Post 3 American Legion Riders

American Legion Riders Post #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 annual 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.

     

AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS

Frustration vs. Commitment

I sometimes become frustrated as a member of the American

Legion Auxiliary and American Legion Riders. This may

be a shocking statement in a newsletter, but I feel I need to

be blatantly honest here. I want to give back to our veterans

(active duty or not) and their families, but then feel confined or

held back by other members’ lack of interest, lack of financial resources, limited

time to work on a project, or overcommitting myself to too many projects at one

time.

But then, something happens. You attend a convention and hear about a project

that you can’t get out of your head. You read an article about something small

someone has done for a veteran or a group of active duty service persons. You

hear a family member say “Thank You” for honoring their hero. One little spark

reignites that passion and that drive again. I have those moments all the time. I

imagine several of you reading this may be able to relate.

One such moment happened just recently. We were standing a flag line for

a member’s dear friend. This veteran was a Vietnam vet who suffered from

the effects of Agent Orange. As we were at the cemetery, I noticed most of the

flags were hanging straight down and were still. After the volley of shots, the

playing of Taps was slightly delayed. When those haunting notes started, a slight

breeze came up and lifted a number of those flags till they were blowing in that

breeze. It was almost as though other departed veterans were saying “Don’t

worry, brothers and sister. We have him, and he’s in good hands.” I know this

may sound overly dramatic, but this was honestly how it felt to me at the time.

This summer, the ALR did a number of the usual activities --- poker runs,

parades, meetings, the State Fair, and funeral flag lines. But, we also had some

special moments.

One was being a part of a flag line where no family was believed to be found (but

then had 10 of them attend the funeral because of social media and mainstream

media attention). Another was the flag line for the Blitz twins, who died at Pearl

Harbor. Our officers were interviewed for news reports on local TV channels.

Two members were a part of the “Centennial Ride”. This was a two-team ride

that started in Canada and Texas, meeting in Kansas. As the year winds down,

we are hoping to make a visit to the new Veterans Home in Kearney (around

Labor Day), and possibly make a fun dinner run.

Another new event I’m hoping to get members to take part in is “Buddy

Check” nights. Buddy Check events are, at their heart and soul, a suicide

prevention gathering. It’s a time and place for veterans and their families to meet

up, have some dinner, and make a connection with other veterans. It’s a way to

remember, especially if you don’t have any local biological family, that there is

another family here for you. Lincoln just started hosting Buddy Checks again.

They are at The Foundry (211 N 14th St), on the 22nd of EVERY MONTH, from

7 to 9pm. THERE IS NO COST TO VETERANS, unless you choose to have

an adult beverage.

While these gatherings started to combat veteran suicide, they are open to any

veteran. I have attended a few Buddy Checks in Seward and couldn’t believe

Lincoln didn’t have one. Members of another veteran-related group were also

in attendance and have found some funds for the first couple months. Buddy

Check events are to be standalone events, not directly affiliated with any one

group. Groups can donate funds to cover costs, but they are not allowed to

actively recruit members. They may only talk about their group if they are asked

about it.

I have been told the first Lincoln Buddy Check had 17 in attendance, which is

a really good start. I hope to have some Post 3 members there, along with ALR

members. Who knows? Maybe having a free Buddy Check dinner will light a

spark for you to help with an American Legion or ALA or ALR project.

As I said, sometimes I become frustrated being a member. Then I see how

important our organization is and I remember why my family have been

members for as long as they have been. I remember the young ladies I’ve met at

ALA Girls State and now ALA Girls Nation, and I want to ensure they continue

to learn about this country and the servicepersons who are willing to take their

last breath to protect their freedoms. Those same servicepersons whose voices I

heard during that recent flag line.

And then I’m ready for my next project. Where will your spark come from??

Jody Schmale

Commander, Post 3 American Legion Riders