed, and it indicates our account balance is $11,296.90. Bunker Fund is $61.00. The 2026 Poker Run made $1,426 (net). The Raffles made $8,997.05 (net).

Director – Finance report will be filed for audit.

Reports from Officers

   Director – AAR by Dr. Charles Craft on the Veterans Mission of Mercy (VetMOM). Dr. Craft shared a powerpoint presentation showing the VetMOM mission and shared how many veterans go decades without adequate dental care. This year, VetMOM was able to provide dental care to about 450 veterans and spouses. Over 350 volunteers helped. About 2,700 services were provided with an estimated value of $590,000. The VA survey showed a 99% veterans satisfaction rate. Motion made by M. Streeter to provide $5,000 to VetMOM, and $5,000 to Javelan Dogs.

Second by E. Saffold. Motion carried.

   Assistant Director - nothing

   Secretary – Nebraska Air National Guard Family Day. Two riders attended. Had some good conversations with those currently serving and handed out one Legion Riders application.

   Treasurer – The 2026 Poker Run made $1,426 (net), Motorcycle Raffle, Rifle Raffle made a total of $8997.05 (net). Reports were sent out to the group showing income and expenses.

   Ride Captain - absent

   Sergeant at Arms - nothing

Old Business

   Nothing

New Business

   Nothing

Other Comments for the Good of the Chapter

   - Touch a Truck event at the Elks Club on September 26th, from 1000-1400.

   - Discussion of starting another gun raffle. M. Streeter and B. Gubser will inquire on gun options. Motion made by W. Smisek to spend money to reserve a table at the next available gun show.

Second by E. Saffold. Motion Carried

Next meeting date and place

October 15th at the Denton Legion Club.

Meet and greet at 1800 with meal provided by Post at member’s expense.

Meeting to follow at 1900.

Closing Prayer – by Chaplain

Adjournment – by Director

Meeting adjourned at 1941