CHRIS MORRIS
newsandtribune.com
Members of the American Legion Riders pose for a photograph outside the American Legion in New Albany recently. Staff photo by Kevin McGloshen
Bill Lawless has a passion for motorcycles and veterans. So in 2008 it was only natural for him to form a local chapter of the American Legion Riders which represent Bonnie Sloan Post 28 along McDonald Lane in New Albany.
“I like riding bikes and helping veterans. I had always heard about the Legion Riders and knew we didn’t have one at this post,” he said.
That was almost three years ago. Now the group is 53 members strong and participates in various charitable activities including parades and fun runs. While the group has seen tremendous growth their priority of raising money for veterans and the community will never change.
“We are not a motorcycle club,” said Randy Mudd, director of the group. “We are a group of veterans, or sons of veterans and auxiliary who raise money for veterans and the local community.”
Lawless said the group tries to hold some kind of event each month. Statewide, there are about 3,100 Legion Riders.
“My dad was in World War II ... that is why I am here,” Lawless said. “They are the best people around. We have a good time here with it.”
However, the Legion Riders are not your stereotype motorcycle group. Their focus is to help the community, and the veterans who live in that community.
“People think of bikers they think of a rugged group,” Lawless said. “We’re just a group of veterans, or sons of veterans who enjoy riding. I ride for veterans. I love to help veterans.”
James Shipley served in both the Army and Air Force where he retired as a captain in 1988. He said last year the group raised more than $5,000 for the local community. He said one of the annual events the group participates in — the Legacy Run — helps raise funds for children of soldiers who have been killed, or were missing in action, to help them pay for college tuition.
“Our primary focus is to help veterans and the community,” Shipley said.
Shipley is also a member of the Patriot Guard Riders who serve as human shields at funerals for veterans when protesters may be present. But only when asked by the family, he said.
Bonnie Sloan 28 Post Commander Jeff Carroll said the Legion Riders are “very important to us.”
“They do so much good for the community,” Carroll said. “We are proud to have them at this post.”
Carroll said the post gives away more than $100,000 to children, veterans and charities each year. The post is the ninth largest in the state with about 1,600 members.
“I don’t think a lot of people have any idea what goes on at this post,” he said.
