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  • Friday, October 21, 2016

    Legion Riders Provide Surprise Welcome for National Commander

    More than 50 American Legion Riders from the 7th District provided a surprise welcome for National Commander Charles Schmidt during his visit to the Department of New York on October 15.

    The Riders escorted the national commander from his hotel to the luncheon at Marion Post 1430.

    Riders welcome commander

    National Commander Charles Schmidt is welcomed by Legion Riders Robert Dominic (left) and Jerry Ketchum.

    “The national commander walked among all the bikes in the hotel parking, and greeted and talked to all the riders,” noted Jerry Ketchum, vice director, Department of New York American Legion Riders.

    “His aide went to the Riders and gave each the commander’s pin. There were Riders from Williamson, Webster, Waterloo, Lima, Sonyea and Canandaigua. A special thanks to the Riders from Williamson and Waterloo that closed the roads so the escort could get through. At the dinner that night for the commander, there were many Chapters represented and donations were given for Legion programs and the Commander’s Project. The highlight was the $2,000 donation from the Chili Riders. Total donations from the 7th District were $9,050. The commander talked about the history of the Riders and thanked us for escorting him.”