Bob Tenequer
cibolabeacon.com
The 1953 movie “Wild Ones,” starring Marlon Brando, exposed Americans to the outlaw biker gang that set the stage for the stereotypical motorcycle rider who was lawless, anti-social, uncaring.Katie Bleeker, a clean-cut waitress in the movie tells Johnny, starring Brando, the leader of the motorcycle gang, “You’re still fighting, aren’t you. You’re always fighting. Why do you hate everyone?
Well, dispelling the myth and stereotype has taken years to overcome, however local bikers associated with Marine Corps Reserve “Toys for Tots” and American Legion Riders have shed light on normal citizens, who happen to be bikers just wanting to do good things for the community.
In this season of giving upon us, these riders continue to have heart for the needy.
Jim Taylor, a Vietnam veteran and associate member of the American Legion Riders said, “We are here to help and that is what we do.”
The American Legion Post 80 members have organized the Turkey Run for 12 years providing food for Thanksgiving for families in need.
As Taylor spoke, a community member entered the hall to pick up a box of food for a full Thanksgiving meal. “The guy that just walked in is one of the hardest working guys you have ever seen in your life, but now he doesn’t have a job and is unemployed,”
Taylor said with contented smile, “This is what makes it all worthwhile.”
The organization, along with the support of several local churches, provided food for 10 families.
The myth that bikers are uncaring is “baloney” said Taylor.
There goes one myth out the window.
Raymond Saavedra, Vietnam veteran and organizer for the Marine Corp Reserve’s “Toys for Tots” program said, “We are not a motorcycle gang, we just love to ride and contribute back to the community.”
Saavedra has been organizing the toy’s program for 20 years.
Saavedra said the motorcycle run for “Toys for Tots” was a very successful event. The run was organized to raise funds and collect toys for the community. The run raised approximately $1,200 dollars.
“Without the help of all the riders here in town a lot of this wouldn’t be possible,” explained Saavedra.
Helping less fortunate children experience the joy of Christmas is the objective of the Toys for Tots program.
Last year, according to Saavedra, the program gave out 6,000 toys to 3,000 youngsters.
Eddie Tobias, a 20-year U.S. Navy veteran who has been a legionnaire for three years, said one of the main events planned by the American Legion Riders throughout the year is the Operation Wounded Warrior motorcycle ride to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.
“That’s our whole thing, our veterans, brothers and sisters and our country,” Tobias says proudly.
The Operation Wounded Warrior program is designed to bring comfort items to wounded veterans. American Legion Riders raise funds and donate such items as blankets and personal hygiene items, anything that makes the veteran comfortable.
Tobias said at this year’s Fire and Ice Bike Rally booth, “We got a lot of support from the local community and other organizations including the so-called one percenters and outlaw clubs.”
“A lot of them are just like us and some are veterans, they respect us for what we are doing,” said Tobias.
Saavedra said that the all area motorcycle riders come together to support one another. “The riders come from all walks of life, it’s all fun.” This year the participants including Tony Mace, undersheriff for the Cibola County Sheriff’s Department and the state House of Representatives majority leader Ken Martinez.
Saavedra said he doesn’t get paid for what he does, “I do it for the kids.”
Dennis Gregory, a chartered member of the American Legion Riders, said the riders help out the Toys for Tots runs “and they help us out.”
Gregory spoke frankly about the myth that bikers don’t care, “I think we have proved that one wrong.”