American Legion Riders chapters are well known for their charitable work, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local children's hospitals, schools, veterans homes, severely wounded service members and scholarships. Currently, 106,000 American Legion Riders meet in over a thousand chapters in every domestic department and in at least three foreign countries. Riders in Iowa have for
med an honor guard called The Five Star Freedom Riders, and Riders in Mulvane, Kan., founded the Patriot Guard to protect the sanctity of military funerals from protesters. Riders in all states have escorted military units returning home from combat tours overseas, conducted massive cross-country fundraising events for wounded warriors from all services, and have raised millions of dollars for countless local, state and national charities. True to the Legion's grassroots tradition, each chapter manages its programs at the post level, where the best ideas are born. The Riders are part of many projects and events, including:
•Rolling Thunder, the annual POW/MIA rally in Washington on Memorial Day weekend.
•Annual regional rides such as Operation Wounded Warrior, sponsored by Riders in Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, California and other Western states.
•Local charity events in support of The American Legion and local communities.
•Raising money for VA hospitals, women and children centers, children and youth centers, schools and other facilities.
•Sponsoring or participating in motorcycle runs to benefit numerous charities.
•Local memorial ceremonies and community parades.
•The American Legion Legacy Run, an annual cross-country fundraising ride from National Headquarters in Indianapolis to the national convention city.
•Riding to honor fallen military men and women, and to protect the sanctity of their funerals from those who would dishonor their memory.
•Escorting military units to departure airfields and airports for combat tours overseas, and welcoming them home upon their return.
