In 1993, Chuck "Tramp" Dare and BillPolka" Kaledas from Garden City, Mich., sparked an exciting by proposing a motorcycle enthusiasts association within the American Legion. Their vision was to create a welcoming space where Legion family members could unite over their passion for motorcycles. After reaching out to Michigan Department Adjutant Hubert Hess, received enthusiastic support and guidance on launching the program. With the approval of Post 396 members, the "American Legion Riders" was officially formed, quickly attracting interest from fellow riders eager to join the new community. Joined by 19 other founding members from their post, Dare and Kaledas established central source for the Riders, ensuring that chapters formed not as motorcycle or gangs, but as Legionnaires, Auxiliary, and SAL members together to ride as a Legion family.

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For more information on the Riders history.