Volume 1 July-Sept 2016 Welcome to the inaugural issue of Behind Bars Gold Star Post 78 American Legion Riders (ALR) are pleased to support our Veterans and children of Southern Middle Tennessee. We are members of the American Legion Family providing the same services as our other family members we just do it on the back of a motorcycle. The Riders are members of the American Legion who are also motorcycle enthusiasts. We can be found participating in parades, motorcycle events and supporting the communities in which we live, work and play. Members of the ALR come from the Legion, Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion. The Riders were formed to participate in parades and other ceremonies that are in keeping with the Aims & Purposes of the American Legion; to promote motorcycle safety programs and to provide a social atmosphere for American Legion members who share the same interest; and to use our Association to promote and support programs of the American Legion, both the Department of Tennessee and National ALR programs such as the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Run. The American Legion Riders is NOT a motorcycle club, and does not practice M/C rules or regulations. The ALR is family-oriented, just as is its sponsoring organization: the American Legion Gold Star Post 78. Please take time to enjoy our newsletter and kindly let us know what you think. You can contact us by email at riders@post78.com or view our webpage at www.post78.com/riders.htm and we welcome all feedback.
Gold Star Post 78 American Legion Riders Manchester, Tennessee Director: Michael "Bootlegger" Walden - Email: alr-director@post78.com Assistant Director: Rick "Puff" Jernigan Secretary: Melanie "Mel" Kersey - Email: alr-secretary@post78.com Treasurer: Roger "Hollywood" Gibbs - Email: alr-treasurer@post78.com Historian: Alesia "Lee" Walden - Email: alr-historian@post78.com Chaplain: Thomas "Happy Pappy" Hewell - Email: sickcall@post78.com Road Captain: Jason "Bobby" Brandford - Email: alr-rc@post78.com Sgt-At-Arms: Lannie "Lano" Smith Membership Chairman: Denise "Blondie" Gibbs - Email: alr-membership@post78.com Gold Star Post 78 American Legion Riders meet the first Tuesday night of every month Social Hour 6pm-7pm Meeting starts at 7pm Location: Coffee County Veterans Building 130 Shelton Road Manchester, Tennessee Once again welcome to our initial issue of The View from Behind Bars. I have wanted to do a newsletter for quite some time, even before I became Director. This was something we talked about way back around the first year of forming Post 78 s Chapter. Guess now is the time. We are currently the largest Riders Chapter in the state of Tennessee, and although that is a great accomplishment, I want to build our Chapter into the BEST Chapter in Tennessee. That can only be accomplished by the help of not only our members, but the community in which we live. We tend to stay busy, everything from military funeral escorts, parades, school visits and one of our most enjoyable rides escort duty for the Middle Tennessee Honor Flight. We have had a very busy last 3 months and even though the riding weather has gotten a little cooler, there is still plenty to do between now and the end of the year. As I say at the end of my emails; Don't say I should have, be one to say I did!!!
This summer has really been busy for the Post 78 Riders. We started July off with a bang by supporting the Tullahoma Highland Rim Kiwanis Club on July 2nd. This event was the initial ride led by our new Road Captain Jason Bobby Bradford, who did an awesome job and we were proud to support this worthy event. (Indy picks another winning card) Not only was this about enjoying a great day of riding, it was at the same time helping bring aid to children in need. This poker run was to benefit children in our own community. We all know that nothing happens without planning and preparation, so to ensure a beautiful and enjoyable Poker Run in Sept, four or five Riders took a pre-ride of our proposed route to select our designated stops and to visibly check road conditions. With everything in the green, the 2016 Poker Run is set for a ride north of Manchester over Center Hill Dam and then back to the starting point at the Coffee County Conference Center. This month also included something that we usually don t have happen at Post 78 we had five Riders make a trip to California. Rocky Whray did a solo trip to the West Coast, also Roger Hollywood Gibbs, Denise Blondie Gibbs, Larry LK Kersey and Melanie Mel Kersey took a little trip to view some of the wonders of the Wild West too. After over 5,000 miles or so, along with wind, heat and minor bike problems, I m happy to say all five made it safely back home with lots of pictures, memories and some very tired & sore bodies. Some might think we are about nothing but riding, but not so July 28 th was a night of fun and laughs as we held one of our Post Bowling nights. There was plenty of high fives, oh no s and even a few things unprintable here, all the while we did manage to get some bowling in too. (What a beautiful day to ride for kids)
Post 78 played host to the 5 th District Commander s Tour. Legion, Auxiliary, SAL members and Riders alike welcomed our new Tennessee American Legion Commander, Mrs. Nancy Harper, to Manchester. This was also the initial District meeting hosted by our new District Commander; our very own Mr. Paul Gish. The 78 Auxiliary Unit provided a wonderful dinner to start the night off right. The meeting was one of the largest 5 th District meetings anyone could remember thanks to all who came out and supported us as we welcomed our new Commander. One of the biggest motorcycle rides of the year happens every August some are thinking Sturgis, but I m talking about the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Run. Every year the week before our National American Legion Convention, hundreds of vehicles roll out of Indianapolis, IN on their way to a different city each year. This year the host city of the National Convention was Cincinnati, OH. Gold Star Post 78 members and local citizens turned out on the bridge at I-24 exit 110 to wave and show the Legacy Riders how much our community honors and respects our military. Being in such close proximity to Indy the organizers decided to take the long way around from Indy to Cincinnati a route through Tennessee was born. Yes the National ride made its way first south through West Tennessee, across Northern Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, then north right through the heart of Manchester. (Riders & Locals waiting on Legacy Riders) After the Legacy Run passed Manchester, about a dozen 78 Riders made their way to Post 88 Donelson to assist with parking and lend a helping hand as lunch was served to over 400 personnel from all over the US and even a couple other countries. (Honoring and supporting the Legacy Riders) (Legacy Riders taking a well deserved break from the road and enjoying lunch at Post 88)
Well September finally got here and it is time for the 2016 Poker Run & STOMP. What a day, starting at 0600 and then most all got to our rooms way after midnight. We enjoyed the comradeship from other Chapters from both Middle & East Tennessee, not to mention the large number of locals out to support our cause. The final count on vehicles in the Poker Run was over 50 and most agreed that there were 80-90 bikes parked around the Conference Center by 5pm that evening. After all the wonderful Daytime activities it was time to end the day with Nighttime events. A great meal was provided by the Center to get the night started. I think it was enjoyed by all, since I seen a few getting seconds (and maybe thirds) from the dinner line. Not only the dinner plates were getting a workout even a few games of Corn Hole was enjoyed for bragging rights. Winning was not the main objective it was family, food and fun. (Post 13 enjoying a moment before dinner) (Poker Run participants at Center Hill Dam) As the crowd mostly came for the ride, vendors or just to support our Veterans, there were some families and friends there to remember. What some considered the jewel of the STOMP was the Tennessee Remembering Our Fallen Memorial. A traveling display honoring the men & women from TN who gave the ultimate sacrifice since Sept 11, 2001 in the War on Terror. The delicious meal was actually the appetizer for the main course Stagger Moon Band. They closed out our day with an exclamation point! With drawings for prizes and an auction between their sets, there was something for everyone. The night ended with tired, weary Riders who were all winners because of their time and effort to ensure our Veterans and children could be supported by Post 78 ALR for at least another year. Thanks to all, whether you played a big part or small part in our successful event. See you next year!!! (Remembering Our Fallen Memorial) (Stagger Moon Band)
The Post 78 Poker Run & STOMP was not the only event the 78 Riders had on tap for September. As most know September 11 th, also known as Patriots Day, is special to those of us in the American Legion. It is one day out of many days that we honor our First Responders. This year Patriots Day was held at 2pm on Sunday afternoon. $250 to the Coffee County Imagination Library. This organization provides books to children ages 1-5 in our community. The Riders donation provided free books to 250 children which otherwise may not be available to them. (Presenting donation to Imagination Library) (Manchester celebration of Patriots Day) Willing to bear the heat, hundreds came out to support our efforts to recognize local First Responders with a plaque and hearty Thank You for the work they do every day for our families and community. We take our slogan of We ride for Veterans and Children very serious Sept also seen the 78 Riders participating in two different events for our local Veterans. First was the Ride for Vets which supported the TN Operation Stand Down for homeless vets. Meeting in Murfreesboro, we got to enjoy a Chapter ride there then met up with other riders for the trip to the Lynchburg Rally, ending our journey. Our second ride for local vets was to provide a motorcycle escort for WW II & Korean Vets going to Washington DC to view their War Memorials. This is one of those 0 Dark Thirty rides. Meet at 0130, ride and be home by 5am. (Group photo of honorees) The 78 Riders were also out in the community during September giving back. From donations during the 2016 STOMP, the Riders pledged (Sept 21 st Escort Group)
A Message From Your Chaplain This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us be glad and rejoice in it. Today brings a new beginning of life, love and happiness. Today also brings with it new challenges that we have to face, so we always need to be prepared for any situation that may come our way. Today can be a great day in our lives. Reflect on yesterday just long enough to remember the good times. Tomorrow never comes so live your life today making happy memories and passing love to everyone. We will be coming to Thanksgiving, a day that we all can be thankful for what we have and how that God has blessed us. Also let s remember those that are less fortunate than we ourselves. Then there is the Christmas holiday, and let us remember that this is not about giving and getting gifts but about our Savior Jesus Christ. May a smile always be on your face and the wind at your back. Good riding and may God Bless you and yours especially during the holiday seasons. God Bless You God Bless America Thomas (Happy Pappy) Hewell Gold Star Post 78 ALR Chaplain
For the latest on all events please check out the Post Calendar at www.post78.com Oct 4 th Monthly Riders Meeting Oct 7 th - Alvin C York VA Fall Carnival 9am to 2pm, VA Alvin C. York Hospital Oct 8 th - Manchester Old Timers Day Parade Staging time: 9am - Parade time: 10 am Nov 1 st Monthly Riders Meeting Nov 11 th Veterans Day Ceremony 11am on Manchester Square Nov 12 th 3 rd Annual TVHS Veterans Day Parade 10am 1pm, VA Alvin C. York Hospital Nov 23 rd Riders will serve Thanksgiving Dinner 11:30am to Veterans at York VA Dec 3 rd Manchester Christmas Parade Dec 6 th Monthly Riders Meeting Dec 7 th National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Heads up Legion Riders Mid-Winter Conference is coming! For the first time we are having an American Legion Riders luncheon, please make plans now to attend.
Teresa Allen 3 rd Kenny Bam Bam Phipps 15 th Robert Mick Young 17 th Paul Maverick Gish 28 th Wesley Big Wes Carter 29 th Reba Candy Kiss Hewell 10 th Melanie Mel Kersey 13 th Alesia Lee Walden 18 th Pat Queen Bee Purinton 20 th Donna Redbird Daniel 8 th Melvin Ghost Ott 11 th Richard Rocky Whray 18 th Lannie LANO Smith 19 th Roger Hollywood Gibbs 27 th