AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS

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Some of our American Legion Riders and the Family Readiness Group. this picture
was taken on a cold, windy, day at the Air and Space Museum at Platte River State Park on
October 22nd, 2006.

Visit the National American Legion Riders Information Center

REMEMBER

Just a small reminder for those who ask why we are over there

http://www.gunstuff.com/america-attacked.html

To all of the American Legion Riders, go to the Front Page "Masonry Nebraska" and witness one

of the finest videos I have ever seen, the Arlington Wreath Project. Click on the address and after seeing the video, read down the video page for written tributes, then read the rest of the article on Front Page.

This is the first page of this Web Page. To go to the second page, click on this address below:

AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS

This page From August 12th 2006 to Present

To go to Lincoln Area Riders Page click on this address below:

LINCOLN AREA RIDERS

To My American Legion Riders Brothers & Sisters:

I know that many of you are not Masons but some of us are. Many of us ride for the same purpose, that being veterans of one service or another and serving in any way we can for the veterans who are putting themselves in harms way, and their families. These are the same ideals that we as Masons and Shriners share with everyone.

This editor hopes that this website will be meaningful for everyone concerned. This is my private website and in order for us to communicate freely, between Posts and Chapters, and keep up to date, it requires many changes. Please accept this way of communicating without any animosity. We are all in this together. I will try to remove all e-mail addresses unless that person wants his or her e-mail address left on. If, by chance, an e-mail address gets through and you want it removed, please let me know because of spam or other reasons.

Motorcycle Riders are a part of a very large brotherhood not unlike our Masonic community. Try riding down the highway without waving at each other as we meet. If one does not see the other and does not wave, we feel badly, but we tell ourselves he or she had something else on their mind. Such as it is when we get together for a meeting, ride, or whatever, we renew our friendship or meet new friends and usually the topic is motorcycles or the trips we have taken since we saw each other last.

Now we have other obligations to concern ourselves that include Duty, Honor, and Country and for servicemen and service ladies who are putting their lives on the line for us and for their country. Together, may we do everything in our power to be there for them when they need us most.

Roger Miner, Editor

THIS FROM FRED WYANT ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2007

RULE RE:SALUTING THE FLAG !!!!

Subject: Veterans and military in civilian clothes may now salute the

flag

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla..) today praised the

passage by unanimous consent of his bill (S.1877) clarifying U.S. law to

allow veterans and servicemen not in uniform to salute the flag. Current

law (US Code Title 4, Chapter 1) states that veterans and servicemen not

in uniform should place their hand over their heart without clarifying

whether they can or should salute the flag.

"The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one's

military service,"Senator Inhofe said. "Veterans and service members

continue representing the military services even when not in uniform.

"Unfortunately, current U.S. law leaves confusion as to whether veterans

and service members out of uniform can or should salute the flag. My

legislation will clarify this regulation, allowing veterans and

servicemen alike to salute the flag, whether they are in uniform or not.

"I look forward to seeing those who have served saluting proudly at

baseball games, parades, and formal events. I believe this is an

appropriate way to honor and recognize the 25 million veterans in the

United States who have served in the military and remain as role models

to others citizens. Those who are currently serving or have served in

the military have earned this right, and their recognition will be an

inspiration to others."

This Bill was passed July 25, 2007. Let your veteran friends know

about the Passage of this Bill.

Ann Margaret

This is a good counter balance story to the Jane Fonda Vietnam Woman Of The Year story.

Viet Nam 1966

Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margaret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures.

A few years ago, Ann Margaret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing.

When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted.

Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home. Ann Margaret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard's turn.

He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, "I understand. I just wanted her to see it."

She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, "This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen.'"

With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there.

Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like to talk about it, my big strong husband broke down in tears. "That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army," he said.

That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet. I'll never forget Ann Margaret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.

I now make it a point to say "Thank you" to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.

If you'd like to pass on this story, feel free to do so. Perhaps it will help others to become aware of how important it is to acknowledge the contribution our service people make.

Don't be too busy today...
Share this inspiring message with friends and family.
On behalf of those who DO appreciate all that you did for us, thank you to each of you who receive this message who have served or are serving our country in the armed services or any other service.

THANK YOU, JIM!!

ALL: If you are unable to open the attachment, let me know and I will try something different.

take care, bob swanson

Cliff Leach has announced he is stepping down and our own Scott Knudsen is going to lead the Nebraska PGR next year. Please forward this to the membership so those that are not on the PGR distribution are aware.

Commander Clay

To all Nebraska members of the PGR,                                          December 7^th, 2007

   Last month I was forced to make a decision that truly is the hardest decision I have made in my life. I have decided to step down as your State Captain, and let someone else take the reins. My decision is based strictly on job and health reasons. I suffered a minor heart attack in early October, and have been faced with “slowing down” a little, and relieving some stress.

   My resignation will take effect on January 1, 2008. Until then, I will do missions and events as I can. I have two missions that I wanted to accomplish before I leave, and one is a street dedication to Matthew Alexander of Gretna Ne. The city council has approved it, the sign has been made, and the date has been set for December 16^th, 2007 at 2:00 in the afternoon. Details will be sent out this week-end. The other mission was the Homecoming for the 755^th Chemical Unit which took place last Wed in Lincoln. As you know we have attended the funerals of two from that unit, and we escorted that unit to Camp Ashland over a year ago. I sent a flag to Lt Chuck McWilliams and he had his unit sign it. I had all who attend the Homecoming sign the flag, and present it back to him upon their arrival home ceremony.

   The last eighteen months have been the greatest thing that has happened to me in my life other than my marriage to my wife Pam (41 years), and the birth of my 2 children, Sean and Michelle. Pam and I have met the most wonderful people, and have gained new friendships that will last forever, members of the PGR and families of the fallen. We have been truly blessed by having dedicated people that have the same feeling of respect and honor that we do. I have always said that when it comes to any state having respectful and dedicated members, you don’t have to go any further than right here in Nebraska. By your attendance, loyalty, respect, and honor, you have shown that you are the best there is.

   Pam and I look forward to standing with you all in the flag line, but hope it is always for a Homecoming. We love the PGR members, what we all stand for, and the respect you show for the families and the fallen.

   A new State Captain has been selected, and his name is Scott Knudsen of Omaha. Scott is very dedicated to the PGR, and I believe will continue on our proud tradition with respect and Honor. His information will be posted out to you as soon as possible, until then, if you have any questions, please feel free to write or call me of Scott.

   I have had the Honor of serving with “THE BEST “

Will miss being your Captain,

Cliff and Pam Leach

NOTES FROM AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS - OMAHA POST #1

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, APRIL 13th, 2009

All,

I hope you can make it out to support these upcoming events. I think we have something for everybody.

P*** Tonight - Post 1 Spaghetti dinner follwed by a weather permitting ride to Quaker Steak and Lube bike night so we can get some flyers out for our events.

P *** Thursday - Veterans funeral in Lincoln for one of our ALR members father. (pancakes @ Cracker Barrel @ 0700) Meet bp station, South of I-80 on Hwy 50, Exit 440, @ 0800.

P *** Saturday May 16th, Armed Forces Day – This one has been an episode in Mr Murphy on the loose. The the previous news of the Mahoney State Park event being cancelled due to lack of funds has reversed it is now rescheduled as a welcome home event for all of the soldiers of Iraq and Afghanistan. Post Commander Geri had a flyer that she showed me last night and asked that we make it to the event. Park admission is free for the event and they are supposed to have 80 display booths, one of those will be a district 8 booth.

The Ladies Junior Auxiliary in Cook, NE invited us to an event for a cookout at noon at the town community center on this date. Cook is south of Syracuse on hwy 50 off the 49A spur. I did a recon and it is all paved roads about 40 miles south of Louisville. The young ladies have requested the riders come down enjoy the cookout and after lunch tell them about the American Legion Riders. They saw some of us at the Veterans Wheelchair Olympics last year and wanted to meet us. The Ladies Junior Auxiliary visits veterans in the hospital and has adopted veterans in addition to their community work.

We will meet at the Louisville post for breakfast buffet @ 8 am leaving @ 9 am to ride to Mahoney State Park. We will leave there at 11:00 to ride to Cook have lunch and tell the ladies about our organization. We will leave there around 1:00 PM and ride back to Mahoney State Park and then leave there around 3 PM to ride to the Ashland Post for our monthly meeting downstairs with food starting at 4 PM. A nice day with lots of riding on the two lane backroads at an easy pace. I'm hoping for good weather.

P *** May 17th – Sunday Columbus Chapter Poker Run, meet at Old Country Buffet on Center just past 144^th on the south side in the shopping center at 08:00 for breakfast - ride @ 09:00 to Columbus to check in- 150 mile poker run ends at 5:00 pm with a helmet bash $10 a hand $15 per couple.

P *** May 18^th Monday Springfield Post @7:30 PM – This post has another donation for the Legacy fund and has requested we stop in to visit them. Lets meet up at the Papillion Post at 6:00 PM and ride to Springfield.

CMDR Clay Omaha

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, MAY 13th, 2009

All,

Some important news for you

I attached a couple of pictures from the Month of the Military Child event. The link to the article in the Lincoln journal star is here and you will want to check the brief slide show images.

http://journalstar.com/articles/2009/04/09/news/local/doc49dd25662dcc2634444514.txt

P **** The new Millard Post is open, lets show them the riders ability to support them, they are open on Mondays. Millard Post is now at 14334 U street, Phone: (402)895-1324

P*** This Tuesday April 14th - The Valley American Legion Post
111 E Front St Valley, Nebraska 68064

has requested a briefing on the American Legion Riders as part of their meeting @ 7 PM. I am planning to attend I believe we will have some riders from other chapters also. If you are going plan to meet at Post 1 to leave by 5:30 pm. I will not be able to meet you at post 1 due to other committments, I will see you on the road or in Valley as soon as I can get there.

This Saturday April 18th -Our next meeting will be held @08:00 @ Justin Thyme with a breakfast buffet. If the weather cooperates we will take a ride on the backroads - no destination set yet so bring your ideas. We want to be back at Post 1 by 4:30 for the Steak Fry.

P*** April 19th Sunday, 2009 ALS in the Heartland community walk event - Please take a moment to read this Thanks to Bob Swanson for bringing this to our attention.

THIS DISEASE EFFECTS US

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, in a News Release on September 23, 2008, "Veterans are developing ALS in rates higher than the general population …". Therefore effective on that date, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is to be considered a service connected disability for any veteran diagnosed with ALS, no matter when you served, where you served or which branch of the military you served in. If you had 90 days or more of active service in the military, you are covered.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rapidly progressing disease, with a life expectancy of 2 to 5 years from the time it is diagnosed. It is not known what causes it, how to prevent it, or how to treat it. It was first identified in 1869 and there is only one drug, approved in 1995 that prolongs life by just a few months.

A study by Harvard University published in January, 2005 found that men (it effects men more than women) with a history of military service are at a nearly 60% greater risk of being diagnosed with ALS than those who have not served!

On Sunday, April 19, 2009, ALS in the Heartland is holding a Community Walk to raise funds and awareness of this disease. Registration is at noon, with the walk @ 1300 (1 pm). We will meet @ Denny’s just north of I-80 on 84^{th street
for brunch/pancakes @ 1000 (10:00 am) and leave there @1100 (11:00
am).}
^{Our Chapter will be making a donation. Individual
donations are of course welcomed. As you may or may not know, one of
our members, a Recon Marine, has been diagnosed with ALS.

ALS in the Heartlands serves families in Nebraska and
Western Iowa so we hope Chapter members from Iowa can join us as well
as the members in Papillion, Lincoln, Norfolk and Columbus.}

Any questions, contact Bob Swanson @ ^{swansoro@msn.com}^{,
572-1917 or 630-5632}

^{Next week I
will be in Orlando on business and we have the Heartland Honor Flight
Dinners at the Holiday Inn on 72nd street at 6 PM.}

^{I'm hoping I can be home in time to
make the MIAP ride next Friday. Meet early for breakfast at Justin
Thyme 07:30.}

^{We have two new events so get your
calendar out and mark these dates}

^{May 5th South Omaha Post 331 is
having a ribfest}

^{Our friend Sherri sent us the flyer
for the KJ's Carts for Kids event, it will be held on September 20th
this year.}

News on the proposed veterans cemetery

A bill introduced by Nebraska Sens. Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns last week would supercede Department of Veterans Affairs policy and bring a national veteran’s cemetery to Sarpy County.

“Our bill will establish a new national cemetery in Sarpy County and ensure that the 172,000 veterans in this region will get the recognition they deserve and the honor of a final resting place in a national veteran’s cemetery,” Nelson said in a press release.

^{Congratulations Tony Longo, he is
bringing a gently used Gold Wing home this week.}

^{CMDR Clay}

March 31 , 2009

American Legion Riders and American Legion Legacy Run Update

Route Information

Mon. Aug. 17, 2009
- Run event and rally, Post 64, Indianapolis
- road captain briefings, late registration

Tue., Aug. 18, 2009
- Indianapolis to Wheeling, WV
- Day stop at Wright-Patterson AFB Museum

Wed, Aug. 19, 2009
- Wheeling, WV to Front Royal, VA
- Day stop at Flight 93 Memorial

Thur. Aug. 20, 2009
- Front Royal, VA to Charleston, WV

Fri. Aug. 21, 2009
- Charleston, WV to Louisville, KY
- Arrival ceremony

Sat. Aug. 22 to Sun Aug 23, 2009
- Rider activities, runs sponsored by area ALR chapters, and other events
- 91st Annual National Convention Parade

Watch www.legion.org, or www.legacyrun.blog-spot.com, for detailed route plan, gas stop information, and lodging information as we approach the start date.

See you in Indy!

Are you a company or corporation seeking an opportunity to link your good name and logo to The American Legion Legacy Run? Promote your organization nationally in front of 4 million American Legion Family members and tens of thousands of American Legion Riders.

Contact Bill Sloan, wsloan@legion.org, (317) 630-1265.

The American Legion Legacy Run will rumble out of Indianapolis early on August 18, 2009, heading east through some of the most scenic country in the nation in a giant loop ending in Louisville, Ky., site of the Legion's 91st Annual National Convention. Riders from Oregon to Florida will gather again to raise money for scholarships for the children of those young men and women who have given their lives in service to America.

For the first time, the Legacy Run will move east, rolling from Indiana into Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and into Kentucky, arriving Aug. 21 in Louisville. After completing more than 1,000 miles, the Legacy riders will join other riders assembling in Louisville to lead the 91st Annual National Convention Parade on Sunday, Aug. 23. National Commander David K. Rehbein will lead the run.

Legacy Riders will visit The National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, and will participate in a special honor: A wreath laying ceremony at the Flight 93 Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Online registration is available online at www.legion.org.

Or click here to download the 2009 Registration form in PDF format.

Subscribe at the link below for future updates, or visit www.legion.org or the ALLR blog site wwww.legacyrun.blogspot.com for the latest news and information.

Lodging information for Indianapolis, August 15 - 17, 2009:

LaQuinta Inn Airport
5316 West Southern Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46241

Ph: (317) 247-4281, or Fax: 317.247.0576

Room Rate: $63.75 plus tax, for both King and Double rooms. (Please call (317) 247-4281 and tell the reservations clerk that you are with The American Legion Legacy Run --Group #135--and ask for the special room rate of $63.75 plus tax). This rate is valid for all rooms reserved before August 3, 2009).

(Our thanks to the La Quinta management and staff, who cut the room rate from last year as their own "donation" to the Legacy Run!)

For additional information and help with online registration, visit The American Legion Legacy Run at www.legion.org (click on Legion Programs) or contact Bill Sloan, "AWACS" or Scott Miller, "Hollywood", at wsloan@legion.org or smiller@legion.org.

American Legion Legacy Scholarship

As an unfortunate consequence of Operation Iraqi Freedom and America's war on terror, many children of our active-duty military personnel are now members of single-parent families. In most cases, this also means their chances to attend college have greatly diminished. Children of military personnel killed on active duty are entitled to receive money toward a college education. But it's not enough.

We are raising funds to ensure that higher education will be a reality for these families. Providing for the children our military personnel left behind is our civic duty. An eduation is a powerful way to show our thanks. That is why we have established the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. But we need your help.

Join Our Effort

Money provided by law simply has not kept up with what a higher education costs today, let alone what college will cost in years to come. Remember, these children are the direct descendants of people who died protecting our country. Their parents made the ultimate sacrifice. The least we can do is make sure they are provided for.

We need your help to make The American Legion Legacy Scholarship a relaity. Too many men and women in uniform whave died in the fight to preserve our nation's freedoms. Together, we can make sure their children have the opportunity these parents were unable to provide. We encourage you to give generously to The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. Help us to bridge the gap and restore the faith of these special children.

(Hotel information for night stops in Wheeling, Front Royal, and Charleston will be published shortly.)

Subscribe to the Legion Riders/American Legion Legacy Run Update and receive the latest news and information about The American Legion Riders and the American Legion Legacy Run directly from headquarters in Indianapolis. Send your email address to legionriders@legion.org and we'll add you to the list.

(Members of American Legion Riders Chapters may also subscribe as a group. Email a list of your email addresses, arranged in a column in a text file or database file, one address per line.)

--AWACS and HOLLYWOOD

The American Legion | PO Box 1055 | Indianapolis, IN 46206

A ove.

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, FEBRUARY 26th, 2009

All

Doc' room # as of 1000hrs, Wed. 25 March, 2009 is 7306. I was up there this morning and FYI Doc had several people in there working with and on him so he was not able to visit. I was allowed to step in and shake his hand and let him know he is in our thoughts and prayers. He looked tired and worn out, and not ready for visitors yet although I'm sure he would welcome them.

- From - Terry

All,

I just talked with Doc, (Treasurer) he is in the VA Hospital. He went in early in the morning on Monday. He isn't sure what the problem is, other than stomach. He said he is hooked up to an iv. He wasn't sure of his room #, but when I called they told me he is in 7 East. - from Bob Swanson

I also understand Kim "Princess" (Historian) is back in Methodist this evening - more fluid to drain.

Michael "Mr. U-Turn" Helig (RC) reports in that he is bouncing back from his third bout with pnuemonia this year.

Alice Reed said Chuck "Turtle" had his checkup and things are good now for the last 6 months lets hope things stay good.

Chaplains we could use a few favors from the big rider in the sky for all of our friends.

Lots of things are in motion right now.

The State meeting on the 21st. went well, I'm working to get the notes compiled. We have some chapters that are doing well and some that are struggling. I'm hopeful that as the riding season starts we will have opportuntites to ride with them. This will be a year to build on our goodwill with our post and fellow Legionaires.

I am happy to report we had riders at the USMC welcome home and at the funeral today in Sioux City.

This Wednesday night, March 25th meet at the Gretna post @6:30 pm for the MVPA convoy meeting. This is the group that will be taking the military vehicles cross country and would like us to escort them.

We will attend a street dedication on Sunday the 29th in Lincoln, for L/Cpl Michael Scholl, USMC. I found some information on the web (attached so you can see the picture) and here it is. The Lincoln City Council voted 7-0 in favor of renaming West Stanton Street west of NW 48th Street as Mike Scholl Street Monday March 3rd. During a public hearing at the Lincoln city council meeting on March 3rd, emotions ran high as family and friends spoke in favor of the council approving the renaming of West Stanton to Mike Scholl Street in honor of their friend, and son and Marine. 21-year-old L/Cpl Michael Scholl died November 14th, 2006, when his military vehicle ran over a road side bomb in Iraq. Scholls' mom and step-dad, Debbie and Jack Chandler, say their son was passionate about being a marine and the daughter he never got to meet. Debbie says she misses her son's smile, and his loving demeanor. Most of all, she says she wishes he could be here to watch his daughter grow up. The Chandlers picked to rename West Stanton because it leads to the new Arnold Elementary School, in the area where Michael grew up and began his education. They hope when people drive by and see his name on the sign, they'll want to learn more about the man who gave his life. "It's important to me because I feel like I'm one of the people he made the ultimate sacrifice for. He was a friend of mine but first and foremost he was a soldier from Lincoln, who grew up and was raised here in Lincoln," said Erich Kaiser, a close friend and mentor of Michael's. For Michael's step-father, Jack Chandler, the sign will help keep the memory of Michael alive for the whole family. Chandler says he'll think of the sacrifice his step-son made, every time he drives by. An important part on the road to recovery for a family who lost their hero, all too soon. The family has planned a street dedication ceremony for Sunday, March 29th at 1 p.m. Ayone interested is invited to attend. OK we need a Road Captain to plan this one. Art "Road Dog" Cudney (RC) is up in rotation next. Please let me know if you can support and then the details. It's a good thing we have a lot of road captains this year they have all been doing a great job for us getting events planned for later in the year.

After a serious event its always good to have a fun event and April 1st is almost here. Please plan to meet at Post 1 after work around 6 PM for some fun and mayhem with a ride to someplace fun.

We have a special event on Wednesday April 8th, 1030 @ the State Capital. details will follow.

We are fast approaching the 4th Annual American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fundraiser Ride and what I would like to ask of you is this: Please contact all of the businesses that you know and seek either a donation of funds (i.e. Check or money order made payable to the Legacy Scholarship Fund) or items that can be auctioned off and the proceeds donated to these children's future. Anything you can get to help us raise funds would be greatly appreciated. - from Chuck Fattig.

I have started putting flyers out for the free financial session with our former Husker Football players. The first session is April 25th @ 5 PM at Post 1 please consider signing up by calling Andy Sand at 402-827-5547.

*** Post Commander Geri Thomas has requested that we supply some riders on Sunday April 26 for the annual Commanders Spaghetti dinner night. They need some muscle to help with the big tables.

I stopped by the 40 & 8 tonight just east of 72nd on Spring (blue building big flag on the right) and the only person there was the bar tender. They are having spaghetti dinners on Modnays from 5:30 - 7 PM and on Thursdays they have Hamburgers from 5:30 - 7 PM. For those that are not familiar with the 40 & 8 it is a branch of the American Legion that goes back to the roots of the organization in France. The 40 & 8 relates to the ability of having either 40 men or 8 horses in the troop train boxcars on the old narrow guage railroads. These folks gave us a warm welcome last year and if you speak French you will have an advantage.

Joe "Jester" Haugen (RC) has taken it upon himself to be the ambassador of goodwil between the Omaha ALR and the Ft Omaha Marines and the Marine Corp league. We have an invite to Family Day at the Base lake Monday June 1 and we will be looking for some of these folks to attend a Bar-B Q at Post 1 in June date TBD. We are going to need some volunteers to help with the usual items related to a cookout so make sure you put some grease on them sticky elbows so you can raise your hand.

Please take a moment to look at the attached file sent in by Bob Swanson about an ALR chapter that made a big difference.

Stay tuned for a lot of good events in April and early May. We have some riders with some great plans for the Ride to the Wall this year.

Don't forget to support Post 1 on food nights when you can.

Thanks to all those that have been volunteering and helping us.

I know as soon as I send this something else will come to mind - ain't that the way it goes sometimes.

Sincerely Commander Clay - Omaha - ALR

402-210-3723

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, FEBRUARY 26th, 2009

All

Our prayers for all members on sick call. We have had a few people in the hospital recently. I hope everyone is home resting well by now.

I am happy to report that the Ladies Auxilliary presented the American Legion Riders with a check in the amount of $700 for the Legacy Scholarship fund. Doc tells me we now have $2000 in the account and our riding season hasn't started. Lets make sure we help the ladies when we can. It's going to be tough to beat our last years donation of over $5200 in this economy we really appreciate their efforts.

BZ to SAL Commander Karl Fredrickson for his committment to raising money for the Legacy scholarship fund this year. Karl was at the meeting in Springfield when we visited to tell them about the fund and our efforts. His son has a tie to one of the KIA soldiers so it really hit home for him.

Thanks to all for a great event at the Lincoln bike show. Plenty of trophies were won and we signed up new members every day.

Your ride captains Joe Haugen and Mike Noyes are already working on our planned events to choose routes and locations, set up the logistics and the usual million or so details that go into having a successful event. Let them know you appreciate their efforts and offer to lend a hand.

No rides going on this weekend so make sure you get out and visit the post and dont forget food night this Friday.

Don't forget the National Antique Motorcycle event in Freemont this weekend. The show runs Friday from 8 am-7PM and Saturday from 8 am-4 pm indoors at Christensen field. I have to get my car serviced Saturday morning so I will be out there around 11. You never know what you might find.

Next Friday night after work 6- 9 PM come out to visit the Old Market and support the fundraiser for the Boy Scouts Little Sioux camp.

Something historic is about to happen, the Nebraska ALR will have a Statewide ALR officers meeting on March 21^st. If any member has anything that they would like the officers to consider on a State level please write up your proposal and e-mail it to me. (duc900rider@yahoo.com). You can also bring the hard copy to the meeting. If you would like to attend as an observer you are welcome. If you have a proposal the officers may ask you some questions so you might want to attend. Other than that in the interest of everyones time, we will take breaks so you can to communicate with your officers. The meeting will be held in Grand Island at the veterans club 1914 West Capital St. on March 21^st at Noon. This was suggested shortly after our State Romp and after a few attempts I'm glad to see it finally happening. If you would like to carpool we will meet at the Flying J for breakfast at 08:30 and leave at 09:30.

For those of you that haven't heard the ACLU has been working on a project to have a WW-I memorial demolished because it is in the shape of a Christian Cross, this could set a precedent that the American Legion stongly opposes.

Please read the article referenced below at the internet address.

I urge each of you to write e-mails to your Congressional Representative about this Case.

Supreme Court to hear Mojave Desert cross case

Thursday, February 26, 2009

The Supreme Court announced Feb. 23 that it will hear the case regarding the Mojave Desert cross, an eight-foot-tall memorial to World War I veterans in California 's San Bernardino County . The cross has been declared unconstitutional by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

In the court brief, The American Legion and other veterans groups said the 9th Circuit's ruling could trigger legal challenges to the display of crosses at Arlington National Cemetery and elsewhere.

http://www.legion.org/onlineupdate/2519/supreme-court-hear-mojave-desert-cross-case

The American Legion is also making another attempt to reinstate the laws against desecration of the United States Flag. For those that have not heard Shirley Phelps Roper lost her court case in Bellevue for child endangerment (US flag tied to the childs ankle so he could walk on it during a military funeral protest) and it has been appealed. It looks like they will keep it going through the courts costing taxpayer money all the way to the Nebraska Supreme court.

Commander Clay

402-210-3723

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, FEBRUARY 1, 2009

February 2009 NEWSLETTER

From the Omaha ALR Commander

First let me make sure everyone has heard that Omaha is not having a problem with car jacker’s. The police have investigated and found that some panhandlers were working the post office parking lot. This is a good example of what happens when e-mail forwarding gets out of control. The Omaha Police took 30 known gang members off our streets this month.

It’s Superbowl Sunday and Post 1 is having a party – potluck snacks and fun starts at 5 PM.

The Holiday crush rolled right into the New Year with good things happening. Our new President had a great Inauguration, George Ward and his brother were able to attend and sent this link to there photo album. http://picasaweb.google.com/Curiousg1953/WashingtonDCAnd2MillionAmericans?feat=email

We welcomed the 530 MP Btn home and three of our Post 1 ALR members back from Iraq. These folks did a great job over there and made a difference in the world. We have to thank the owner of Subby’s Hair Shop 6307 Military for showing a great deal of support for the ladies of the 530^th with a generous donation of gift cards. Please tell your family and friends to support this shop. We were able to work on an arrangement with the local Don and Millie’s chain of restaurants to have cruise nights through the summer months collecting donations for the Legacy fund. We are also working to get a grant from Ronald McDonald house charities for the Legacy fund. This month we will be working to secure a donation from McDonalds in Nebraska. Thanks to our friends at John A. Gentleman mortuaries Bob Swanson and I had lunch with two former Nebraska Huskers football players and they are interested in helping us raise funds. The American Legion post in Nebraska have been collecting the metal pull tabs from soda cans and sending them to the Ronald McDonald house charities 11 million were sent last year. The winter months are here and what better way to spend some time except at a bike show. This is the big one for the State held in Lincoln at the Lancaster Events Center Feb 20, 21, 22 not too far away and a great way to spend a day. We will need members to come to the show and spend some time in the booth as we will be handing out information about the Legion, our upcoming events and other Veterans related services materials. The American Legion national commander has set his agenda and he has specific task that he wants all members to work on. Of course recruiting new members is always a priority. One of them is that we should take pride in our membership and attempt to wear something that identifies us as members every day. Whether it is a belt buckle, a shirt or a cap he wants us to show pride in membership this way. As riders this is easy, many of us wear our gear every day. He also wants members to support a program of the American Legion; this is also easy for us as the ALR is an official program. Another task is to support an American Legion cause and we do that in gathering funds for the Legacy scholarship. The last is to support a cause outside of the American Legion and we do that through our support of Veterans and community activities.

ALR Nebraska News

Broken Bow and Burwell new ALR Chapters are being formed this month.

The Nebraska ALR will be holding a coordination meeting in Columbus on the 15^th at 1 PM. All officers are invited; this will encourage chapters to work together on projects and to make sure we are helping our smaller chapters with their challenges as they grow.

American Legion District 14 meeting @ the Gretna Post Feb 7^th registration @ 08:00 we need some Post 1 members to attend if possible.

Veterans' Legislative Day in Lincoln on Thursday, 2/12 @ 9:00 a.m The Governor has been invited to address the session in the Warner Memorial Chamber of the Capitol and usually does. All veterans are welcome it's not fair to bitch if you don't try to change it. They are covering all kinds of topics from license plates to tuition and taxation. See the attached the list.

Bob Swanson shares this e-mail this month. Make sure you mark your calendars. Greetings all! This e-mail is to inform you of something special that has touched the lives of my family. My Sister Kristy and her Husband Greg Pollnow of McCook lost their nephew Chance Phelps in the Iraq war. Greg’s Sister Gretchen is Chances Mother. When a soldier dies in combat, a personal escort is provided. This escort is a fellow soldier. They accompany the remains from the battlefield until their final resting place. In Chances journey, his escort made a diary of his travel. This diary will become a movie on HBO to be aired in February. I would like all of you to watch it if you have the time. When I first read his account of the journey I openly wept. Chances funeral was also very unusual and patriotic. He was taken from the church to the cemetery by wagon and horses, his casket draped with an American flag. He was buried in Wyoming. Pictures of his funeral and wagon procession were so moving VP Dick Cheney and Sec. Defense Wolfowitz wanted portraits displayed in their offices. I never met Chance, but, I am honored to know his mother and extended family. Semper Fidelis to a fallen Marine and a true war hero.
Kevin Ziemann

I wanted you all to know that the film 'Taking Chance' will air on HBO this February 21 at 8PM EST. The movie is based on Marine Corps LtCol Michael Strobl's (ret) essay of the same name. It accounts his duty of escorting Chance from Dover AFB, to Dubois, WY. Also, it will debut in Dubois on 18 February at the high school gymnasium, for those of you who are around the area. And for those of you who haven't read the original essay, or would like to refresh your memory before watching the film, you can read it on the Chance Phelps Foundation website: http://www.chancephelps.org/?page_id=126

Important web links- please check these sites often.

Our ALR web site www.alromaha.org

The Post 1 website amlegomahapost1.org

The Lincoln Chapter website http://www.lincolnalr.org/

The Columbus Chapter Website http://www.post84.net

The Edgar American Legion http://www.edgarlegion.org

The National Information site www.americanlegionriders.net

Welcome Aboard

We have some new members in our ranks and we extend them a warm welcome. Please introduce yourself to these patriots and let them know that you appreciate their presence and participation. A warm welcome to Tom Kennedy one of our charter members returning to the roost. We also welcome Rick Harris and Lorrie Lanham and Patrick Sitter to the group. We look forward to riding with you. We also have some people that are interested in joining this month so if you see some new faces at the post make sure you give them a warm welcome.

Inspiration

Nebraska American Legion - Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Antonio Espejo Omaha Police Department.

The Fisher house charity was created so the families of wounded soldiers could be at the beside of their wounded hero. (Note: As part of this effort we are tentatively planning a combined walk and ride in St. Louis this spring. Riders from the eight states will be invited to participate and if all goes well help with lodging will be available.) I am not going to reiterate the deeds of the Fisher House. The American Legion is on top of everything that offers service to our Veterans and their families. I am not asking for donations as you guys get pounded for everything. I am trying to raise part of the necessary money to complete this building of the St. Louis Fisher House by selling "AMERICAN WAR FIGHTERS" shirts. This past September I completed a 850 mile walk from St. Louis to Washington D.C. to raise the level of public awareness for the need to improve the treatment of our Military and Veterans. This shirt was designed to represent the role our Military and Veterans play in defending the USA.

I am asking each American Legion Post, Auxiliary, Squadron and ALR Group to purchase 2 shirts. The cost is a total of $32.00, which covers;

-The shirts see the attachment.

(Designed for our Military and Veterans) -

-Price includes: Shipping and handling - we will ship each shirt to a different location if requested. -Please view my site - 850miles.com as appeared in Stars & Stripes Contact: Mike Cox- my cell # 314-650-6968 Please contact me with your questions or comments. My mailing address: P.O. Box 220043 Kirkwood, Missouri 63122

Please note that over 60% of proceeds go to the Fisher House. The rest goes to the purchase of the shirts and shipping. Mike will work with you if you need different colors etc.

From the Poop-Deck

Anyone ever asked you to remove your colors? Did you get paid $240,000? This is setting a new precedent. - An airline passenger forced to cover his T-shirt because it displayed Arabic script has been awarded $240,000 dollars in compensation, Raed Jarrar received the pay out from two US Transportation Security Authority officials and from JetBlue Airways following the August 2006 incident at New York's JFK Airport, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) announced. "The outcome of this case is a victory for free speech and a blow to the discriminatory practice of racial profiling," said Aden Fine, a lawyer with ACLU. Jarrar, a US resident, was apprehended as he waited to board a JetBlue flight from New York to Oakland, California, and told to remove his shirt, which had written on it in Arabic: "We will not be silent." He was told other passengers felt uncomfortable because an Arabic-inscribed T-shirt in an airport was like "wearing a T-shirt at a bank stating, I am a robber,'" the ACLU said. Jarrar eventually agreed to cover his shirt with another provided by JetBlue. He was allowed aboard but his seat was changed from the front to the back of the aircraft.

Police report that meth labs were on the rise again in 2008 in the US and the bad news is that many are now mixing other illegal drugs like ecstasy with meth to make it more addictive.

Rear View Mirror

It was an honor to receive the award for the Omaha ALR at the mid year conference in Kearney last month, I hope you were there with us and that you have seen the nice award given for our efforts raising funds for the legacy fund.

The Road Ahead

We need volunteers to come out to the bike show and spend time in the booth display area, you get to see the bikes, have some beverages and food, meet some nice people and spend a pleasant time with fellow ALR members from Lincoln and other chapters. Please send me a note if you can make it down there for one of the days Feb 20,21,22. If we get a slow weekend with weather around 40 and dry roads we will have a fun run, Mike Helig style. I’m thinking a nice ride downtown to check on the airborne monument and maybe a spaghetti factory lunch buffet.

POW/MIA Watch - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1107802/Pictured-The-amazing-tin-bomber-British-pilot-Great-Escape-POW-camp.html?ITO=1490

A Navy review board has recommended that the Pentagon continue investigating what happened to a fighter pilot who was the first American lost in the Persian Gulf War almost 20 years ago, saying it's not yet time to close the case. The board made the recommendation Thursday after four days of hearings, according to Buddy Harris, who has represented the family of missing Capt. Michael "Scott" Speicher. It now goes to the Navy secretary, who has the final decision.

"They feel that the body of evidence suggests as much that he's alive," said Harris, a former Navy commander and close friend of Speicher's who has since married Speicher's ex-wife.

Speicher, from outside Jacksonville, Fla., has been missing since 1991, when his FA-18 Hornet was shot down in Iraq on the first night of the Persian Gulf War. His remains were never found, leading some to believe he was captured by Iraqi forces. Speicher's family has pressed to continue searching and feared the Navy was preparing to declare him killed. Harris said the family - including two college-age children who were toddlers when Speicher disappeared - believes more evidence could surface soon as Iraq becomes more stable. "There are people that know," Harris said. "It's just a matter of getting to them."

Military medicine - Since the start of U.S. military operations in Iraq, 30,934 U.S. service members have been wounded in hostile action, according to the Defense Department's weekly tally. Jan 6-2009

Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center said they've found what may be a potentially lifesaving tool in the fight against brain diseases like epilepsy and dementia.

"Whether it's epilepsy, dementia, stroke or Parkinson's, the essential problem is brain cells in particular regions die off," said neurologist Dr. Sanjay Singh. The UNMC researchers said they've discovered a naturally occurring enzyme, Peroxiredoxin 6, which could potentially reduce or even eliminate the effects of brain disease by preventing those cells from dying. Singh said his research partner was actually doing research on cataracts when he stumbled on the beneficial effects of the PRDX6 enzyme on brain cells. "We usually count cells to see how many survived and with this, it was visually apparent they were surviving," he said. "The way it works is that it decreases oxidative stress. When you have a lot of oxidative stress in the brain, it kills brain cells." He said that since PRDX6 occurs naturally in the brain, the next step is figuring out how to increase its levels. "Finding something like this is really exciting and gives us a brand new way of treating such disorders and gives hope to patients," he said. Doctors will need to test the enzyme in animal models before beginning human trials. They said right now, there's no known specific food or medication that will increase the enzyme in your body.

This years Rides, Rallies and Events – Note P *** denotes priority items.

Omaha ALR Events – this is still a work in progress, items are updated as the information comes in.

February - Annual Mike Helig Polar Bear Fun Run for Pizza and Wings weekend over 40 degrees watch for details. ????

February 12^th – Veterans Legislative day in Lincoln starts at 8 a.m.

February 15^th ALR officers meeting in Columbus @ 1 PM.

P **** February 20-21-22 - Lincoln Bike Show – Please come and stay awhile in the booth so others can get out and see the show or get some chow, smoke , bathroom break etc.

P *** February- Millard Post retirement ceremony, possibly followed by a new Millard post installment ceremony.

P *** March - check on the Veterans Monuments run – first weekend warm enough for people to go to the park - watch for details

March Bike show at the Qwest Center ??

April 1^st Joe Haugen first ever April Fools Jesters Fun Run –This is a Wednesday night, I hope we go to Chucky Cheese or maybe the Pizza factory. Bring the kids for some fun.

April 25^th, 26^th

P **** Saturday May 2^nd

The Boy Scouts of America will re-open the Little Sioux camp in Iowa and we expect to be invited for the ceremony, details later.

P *** Memorial Day –We have a parade event this year, details later.

Memorial Day Weekend ?? - Heartland Honor Train Across Nebraska

P*** Special Olympics torch escort from Lincoln into the stadium in Omaha

June 13^th –Saturday- Our annual Flag day Poker run –

June – Glenwood Iowa chapter - Jim Kearney’s sons memorial ride

June - Wind and Fire run for burn camp kids

p ****July 12^th Yellow Ribbon Run – yes they moved it again, this time to help the Police as the previous date was during the College World Series.

K.J.’s Carts for Kids

P*** TAPS RUN

P*** Lincoln VA – Annual Veterans Benefit Ride 3^rd weekend in August

P *** 9/11 event –

Loess Hills Rally

P *** October Halloween - Veterans Memorial Watch night –

November – December

P **** Salvation Army Bell Ringers at Dillon Brothers

P **** Veterans Day – November 11^th

P **** Veterans Stand Down- details later

P **** October 10^th -Car and Bike Show with Toys for Tots

P *** November toy pick ups and toy sorting days at Ft Omaha

P **** Wreaths Across America – details later

P**** Saturday December 5^th – Cpt Rob Yllescas memorial run

P*** Pearl Harbor Remembrance day -

P **** Christmas packages for the Veterans at the ENVH –

* Add in some send offs welcome homes veterans funerals, Honor flights Post 1 events, toy runs, community events, poker runs and a possible Elvis concert and we are going to be busy.

(P) Post 1 Events

Flag retirement ceremony – Usually in June

4^th of July picnic

(P) Support of other Veterans orientated Motorcycle events.

Major Rallies

http://www.lightningcustoms.com/bikerralliesevents.html

Intel watch

http://www.logcluster.org/countries/afg

http://usacac.leavenworth.army.mil/BLOG/blogs/coin/archive/2008/12.aspx

http://www.stratcom.mil/

http://acositrep.com/?p=31

http://www.nato.int/shape/

http://geonames.nga.mil/ggmaviewer/MainFrameSet.asp - great for geographic maps

Commanders Corner

Anyone that has ever coached a little league team can tell you that the kids often have a great time learning the basic skills and playing the first game. Then one day a few games into the season one of them will hit a homerun and things turn serious. Especially if the home run was on the opposing team. The kids start swinging harder and all of them want to hit a home run. A good coach will work with them to get back to the basics. Remember the objectives have fun, just hit the ball and get on base; the home runs will come later. Lets focus on the basics and have some fun.

Highlights From the Minutes of Last Month’s Meeting

The Chapter Meeting held January 16th @ post 1, with ~30 members in attendance. We voted to make a By-Laws change allowing riders that can not ride for some reason to ask that they keep their membership. We voted to make a donation in memory of Candy’s Grandson Issac. We voted to purchase t-shirts to help the Fisher House one of these will be given to Candy as she likes T-shirts. We voted on how to proceed with our web site and we need to find someone to help us create a new one. We discussed the Lincoln Bike Show and the need for volunteers. We discussed the upcoming WW-II Honor flights 6 and 7 in April and the Heartland Honor Train across Nebraska.

Pass-The-Word

Our next Omaha ALR Chapter meeting: Sunday Feb 15^th Louisville 09:00 PM for Breakfast buffet Meeting upstairs after breakfast.

John 15: 12-13 - You should know this one - 1 Corinthians 13 Love in honor of Valentines Day 1 Corinthians 7:2-5 - (New International Version) Marriage - Isaiah 40:31 (New International Version) Hope -Psalm 100 (New International Version) Give Thanks our friends are home

Newsletter Submissions

All submissions for the monthly newsletter should arrive to the Commander / Vice Commander by the ALR meeting date of the month prior. Email works best. Please note you want it in the newsletter, a lot of things come through and some need to get out sooner.

CHAPTER OFFICER CONTACT INFORMATION

Commander – Clayton Hollister, c# 210-3723, duc900rider@yahoo.com

Vice Commander – Vince Mahoney vinspark@tconl.com

Secretary - Linda Benson blindabenson@aol.com

Treasurer – Doc Holiday, docps2@cox.net

Chaplains – Paul Johnson, Glen Leapley; Dean Giese

SGT at Arms - Bob Benson blindabenson@aol.com

Road Captains – Mike Heilig, sledmstr@gmail.com ,Art Cudney, ac62612@alltel.net

Vince and Kim Mahoney vinspark@tconl.com , Joe Haugen jvhaugen1@peoplepc.com , Mike Noyes mnoyes@borsheims.com , Eric Sorensen amsa35pes@msn.com

Historian - Kim Mahoney vinspark@tconl.com

Public Information Officer –Bob Swanson, # home 572-1917 cell 630-5632 swansoro@msn.com

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, THURSDAY, JANUARY 22nd, 2009

All,

Wow this year is really going to rock for us I have so much good news, neat events and opportunities for us coming in. We will work together with the other local chapters more than ever and that makes it easier for everyone.

We have a new President and Commander in Chief. I was happy to hear him tell America that we needed to pull together and pull ourselves up. Thats what we practice every day, God Bless America

It was great to welcome the 530th MP's and three of our members home, we learned a lot about their accomplishments in Iraq and they really made us proud. While we were out having fun they were working very hard with some days around 141 degrees, the air conditioning was working overtime just to get the indoors down around 105. God Bless our troops they should be getting a lot more pay, thank them every chance you get.

Even though we might not be doing a lot of riding right now we can do little things that make a big difference. Just like throwing the starfish on the beach back into the ocean; you can't save them all but to the one you just saved, you made a huge difference.

Trish sends the following request to help the VA program for homeless vets ***P

MIKE JOHNSON, OUR HOMELESS COORDINATOR, HAS A NEED OF MANPOWER TO HELP SORT THRU DONATED CLOTHING. THERE ARE LG AMOUNTS OF THIS CLOTHING THAT NEED TO BE PUT INTO TUBS AND LABELED. PLEASE CONTACT MIKE @ 402-670-0367 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

We did not have as many people as we wanted at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down, the Combat Vets is a much smaller organization and they outnumbered us, lets show the Homeless Vets we care and get a few people down there.

Anyone that knows Bob Swanson knows he has a thing about pancakes he has even kept extras in his helmet, he sends this note.

Please support the AMVETS breakfast this Sunday from 0800 to noon. The breakfast is at the VFW Post 247, 3302 Leavenworth St. Proceeds go to the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home and patients at the VA Medical Center in Omaha. ***P = priority event

We will discuss some recent Nebraska helmet Law news at our next meeting, thanks to Bob Swanson for sending this link so you can read it.

The full law (it is only 3 pages) can be found @ www.nebraskalegislature.gov, then enter 200 in the area "Search Current Bills".

Ride Captain Michael Helig reports he had Pnuemonia last month and is feeling better.

Chaplain Paul Johnson reports his doctor gave him a thmbs up and he is feeling great.

It's time I come clean, I have been fighting a health issue for some time now and recently it bit me pretty hard. I have had some added stress in my life and my work has been increasing due to the layoffs in the company. I apologize if I haven't been in top form for you. I owe Terry a big apology for a Snafu on my part, it will take a Red Lobster dinner with our wives to pay my pennance. I will be going in for a minor surgery in the next few weeks and hope it leads to some major benefits. Chaplains at the ready with the prayers please.

I am happy to say we have been getting a lot of new members signing up so make sure you introduce yourself and welcome them to the family.

I heard we a couple of riders out on the streets enjoying this warmer weather, be safe out there.

I have been contacted by the Rollin Plains M/C and they had the annual Yellow Ribbon Run planned for June 14th. They asked if we would move our annual Flag Day run to June 13th.

They had already coordinated with the police for escort and a lot of the other things needed to make this happen. Our member Hans had pointed this out at our meeting and we had discussed the possibility of needing to move our run to Saturday the 13th. After some discussion I agreed we would move the date for them. This gives us a chance to get more riders - Satruday morning turnouts are higher than Sundays we should see some of our friends from the CMA and we do not have to compete with the Yellow Ribbon run in support of the troops. It aslo gives us the possibility of seeing some of the 100 or so Rollin Plains M/C members supporting us. And we get to ride both days that weekend as we will support the Yellow Ribbon Run. A win win win situation is always best.

Speaking of the Flag Day wekend run I'm happy to tell you our ride captain Mike Noyes has stepped up as the Omaha POC and he has started coordinating with the Lincoln chapter. We all know this ride takes some effort so please contact Mike

noyes51@msn.com and let him know he has some brothers and sisters that want to help. Chaplains, Monks, Shamans and even the Witch Doctor please pray for good weather and safe rides this year. For our new members this run raises money for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship fund that benefits the children of the armed forces killed on or after 9/11/2001 in the war on terror. This is a very important cause for us each year.

At our last meeting.

Commander Chuck Fattig and Chaplain Bob Brophy came up from Lincoln and shared some news about a possible send off coming up.

Doc read the 2008 year end report. As a result of hosting the Nebraska State romp we have an excess of Nebraska American Legion Rider coins over 300. We also had some large expenditures for the romp patches. Please buy a couple extra coins from Doc when you see him.

I have been in touch with the management of Don and Millies restaurants and they have a program to help organizations raise funds. They are willing to put on a cruise night on satruday nights between Memorial Day and Labor day from 4-8 PM. Each patron that comes in and says they are eating there to support the children of our troops gives us a donation of 20% of every dollar they spend for the legacy fund. All they ask is that we have some members of our post at the locations. I am hopeful we can get some post level support on this one. We will need to distribute flyers and get the word out. With our rides on the weekends we will not be able to make every one but if you have a Don and Millies near you please plan to stop in after the ride.

I have done some research and found that the Legacy fund should qualify for a grant from the Ronald McDonald House charities. I have forwarded this information to our State Liason officer Ron Benke requesting it get sent to national.

I will be contacting the Nebraska McDonalds corporate headquarters this month to see if I can get a donation from them as well.

We voted on and passed making the following amendment to our By-laws

a. "Any person who has been a member of this Chapter for at least one year, and discontinues riding a motorcycle, can ask to be continued as a member. He or she, or their representative, can ask that said membership be continued at any regular meeting of the Chapter. Members present at such meeting will vote on the continuation. Whether they will continue to pay dues will also be resolved at said meeting."

We voted to donate $100 to a charity in honor of Candy's grandson that lost his life last month after three years of battling cancer. It's tough to see an 8 year old have to face the big C and at the same time I think they teach us so much about life during their struggle if we just take the time to listen.

We voted to donate $36 to the Fisher House effort in St. Louis. We will get two t-shirts and since Doc knows Candy has a sweet spot for T-shirts she will get one of them.

We voted on the web page proposal and it was not passed. We need a member that is good with web pages to let us know if they can help us to create a new site.

We discussed the note on the PGR web page requesting people to send them their old motorcycle parts so they can sell them on e-bay and put money into their legal defense fund.

We discussed the news about a new VFW riders group being formed. It might not be official yet but we wish them all the best.

We discussed the bike show in Lincoln Feb 20-21-22 we will be supporting the Lincoln chapter at the event again this year. Last year on the second day of the show they started announcing the various clubs that had donated funds to the Shriners childrens hospital and we quickly put some cash together. This year I would like to have a donation made ahed of time, I think they went alphabetically so we would be one of the first. If we can get a couple of other chapters to kick in some with us it would be great. Doc lets plan on donating $100 from our general fund.

I mentioned the Columbus chapter is having a 250 mile pigeon race fundraiser Oct 3. they also have a clue hunt and other inventive fun rides coming up. I have to hand it to them other than Bob Swansons idea of a skeet shooting club meet on the same day to improve the odds they take the most inventive prize

Chuck Fattig shared news about two more WW-II veterans heartland honor flights that will coming in late April these will be #6 and 7 . With the economy taking the plunge these had to be postponed from last year. They also have a plan to take a train across Nebraska from Scottsbluff to the east that is in the planning stage but if they don't have the funding it might not happen.

Set aside this date May 16th, Armed Forces Day - National Guard celebration at Mahoney State Park.

Doc told us the National American Legion Conference will be held in Louisville KY Aug 21-27

The National ALR Romp will be held in Wilbert Ohio July 17th-19th.

The Nebraska American Legion Convention will be held in Columbus June 26-28

The Nebraska State Romp will be held in Norfolk, NE July 25th -26th

Many of us have friends relatives or nieghbors that may have lost their job. I know two people and one is a family member. You might want to send them this link, the government is hiring. http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/index.asp

A big thanks to our friends that we support each year at the KJ's Karts for kids in support of orphans and children in need. Bob Swanson was contacted by Sarah Bernhagen from John A. Gentleman Mourtuaries and they have friends in high places that want to help us raise some funds this year. Bob and I will meet for lunch and have a brainstorming session with Sarah and two of the Nebraska Huskers football players this month. They wanted to meet with us to see if they could help us raise some funds this year. See you could have run for Commander and had all this fun. Actually I know it is only through your efforts that we get opportunities like this - thank you.

Recent events made me pause to consider the words in the pledge of allegiance. One word that we use often is freedom because that rings true with motorcycle riding. Another is Liberty and I think in some cases people have forgotten what that word means. Liberty is a powerful word and it means more than shore leave. Liberty helps us define our freedom. Go ahead and get a dictionary out; look up each word in the pledge and consider the wisdom that went into choosing each word in this elegant document. Consider the committment we have made since grade school when reciting the words. Then consider how we might enjoy our Liberty as we ride together this year. Trust me there are those that would try to take your freedom and your liberty away.

Our next meeting will be at the Louisville post Sunday Feb 15th with a breakfast buffet for lovers at 09:00 (lovers of pancakes anyways) the meeting will follow breakfast I hope you can make it.

Don't forget to support your local post food nights

Post 1 friday night 5:30 -7:30 pm. Burgers and American Food and dancing afterwards with Stan Galli & stuff- If you ike the newer music styles a bar in Benson is hosting 4 bands and one of our friends sons bands is playing around 9 PM. Just follow the sound when you get to Benson.

Post 1 Meeting on the 27th at 7 PM

Always the Gentleman

Commander Clay

402-210-3723

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, FRIDAY JANUARY 2nd, 2008

January 2009 NEWSLETTER

From the Omaha ALR Commander

I hope you all had a great Christmas and new years 2009 has arrived with new hopes and new opportunities for all of us. It is a time to reflect on being members of the American Legion and of the ALR. We need to make sure our new members have a good start towards understanding who we are, what we do and how we do it. I think the first thing to remember is that we are American Legionnaires and we have to uphold the values of the organization. Then we are members of the ALR and we have our mission in support of the American Legion programs.

It is important to point out that our families come first, our job or income is second. You will not be able to make every ride or support every event; that is why we are always looking for new members to join. This is strictly a volunteer outfit; your time and effort to help the group is appreciated.

Our Mission statement like any states in simple terms why we have organized ourselves.

“We are members of the American Legion Family who are
dedicated to furthering the purposes of "The American
Legion" and events that support Americanism; while
enjoying our hobby of motorcycle riding. We will do this
by honoring and supporting our veterans and their
families, our military and their families, and the
youth of our communities. “

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, MONDAY DEC. 22nd, 2008

ALR- UPDATE

Brrr, winter is officially here the temprature with wind chill this morning was roughly -20 F.

Please consider making a blood donation in the next few weeks, save a life through giving, they always need extra during the Holidays.

Thank you for all of your efforts this Holiday Season, The cards and care packages for the troops to brighten their day with a taste of home, the Stand Down for the homeless veterans provided needed clothing and services with a good sized helping of dignity,
the Salvation Army bell ringers brought in much needed funds, the Marines toys for tots collections and sorting at Ft Omaha will bless many childrens hearts, it also generated 4 new potential members, At the Wreaths Across America event we honored those who fought for our freedom and those that remain in POW/MIA status. These November and December events all make it a wonderful way to wrap up a great year for the ALR.

We will attempt to improve long range planning next year on some of these events. We will be coordinatiing efforts where possible with several other chapters including our nieghbors across the river in the Council Bluffs Post #2 chapter and Glenwood Chapter. The newsletter will be changing to include a section for the entire years rides with all of the annual events.

We had a great time Saturday at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home, we delivered our gifts to the guys and had a few extra gifts to leave under the tree. I have to thank the people that were smart enough to bring the list of names and gifts. We passed the hat and left some money roughly $80 (Doc has the exact number) for Popeye's fund and I'm sure you will be happy to know Viola is going to be celebrating her 105th birthday next year, I hope we can find out when and bring the bikes out for the big event. We left some gift cards for Hy-Vee and other stores and dropped off a bag of 300 international postage

stamps for John Rambo to look through for his collection. We got a lot of smiles from the residents and staff as we walked aorund with our festive hats but I think Doc took the best look award with his binking red Rudolf nose and antlers.

After returning home to pick up our home made dishes we all met back at Post 1 in the afternoon with a few minor shopping traffic delays. A big thanks to Candy for coming in early to open up the post for us.

We had a nice pot luck Christmas dinner together with some very tasty home cooking dishes with plenty of vension and held our monthly meeting.

Highlights from the meeting.

We signed up some new members Daniel and Cindy Wenck are friends of Eric and Pam Sorensen and they went to the veterans home with us bringing their own gifts for the veterans.

I happy to also welcome a couple of young ladies that have been riding with us this past year as new members, Trish (rides with Steve Bruner) and Lynne (rides with Art Cudney) have made it official and joined the ALR.

The Omaha, Lincoln, Columbus and Norfolk chapters will receive awards from the Nebraska American Legion in honor of our efforts to raise funds for the legacy fund, at the mid year conference.

Saturday January 10th at the Ramada Inn in Kearney at 2 PM. We will plan to meet at the Flying J truck stop in Gretna for breakfast @ 10 am and car pool to the event plan to leave at 11 am to allow us some time to find the place.

I have received a $100 donation to the Legacy fund from SAL Squadron 143 Springfield post member Danny Smith, he helped the ladies Auxiallry with some project at the post
and they wanted to pay him for his efforts but he insisted they make out the check
to us for the legacy fund.

Bob Swanson indicated the Post 1 Ladies Auxiallary has some funds set aside for a donation to the riders for the Legacy fund. Doc reported that he has over $700 in the fund already so we are on a good track to beat last years amount going into 2009.

Bob Swanson reported he had wrapped up the Salvation Army collection effort for the year, it usually takes about a month before we know how much was collected, in this economy every penny will count.

We have a purchased a memorial brick that will be in the walkway leading to the new USS Arizona Pearl Harbor memorial and when Eric Sorensen gets Doc the information we will purchase a second brick with his WW-II veteran grandfathers name.

*** Les Kubes (Norfolk Chapter Commander for 2009) drove down to attend the meeting. He was kind enough to bring us news of an event that I know will touch many of hearts on a personal level. Les recently met the father of the first Boy Scout that was buried in West Point last year. The Boy Scouts are planning to re-open the Little Sioux campground on Saturday May 2nd and this father would like to have the American Legion Riders attend. We will have more news on this later and we expect an invitation to attend a BS of A meeting at the Bass pro Shop in Council Bluffs in the coming months to coordinate the effort.

We considered making a by-laws change related to riders that can no longer ride and decided to change the words in the ammendment. So no change has been made yet, we will look at it again at next months meeting.I think it is good that we never rush any change to the by-laws.

We talked about some of the members ideas for fundraisers. Terry Bruner told us on December 13th about his idea to have a fundraiser that includes appearances by Elvis. I know some of the younger members may not remember Elvis. It seems Terry Bruner and Pam Sorenson both have contacts with Elvis (Pam told us he is not dead ). Terry you have the lead on this please compare notes with Pam. I ask the members to help you with their support.

Terry has also suggested last year and again this year that we might be able to have a slot machine or poker tournament at one of the Casinos in Council Bluffs. I initially hesitated as the MC's have had problems with shootouts at Casinos and we don't want to be associated with that problem. I saw something on the web about Elvis making an appearance at Harrahs before it was Harrahs back in 2002 and it made me stop to think. Maybe we could combine the two a concert with a slots tournament, it would give us parking, a great venue, raise some funds and a have fun day for everyone. For now its

just a suggestion. Trish also mentioned we might have some contact with Michael Montgomery.

We also discussed Michael Petersen and plan to contact his organization to see if he might want to play in Omaha this year. Last year I think we had the Disabled Veterans Wheelchair games in Omaha that week. Michael was on tour with support from the US ARMY last year. His concert tour included visits to local schools promoting Americanism in the tradition of the American Legion and after seeing the kids and their families at his concert in Lincoln I think it was much bigger than just a concert it had a message for the community as well.

Dean Geise suggested that we might be able to have a booth a the Loess Hills rally this year. The CMA had one last year but we do not think they were raising funds. The money raised last year went to PTSD and we would not want to take away from that. We would probably set up a booth to sign up new members.

We discussed having T-shirts printed up to be sold to raise legacy funds at the Lincoln Bike show and other events. These would be like the ones Post 2 had made with the nice logo on the back and a generic logog on the front, we also discussed

picking up a nice leather jacket at Holstiens H-D to raffle off at the Lincoln bike show.

I heard from Greg Petersen that the Millard Post was considering leasing their building from the new owners for the month of January. he was going to see if they were planning a post retirement ceremony. I'm not sure if they have found a new building yet and I know at one point the were thinking they might need a place to temporarily store they tank and helicopter that are in front of the building. Anyone got a really big garage.

We discussed the upcoming ABATE distrct 2 meeting the second Sunday of January and how this event attempts to keep events from all happening on the same date. We have the flyer ready for our Flag day poker run and an updated description of the ALR for the events calendar book that will be available at the Lincoln Bike show. We are considering having the Waffle man at the Lincoln start point to raise funds and give the riders a good breakfast. We will check into having the pancake man at the Omaha start point. I knew the Marines would want their pancakes !!! We would need to rent some tables and chairs, provide some paper plates and plastic utinsels.

We installed the Flag that was flown in Iraq and presenteted to the riders last year above the front wall trophy case.

Chuck Fattig has posted videos of the last Heartland Honor Flight on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXYntsczuxQ

I can see that next year should include a couple of memorial rides.

Vice Commander Vince Mahoney has had his knee replaced last week and sould be coming home as early as today.

We heard Chaplain and former ALR Commander Paul Johnson has been ill going through a lot of test at the hospital and is back at home.

Please keep them in your prayers. and wish them a speedy recovery to good health.

*** Dont forget (P) *** Dec 25th Thursday Christmas / Holiday / Santa ride, get early dinner

together, cages welcome. Meet at 1 PM at Post 1 – Thanks to Tony Longo for finding out the China Buffet on 737n 114th off Dodge 402-498-3868 is open for Christmas. Just like the old movie, Far –rar- rar-rar–ra –ra –ra , now where did I put that leg lamp.

(P) *** December 31st Wednesday News Years Eve party at Post 1 8 pm – 12 pm, Music by Marrs Starz - RSVP by December - $30 per couple.

We would like to meet at the Louisville post @ 3 PM on Saturday Jan 17th with dinner following the meeting, I need to confirm with the post.

Heres a link with pictures of our troops in Afghanistan, the mounatinous terrain makes it real difficult for the guys on the ground.

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/11/afghanistans_korengal_valley.html

P.S.

Doc is busy getting his motorcycle ready for the show in Lincoln this year, he is the nervous type (he is not sure it is ready) and sent me a picture asking that I send it out to you for your opinion. The picture is attached in two formats so hopefully everyone will be able to open it, please send him a note if you like it docps2@cox.net

Also please consider having your motorcycle in the show the entry date window is closing and Chuck Fattig only has a few bikes registered so far. I have attached the entry form. They have classes for every type of motorcycle so even if you have a rat bike you can compete. We will need some volunteers to wrok in our booth at the show, and it is the biggest show of the year in Lincoln so I hope you can at least come out and check out the motorcycles.

God Bless and Merry Christmas

Commander Clay

402-210-3723

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, WEDNESDAY DEC. 17th, 2008

All,

I am happy to inform you that our friend Danny Smith from the Springfield post SAL Squadron 143 contacted me this week. They are sending us another donation for the Legacy Fund. These are some generous people and we need to show our appreciation. Bravo Zulu - Springfield Post - Job well done.

Our 2009 legacy fund collection started with the State Romp and it looks like we could set a new record in 2009.

We need to make sure we are getting out to the other area post and spreading the word. Some of the smaller post like the one in Bennington had members at the Moving Vietnam Memorial Wall and may be interested in making a contribution.

I would like to include the Springfield post as a stop for our Flag Day poker run so they make some extra money on the sale of drinks and snacks that day. This could also attract some new members for their post.

The Council Bluffs Post 2 ALR also indicated they would like to work with us on the Flag day poker run this year. With Omaha, Lincoln and Council Bluffs riders participating this year the event is growing.

We also have a lot of members coming up with some good ideas for fundraisers this coming year for our Legacy Fund effort and we will discuss them at our December meeting. I have attached a flyer for our annual Flag day poker run to be held in June. The January ABATE District 2 meeting is coming up and all of the area riding groups will submit their events and dates. This meeting is held each year in an attempt to coordinate the events so we don't have 10 poker runs or other events on one weekend competing with each other. It is a mutually cooperative effort and I suggest that if you have an idea for an event you pick some dates, do some of the groundwork to make sure it can happen and find someone to help with putting a flyer together so we have it for the ABATE meeting.

I hope you have completed your Christmas shopping missions early so you can join us this Saturday.

December 20th Saturday - Drive your cars and meet up at the Bellevue IHOP at 1 PM (note time change) - We will take our Christmas packages to the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home and spend some time distributing our gift bags and visiting our good friends. Make sure to bring your festive Holiday hats.

Return to your house and grab your pot luck items. then head to Post 1 around 2:30 - 3:00 pm (Candy said she would open early for us off the clock if needed so make sure you thank her - they normally open at 4) for our monthly meeting (agenda attached) and then have early dinner together. Note I am planning to bring the Flag that was flown in Iraq and was presented to us a few months back so it can be installed in the triangle case sitting atop the trophy case.

December 25th Thursday - Christmas get together for early dinner Meet at Noon at Post 1 ride / drive dependent on the weather and road conditions, to the China Buffet Dodge and 114th

Far rar rar ra ra rar rar ra

December 31st Wednesday - Post 1 New years Eve Party, make sure you have RSVP'd

Doc sent this note from the American Legion.

Dear Departments,

There have been some concerns raised among a few American Legion Riders about whether Operation Comfort Warriors is intended to replace other programs – in particular, Operation Wounded Warriors. It is not. Wounded Warriors, while supported by many Legionnaires, is not a program of The American Legion.

Here are some points about the development of Operation Comfort Warriors that are worth remembering:

· The Red Cross notified The American Legion that there was a shortage of hooded sweatshirts for our men and women recovering at Walter Reed Army Hospital. The American Legion immediately arranged for 100 sets of sweatshirts to be sent. When The American Legion is notified of need, our reaction is not to refer to another charity but to act on solving the problem.

· National Commander Rehbein, Auxiliary National President Stoy and SAL National Commander Cisna agreed that The American Legion Family could and should continue to provide comfort items for the hospitalized troops. These are items that the government does not usually budget for but can help improve the quality of life for these warriors. The Red Cross also notified The American Legion that sweats are needed at Ft. Hood and Ft. Bragg. There are 67 other military hospitals. Items on the Red Cross list include CDs, DVD players, athletic shoes, Wiis, puzzles, iPods and other electronics. Operation Comfort Warriors is intended to provide comfort items to our heroes, regardless of which military hospital they happen to be at.

· The American Legion salutes the Riders and others who have supported Operation Wounded Warriors and encourages them to continue to do so. Operation Comfort Warriors is a completely separate project. The need is great and we welcome all efforts to help support our heroes. Operation Comfort Warriors encourages monetary donations so the money can be targeted to purchasing the comfort items most needed by the different military facilities.

· Donations can be made to Operation Comfort Warriors by sending checks to Operation Comfort Warriors, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206 or by visiting www.legion.org/ocw

If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at (317) 630-1350. Thank you for supporting this outstanding cause.

Sincerely,

John Raughter

We have to keep in mind that in a tight economy we have a lot of competition for donated funds. I have recently noted several new organizations that have been created that are trying to provide a lot of the same services offered by the American Legion for returning Veterans. Most of these will probably fade with time and hopefully we will see their members join the American Legion.

The link below is not a veterans organization. This is a group that is providing services for returning veterans from iraq and Afghanistan by coordinating private practice medical professionals that are donating their time in support of our troops.

http://www.returningveterans.org/

The cold weather is here, and some nasty weather is predicted make sure you have some of the basics in your car, first aid kit, cold weather survival items. If you break down or get stuck off road they will be welcome.

If you get a chance to go out one night to see the Christmas displays make sure you stop in the development behind the Papillion Post office off 84th street. The post office is one block back on a side street, turn at the shell station on the west side and turn right. Turn west on Shillelagh across from the post office and take the road in and make the right, it leads up around the hill to the impressive light display and then back down to the exit.

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL

If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card drawn by a school age kid and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! It is FREE and it only takes a second.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them.

This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time to do it, and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank you's.

For those of you that missed it this is the KETV report on the Omaha Wreaths Across America event.

http://www.ketv.com/video/18272761/?taf=oma

Glen Leapley has returned from Africa, afetr 3 weeks of welding work, he is planning to return for a 5 month stay that will see him riding a motorcyle to deliver electronic solar powered bibles to remote villages.

Vince Mahoney will be going in for a knee replacement tomorrow please keep him in your prayers.

Finally I would like to thank all of you that have donated your time and efforts this year in support of the Salvation Army out at Dillon Brothers and down at Fort Omaha helping with the Marines Toys for Tot's program. CNN ran a blurb saying the Marine's are short on toys this year so your efforts are needed. We are already making plans to support them next year in a bigger way. I have been asked to submit a list of our activities for the year to be included with a message from our State liasion officer Ron Benke to the Nebraska American Legion, I am happy to report in alignment with the direction from the National Commander of the American Legion our group "made a difference".

Merry Christmas

Commander Clay - ALR - Omaha

402-210-3723

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, DECEMBER 4th, 2008

All

Only a few weeks away from Christmas and a New Year, we just had our first small taste of snow with temps in the 20's and tomorrow the weatherman says it will be back up near 50. Enjoy your Holidays and be careful driving we need every member healthy for next year.

Please remember to support your local post, many of them have food nights and other events through the week.

Event: Afternoon Dancing to CD's

Post 1 Omaha, Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Time: 1:00 PM
Duration: 4:00 p.m.

Event: Gizzards/Wings & Chicken Pot Pie w/rice
Location: Omaha Post 1, 7811 Davenport St
Additional Information: $5.00 for gizzards and/or wings and $7.00 for Chic Pot Pie over rice.

Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008
Time: 4:30 PM
Duration: 6:30 p.m.

Event: Dancing to live music by High Country
Location: Omaha Post 1, 7811 Davenport St
Additional Information: $5.00 entertainment charge at the door.
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008
Time: 7:30 PM
Duration: 11:00 p.m.

Event: Friday Food Night
Location: Omaha Post 1, 7811 Davenport St
Additional Information: Always serving hamburgers,cheeseburgers, Pork Tenderloin, Chicken and Fish Sanwiches, fries, onion rings, salad and soup.
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008
Time: 5:30 PM
Duration: 7:30 p.m.

Gretna American Legion Post 216, 11690 216th St. South, Gretna. Fried pollock, baked beans, coleslaw and macaroni and cheese. $3.75 to $7.50. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday.

Millard American Legion Post 374, 4618 S. 139th St. Deep-fried catfish, Deep-fried shrimp, pollock, fries, coleslaw, deep-fried frog legs and cod scampi style. $6.50 to $9.95. 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday.

Post 331 Saturday the 14th steak dinner at South Omaha call for reservation. Usually the first or second Saturday of the month.
4830 So. 21st Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68107
(402) 731-5185

Ralston American Legion Post 373, 7400 Q St. Fresh carp, shrimp, pollack, fish sandwiches and chicken dinners. $4.50 to $8.50. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday.

Louisville Post Bingo on Tuesday eveneing at 7 PM with crads downstairs, Friday and Satruday dinners.

December 2008 NEWSLETTER

From the Omaha ALR Commander

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I hope that each of you will have some special memories from being in the ALR this year. We had some fun, stayed busy and did a lot of good. Our focus next year will still be to have fun together enjoying our motorcycles while supporting the American Legion programs. Your officers and I will do our best to set the priorities next year so that we can do the most good with our efforts.

Please remember and pray for the safety of our military forces this holiday season many are away from their homes and families.

Please make an effort to attend the Homeless veterans Stand Down this coming Saturday.

** 10 members volunteered at our November meeting to go and gather the gifts needed for our annual visit to the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home. All members are encouraged to pick something up to add to the gift bags. If you can’t make it on the 20^th please try to get your item to another member that will be coming. The Veterans home has a bus that makes trips to Hy-Vee and Wal-Mart a pre-paid gift card or other handy item like a book of stamps, writing pads, jigsaw puzzles, make a wonderful addition to the gift bags.

**Our efforts to help the Salvation Army with collections at Dillon brothers H-D continue this month. Bob Swanson tells me the time slots are filled on the schedule and he has some people in reserve if needed. Thank you for the great response on this.

*** The annual ABATE motorcycle show registration has started, the show is in February. If you would like to add your bike to the ALR display, please contact the 2009 Lincoln Commander Chuck Fattig. 402-470-2092. The theme this year is superheroes and villains. This is a great recruiting tool for us. Even if you do not wish to display a motorcycle, please consider helping with the booth decorations and volunteer some time to be in the display area handing out information and signing up new members.

Important web links- please check these sites often.

Our ALR web site www.alromaha.org – This site has not been updated due to our web mistress being ill and technical difficulties.

The Post 1 website amlegomahapost1.org

The Lincoln Chapter website http://www.lincolnalr.org/

The national Information site www.americanlegionriders.net

Welcome Aboard

Inspiration

Our deployed troops, these volunteers are a long way from home performing their assigned duty so that we can enjoy the season without fear of attack at home.

Our women in uniform and our first female 4 star General Ann E. Dunwoody head of the Army's supply arm.

This being the 12^th month of the year month I looked up what the 12^th fold in the flag folding ceremony represented. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.

Our new President’s wife is determined to see improvements in Veterans health care, let’s hope she is successful.

Sears continues to show support for their employees that are deployed by voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs for all called up reservist employees for up to two years.

Support our Troops

This is from the national ALR site

Not only is Balboa Naval Hospital receiving our injured heroes but the medical facilities at Camp Pendleton are also at near "No Vacancy" populations. In the latter case it's not money that is needed for our wounded Marines at Pendleton but stuff.

Here's why and what they need: At the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, some of the spouses of the deployed Marines put together hundreds of recovery baskets in anticipation of wounded Marines arriving at our military hospitals. The purpose behind these baskets was to provide the wounded with personal items to be used during their hospital stay and to help fill up their days while being confined in the hospitals. However, due to the higher than anticipated numbers of wounded, they are all but out of the supplies to outfit these baskets.

They are in need of the following items: nonperishable food (snacks and candy), DVDs, all sizes of batteries, phone cards, Game Boy games, books and magazines, Domino's Pizza gift certificates (they deliver on base), towels and wash cloths, and hygiene gear (razors and shaving cream).

These items can be sent to:

MSgt William Bonney

Office of the Division Inspector

1st Marine Division Rein FMF

Bldg 1413 Room 200

Box 555380,

Camp Pendleton, CA 92055-5380

From the Poop-Deck

Recent terrorist attacks in India targeting American and foreign tourist. One captured terrorist survived and has stated he was trained by a Pakistan based terrorist group. Both India and Pakistan have nuclear weapons.

It looks like H-D is having some problems with the new twin Cam engines 96” and the CVO 110”, the January edition of American Iron magazine has a part 1 article written by a mechanic in Canada about what he has seen coming into his shop. It sounds like the crankshafts press fit main crankpin can allow the flywheels to turn out of alignment called scissoring and the shop has been taking the engines apart and welding the main crank pin in place with stainless steel rod.

Rear View Mirror

Last month was the birthday of the Marine Corp and the anniversary of an important battle in WW-II on a small island named Betio otherwise called the battle of Tarawa. The Japanese Rear-Admiral Keiji Shibazaki, who commanded the garrison there, had boasted that "it would take one million men one hundred years" to conquer Tarawa. It had taken 6 months to take Guadalcanal. Although the US took heavy losses due to some bad luck with tides it took the 2^nd Marine Division with a portion of the Army’s 27^th infantry division roughly 35,000 men a little over 3 days to take the island.

The Road Ahead

December 7^th marks the 68th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and I’m happy to report Doc has donated funds so that we have a brick with ALR Omaha Post 1 engraved on it that will be placed at the site. January is coming and that means a new year with new possibilities. Our new President and Commander in Chief will be sworn in January and he has a tough job ahead. This year we are hoping to see another 5 – 8 ALR chapters in the state. January is the month for our famous Mike Helig annual Polar Bear (I rode mine and left it at the post) run to some distant pizza place found to be closed on Sundays with subsequent ride to another place nearby to grab lunch. Stay tuned for updates, if the road is dry we will plan a ride. Damn the pancakes, full steam ahead.

Veterans Health Issues

CNN reported this month on a small study that found the drug ecstasy had a positive impact on people that suffer from PTSD. The drug evidently floods the brain with serotonin affecting the emotional center sending the body a feeling of well being. Further research is needed, never self medicate with illegal drugs of any kind.

An extensive federal report concludes that roughly one in four of the 697,000 U.S. veterans of the 1990-91 Gulf War suffer from Gulf War illness. That illness is a condition now identified as the likely consequence of exposure to toxic chemicals, including pesticides and a drug administered to protect troops against nerve gas. The 452-page report states "scientific evidence leaves no question that Gulf War illness is a real condition with real causes and serious consequences for affected veterans." It also notes that few veterans afflicted with Gulf War illness have recovered over time. The report, titled "Gulf War Illness and the Health of Gulf War Veterans," was officially presented Monday to Secretary of Veterans Affairs James Peak. Noting that overall funding for research into Gulf War illness has declined dramatically since 2001, it calls for a "renewed federal research commitment" to "identify effective treatments for Gulf War illness and address other priority Gulf War health issues."

Two veterans groups, the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Veterans of Modern Warfare, are suing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) over what they call "unacceptable delays" in veteran's claims. The lawsuit demands that the VA provide an initial decision on every veteran's claim for disability benefits within 90 days and resolve appeals within 180 days, and seeks relief to provide a lifeline of interim benefits if the VA delays last beyond the limit. For more information, visit the Veterans of Modern Warfare website and the Vietnam Veterans of America website.

This Month’s Rides, Rallies and Events

Nebraska Events

*** December 5th Friday 2 PM

Dear Veterans or Family Members of Veterans: You are receiving this email invitation because you have been a participant of a Heartland Honor Flight. You are encouraged to share this email with your veteran friends (whether or not they have gone on any Honor Flights) and invite them to attend this presentation at Millard West High School on Friday, December 5, at 2pm. Dennis Kellogg of KHAS-TV, Hastings, has been asked to speak to the high school students at Millard West about the Heartland Honor Flights. Dennis has been on Flights 2, 3, 4 and 5. He has put together a film clip of the flights and will show it to the students. He and the students would be honored by your presence. (You are welcome to bring a guest or several guests.) The only thing they ask is that you RSVP to Tom Kellogg at: tomkellogg@cox.net. That way they can judge what size room we need. Oh yes...you might want to wear your RED shirt! I hope to see some of you there! Bill Williams

(P) *** Dec 13^th Wreaths Across America – Stage at Post 1 at 10:00 am we will ride to Forest Lawn @ 10:30 for the ceremony at 11:00, they are expecting a large crowd and they will not have any tents for cover this year so dress warm, cages welcome. I remember about a foot of snow was on the ground last year.

(P) *** Dec 20^th Saturday Drop off gifts at the veterans home and ALR meeting Looks like pot luck at Post 1 for our Christmas / Holiday dinner cages welcome.

(P) *** Dec 25^th Thursday Christmas / Holiday / Santa ride, get early dinner together, cages welcome. Stage at Noon at Post 1 – Thanks to Tony Longo for finding out the China Buffet on 737n 114^th off Dodge 402-498-3868 is open for Christmas. Just like the old movie, Far –rar- rar-rar–ra –ra –ra , where did I put that leg lamp.

(P) *** December 31^st Wednesday News Years Eve party at Post 1 8 pm – 12 pm, Music by Marrs Starz - RSVP by December - $30 per couple.

(P) Post Events

(P) Support of other Veterans orientated Motorcycle events.

Major Rallies -

Not until next year

ut-of-State Events

Not until next year

Your voice

Thank you for voting in November

Intel watch

http://www.terrorism.com/

http://www.acus.org/

http://www.csis.org/about/programs/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/slideshow/page/0,,2021829,00.html

Motorcycle Safety

Many of us will be working on our motorcycles out in the garage over the winter. Please make sure you follow good safety practices. If the manual says, disconnect the battery they have a good reason. Check your safety glasses, wear gloves and be careful with chemicals. Gasoline fumes are a fire hazard and other chemicals can do permanent damage to sensitive tissue like your eyes. Make sure you have a way to wash your eyes pout and a first aid kit and fire extinguisher. Get the right tool for the job and ask for help if it requires two people. Fork and shock springs have enough force to make a hole in the garage wall when let loose (don’t ask how I know this one). Use approved containers and make sure the garage is ventilated so you have lots of fresh air. Do not run an engine in an enclosed space the exhaust fumes can kill you. If you are not the mechanical type have the dealer pick the bike up and let them service it and store it for you.

Military Motorcycle Trivia and Treasures

Most of us would love the opportunity to own a Vincent or original Indian Motorcycle, both of these companies made legendary machines. It might interest you to know that the Australians trained AA gun crews using drones that were powered by Vincent V-twin engines. I wonder what one might find in the remains of a drone or two in the outback.

During WW-II Harley and Indian competed for military motorcycle contracts and Indian shipped a large number of bikes over to Europe, one of these ships was sunk and records are not too clear on exactly where the ship went down, some reports indicate in deep water off the coast of France. I can imagine someday a salvage team will bring 1000 Indians packed in cosmoline back to the surface. Motorcycles have a heritage of serving military forces around the world since their inception.

Commanders Corner

I know a few members like me are getting closer to that magic age of retirement. You might find this website helpful. http://analyzenow.com/ I’m in your corner.

Highlights From the Minutes of Last Month’s Meeting

The Chapter Meeting held November 14^th @ post 1, with ~32 members in attendance. Good information was exchanged as usual.

The following people have volunteered for new positions for 2009.

	Bob Swanson: Public Information Officer
	Vince Mahoney : Vice Commander
	Kim Mahoney: Road Captain
	Joe Haugen: Road Captain
	Eric Sorensen: Road Captain
	Mike Noyes: Road Captain
	Dean Giese: Chaplain

Other officer changes

Bob Benson will remain Sgt at Arms, he has retired from Road Captain duties.

Pass-The-Word

Our next Omaha ALR Chapter meeting: We will stage at 1 PM at the Bellevue IHOP at Hwy 75 and Cornhusker for a short ride / drive to the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home to drop off our Christmas gift bags. Everyone can contribute to these gifts, the Veterans bus takes them into town for shopping so pick up a prepaid cash card for Hy-Vee or Wal-Mart and drop it in a bag. We will leave the ENVH and return to Post 1 for our monthly meeting. After the meeting we will have our Holiday dinner together this will be a pot luck at Post 1. Linda Benson is bringing a turkey. If your last name starts with the letters A-G plan to bring something like a salad, If you are H-P bring something like meat or veggies, If you are P-Z plan to bring some desert or rolls. We will have drinks available at the post as usual. If Please bring a potential member and help us grow our Chapter.

Luke 2: 1-20 : Isaiah 9, 2,6,7 : 1 John 4, 7-14

Newsletter Submissions

All submissions for the monthly newsletter should arrive to the Commander / Vice Commander by the ALR meeting date of the month prior. Email works best.

CHAPTER OFFICER CONTACT INFORMATION

Commander – Clayton Hollister, c# 210-3723, duc900rider@yahoo.com

Vice Commander – Vince Mahoney vinspark@tconl.com

Secretary - Linda Benson blindabenson@aol.com

Treasurer – Doc Holiday, docps2@cox.net

Chaplains – Paul Johnson, Glen Leapley; Dean Giese

SGT at Arms - Bob Benson blindabenson@aol.com

Road Captains – Mike Heilig, sledmstr@gmail.com; ,Art Cudney, ac62612@alltel.net;

Vince and Kim Mahoney, vinspark@tconl.com, Joe Haugen, Mike Noyes, Eric Sorensen

Historian - Kim Mahoney vinspark@tconl.com

Public Information Officer –Bob Swanson, # home 572-1917 cell 630-5632 swansoro@msn.com

Commander Clay ALR- Omaha

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, DECEMBER 4th, 2008

We are all on standby for Capt Yellscas funeral. This will be our first priority and I expect short notice.

These are the other events we are trying to support.

December 4th -Tonight Post 1 Gizzards and Wings night. Or all you can eat Chicken Pot Pie mix over rice for $7 - 4:30 - 6:30 PM (No pancakes)

Every Friday Post 1 Food Nights with dancing afterwards 5th , 12th, 19th, 26th. 5:30 -11 PM

December 5th Friday - Meet @ the Millard post at 1:00 PM Millard WW II Honor flight event at the Millard West HS. make sure you rsvp with Tom Kellog tomkellogg@cox.net.

December 6th Saturday - Homeless Veterans Stand Down at the Mancuso Civic Center from 9AM - Noon. Meet at Post 1 @ 08:30 - This is an opportuntiy for these veterans to get free medical checks blood pressure diabetes etc, personal hygiene needs addressed like toenail trims and clothing or other needed goods. You may be honored with a request to help one of them as they go through the process as a guide.

Saturday December 6th - Military Appreciation Night- Qwest center 7:05 PM show your membership card for a free upper bowl ticket (You might want to see if you can use it for parking) - The Mavericks take on the Nanooks (I think the hockey team will beat the snot out of the basket ball guys) and the evening includes a jersey auction with proceeds benefitting the Nebraska Troop Support and the Bryan McDonough Military Heros Foundation.

Sunday December 7th - Pearl Harbor Memorial event 2 PM Harrah's Casino Hotel Lobby Meet at Post 1 @ 1 PM

Gov. Dave Heineman reminded Nebraskans to fly their flags at half-staff in observance of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on Sunday, December 7.

"Lowering the flag each year on December 7 ensures that we remember the victims and honor the heroes of that fateful day," Gov. Heineman said. "May we always remember their sacrifice and the sacrifices of all those in uniform that carry on that legacy of service and bravery in their duties today."

Congress has designated Dec. 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, and President George W. Bush signed a proclamation ordering flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide.

Saturday - December 13th - The Wreaths Across America Organization invited the PGR to the event and requested that they supply the name of a Veteran to lay the POW/MIA wreath. Scott recommended me and of course I have accepted this honor. Meet at Post 1 at 10:00 am we will drive/ ride? to Forest Lawn @ 10:30 for the ceremony at 11:00, they are expecting a large crowd and they will not have any tents for cover this year so dress warm, cages welcome. I remember about a foot of snow was on the ground last year.

December 20th Saturday - Meet at the Bellevue IHOP at 1PM (Note time change) - We will deliver our Christmas packages to the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home, Return to Post 1 for our monthly meeting and have early dinner together. (Pot Luck).

December 25th Thursday - Christmas get together for early dinner Meet at Noon at Post 1 ride / drive to the China Buffet Dodge and 114th - Far rar rar ra ra rar rar ra - You have heard of Chinese New Year - so why not Chinese Christmas.

December 31st Wednesday - Post 1 New years Eve Party, RSVP before December.

Airmen Should Monitor Records

Week of December 01, 2008

The Selection Board Secretariat is reminding Airmen to stay vigilant in maintaining their records. Oftentimes, a senior NCO's personal involvement and due diligence are key to correcting a record prior to an evaluation board. Instructions for how to review and access records are posted on the enlisted promotions page at AFPC's "Ask" website. This review is an important tool for NCOs to ensure the information in the selection folder is correct. If you have any questions regarding the NCO promotion selection process, contact the Air Force Personnel Center 's 24-hour Contact Center at 800-616-3775 or visit the AFPC "Ask" website and search for "promotion."

Find more Air Force news on Military.com.

Wow only 21 days to Christmas and finally a few days off for vacation, we have a lot going on and time is really flying by. Be careful riding /driving out there we have some light snow and patch ice on the roads.

Commander Clay

402-210-3723

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, November 25th, 2008

All,

Wow we have a lot of things happening as the weather grows colder.

If you have a Bell Ringing Assignment for the Salvation ARMY at Dillon Brothers on Maple make sure you check in with Bob Swanson to confirm. I expect he will be sending out the schedule or reminders.

Please remember that we will need extra things to add to the Veterans gift bags next month. A gift card for Hy-Vee so they can get breakfast when the bus takes them shopping and the simple things like a book of stamps, a jigsaw puzzle, a magnifying glass, paper and pencils, grooming supplies, hankies, etc. These guys are on fixed incomes so a little extra can really make their day. We have 10 Christmas helpers working hard to get things ready please help them add a few extra things.

Wednesday tomorrow morning at 8 am at the VA to help sort clothing items for the homeless veterans stand down coming next month, work up a good appetite because:

Wednesday tomorrow night is the Millard Post (annual I'm keeping mine) NUT FRY. 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Thursday if you would like to come out and have an early Thanksgiving dinner, meet us at Post 1 @ 1 PM, we will ride / drive to the Cracker barrel off Hwy 80 at Hwy 50. for dinner around 2 PM. We have 6 or 7 people going so please join in. This is also the night that Omaha lights up the park in the festival of lights downtown, plan to get there early.

Nov 29th Saturday - Many of you know I have been looking for ways that we could support the Marines Toys for Tots program in Omaha. By chance I had my new car in for service at Peformance Toyota off Hwy 80 at Harrison and in the showroom they have a pickup truck with Marines posters all over it for Toys for Tots and the bed is filling with toys but it is not heaped up like it should be. I asked around but no one seemed to know who had worked with the Marines to get things coordinated. I would like to get together this Saturday if you are in town at Post 1 @ 2 PM to ride and drive over to the dealership with some toys. Remember these kids are not all 5 years old some are teenagers. This should keep us in the warmest part of the day and I think it will be around 40 degrees. I think I have Bell ringing duty at Dillon Brothers that morning but hope to be able to make it.

December 6th Saturday - Homeless Veterans Stand Down at the
Mancuso Civic Center from 9 - Noon. Stage at Post 1 @ 08:30 - This is an
opportuntiy for these veterans to get free medical checks blood pressure
diabetes etc, personal hygiene needs addressed like toenail trims and
clothing or other needed goods. You may be honored with a request to help
one of them as they go through the process as a guide.

December 13th Saturday - Wreaths Across America at Forest Lawn -
Stage at Post 1 @ 10 AM

December 20th Saturday - Stage at the Bellevue IHOP at Noon - Take
Christmas packages to the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home, Return to
Post 1 for our monthly meeting and then have early dinner together.
(possible Pot Luck)

December 25th Thursday - Christmas get together for early dinner
Stage at Noon at Post 1 ride / drive to the China Buffet Dodge and 114th -
Far rar rar ra ra rar rar ra - You have heard of Chinese New Year - so why not Chinese Christmas.

December 31st Wednesday - Post 1 New years Eve Party, RSVP before

December.

I hope you all have a great and safe Thanksgiving Holiday, May your team win and your turkey be plentiful.

Thank you for all you do.

Commander Clay

All, I hope you will be able to come out on Sunday to pay your respect to this Veteran and his family. Please plan to stage at the Krispy Kreme Doughnut shop in Bellevue at 09:30 AM plan to roll out at 10 am.

All,

I apologize and hope you will all get this in time.

The Veterans funeral in Bellevue is tomorrow (Saturday)

See you TOMORROW for doughnuts and coffee.

Clay

Vietnam & Gulf War Veteran CMSGT Joseph Citro Jr, USAF (RET) 68

** This is a PGR event **

CMSGT Citro was an Aircraft Mechanic who worked on everything from the B-52 to the B-1 and the B-2. When he retired he was in charge of personnel and manning for SAC and worked out of SAC headquarters. He was proud to have served and proud of his country. Preceded by wife of 42 years, Kathleen, who passed 3 years ago.

DATE: Saturday, November 22, 2008

TIME of service: 11am

Riders will form an Honor line flanking the front door 45 minutes prior to the service.

LOCATION: Heafey-Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, Bellevue Memorial Chapel

22nd and Hancock, Bellevue, Nebraska 402-291-5000

It looks like the 110th Medical unit homecoming will happen Monday or Tuesday, it will also be a short notice event.

Sincerely

Commander Clay - Omaha ALR

402-210-3723



	*FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, November 20th, 2008*

All,

I am sad to report the passing of Jim Turners mother this week. We have sent a sympathy card and plant - Thanks Doc.

Big Mike Brookover is back home and sends word that he appreciates our get well wishes. His throat is sore so he can't talk a lot right now.

We have information from an AMVet rider from Iowa that a rider named Andy Trautman (Sounds like Trout Man) has been admitted to the ICU at Vets hospital, The sender indicated this person was one of our ALR riders from a while back and that he usually drove a car to events. It's possible that the sender meant the rider was a Veteran or he might have his riding groups mixed up. I am checking with other riding groups in case it is one of theirs and they are not aware. If anyone knows Andy please send me a reply or get in touch with Terry Bruner.

**(P) Mike Johnson, Homeless Coordinator for the VA, could use 4-6 guys to help sort donated clothing for the Stand Down ready. The Stand Down is the day the homeless Veterans can get items they need. I am hopeful some of you can help Mike out.

This sorting will be done Wed. Nov. 26, 2008 at the VA at 8 AM.

The stand down is scheduled for December 6th from 9-Noon

Anyone who can help, please e-mail Trish1849@hotmail.com

Please remember food night at Post 1 Fridays

Satruday night the Ceresco post is serving a Windsor pork chop dinner 5-7 PM but you need to RSVP Arnie ae01645@ALLTEL.net

It looks like the weather this weekend will be sunny to partly cloiudy and almost 50 on Sunday, If you haven't cleaned the gutters on your house, trimmed the trees, or need to catch up on your things to do list this is the weekend. If you have family coming over for Thanksgiving you will have a bunch of things to do. It's a good time to clean the bike up and do the maintenance. We have no planned rides or events this weekend but next week looks like it will get busy.

Next week we are looking at the 110th medical unit homecoming and the possibility of a Veterans funeral both could happen on Tuesday or Wednesday. Throw in sorting the clothes for the Stand Down on Wednesday morning and we have three priority events that could happen on the same day. I'm hoping they will not all be scheduled on the same day. Once the details are known I will use our normal priority order to work out where we are needed. Officer input is always considered.

Next Thursday is Thanksgiving - Michele and I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and hope some of you will join us for early dinner. We will stage at post 1 @ 1PM and ride/drive to the Cracker Barrel off Hwy 50 for an early dinner around 2 PM. We have no family here so the more the merrier.

I have heard about a report that the State Police had some complaints about the riders that attended the Scottsbluff funeral for Adrian Robles ignoring the traffic signals. This is a second time that something like this has been noted this year. It seems the State Troopers have a concern and I want to make sure you know the ALR does not advise us to break the traffic laws. This gets complex and just like helmet laws has some controversy as some feel that it is safer to keep the pack rolling. Some states have laws that allow for this in a vague way (parades) or use of licensed road guard companies like we saw at the Freemont toy run. It might come to the day when motorcycle riders need to hire a road guard company or risk getting tickets.

Sincerely

Commander Clay

402-210-3723

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, November 16th, 2008

All:

A big thanks to Post 1 for helping us out when our November meeting location needed to change at the last minute.

Jim Turners Mother is very ill, I am asking the Chaplains to contact the members that are sick in the hospital.

Our annual elections were conducted at the meeting on the 14th.

Your officers for 2009 are

Commander – Clayton Hollister

Vice Commander – Vince Mahoney

Treasurer - Doc Holiday

Secretary - Linda Benson

SGT at Arms - Bob Benson

Chaplains - Paul Johnson – Glen Leapley – (New Chaplain- Dean Giese)

Ride Captains - Art Cudney – Mike Helig – Vince Mahoney – Kim Mahoney – Eric Sorensen – Mike Noyes – Joe Haugen

Historian - Kim Mahoney

Public Information Officer - Bob Swanson

These members have stepped up for the organization , please congratulate and thank them for their service.

Reminders:

Nov 17th Monday - Golden Corral restaraunts offer free meals to Veterans, I think we have three in Omaha and one in C.B. Pick the one you like and try to get there by 5;30, expect to wait in line. I expect that most of the members live closer to Bellevue and plan to be at that location, Cornhusker just off Hwy 75

Nov 18th Tuesday- WW-II Honor flight at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center 72nd and Grover in Omaha - 5:30 PM receiving line at the door dinner at 6 PM. make sure you let Chuck Fattig know if you are staying for dinner. so they can make sure they have enough. cfattig@aol.com

Nov 22nd Satruday - If you plan on going to the Ceresco Legion Post for dinner (8$ Pork chops & fixins) on the 22nd, please E-mail Arnie if you will be attending. His Post would like to get a head count so they know how much extra chow to prepare.

Please respond to: ae01645@ALLTEL.net

November 26th Wednesday - Millard Post 374 Nut Fry 5;30PM - 7:30 PM I think its $8 - Testicles and other food for the sqeamish

November 27th - Thursday Thanksgiving get together for early dinner at the Cracker Barrel Post 1 @ 1 PM - ride or drive to Cracker Barrel Hwy 50.

December 6th Saturday - Homeless Veterans Stand Down at the Mancuso Civic Center from 9- Noon. Stage at Post 1 @ 08:30 - This is an opportuntiy for these veterans to get free medical checks blood pressure diabetes etc, personal hygiene needs addressed like toenail trims and clothing or other needed goods. You may be asked to volunteer to help one of them as they go through the process as a guide.

December 13th Saturday - Wreaths Across America at Forest Lawn - Stage at Post 1 @ 10 AM

December 20th Saturday - Stage at the Bellevue IHOP at Noon - Take Christmas packages to the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home, Return to Post 1 for our monthly meeting and then have early dinner together. (possible Pot Luck)

December 25th Thursday - Christmas get together for early dinner Stage at Noon at Post 1 ride / drive to the China Buffet Dodge and 114th - Far rar rar ra ra rar rar ra

December 31st Wednesday - Post 1 New years Eve Party, RSVP before December.

If you have a motorcycle that you want to enter in the Lincoln ABATE motorcycle show in the ALR exhibit next February please make sure you contact Chuck Fattig ASAP. They have categories for just about any type of motorcycle you can come up with. One guy last year had a rat bike with the egine hidden in a junk pile under a washtub.

Remember Post 1 food on Wednesday and Friday evenings, many nights with dancing

Louisville Post has Bingo on tusday nights and food on Firday and Saturday

Millard Post 374 has lunch and dinner several days a week.

South Omaha Post 331 usually has Steak dinners on the second Saturday of the Month

Here are a couple of interesting links

http://www.andiesisle.com/If-I-Die-Before-You-Wake.html

This one is awesome for travel needs

http://www.google.com/goog411/

Thank you for your support; our chapter is growing each month, I'm looking forward to a great 2009.

Commander Clay

402-210-3723

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, November 15th, 2008

ALL: Please make your plans to attend the Heartland Honor Flight # 5 pre-flight dinner at 6:00 PM on Tuesday November 18th at the Holiday Inn 3321 South 72nd street Street, in Omaha. This will be the last flight until May of next year.

Please send Chuck Fattig an e-mail cfattig@aol.com if you plan to attend and if you will stay for dinner with the Veterans.

Commander Clay - Omaha ALR

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, November 13th, 2008

All,

Please be advised our meeting tomorrow night will now be held at Post 1

(7811 Davenport Street, 1 block north of Dodge and 78th street)

Same times 5;30 for dinner, food is available

The meeting will be held downstairs starting at 7 PM

Thank you

Commander Clay

402-210-3723

From Bob Swanson on Wednesday, November 5th, 2008

All: Veteran's Day is an opportunity for everyone, including me, to say thanks to all the veterans, past and present. I say thanks because it's the veterans who have given us over 230 years of the freedoms we enjoy every day. All of us are free to go where we please, do and say what we want and we cross our state borders without showing any kind of id. While our lives are regulated by laws, I am sure you all agree that we have it pretty nice in America. These freedoms are brought to you courtesy of your veterans.

I want all of you to know that I am proud to be associated with you and I thank you for your service to our country.

Omaha Post 1, for years has been involved in a Veteran's Day Ceremony held at Memorial Park at 5700 Dodge Street. This Ceremony is shared with the VFW Post 10, and

Vietnam Vet's # 279.

Tuesday, 11/11 @ 1100, veterans will again be honored at Memorial Park. This year, the main speaker is Vice Admiral Mauney, Deputy Commander of Stratcom. Patriotic Patriotic music will be provided by the Elkhorn Ridge Middle School, the National Anthem will be sung by Dave Webber, and Colors will be escorted by the Omaha Mounted Police. Weather permitting, there will be a fly-over and perhaps parachutes bringing the colors.

Following the Ceremony, which will probably last about 1 hour, a light lunch will be served @ Post 1.

Riders should meet and be ready to leave Post 1, 7811 Davenport, @ 0945. I know it is a work day, but every veteran deserves to take this day off! (tell your boss I said it was ok)

This Saturday, 11/8, we are participating in the Veterans Day parade in Council Bluffs. Please meet and be ready to leave Post 1 @ 0815. We will assemble at the Gorilla Car Wash on Broadway in CB and be ready to leave there @ 0900.

Hope to see you on Sat., 11/8 and again on Tuesday, 11/11.

take care, bob swanson

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, November 2nd, 2008

New Law Authorizes Veterans' Salutes during National Anthem

WASHINGTON (Oct. 30, 2008) -- Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month.

"The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation's armed forces," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. "This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation's flag."

The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year's provision also applied to members of the armed forces while not in uniform.

Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization's official head-gear.

The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14.

The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008.

From Bob Swanson on Friday, October 31st, 2008

All: I apologize for the short notice, but I have had three calls this afternoon requesting our help in Weeping Water tomorrow at the funeral service for two of the three kids killed in the car accident last Sunday night.

Tomorrow, Westboro has announced their intentions to be at the Cass Co. Fairgrounds @ 10:15, which is in Weeping Water, and then at the Murdock HS @ 11:30 for the funeral of a second teenager.

They have also announced their intention to be at the funeral on Sat., 11/1, at Murdock HS @ 9:15.

I don't know which service it is, but Julie Synovec is the mother of one of the boys. She is a Sergeant in the Army Reserves, and which is out of Fremont and she has been deployed to Iraq 2 or 3 times. Apparently it is her service that prompts the idiots from Topeka to feel it is necessary that they attend.??

The people in these communities really don't know what to expect with these people and the whole town is nervous and upset. I am told by a lady that works in the school down there that "This had already taken a toll on our little communities and the stress of this has made it much worse." The Cass County Sheriff advised someone down there to get a hold of the American Legion Riders to help and someone had my name, that's how I got called.

It is a short ride down to Weeping Water, so lets meet and be ready to leave the bp station, I-80 and Hwy 50, Exit 440 @ 0830. That's for tomorrow, Friday. On Sat., lets meet @ the same place @ 0730.

I certainly hope some of you can make it, it's a tragedy and these idiots are playing with these small towns just because of the service of one of the mothers. I did give the lady info on the PGR, but I don't think this is the type of event they will be able to help with.

Chuck, I hope you can get a few from Lincoln to help.

call with any questions. bob swanson

572-1917

cell 630-5632

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, October 20th, 2008

Riders,

Time to dust off the Santa hat.

We all know this is going to be a very rough Holiday season for many people. Our efforts last year in the lobby at Dillon brothers H-D on Maple helped the Salvation Army to raise some needed funds to help those in need.

We have been honored with a request to help them again this year. Bob Swanson requested I get this note out with the information.

The Salvation Army has asked the ALR to provide bell ringers for the four Saturdays prior to Christmas.

That means, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, and 12/20.

Ringers will be in place from 1100 to 1500 (11:00 am to 3:00 pm).

It works best to have at least two adults there at the same time, and if we get enough people to step up, it will be two hour shifts. Your kids will have fun helping on this one also.

Please advise Bob Swanson @ swansoro@msn.com asap if you want to help out. The earliest people responding will get first choice on the date and time they want to ring.

Any questions, get in touch with Bob. (Marines remember, you do not have to bring your own bell)

First it was pancakes and now its bells.

Commander Clay

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, October 20th, 2008

Rdiers, this is the note Chuck sent to the Lincoln riders. If you can make it to the Holiday Inn tomorrow night for another great event wit our WW II veterans please repsond to Chuck so he can pass along the headcount information for dinners. I have a new box of dear American hero cards and plan to attend. (Weather could be nasty with some snow flurries, please consider bringing your car - safety first.

Commander Clay

--- On Mon, 10/20/08, Chuck Fattig <cfattig@aol.com> wrote:

From: Chuck Fattig <cfattig@aol.com>
Subject: SHORT NOTICE-HEARTLAND HONOR FLIGHT
To: Mavrck0976@aol.com, jjbrehm@neb.rr.com, bigsweatie@galaxycable.net, oldhippybb@aol.com
Cc: duc900rider@yahoo.com, swansoro@msn.com, tacochran1@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, October 20, 2008, 3:02 PM

ALL: We have been asked to attend the Heartland Honor Flight pre-flight dinner in Omaha on Tuesday evening. (tomorrow) Sorry about the short notice but I only found out the details today.

We will meet up at the gas station 84th and Hwy 6, on Tuesday October 21, at 1500 (3:00 pm), depart at 1515 (3:15 pm). Since it is going to be raining (70% chance) we will be driving up to Omaha in the cars. If you are able to attend, but are unable to meet us at the arranged time, you can still drive up to Omaha and join us later, if you would like.

Please let me know if you will be able to attend this function and if would like to stay and eat with the Vets. The organizers need a head count for the dinner.

Itinerary for pre-flight dinner:

Tuesday, October 21, 2008 1-4pm

Registration for the flight is at Holiday Inn Central, 72nd & I-80, Omaha ,with parking on the south side of the hotel.

6:00 pm

Program and dinner.

The flight to D.C. leaves at 06:30 on Wednesday from Epply.

Chuck Fattig
Director ALR
Post #3
Lincoln, NE.

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, September 10th, 2008

All, we have a lot going on and some new things have popped up.

I hope you can make it to some of these important events.

9/11 - We will not be riding to the parks, We are putting a priority on the Bellevue 9/11 ceremony tomorrow afternoon as we expect the gold star families from Nebraska and Iowa to be there like last years event, Stage at the Bellevue Target parking lot 5:20 PM. Ride to the nearby gas station east of Target to join with the PGR for the ride briefing by 5:30. I will not be able to attend.

9/12 - We are going to be at the Gretna post Friday night around 5;30 PM. Doc has some signs he needs help getting in place so the Romp Riders can find the post. The Gretna post is having a fish fry Friday night. I think from 4 - 7 PM please support the post that is hosting our event.

9/13 - Please make it to the Gretna post at 11:30 if possible, We will need some help getting some signs put up and things arranged.

9/14, Please plan to make it to the Gretna post by 8 a.m. to attend a Bikers Sunday service and the SAL breakfast at 9 a.m. with our ALR members from across the state.

9/15 Meet athe Holiday Inn and conference center 72nd and Grover at 5;30 PM for the Heartland Honor Flight dinner event.

9/16 Meet at the Cracker Barrel off I 80 Lake Manawa exit at 5:30 for a short ride to the new Council Bluffs senior center for another Heartland Honor flight event, I'm not sure how many dinners they will have avaialable. The western iowa chapter should be supporting this.

It looks like the PGR may have a welcome home event for Marines coming uparound the 17th- 25th. Depending on the date it may bump another event, keep your schedule flexible.

9/20 The Bellevue VFW is holding a POW / MIA day event to raise funds for veterans in need. register from Noon-2 and take a ride, then they will have a street dance from 5 PM to Midnight (Note-POW MIA day is the 19th) It also happens to be international talk like a pirate day - avast me matey's watch for the scallywags.

9/28 meet at Dillon brothers HD on Maple at 11:00 am for the ride to the Freemont Wal-Mart for the toy run. This is a toys for tots Marine Corp event, remember to bring a toy, cash donations are also accepted. (some toy runs no longer accept stuffed toys)

October 4^th Saturday Omaha Ironworkers Union Local 21 - 4th Annual Run", Joe Banana's, 10th and Pacific, 11 AM - This is one of the unions that donated to help clean up the Airborne Memorial for us. Letʼs support them in return. Stage at Post 1 @ 10:30 AM

Vice Commander if you could print this out and get it to the Post 1 Commander I would appreciaite it.

Commander Clay

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, September 4th, 2008

Riders

September is a month with a lot of events that relate to veterans causes, I have been working to make sure other local ALR chapters cover some events close to them and we are covering some nearer to us. All in all the ALR will be working together to make sure we support as many as possible. The attached file includes the maps to the events. Please try to make it to as many of these as possible. Remember the National Commanders message in Phoenix was "We are making a difference" I recently started work on my meeting agenda for the State ROMP and looked back at the things we have been doing this year, make no mistake we have made a difference and we have some great opportunities coming up.

ALR Omaha September Ride Staging Info

(P) *** September 6th ABATE Loess Hills Rally at the Mid America race track. $20 pass, drag racing, 9/11 parade lap, poker run, motorcycle rodeo in cooperation with the Western Iowa ALR. Proceeds go to PTSD 15 minutes south of Omaha I-29 exit 35 Glenwood gates open Friday @ 6 PM. Omaha Riders will stage on the 6th at the Cracker barrel in Council Bluffs at 08:00, we will get some breakfast and then ride to Pacific junction (another chance to hit the gravel roads-I’m pretty sure the road to the track is still gravel) to register between 9-11:30 AM.

(P)*** Sunday September 7th WWII Heartland Honor Flight event at the Marina Inn 4th and B street on the river South Sioux City, Nebraska, 4:00 pm –(Note this is an invitation to come and pay our respect to the WW II vets) we will leave by 5:15 PM to ride home before dark and avoid any deer crossing issues in the interest of safety. We will have dinner together once we return to Omaha. : Cathy Mueller 712-577- 8888 Siouxlandhonorflight@gmail.com

Omaha Staging at the C.B. cracker barrel @ 2:00 PM it is a 95 mile ride we will have clutches out at 2:15 PM.

(P) **** Saturday September 13 th – Sunday 14th ALR State ROMP - please try to be at the Gretna post by 11;30 AM on Saturday the 13th to help with any last minute items Doc needs help with.

(P)***** Monday September 15th – WW II Veterans Heartland Honor Flight dinner event We have been honored with an invitation to have our members line the walls of the stage area of the ballroom in the Holiday Inn and Conference Center at 72nd and Grover. We need to arrive there by 5:30PM. The veterans will arrive shortly after and then the organizers have set aside space so 25 people will get to have dinner at a table with a WWII vet between 6 and 8 PM.

(P) Tuesday September 16th WW II Veterans Honor Flight dinner event 6 PM @ the new Council Bluffs senior Citizen Center. The address for the Senior Center is 714 S. Main in C.B. Their dinner is 6 – 8 PM on the 16th. We need to be there by 5:30-6:00 PM

(P)**** September 20th Saturday Bellevue VFW POW /MIA day fundraiser for Veterans in Need. Registration Noon -2 PM, Patriotic pride ride, Street dance at the VFW starts at 5 PM and goes until midnight.$15 per person. I have been assured this money is not going to the VFW it is all going to Veterans in need. Omaha will stage at the Culvers in Papillion 36^th and 370 by the Marcus movie theater at 11:00 AM so we can get an early lunch and then ride to Bellevue..

(P) **** September 28th Sunday Freemont Toy Run Wal-Mart parking lot 1 PM bring a new unwrapped toy. Note some of these do not like stuffed toys for some reason. Omaha will stage at Omaha Dillon Brother HD on Maple at 11:00 AM.

Sincerely

Commander Clay

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, Wednesday August 26th, 2008

After speaking with some of the members that will be attending the National Romp in Marshalltown Iowa at the Post 1 picnic we agreed to move the stage time up to 10 AM this Friday @ Post 1. If you can't get Friday off consider staging after work @ 5:30 PM keep a sharp eye out for deer, or on Saturday morning @ 07:30 all @ Post 1 The ride is 186 miles, with gas stops or food you are looking at 3- 4 hrs depending on speed.

In case you didn't get a chance to book a room in Marshalltown Iowa, new members etc. Our wonderful ALR secretary Linda Benson set a block of rooms up and she still has 3 available. The following is from Linda.

I was so hoping that if you had some time you could put out the word and let our members know that I have 3 room available for the romp this weekend. I can be reached at home every morning from 8:30 till 10:45 am and from 9:30 till 10:30 pm until Thursday evening. The number that I can be reached at is 331-7466. I hope that this helps some of our new member that might not have had a chance to make their reservations early this spring.

I hope you will consider attending they have a lot of activities planned and the national meeting will be informative.

http://legion.org/programs/legionriders/news

Commander Clay

Riders,

Chuck Fattig sent this out.
--- On Mon, 7/14/08, Chuck Fattig <cfattig@aol.com> wrote:

All: As you know, I do not forward E-mails...This one is an exception to that rule.
Semper Fi
Chuck Fattig
Director ALR
Post #3
Lincoln, NE.

A Soldier's Last Words "Hope Rides Alone"

Introduction by Louisa Centanni

SGT. Edmund John Jeffers? last few words were some of the most touching, inspiring and most truthful words spoken since the tragedy of 9/11 - and since our nation went to war.
SGT. Jeffers was a strong soldier and talented writer. He died in Iraq on September 19, 2007. He was a loving husband, brother and son. His service was more than this country could ever grasp, but the least you can do for the man who sacrificed his life for you is listen to what he had to say. Listen up and pay attention. To all of the Cindy Sheehans and Al Frankens of the world. To MSNBC, CNN, NBC, ABC and CBS. To all who call themselves Americans.

Hope Rides Alone
by Eddie Jeffers
I stare out into the darkness from my post, and I watch the city burn to the ground. I smell the familiar smells, I walk through the familiar rubble and I look at the frightened faces that watch me pass down the streets of their neighborhoods.
My nerves hardly rest; my hands are steady on a device that has been given to me from my government for the purpose of taking the lives of others. I sweat and I am tired. My back aches from the loads I carry.
Young American boys look to me to direct them in a manner that will someday allow them to see their families again. And yet, I too, am just a boy. My age not but a few years more than that of the ones I lead. I am stressed, I am scared, and I am paranoid ... because death is everywhere. It waits for me, it calls to me from around street corners and windows. It is always there.
There are the demons that follow me, and tempt me into thoughts and actions that are not my own, but that are necessary for survival.
I've made compromises with my humanity. I am not alone in this. Miles from me are my brethren in this world, who walk in the same streets ... who feel the same things, whether they admit to it or not.
And to think ... I volunteered for this. And I am ignorant to the rest of the world .. or so I thought.
But even thousands of miles away, in Ramadi , Iraq , the cries and screams and complaints of the ungrateful reach me. In a year, I will be thrust back into society from a life and mentality that doesn't fit your average man. And then, I will be alone.
And then, I will walk down the streets of America and see the yellow ribbon stickers on the cars of the same people who compare our President to Hitler, they say they support us, but they really don't and we know it.
I will watch the television and watch the Cindy Sheehans, and the Al Frankens, and the rest of the ignorant sheep of America spout off their mouths about a subject they know nothing about. Freedom for the oppressed doesn't enter their minds.
It is their right, however, and it is a right that is defended by hundreds of thousands of boys and girls scattered across the world, far from home. I use the word boys and girls, because that's what they are. In the Army, the average age of the infantryman is nineteen years old. The average rank of soldiers killed in action is Private First Class.
People like Cindy Sheehan are ignorant. Not just to this war, but to the results of their idiotic ramblings or, at least, I hope they are. They don't realize its effects on this war.
In this war, there are no Geneva Conventions, no cease fires. Medics and Chaplains are not spared from the enemy's brutality because it's against the rules. I can only imagine the horrors a military Chaplain would experience at the hands of the enemy.
The enemy slinks in the shadows and fights a coward's war against us. It is effective though, as many men and women have died since the start of this war. And the memory of their service to America is tainted by the inconsiderate remarks on our nation's news outlets.
And every day, the enemy changes...only now, the enemy is becoming something new. The enemy is transitioning from the Muslim extremists to Americans and the media who hate the military. The enemy is becoming the very people whom we defend with our lives and they do not realize it.
But in denouncing our actions, denouncing our leaders, denouncing the war we live and fight, they are isolating the military from society and they are becoming our enemy.
The Congressional Democrats and peace activists like to toss the word 'quagmire' around and compare this war to Vietnam . In a way they are right, this war is becoming like Vietnam . Not the actual war, but in the isolation of country and military.
America is not a nation at war. They are a nation with its military at war. Like it or not, we are here, some of us for our second, or third times; some even for their fourth and so on. Americans are so concerned now with politics that it is interfering with our war.
Terrorists cut the heads off of American citizens on the Internet. There is no outrage; but an American soldier kills an Iraqi in the midst of battle, and there are investigations, and sometimes soldiers are even jailed for doing their job.
It is absolutely sickening to me to think our country has come to this. Our own press ignore our success stories that we take so much pride in.
Why are we so obsessed with the bad news? Why will people stop at nothing to be against this war, no matter how much evidence of the good we've done is thrown in their face?
When is the last time CNN or MSNBC or CBS reported the opening of schools and hospitals in Iraq ? Or the leaders of terror cells being detained or killed?
It's all happening, but people will not let up their hatred of Bush. They will ignore the good news, because it just might show people that Bush was right. This is the only time in history where the media has destroyed a President during a war with the biased reporting.
America has lost its will to fight. It has lost its will to defend what is right and just in the world. It has forgotten what we stand for, "FREEDOM FOR ALL!"
The crazy thing of it all is that the American people have not even been asked to sacrifice a single thing. It's not like World War Two, where people rationed food, and turned in cars to be made into metal for tanks.
The American people have not been asked to sacrifice anything. Unless you are in the military or the family member of a service member, it's life as usual. The war doesn't affect you. But it affects us.
And when it is over, and the troops come home, and they try to piece together what's left of them after their service...where will the detractors who claim to be supporters be then?
Where will the Cindy Sheehans be to comfort and talk to soldiers and help them sort out the last couple years of their lives, most of which have been spent dodging death and wading through the deaths of their friends?
They will be where they always are, somewhere far away, where the horrors of the world can't touch them. Somewhere where they can complain about things they will never experience in their lifetime; things that the young men and women of America have willingly taken upon their shoulders.
We are the hope of the Iraqi people. They want what everyone else wants in life: safety, security, somewhere to call home. They want a country that is safe to raise their children in. Not a place where their children will be abducted, raped and murdered if they do not comply with the terrorists' demand. They want to live on, rebuild and prosper. And America has given them the opportunity, but only if we stay true to the cause, and see it to its end. Where is our American support now?
The country must unite in this endeavor. We cannot place the burden on our military alone.
We must all stand up and fight, whether in uniform or not. And supporting us is more than sticking yellow ribbon stickers on your cars. It's supporting our President, our troops and our cause.
Right now, the burden is all on the American soldiers. Right now, hope rides alone.
But it can change, it must change. Because there is only failure and darkness ahead for us as a country and as a people if it doesn't.
Let's stop all the political nonsense; let's stop all the bickering; let's stop all the bad news; and let's stand and fight for freedom for all! As of now, hope rides alone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eddie's father, David Jeffers, writes: 'I'm not sure how many letters or articles you've ever read from the genre of 'News from the Front,'but this is one of the best I've ever read, including all of America 's wars. As I was reading this, I forgot that it was my son who had written it. My emotions range from great pride to great sorrow, knowing that my little boy, (22 years old,) has become this man.

He is my hero!
'God bless.'
Though Eddie is no longer with us, you can help to let his voice be heard by sharing his message.
God help us if we don't take time to listen!

```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

As Legionaires I'm sure the words and thoughts above will be familiar to many of you. Most of you had the same feelings while standing your ground on a foriegn shore. It felt that the people you were fighting for didn't care. At that young age it is easy to feel like you and yours are alone in the world so far from home. The important thing is that when the time came you stood your ground and fought for something the people there could not yet understand -- freedom. They called it an unconventional war the media putting a label on something ugly to hide it. I apologoize if it brings back thoughts you would rather forget. Many of you felt the impact of the war protesters back home, the speed of media today brings it to the front lines. I'm happy to say today most of the younger generation will ask Cindy who? her media blitz had it's run and faded. He was right just putting a yellow ribbon magnet on your car is not enough; people need to get involved. As veterans we need to show them how and give them the opportunity.
This message shows us why it is so important that these young soldiers get to know their fellow veterans. I wish this young man had known hope does not ride alone today. Actions speak louder than words.

Hope rides with the American Legion / Riders suppporting the families of the troops and veterans causes.

Hope rides with the Patriot Guard Riders showing respect and showing the next generation the proper way to honor their heroes and veterans.

Hope rides in the hearts of the law enforcement officers that volunteer thier time to make our motorcycle events safe.

Hope rides in the hearts of the people that are going to the airports around the country to show the troops they care. They are making an effort to be there out of respect. One retired person started that effort and it has grown.

Hope rides in the hearts of those that volunteer at the DAV/ USO/ and other fine organizations working to support our troops.

Hope rides in every home or business that proudly displays the American Flag and honors this great nation. Do you shop at a store that does not?

Hope rides in the heart of every patriotic American that volunteers time or money to help the troops or veterans causes.

Hope rides in every one of the care packages sent to the troops. (South Omaha Post 331 sent 230 this weekend)

Hope rides in each of the letters written by the children in the local schools sent to the troops, (two in every care package sent by post 331 this weekend).

Hope rides in the hearts of the businesses and business owners that donated so freely for the soldiers causes.

Hope rides in the heart of the farmer that lost his son or daughter to the war on terroism, they have their entire community on their side. We get to see them all lining the roads with their flags waving wildly as the long lines of motorcycle riders come to pay respect.

Hope rides in the hearts of the union workers that donated to have the graffitti cleaned off the airborne veterans monument.

Hope rides in every dollar collected for the legacy scholarship fund for the children of our fallen heroes in the war on terror.

Pray for our troops it's all about them or we would have no US.

Commander Clay-American Legion Riders-Omaha, NE

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, TUESDAY , JULY 8TH, 2008

"ALR members: The hand cycling event in the 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games will be held on Sat., July 26. The race starts @ 0830 (8:30 am), and they have asked us to help with traffic control. OPD will be on hand at the major intersections, and road barriers will be in place at all intersections. They would like us to be stationed next to the barriers to help in the event that someone needs to move through them and to explain to anyone who questions them about what is taking place.

OPD will brief us @ about 0745 to explain our duties so we should meet in front of the Quest Center by 0730."

More info as it becomes available.

Clayton Hollister

Commander American Legion Riders

Omaha, NE

Post 1

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, TUESDAY , JULY 8TH, 2008

Omaha Post 1 ALR Meeting Agenda

Correction ---**Sunday July 13^th 2008

7:30 AM – 08;30 at the Just in Thyme restaurant

84^th at Park drive, in the shopping center beside the Chrome Lounge

Breakfast Buffet in the back meeting room starts at 07:00 am ~ $6

1. Pledge of Allegiance

2. Opening prayer

3. Introductions. Welcome new members. Guests

4. Secretaries report

5. Doc’s Treasury. Report

6. Old Business –

	July 4^th – Congratulations Norfolk Chapter – Grand Marshal Prize of the year
	July 7^th WWII vets escort
	July 12^th 10 am Post 32 strongman
	July 12^th Post 331 care packages 12-5

7. New Business

	July 13^th Visit the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home 09:00-09:30 , 84^th-80 east -75 south-west on Capehart.
	July 13^th Wind and Fire Run 10:00 registration Omaha Central Fire Station, 1516 Jackson
	July 25^th-28^th Disabled Veterans Wheelchair games – The info as we have it.
	August 9^th TAPS run Offut riders and CVA for families of troops killed in the war on terror.
	Legacy run –August 17-21st
	National romp -August 29-31st
	State Romp – September 13-14th

	Adding new members and growing
	How far is too far? Poker run in Grand Island is coming up.
	Other new business

8. Next meeting Sunday August 10^th time and location TBD- possibly Post 30 North Omaha. 1817 N 33rd St , Omaha , NE 68111 -4107, United States (Map) 1 block south of Blondo Phone: (402) 556-2221

9. Closing prayer

CHAPTER OFFICER CONTACT INFORMATION

Commander – Clayton Hollister, c# 210-3723, duc900rider@yahoo.com

Vice Commander –– Bob Swanson, # home 572-1917 cell 630-5632 swansoro@msn.com

Secretary - Linda Benson blindabenson@aol.com

Treasurer – Doc Holiday , docps2@cox.net

Historian Kim “Princess” Mahoney vinspark@tconl.com

SGT at Arms Bob Benson blindabenson@aol.com

Chaplains – Paul Johnson, Glen Leapley; Dennis Edwards

Road Captains –Vince Mahoney, vinspark@tconl.com, Art Cudney, ac62612@alltel.net,

Bob Benson blindabenson@aol.com, Mike Heilig, sledmstr@gmail.com

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, SUNDAY , JUNE 15TH, 2008

Riders,

Several things have happened and I have shed many tears. I can not go into all of the details at this time.

We are going to ride to West Point tomorrow. Our mission has changed to a different mode than you might normally associate with these events.

In respect of the Boy Scouts of America and the families we will not be near the church the funeral or the area that the protesters may be in.

Instead we will simply place our motorcycles spaced 10 - 100 ft apart on the sides of the roads coming into town and stand by them so that the family and friends on their way to the funeral know we cared. I hope they will feel they are surrounded by love and respect. (If they call me tomorrow and wish the riders to come into town and support them I will contact people to pass the word to make this happen).

This will take the media spotlight away from the uglies and it will remove any potential impact we may have had on the services. During my conversations with the BSA national spokesperson Darren Smith he felt having the riders away from the service in a ready reserve would be acceptable. No one called to indicate if we could or could not be near the Uglies but they did express concern over this. I belive that if one of our officers were to speak with the family an invitation would be extended they have been shielded by the organization as you might expect.

I suggest the local riders meet at Dillon Brothers in Omaha at 10:00 and leave by 10:30. Plan to meet at the corner of 275 and Hwy 32 just south of town by Noon. I'm hopeful this is a gas station corner if not meet in the nearest gas station or large parking lot close to the corner, look for the bikes. The bikes should not be closer than 1 mile to the church where the services are being held. The bikes and riders should not leave until 2 PM. The riders should assume a position showing respect as you will not know which vehicle contains people attending the funeral, skylarking will be at a minimum. Some may want to stand so that their patch can be seen as drivers approach. Police your area do not leave a bunch of butts in someones driveway. It should be better than when you got there when you leave. I'm told the local veterans club is having a struggle if it is open I suggest you stop in and spend some time.

Make sure you do not put yourselves in harms way, make sure you are not blocking any portion of a lane and do not break any laws. Use a store parking lot or ride up on the grass over the curb, ask people if you can use their driveway, I bet a lot of people will be out on the side of the road for this one, bring your flags.

I invite the PGR members to join us as fellow Nebraska / Iowa residents that support the Boy Scouts of America and bring their flags; if they have no other missions planned. If we should get called to rid e in and support I suggest the PGR could remain on the sides of the road to avoid anyone having issues about it looking like a mission. Evil wins when brave men turn their backs and do nothing.

I was writing a note to our chaplains when I had this idea they must have us on their radar. "If you can't win the game; use God's help to change the rules"

I will be working on what we will do Tuesday tomorrow. Apologies for the late note.

Sincerely

Clayton Hollister
ALR Commander
Post 1 Omaha, NE
402-210-3723

From Bob Swanson on , June 10th, 2008

All: Just a reminder, tonight @ 1830 (6:30 PM) we will have flag retirement ceremony @ Post 1, 7811 Davenport. This is the proper disposal of flags which have served their purpose and are being retired with honor.

All are welcome to attend.

By the way, for those of you attending the funeral tomorrow morning, I plan to be @ the Village Inn for breakfast @ 0800.

take care, bob swanson

From Bob Swanson on Sunday, June 6th, 2008

All:

DON'T FORGET next Sat. June 14, 2008, is the ALR poker run. This event is to raise funds for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. You all know, that is for the children of the brave men and women in uniform who have lost their life since 9/11.

Even if you can't make the ride, you can be a part of this fundraiser and help.

ALL members are asked to solicit donations of items from businesses to use as raffle prizes or any high end items will be auctioned. Anything you come up with that you can't bring with you on Sat., can be dropped off @ Post 1, 7811 Davenport. See Alice or Candy @ the bar and tell them it is for the Legion Riders.

Sign up is between 10 & 11 am on Sat., @ Werner Cycle in Omaha. Both Lincoln and Omaha riders will end up at the Ashland Legion Post, which is at 1541 Silver St.

Because of some concerns about the price of gas, if someone doesn't want to ride the route, but wants to help support the cause, they can come out to Werner Cycle during registration, buy in and draw your first card, then come out to the Ashland Legion Post that afternoon @ 4 pm and draw their other cards. We will have a 50/50 and raffle prizes drawn in Ashland also.

Any questions, please contact me, Clay (Clay is out of town this week) or Vince.

take care, bob swanson

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, MAY 23rd, 2008

Riders,

Happy Memorial Day weekend

I would like to thank the riders that have supported
the WWII veterans escorts PGR events this week. I
understand Terry Bruner and those who helped did a
great job on the flags. BZ guys.

If you are going to be in town we have a lot of great
events to support this weekend. I'm hoping we get the
weather to stay nice for our events. I'm still getting
parts for both bikes so I am keeping my fingers
crossed that I will have one of the bikes back
together before Memorial Day on Monday.

Tomorrow we ride with the Lincoln Chapter, Omaha
riders atge at the Flying J at 11:00 and ride to meet
at Lee's Chicken 340 West Van Dorn in Lincoln,
registration is at noon. I will not be able to make
this but I will plan to make it down for the event at
memorial gardens and the concert. (I'm hoping that I
will be installing the rear fender and wiring the
lights on the chopper by then). This will be our
priority event for the day as it beneifts the many
children of our fallen heroes.

The PGR is also in action this weekend doing a welcome
home for a young soldier at Eppley airfield.

STAGE DATE:   Saturday   May 24, 2008
STAGE TIME:   2pm               RIDERS MEETING: 2:30pm
     CLUTCHES OUT: 2:45pm

STAGE LOCATION: The first parking lot North of Locust
Street on the West Side of Abbott Drive.

And don't forget to meet at Post 09:00 Monday for our
ride to the Memorial Day event.

Clayton Hollister
Commander ALR
Post 1 Omaha, NE
402-210-3723

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, MAY 12th, 2008

Omaha Post 1 ALR Meeting Agenda

Friday May 16^th 2008

6:00 P.M. at South Omaha Melting Pot Post 331

4830 So. 21st Street Omaha, Nebraska 68107
(402) 731-5185 – Sandwiches available 5-7 PM

1. Pledge of Allegiance

2. Opening prayer

3. Introductions. Welcome to new members. Guests

4. Secretaries report

5. Doc’s Treasury. Report

6. Old Business -

o Springfield SAL

o Wreath Run

o PGR events

o Run for the Son

o Pony Express

o Michael Peterson concerts 20th in Norfolk , 24^th in Lincoln

o June 1^st Poker run Edgar, NE

o June 14^th Omaha / Lincoln Poker Run

o June 18^th-23^rd Moving Vietnam Memorial Wall

o August 29-31^st National Romp Marshalltown Iowa

o September 13 -14^th Nebraska State Romp – Gretna Post

o Other old business

7. New Business

o Feeling overcommitted / under committed?

o Bravo Zulu Caveman and Art rode with the Kansas ALR and President Bush

o Bravo Zulu -Run for the Wall Riders May-14^th – 28^th

o Care packages for the troops

o Alzheimer’s ride on the 31^st

o June 1^st Poker Run Norfolk, NE

o Other new business

8. Next meeting Friday June 13^th 6:00 PM Papillion Post (Good steak or shrimp dinners).

CHAPTER OFFICER CONTACT INFORMATION

Commander – Clayton Hollister, c# 210-3723, duc900rider@yahoo.com

Vice Commander –– Bob Swanson, # home 572-1917 cell 630-5632 swansoro@msn.com

Secretary - Linda Benson blindabenson@aol.com

Treasurer – Doc Holiday, docps2@cox.net

Chaplains – Paul Johnson, Glen Leapley; Dennis Edwards

Road Captains –Vince Mahoney, vinspark@tconl.com,

Art Cudney, ac62612@alltel.net;

Bob Benson blindabenson@aol.com

Mike Heilig, sledmstr@gmail.com

9. Closing prayer

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, MAY 5th, 2008

Riders, Cox channel 1 otherwise known as channel 6
has started news coverage of the Pony express ride.
Vice Commander Swanson sent me the details for our
participation and asked that I get it out to you.

Lets hope for good weather for the riders coming
across the state and stand ready if any of the ALR
from far away chapters needs assitance. I took Friday
off to attend I hope we have a good turnout supporting
this event.

Commander Clay

All: This week is Children's Mental Health Awareness
Week and we have discussed this in the past, NOW IT'S
HERE!

On Thursday, May 8, the riders will be coming from
Norfolk to Omaha.

Those who want to ride up to Norfolk, and then back to
Omaha need to be at Dillon's HD 174th & Maple by 1245
(12:45 pm). Leave there with the Gold Wing Assoc.
@ 1300 (1:00 pm)

Those who are riding up to West Point to meet them on
their way back from Norfolk into Omaha, should meet @
Dillons HD and be ready to leave there @ 1530 (3:30
pm). We will meet up with the Norfolk riders and
return to Omaha @ 1830 (6:30 pm) @All Saints Episcopal
Church, 9320 Blondo St.

On Friday, May 9, meet @ Midlands Hosp. (Southwest of
84th & Hwy 370) @ 0900 (9:00 am). Those of you that
want to meet for breakfast, lets meet @ Cracker Barrel
on the north side of I-80 @ 144th & be ready to leave
there by 0830. (There will be assistance in helping
the Marines tell the difference between helmet liners
and pancakes) From there, there will be an OPD escort
to the 5 main "pick-up" stops in Omaha, arriving @
Miller's Landing (South of the airport on Gallup Drive
on the East side) @1200/noon. Omaha Post 1 Color
Guard will Post Colors followed by speakers, etc. BBQ
sandwiches, beans & potato salad.

That afternoon, Friday, May 9, leave Omaha for Lincoln
@ 1500 (3:00 pm).

Those returning to Omaha that evening, or if you can't
make the ride to Lincoln, there is a Candle Light
Vigil planned @ Miller's Landing @ 1930 (7:30 pm)

On Sat. May 10, there are plans to meet with the
Governor, details not yet announced.

As American Legion members, commitment to the youth in
our communities is one of our primary missions and
these special kids need our help to bring attention to
their situation.

Any ?, contact bob swanson

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, MAY 5th, 2008

Riders, Apologies for the short notice. We were not
sure when this was going to happen. Darryl has invited
people from many of the area motorcycle groups and
clubs.

As the PGR mission statement does not cover veterans
funerals this will not be a PGR mission. I called and
spoke with Scott Knudsen to make sure.

I'm sure individual riders, veterans and people from
other groups including the PGR will ride in honor.

Pretzel is a CMA rider, I am sure they would
appreciate any that may be able to make it. Lets
muster as many members as possible.

I have to work and the way things are going I only
have a slim chance that I can make it.

Please check the details below.

Sincerely

Clayton Hollister
Commander ALR
Post 1 Omaha, NE

This funeral is scheduled for TOMORROW, Tuesday
5-6-2008. Pretzel has
asked that there be a Motorcycle escort to the
cemetary. Once we
arrive at the cemetary a flag line will be assembled.
If you could please
put the call out to all members to honor this veteran
it would greatly
be appreciated.

Rally point will be @ 1400 North end of Crossroads
mall (Sears). I
will have some flags at the cemetary awaiting the
arrival of our veteran.
Please give me a call if you have any questions at
415-7772. I will
do my best to get out any further information.
Please e-mail me with
some idea of how many might be in attendance, this
way I will attempt
and have enough flags for all.

Thanks to all and God Bless,

Darryl Price
CMA Road Captain
PGR Ride Captain

---- darryl.price@cox.net wrote:
> I received a call from a Vietnam Vet tonight. His
name is Preston
"Pretzel" Marshall, he has requested assistance. His
friend, Vietnam
Veteran, Myrond Grady is in Creighton University on
life support and his
family will be removing him tonight. Mr. Grady is a
member of the Omaha
Warriors Society, a Native American organization.
His family has
requested that a Flag line be assembled for his
impending funeral. As soon
as I receive any additional information I will send
it out for widest
dissemination. I will ensure that the flags are
available for use for
this service to honor a fellow veteran.
>
> God Bless,
>
> Darryl Price

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, MAY 2ND, 2008

Omaha Riders,

Please start gathering items for the care packages in
Chuck's notice below. Chuck I have some extra garage
space if needed. Thanks you for spearheading this
effort. I have collected some hotel soap, shampoo,
conditioner items for a cause like this.

Clay

This is Chucks note:

All: We have been asked for help by our Brother Rick
Mills, who is working in Afghanistan to help keep our
troops supplied in the field. He is asking us to send
a list of items that are needed for our troops. (see
list below) I have sent this to the Officers of the
Nebraska and Western Iowa chapters of the ALR and also
to the Nebraska PGR State Captain, Scott Knudsen.
When we can decide on a Shipping date, we can start to
round up these items to ship overseas in a combined
effort of both the ALR and PGR.

I would suggest we hold a packing event for all
organizations to participate in at the American Legion
Post in Gretna NE. They have a big room, centraly
located for all and we could set up an assembly line
operation relatively easy. (Just a suggestion)

These are our fighting men asking for help, let's
answer the call! Please communicate any Ideas you
have on how we should proceed on this Support Project
and if you will be supporting this or not.

Rick, I know that all of us can work together on
pulling off this "ALR and PGR Special Support Project
from Nebraska and Western Iowa" and giving these
troops a little of everything, including hygiene items
for the sailors. LOL

My prayers are with you and all of the troops you
serve with and support. We will be in touch as soon
as we get this off the ground.

Chuck Fattig
Director ALR
Post #3
Lincoln, NE.

-----Original Message-----
From: Rick Mills <rickemills@yahoo.com>
To: chuck fattig <cfattig@aol.com>; Robert Swanson
<swansoro@msn.com>
Sent: Fri, 2 May 2008 12:10 am
Subject: Care packages for soldiers

Gentlemen
Being over here with all our service members I was
going to make a propsal to both groups and if you coul
also pass it along to the Patriot Guard as well
I was want to organize these groups to put together
care packages for our troops over here
Like
Sunscreen
Comic books
Gum
Toothpaste
Cookies
Any snack items
Any hygene items
Letters of suport
Rally pictures
Items to make them have a little of home and know they
are thought of and suported
I can distribute them for the clubs.
Let me know what you all think and decide
Thanks
Semper Fi(it is a Marine thing Bob)
Rick Mills =

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, MAY 2ND, 2008

Riders, Lets plan to support this event tomorrow
evening, this is after the CMA veterans appreciation
day event. We can ride back grab some chow and stop in
to make sure this Marine knows he is appreciated.

Clayton Hollister
Commander ALR
Post1 Omaha, NE

This is the PGR notice.

The Patriot Guard has been invited to join the Douglas
County Sheriff's Department in a send-off party for
Marine Jerry Boganowski leaving on his second tour of
duty in Iraq .

The Jerry Boganowski

'BOOTS ARE OPTIONAL'

American Hero Send-Off Party!!

You and your family are invited & encouraged to attend
a celebration in honor of one of America 's Military
Heroes!

Jerry, a dedicated Deputy Sheriff and United States
Marine, has received his orders and has been called
back into action, and will soon be leaving the
Sheriffs Department, for his 2nd tour of duty in Iraq.
Come help celebrate with Jerry, his family, and his
friends!

When: Saturday, May 03rd

Where: VFW Post 2503, 8904 Military Ave.

Time: 1830 - 2300 (6:30pm - 11:00pm) or whenever they
ask us to leave.

There will be a full cash bar and food will not be
served so you are encouraged to eat prior to your
attendance.

Scott Knudsen

Nebraska State Captain

Patriot Guard Riders

402.680.7598

By Jeniffer Berry of KHAS News in Hastings

4/20/2008) By Jeniffer Berry - It has been four years since Noah Boye was killed fighting in Iraq. Sunday friends and family came together in Grand Island to honor the fallen soldier.

But, they were not alone. Nearly a hundred veterans joined them.

The 75 American Legion Riders came from Omaha, Lincoln, even Columbus and Norfolk to help the Grand Island post remember one of its fallen.

Friends and family say the support and recognition, especially four years after his death, is overwhelming.

"When I saw the seventy plus bikes pull in the parking lot it gave me goosebumps. The hair on my arms was standing up; even in this crazy wind," said Noah's brother Gary King.

"We started in Spalding, and came to Grand Island and we decided we wanted to make another trip to the graves and honor the families once again for what their loved ones did in war," said an American Legion rider.

They drove hundreds of miles to honor fallen soldiers like Noah Boye.

"He was an amazing person, everybody's friend; he did not have a mean bone in his body; a crooked smile with a broken tooth," said King.

Noah died fighting in Iraq four years ago. His family has not forgotten and these veterans have not forgotten either.

"You are riding for those who stood for us, and you know, you gotta pay your respects," said American Legion rider Roger Schleicher.

By laying a wreath...

"The last thing I want is for him or any other service member to be forgotten," King said.

...and bowing their heads in prayer with the family by their side.

"It is hard, it is tough, you get tears in your eyes, but you just hold them back," said American Legion rider Ron Benke.

It was a simple graveside ceremony, but to Noah's family and these bikers it was much more.

"Oh, it is indescribable. It is overwhelming," said Schleicher.

"All these bikes, that rumbling, loud, brm brm brm, just for him, it is amazing," said King.

The American Legion Riders also laid a wreath at Spalding soldier Christopher Pfeifer's grave Sunday.

The riders say they just want to get to as many gravesites as they can to remember those who have died in war.

From Bob Swanson on Tuesday, April 29th, 2008

All: I am sending this to relieve our working Commander.

This Sat., May 3, the CMA is hosting a Veterans Appreciation and Prayer Vigil in Lincoln at the State Capital @ 1500 (3:00 pm). After the ceremony, there will be a dessert bar at the First Baptist Church. This is a fundraiser for the Youth in the church for a mission's trip.

Our Omaha Chapter will meet @ the bp station, Exit 440, South of I-80, and leave there @1130 (ll:30 am). We will meet up with the Lincoln Chapter @ the Perkins, 2900 NW 12th St., Exit 399, @ 1300 (1:00 pm). (As my Marine friends know, Perkins serves pancakes 24/7)

From there, we will follow the lead of the Lincoln Chapter to get us to the Capital in time for the 1500 (3:00 pm) ceremony.

I am sending this to the Papillion Chapter contact also, and hope some of you can join us.

As always, if the weather interferes, please feel free to travel by car/truck/cab/etc.

Any questions?

Bob Swanson

Vice Commander

Omaha ALR

From Bob Swanson on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008

All: I am sending this out for Clay since I know he is traveling to Ohio today for WORK.

Just in case you missed it in this mornings OWH, the Omaha Police Dept. has begun a crackdown on motorcycle helmet compliance. This targeted compliance initiative will run through October.

The fine for wearing a "novelty" helmet is $119.00! The helmet will be confiscated and the rider will not be allowed to continue riding until an approved helmet is obtained.

If you are inclined to wear a "novelty" helmet, leave it at home and make a $119.00 donation to the Legacy Scholarship Fund instead. THANKS!

take care, bob swanson

From Bob Swanson on Friday, April 18th, 2008

All: Commander Clay has previously sent out info on the meeting in Springfield, NE on Monday evening, April 21. He has asked that I send out a reminder and review the specifics.

This is a meeting of the Sons of the American Legion, one of the three members of the Legion family. They are considering a donation to the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund and have invited us to attend their meeting where they will be discussing such a donation. I will be giving a brief talk about the Fund, and showing a short dvd about it, and attempting to answer any questions they might have about it.

This is an opportunity to help raise funds for the Scholarship Fund, and all we need to do is take a nice ride and show up. A good turnout will go a long way in encouraging the SAL to make a donation for this very worthwhile cause. All of us already know why this Scholarship Fund is necessary, and all we have to do is explain it to others.

We will meet at the Flying J, on the South side of I-80, @ Exit 432, and be ready to leave there @ 1900 (7:00 p.m.). (good place to eat if you are so inclined) It is just a short but scenic ride over to Springfield. If it rains, please feel free to drive, it's just important that we have a good showing in support of this cause.

Any questions?

bob swanson

Vice Commander

Omaha ALR

From Bob Swanson on Thursday, April 17th, 2008

Subject: Legion Riders

All: Commander Clay is out of town "working", so he asked me to put this together.

The Norfolk Chapter has made arrangements for a Wreath Ceremony in Spalding, NE., for Sunday, April 20, and they have invited us to join. The Wreath Ceremony is to pay our respect to a fallen hero, Pfc. Christopher Pfeifer who was wounded while in Afghanistan on 8/17/2007, and died on 9/25/2007. He died two days before his daughter, Peyton, was born.

From there, we will ride down to Grand Island to honor Marine Pvt. Noah Boye who was killed in Iraq on 4/13/2004.

Both of these men deserve the respect we pay them with our visit to honor their memory. The Norfolk Chaplain will offer a prayer at each gravesite.

Lets plan to leave @1000 (10:00 am) from the Village Inn Pancake House @ 3839 N. 138th St. (that is 1 blk. north of Maple on 138th). We will travel to Columbus and stop briefly to gas up, and @ the Legion Post there to join up with any Columbus ALR members who can make the ride, and if Lincoln ALR make it there we will join up with them also. We will leave Columbus @ 1200 (12 noon) and go North on Hwy. 81, to the junction @ Hwy. 91 where we will join up with Norfolk ALR @ 1230 (12:30 pm). From there, West to Spalding. for a 1330 (1:30 pm) Wreath Ceremony.

From there, we will head South to GI for a 1500 (3:00 pm) Ceremony, and then home.

Great reason for a ride of just a little over 300 miles. If you can't participate in the entire ride, and decide to return to Omaha after the ceremony in Spaulding, that's certainly acceptable, but give someone a heads up so we don't go looking for you.

Those that plan to get a bite at the Village Inn, should probably be there by 0900 (9:00 am). For my Marine friends, I have checked and they do have Fruit Loops and Sugar Pops.

Right now, they are saying sunny and mid-70s!!! Lets show our support for this event lined up by Norfolk Chapter the way they supported our visit last year up to Pender.

A separate email will be coming at you regarding Monday night in Springfield.

Any questions?

bob swanson

Vice Commander Omaha ALR

572-1917 - home

630-5632 - cell

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, APRIL 2ND, 2008

Riders,

Bob Swanson found this on the news wire, It's great to be a member of an organization that will go to bat for veterans issues.

WASHINGTON (April 1, 2008) - Speaker of The House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi credited The American Legion today for helping create a more responsive Congress on issues pertaining to veterans.

“Thank you for your magnificent leadership in doing justice for veterans,” Pelosi told the approximately 1,000 Legion family members gathered at The American Legion’s 48th Washington Conference. Pelosi’s remarks were delivered during the “Commander’s Call,” a rally in which The American Legion heard from distinguished guests including House Minority Leader John Boehner,VA Secretary James Peake, Sen. Richard Burr, Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and Rep. Chet Edwards.

Pelosi, who was presented with a recognition award from National Commander Marty Conatser for her work in securing an additional $11.8 billion for the VA budget, said that The American Legion has been a valuable resource for educating Congress about veteran issues, “We listened to you,” she said. “You’ve come to Washington to make your voices heard and when you speak we listen. Paying our debt veterans is a priority for us.”

“On the battlefield, we leave no soldier behind,” Pelosi said. “And when they do come home, we leave no veteran behind.”

Edwards was also honored by The American Legion, receiving the Distinguished Public Service Award for his work in the appropriations process. “I am profoundly grateful for this honor. It is one that I will treasure for as long as I live,” Edwards said.

Boehner made the case for victory in Iraq. “There certainly has been a cost to this war and it is a human cost that dwarfs any economic cost,” said the Ohio Republican. “The life of every American soldier is a precious, precious gift - and we have paid that cost dearly, in the form of 4,000 brave American lives. The Americans did not die in vain. They died for freedom. They died to liberate an oppressed people. They died to protect the people of the United States of America against an enemy whose ultimate goal is the destruction of innocent American lives. To suggest America should now abandon the cause or which these 4,000 Americans fought and died - instead of finishing the job and ensuring our troops return on success - shows disrespect for the sacrifices our troops and their families have made for five long years.”

Following the Commander’s Call, hundreds of Legion family members walked the halls of the U.S. Capitol, meeting with their senators and representatives to discuss issues ranging from the Flag Protection Amendment to the VA budget. American Legion recognition awards also went to Sen. Harry Reid, Sen. Robert Byrd and Rep. David Obey for their roles in the fiscal 2008 VA budget.

Clayton Hollister

Commander ALR

Post 1 Omaha,NE

402-210-3723

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, SUNDAY, MARCH 30th, 2008

Riders,

I will be working in Cleveland Ohio for the next 6 weeks and will be home on weekends. I will be checking e-mails in the evenings and may need to ask Vice Commander Swanson if he can answer the ones that require immediate attention.

Things are happening fast for us right now the momentum is increasing so I wanted to get a quick update out to you.

As usual the newsletter will be out on the 1st. I have added a lot of new rides for some very good community causes.

Our next meeting will be held Sunday April 13th at Post 32 in Papillion in the upstairs meeting room at 3:00 P.M. I hope you can make it.

Please plan to support our meeting with the Springfield SAL in April.

This came in from Bob Brophy

I just got a new web site to look up names on the Wall. Best one yet. You can look your guys up anyway you want. I looked up my old unit and we number 285 names in the time we were there. You can look many different ways if interested. It is quite a stroll down memory lane.

this is to share with anyone our guys may enjoy it.

http://go.footnote.com/thewall

We did very well this weekend with two member motorycles entered in the Omaha Qwest World of Wheels custom car and motorcycle show. We had a great location just off a main walkway. I would estimate as many as 15-30 new and a few renewing members could result from this activity and I thank all that were there with us or with us in spirit. We had a similar amount of interest in joining the PGR and sent them to the website to join up. We also took home two best of class awards in a very prestigious show. We met some young soldiers getting ready to deploy, met some local recruiters and found out they have over 100 in the area, please make an effort to find the local recruiters station near you and visit to show your support. Many people also stopped by to thank us for our activity on the airborne monument, for attending thier loved ones funeral and for our service. We heard from many people that they were looking to get involved with a group but they wanted to be part of one that was doing things not just a social group and we met their criteria. Bob Swanson even signed up the guy in the booth next to us. We got the word out on our upcoming events and distributed flyers for the DAV and the Moving memorial wall. We should do this and the Lincoln show again next year with other bikes so let me know if you are interested having your bike displayed.

In case you had not heard our airborne monument story in the newspaper resulted in the local laborers and steamfitters unions and a construction company contributing funds and equipment to remove the graffitti. The stone was stained and needs to be treated with a solvent and then the unit logo's can be repainted on the base. I would appreciate a member checking to see if it has been restored and remind you that when the weather is nice the park makes a great stop.

I am happy to report that Chaplain Dennis Edwards was able to make it down to the Qwest center and spent some time with us in the booth today, he is feeling stronger and thanks everyone for all the support.

Our friends and members in the 530th MP BN have been deployed. Katherine Wood sent word back that a couple of members got held up in Germany with bad weather but she was in theater and it is not too bad. Lets keep them in our prayers for a safe return.

THE AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS OF NORFOLK HAVE MR. PETERSON COMING TO NORFOLK TO HAVE A CONCERT. WE HOPE TO RAISE A LOT OF MONEY FOR HIS AMERICAN LEGACY RUN, THE MONEY WILL GO TO THE CHILDREN THAT HAVE LOST A PARENT IN THE WAR OF IRAQ.

HE WILL BE IN NORFOLK MAY 20TH AT 7 P.M. AT THE JOHNNY CARSON THEATER.

I found out the Norfolk Chapter has 90 members - They have all the help they need and only ask that we attend. That is excellent !!! Please plan to attend the concert.

The Michael Petersen events and concert in Lincoln will also support the legacy fund it looks like it will be held on May 24th. More information in the April newsletter. What could be better than two concerts please plan to attend and support where you can. I expect Mr. Petersen will also be engaged at other area post for speaking or concert events I'll send you the information as it comes in.

Thank you for your service

God Bless

Clayton Hollister
Commander ALR
Post 1 Omaha, NE

402-210-3723 cell

From Bob Swanson on Wednesday, March 25th, 2008

All:

Just a reminder, the Papillion Sons of The American Legion Squadron is holding a fundraiser this Thursday, March 27, at Post 32 in Papillion. The Post is located at 230 W. Lincoln St., (it's about a block west of 84th, next to the park) and they will be serving chili hot dogs (nature's most perfect food) between 1700 (5:00 pm) and 1900 (7:00 pm), a $2.00 donation with all proceeds going to the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.

The Sons organization is a strong supporter of The American Legion, and this is an opportunity to support them. We are grateful to the SAL members and appreciate their membership which is an excellent way to honor the service of your father or grandfather. The beauty of this event is, the funds come back to one of the primary programs of the ALR.

Hope to see a lot of you there Thursday evening, wear your colors.

take care, bob swanson

From Bob Swanson on Friday, March 21st, 2008

Members:

Since our fearless leader is out of town, and can't get to a computer, I am sending this out so everyone can plan their weekend.

Hickman Post # 105 has contacted me and expressed an interest in forming an ALR Chapter at their Post. They have a few riders who are getting together on Sat. Mar. 22, @1400

(2:00 pm) at their Post in Hickman. I will be giving them a brief history of the ALR and the formation of our Chapter, and showing them samples of what we use for apps., bylaws, and brochures. I will also be talking about some of the events we have participated in and have planned for this year, and showing Terry's dvd about events attended by the PGR/ALR. They will certainly have questions, and would really appreciate it if our members would join them on Sat. I think it would be great if we could overwhelm them with attendance by members, and feel it would show them how dedicated we are to the ALR and impress upon them how proud we would be to have them join us.

We will be leaving from the bp station on Hwy 50, south of I-80 @ Exit 440. We will plan to leave there @ 1030 (10:30 am), and ride/drive to Lincoln for lunch @ Lee's Restaurant @ 1940 W. Van Dorn, @ noon. Leave Lee's by 1330 (1:30 pm) for the trip down to Hickman.

At this point in time, it's hard to tell what the weather will be on Sat. Couple TV stations say mid 40s, and the weather channel is indicating the possibility of rain/snow. (both 4 letter words!) Therefore, depending on the weather on Sat., please feel free to choose your mode of transportation. We can work it out at the bp station. It would just be good to have a showing in Hickman and I hope some of the Lincoln members will join us for lunch and the visit to Hickman.

Take care, I look forward to a ride Sat.

bob swanson

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd, 2008

Riders, I have added some new events for this month and updated some of the older ones. Make sure you check your calendars. Lincoln has 4 riders signed up for the Legacy Run this year if you are planning to make this important ride please send Chuck Fattig an e-mail cfattig@aol.com

Just a reminder next weekend we set the clocks ahead. Lets hope we get more days like today soon.

Sincerely.

Clayton Hollister

Commander ALR

Post 1 Omaha, NE

From Bob Swanson on Thursday, January 20th, 2008

All: Just wanted to remind you that we are holding a fundraiser @ Post 1, 7811 Davenport, this Sat. Feb. 23, 12 noon to 7 PM. This is a soup and pie dinner @ $4.00/per, hosted by our Auxiliary Unit 1, with proceeds to the 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games. If you aren't going to Seward or if you get back to Omaha in time, I hope you will stop in.

Regarding the Wheelchair Games, we still need volunteers to help with the motorcycle escort when the vets come into town, and to the various sites of events while they are here. In order to be a part of it, you need to fill out a volunteer application. They can be found @ wheelchairgames.org. Please fill one out and either mail it to me @ Bob Swanson 9718 Jaynes St. Omaha, NE. 68134, or bring it to our next meeting. They have to be turned in by April 1.

Any questions, please contact me.

take care, bob swanson

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd, 2008

District Two Abate Show

Bikes start laoding in on Thursday

We will need some help Friday loading bikes in and getting the banners and such put up.

I have one person for Saturday morning. until 2:00 p.m. I hope some more people can make it the event we want it to be.

http://www.abateofne.com/district2events.htm

Feb 15th Friday 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Feb 16th Sat 09:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Feb 17th Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

ALR members please take note of this date, we are fortunate that it will not interfere with our other rides and that we can support it and drum up some support for our ride the following weekend. (Clay is referring to the Yellow Ribbon Run)

Also, Click on the address below and get a handle on the dates in and around Omaha, Lincoln and other cities also the Motorcycle Clubs.

details on http://www.omahabiker.com/

Sincerely

Commander Clay

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd, 2008

The February Newsletter is out and is sent to our members. As it is quite large, anyone who is not a member can join the American Legion Riders at the Abate Show this month in Lincoln at the Lancaster Events Center on Feb. 15th, 16th, and 17th.

This month we need some volunteers to step forward and help with the Lincoln bike show, it is easy duty. Come down see the bikes, meet nice people hand out flyers and applications to join us. Let me know what dates and times you can support. We will have a 100 x 100 ft booth with 20 bikes on display everything from a Rat to a Sportbike. This show has been getting bigger every year. Lets help the Lincoln chapter out and show our appreciation for their effort to get this set up. .

Clayton Hollister

Commander ALR

Post 1 Omaha, NE

402-210-3723

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, SUNDAY, JANUARY 21st, 2008

ALR Members,

The Vietnam Moving Wall Memorial is coming to Nebraska this year.

I am proud to tell you we have been contacted and asked if the ALR would escort it from Council Bluffs to Elkhorn and to stand guard at the Reichmuth Funeral Home on West Maple Road in Elkhorn. We have of course accepted this honor on your behalf.

The organizers are aware of the ALR being founders of the PGR and have asked that we coordinate to include them in this honor. We have agreed to this request and I understand a DVD will be played with music and pictures of PGR events. We may be able to also get Terry's DVD in play and possibly to go on the tour.

I am gathering information, the dates are still flexible as the schedule is being created for the other stops. Right now expect either June 16th or 18th for the escort with the wall being on display until the 21st or 23rd then it will get taken apart and loaded on the truck that afternoon so it is ready for it's next stop. I belive we will be required to stand guard duty each night while it is on display. We will have the oportuntiy to attend planning meetings and get more specific details.

We have a lot of activities in the planning stage right now, my time is limited by work and Bob is busy with the wheelchair games effort. Doc is working on the Romp and the ride captains are involved in everything. This event requires an escort and overnight guard duties. I need a person to step in and take charge of this special project and a few volunteers for this special honor guard that can help coordinate to make sure this is done right. If you have past experience with this memorial your help is needed and will be greatly appreciated on this team.

Let me know if you can help

Thank you for your service

God Bless

Clayton Hollister

Commander American Legion Riders

Post 1 Omaha, NE

402- 210-3723

FROM CLAYTON HOLLISTER, COMMANDER, SUNDAY, JANUARY 20TH, 2008

For those that were not able to make our meeting Saturday or if you have not been aware our ALR / PGR Chaplain Dennis Edwards cancer came back last fall he was diagnosed with stage II Leukemia estimated at 25%, His first chemotherapy treatment left him weak and they did not have O negative blood in supply so they gave him A+ blood components and he had a bad reaction. He was in the hospital December 26th with pnuemonia and they had found an infection. They took care of that and when he was healthy enough they tested him and found he still had 10% cancer cells so another round of chemotherapy was ordered. This time thanks to the combined ALR/PGR efforts to give a pint of blood he was able to get two pints of much needed O negative blood. Dennis was home recovering when I spoke to him about 10 days ago, yesterday we received word that he had a relapse (see below). We have received a request From Cliff and Pam Leach representing the PGR to help Dennis and Shirley Edwards with some financial assitance. The Omaha ALR Post 1 is sending another $100 from the general fund. I know Motorcycle riders have big hearts and dig deep for their own, I hope you will consider making additional contributions or send a card if possible and please keep Dennis and Shirely in your prayers. Let them know we got their back during this difficult time in their life.

Corinthians 4:2

“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”

May the trust given to us; by our faithful acts to help those in need; bless us all.

God Bless.

Clayton Hollister ALR Post 1 Omaha

CALL FOR HELP

FOR

DENNIS EDWARDS

( CHAPLIN FOR THE PGR)

JANUARY 19,2008

   I have just been contacted by Shirley Edwards tonight, and was told that she almost lost Dennis at the hospital on Wed night. They had to perform CPR to get him going again. They transported to Midlands hospital for testing, and found what was to be believed a blood infection
   His blood count is down to 0, so he is back in isolation again at the VA, they have discovered some type of infection in his blood, which is making it hard to combat the infection.
   As of tonight, he is resting comfortably, and God only knows what lies in store for him.
I have cleared it through Scott, the new State Captain to ask for the PGR riders to all come together and help where we can. As of right now, Shirley and Dennis could use some financial help. I know this comes shortly behind the donation for the Harris family, but they need what you find in your heart to offer them.
   I have volunteered to receive the monies, and pass them along to Dennis and his wife Shirley. Please keep in mind that he has a tough road to hoe here, and could take some time. Please join with me and Pam in helping them both out.

Please send any donations to:
Cliff Leach
646 South 215^th St
Elkhorn Nebraska, 68022

REVISED Final Itinerary – 530^th Send off - Omaha NE

The 530^th Army Reserve, Military Police Battalion is being deployed January 19^th & 20^th, 2008.

The Patriot Guard Riders will be honoring our soldiers with flag lines at the Saturday send off ceremony and another flag line at Omaha’s Eppley Air Field on Sunday. There will be no escort with this mission.

PART 1

WHEN: SATURDAY, January 19^th, 2008

This ceremony has become a major event with over 1000 attendees expected. Dress warmly. It will be cold! We will be able to wait inside during the ceremony.

WHE WHERE: STAGE: Bellevue Christian Center, 1400 Harvel Road, Bellevue, NE

Please note the location change from the Offutt Theater on South 25^th Street

TIME: STAGE: 1:30pm

The Soldiers and their families are arriving at the BELLEVUE CHRISTIAN CENTER early in the morning. The actual ceremony is schedule to start at 1pm and will end anytime after 2pm. The Patriot Guard Riders have been asked to form a flag line as the soldiers and other attendees LEAVE the BCC at the conclusion of the ceremony.

PART 2 (Part 2 has not changed)

WHEN: SUNDAY, January 20^th, 2008

WHERE: STAGE: Eppley Air field, Terminal A, (south) upper level

TIMES: STAGE: 0600; 0700; 1000, 1430 (6am, 7am, 10am, 2:30pm)

Stage times are set approximately one hour before the 4 separate commercial departures.

We will be permitted to have a maximum of Ten (10) Patriot Guard Riders for the inside flag line starting at the top of Concourse A (south) ramp.

Patriot Guard Riders are encouraged to come and go as your schedules permit. Flags will be available in the staging area for the alternating 10 person flag line.

Limited free parking is available on the West side of Abbott drive in the two small parking lots.

Please monitor the postings under WELCOME HOME RIDES/HELP ON THE HOMEFRONT RIDES at www.patriotguard.org

RIDE CAPTAIN: Tom Mimms 402-659-6278 t1934@cox.net

ASSNT RIDE CAPTAIN: Hugh Schuett 402-290-9168 bigdadyz@gmail.com

Scott Knudsen

NE/PGR/SC

From Bob Swanson on Thursday, January 3rd, 2008

All: Well, as you know, it's expected to be in the high 40's on Sunday. Mike Heilig, one of our "where am I" Road Captains has come up with the idea that we should get together and some will want to ride. Commander Clay has signed off on a first ever ALR Post 1 Polar Bear Ride/drive. This is not to be confused with the annual Birthday Suit Ride which some of you have been asking about. (Time and date to be determined)

Meet @ Post 1, @ 1100, Sunday, 1/6, bikes or cars/pickups, rented mules (for my Army friends), etc., and take a short ride to lunch. Perhaps the Sam and Louie's pizza shop, NE corner of 370 & 6 in Gretna. Great people getting together for great pizza ... gotta love this country.

Take care, bob swanson

From Bob Swanson on Saturday, December 22nd, 2007

All: In case you missed it, money has been raised which will enable the 110th Medical Battalion to come home for Christmas. They were in Ft. Lewis, WA. waiting for deployment to Iraq for a year. Training was halted for two weeks and Ft Lewis is closing for that two weeks so they would not have had a place to go.

Since military rules prevented the National Guard from flying them back, the cost of transportation was to be paid by the individuals. Now, following an effort by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, and a $24,000.00 donation by Mr. Roy Dinsdale, former chairman of Pinnacle Bank, they can pay their own way, and get reimbursed for it.

Thanks to all who donated to make this possible for these brave men and women.

Merry Christmas!

Commander Clay

Bob Swanson

American Legion Riders

All please give a warm welcome to our newest member Ronald Chartier.

Your proud efforts in supporting the values and goals of the American Legion and the American Legion Riders have been noticed. I am pleased to tell you our membership continues to grow every month. Your spirit of americanism and volunteerism is appreciated greatly.

Commander Clay

402-210-3723

From Bob Swanson on Tuesday, December 19th, 2007

All: I am forwarding this info from the State Chamber of Commerce FYI. Anyone that can make a contribution, you know it will be appreciated. Anyone that has an in with a company that might participate, I am sure there is an opportunity for some super pr here. These are Nebraska troops who will soon be deployed in harms way.

I spoke with Mr. Kennedy of the State Chamber, a veteran himself, and he assured me that the money does not have to be received in the fund before they can come home on their own nickel, but in order for them to be reimbursed, the fund will need money. On the outside chance that there is an excess, it will stay with the NGA for use by Guard members who need financial assistance during their service.

Sending $10.00 or $20.00, is a great way to help our brothers and sisters in uniform have a Merry Christmas.

Any questions, get in touch.

Bob Swanson

American Legion Riders

Omaha Chapter

402-572-1917

From Bob Swanson on Tuesday, December 10th, 2007

ALL: Some of you have contacted me about bell ringing for the Salvation Army. Although we are covered for the assignment at Dillons, if you want to get involved, here is an excellent opportunity. (don't forget the Wreaths Across American event and the meeting on 12/15 though) If you sign up and go ring, wear your ALR patch if you have one. If those of you who previously signed up to ring at Dillons have any questions about when you are on, contact me.

take care, bob swanson

From Bob Swanson on Monday, December 9th, 2007

Members as you know one of our prayer warriors has been battling his cancer again, when one of us is down all of us have their back.

Chaplain Dennis Edwards has reported in, after 6 rounds of chemo he is home recuperating.

Please send get well cards to

Dennis Edwards

907 Jewell Rd.

Bellevue, NE 68005

They will do a bone bio in 15 days to see where things are. This is the crucial stage where they see if they need to replace the marrow. The chemo pretty much has to be flushed from his system with new blood in a couple of weeks. If you have his blood type O negative and plan to donate please call the American Red Cross donation center and tell them you are donating for Dennis Edwards in the Omaha VA hospital Oncology unit 7th floor east. Also tell them if the blood is needed for someone else it can be used. The Red Cross donation center at 3838 Dewey off 42 nd will need to set up an appointment with an oncologist to check to see if your blood is a good match. Call 341-2723. **Note some Red Cross offices are not set up to receive blood donations, call ahead to be sure.

If you are also considering donating bone marrow you can check this link

http://www.marrow.org/HELP/Join_the_Donor_Registry/Join_in_Person/US_Donor_Centers/dc_list_by_state.pl

Or get in touch with this contact information

National Marrow Donor Program at Omaha and Tulsa Area
P.O. Box 540760
Omaha, NE 68154-0760
(402) 341-3659
(888) 814-8605

The testing for a matching donor can be done with a cotton swab DNA test. The web site has a lot of good information. I suggest you register as you may be able to save a life.

Dennis and Shirley send their thanks.

P.S.

I would like to extend and ivitation to those that could not join us at the Millard post for the veterans home shopping list party this past weekend. We had a great time and even learned a bit about the U.K. across the pond. we were reminded that they must drive on the right side of the road as they started it before us. :>)

Members can still help us by purchasing gift cards at Wal-Mart and Hy-Vee. This gives the veterans a little extra pocket money to buy their needed items when the bus takes them shopping. Just bring them to the meeting on the 15th and we will put them in the gift bags.

The gift bags will be delivered on the 16th.

I look forward to seeing you all at the Wreaths Across America event at Forest Lawn and at the meeting at the Golden Corral on the 15th.

Commander Clay

From Bob Swanson on Monday, December 9th, 2007

All: Commander Clay has asked me to forward the following info:

We appreciate all those that are supporting the bell ringing for the Salvation Army collection at Dillon Brothers and the members that met at the Millard Post to purchase gifts for the veterans.

Upcoming events:

Sat. 12/15

Wreaths Across America event at Forest Lawn Cemetery @ 1100. Plan to be there by 1045 at the latest. Meet at the office parking lot just where you enter the cemetery off of Mormon Bridge Rd. The address is 7909 Mormon Bridge Rd. It is about 1/2 mile south of the 48th Street exit off of I-680. (48th Street becomes Mormon Bridge Rd. If you take Sorenson Parkway, it is about 1/2 mile north of Sorenson Parkway on 56th Street.

Great event, hope everyone can make it. Watch some of the videos on their site, http://www.wreaths-across-america.org/video.html.

There was a great article about the program in the current VFW magazine..

Monthly meeting and Christmas/Holiday dinner @ Bellevue Golden Corral 1600 to 1800

(4:00 pm to 6:00 pm) Please come out and join us, we chose this location as many of the members live near this area. All you can eat home style food and our monthly meeting to close out the year. MAP BELOW

Commander Clay

Golden Corral

local.yahoo.com

(402) 293-5696
1511 Gregg Rd W
Bellevue, NE

Thanks Clay

December 2007 NEWSLETTER

From Your New Commander

Riders,

Thank you; I am honored to serve you and by your faith in me. "It’s not just a job it’s an adventure". I remember hearing that one before.

As my first order of business let me wish you the happiest of Holidays and thank all of you for your support and efforts this past year. Note several positions have new names associated with them. I have some big shoes to fill and I am grateful to have the support of my cabinet and members at large. I am proud to be a member of this organization and to have you as my patriotic brothers and sisters. I am happy to welcome several new members and to see some other legion posts that are starting new ALR chapters. We will work to support and honor our military Reserve Active and Veterans, maintain what we have built so far, support our new chapters, raise funds, and increase our membership in the coming year. If you have not paid your annual dues please get them to Doc we are dropping people off the e-mail distribution that have not renewed. Remember if you are active duty we gladly pay your dues.

In the By-Laws my job description reads.

Commander: Will serve as Chief Administrative Officer of the Association and will preside over all meetings. He shall have general supervision over the affairs of the Association. He shall perform such other duties as directed by the general membership. The Commander may appoint, as needed, individuals to fill vacant positions and other positions not specifically addressed in the By-Laws.

You can direct me to perform duties the members deem appropriate. I do not plan to make a lot of changes, I think we have a good system the way it is. Our best people built the foundation we stand on now. I have to thank Bob Swanson for handling several items as I get up to speed and for being patient with me; I had a lot of questions this past month or so and his knowledge and guidance on the issues that I face for you has been invaluable. Bob asked me if I really wanted to send a bulletin as it requires a lot of preparation. This is not something that gets put together in a day and I hope to continue it each month. I hope you find it to be a valuable resource. I am writing drafts for each month ahead of time. I thank those that have spoken with me about various suggestions and other topics. I believe in leading by example, good communications and working smarter not harder. I have a lot of ideas and some of those may take hold, I will not take the credit for your ideas.

I would like to thank those that volunteered for various task during the year. While I know many of you would not seek the attention; I have to thank our appointed positions people for doing a wonderful job allowing us to benefit from their time and talents.

This is the end of the year it is a time to get away from work; enjoy our family and friends. We can also reflect on the things that we accomplished in the ALR during 2007. You deserve to take pride in those accomplishments. We often get as much or more back than we invest our time to respect a fallen soldier or in events that support our veterans. It means a lot to the family and friends when we make the effort to attend the events. We should consider the lessons learned this year and carry them into the New Year. I have been impressed by the pride, competence and professional approach I have witnessed in the group this past year. Working as a team we can achieve things that could not be done individually. I simply ask that you take an interest and contribute what time you can to our efforts. This is not just a social riding club, we can make a difference.

I appreciate suggestions and I want the critical comments as well. That is how I will learn to meet your expectations. I hope you never leave a meeting or event angry with me or any other member as that hurts the team.

It will take me some time to learn every member’s name. Names are my weakness; I have to spend time with you a few times. In one five year period I worked with 15,000 clients globally. That’s enough to make it hard to remember someone you don’t see every day.

I promise to do my best to represent you and the organization. I have been busy since the first day of my new position with projects for you and the ALR. I am hopeful we can get more media coverage as that may encourage membership. I found a creative volunteer (Michaels daughter, in college getting a marketing and advertising degree) and worked on getting us a free www.Myspace.com, web page that we can use to recruit new members. I really want to pursue marketing ourselves in new ways. The soldiers in Iraq can get on the internet from time to time and the younger generation is connected at the hip to the web. I would like to start the New Year with this up and running. Then we can add to the page and later we could also create a www.Facebook.com, www.Bikerworlds.com and other similar free web pages. One thing we will need is some pictures of our events and members enjoying the ride so I am putting our appointed historian Princess on notice so she can start picking out the ones she likes the most. As we go forward we will include information for all of the other Nebraska ALR chapters or maybe they will have their own and we can add a link to them. This will help all chapters get new members. We will need a few people to help get this done but once it is up and running I do not expect it to require a lot of maintenance.

I have a job in the real world and often am out of town during the week. I will delegate duties and stand up for you when needed. I will attempt to make all of the meetings when I am in country. Bob Swanson is our Vice Commander and he will take charge for me in my absences. Road captains will lead the rides; the SGT at Arms will keep order etc.

Inspiration

In striving in life to accomplish that one great and noble thing that I might be remembered for I have approached each small task in life in a great and noble way –

Helen Keller.

Welcome Aboard

We have some new members in our ranks and we extend them a warm welcome. Please introduce yourself to these patriots and let them know that you too appreciate their presence and participation. A warm welcome to:

	Scott Knudsen
	Larry Sturch
	Roger Peckenpaugh
	Deborah Peckenpaugh

. We look forward to riding with you.

The Rear View Mirror

As of Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007, at least 3,861 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. The figure includes eight military civilians.

We had a great turnout to support a request to welcome a young Marine home at Eppley Airfield recently. These events are a lot nicer than attending a funeral, you should be very proud. They also give us a chance to show the public and especially young children the right way to do it. I hope everyone that saw us with our flags went home and reflected on how important it is that our troops are protecting our freedom.

Our chapter supported the 25^th anniversary of the Vietnam Wall memorial at a ceremony in November and it turned out to be a special occasion for one of our members. Several Vietnam Veterans were each asked to read a list of 10 names of fallen Vietnam soldiers from Nebraska. Imagine getting your list and seeing a name that you recognize as a friend from so long ago. Tony did a great job of reading his list with this on his mind. The Nebraska State Captain of the PGR Cliff Leach also faced the same issue and also did a fine job. It was a good turnout and it was good to see the support of several local clubs, fire and police departments.

Highlights From Last Month’s Meeting

The Chapter Meeting was held at Sam and Louie’s on Cass Street, We had a great turnout at our November meeting, we had some tasty pizza and a lot of good information was exchanged. I hope you were there as our historian Kim Mahoney did a great job relating the military history and traditions of the challenge coin. Doc had the new ALR challenge coins, pins and patches available. Chaplain Dennis pointed out 1776 soldiers remain missing in action and suspected as being POW’s even today, Bob Swanson pointed out that if you add the numbers in 1776 you get 21 as in 21 gun salute and 21 steps at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

I hope you have been made aware that Dennis needs blood donors with O negative blood. He may also require a bone marrow transplant. If you have this blood type and can donate please join me as a potential donor on both counts. The bone marrow can be a tough one to find a good match. I found out the test for the bone marrow match is a cotton swab DNA check.

A motion was made, seconded and carried to offer new members the opportunity of purchasing a challenge coin for $3 when they join.

The following people were assigned their new positions or held their positions for 2008. Commander: Clay Hollister

Vice Commander: Bob Swanson

Treasurer: Doc Holiday

Secretary: Linda Benson

Sgt. At Arms: Bob Benson

Chaplains: Paul Johnson

Dennis Edwards

Road Captains: Vince Mahoney

Mike Heilig

Art Cudney

Bob Benson

Jim Downey

The Road Ahead

We have worked hard and our work is far from over. The war continues and the terrorist threat while subdued is still present. We continue to lose our fine young troops on foreign soil and have many disabled adding to the rosters. Their families deserve our support and it is up to America to help them. Think about this one, Who is America? We need to convince our fellow Americans that they are America it is our job and it is their job.

Not that they should be our focus; I am sad to say the protest group from the Topeka, KS based Westboro Baptist Church has not stopped protesting after losing their court battle. According to their website they were going to protest a young Army soldier’s funeral in Oklahoma November 10th and at the Vietnam memorial during the 25^th anniversary event in Washington D.C., they have submitted an appeal to the Supreme Court challenging the lower courts ruling. We can only hope these scum do not find a wealthy backer. (Scum – Navy term for lower than Whale Poop). Note they plan to be in Omaha 12/8 to protest a play at a local high school. (Westside High School 87th & Pacific St. from 6:45 – 7:30 p.m.) just in case you have children that go there.

A woman in Washington D.C. has sued the city over the right to own a gun so she can protect her home. Crime is on the rise in most of our cities. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on this and here is the twist. They will be attempting to determine the original intent of our Founding Father when they wrote the second amendment. The wording includes the right for states to have an organized Militia and the right to own and bear arms. If they decide these are linked it would mean you would have to be a member of the militia to own a gun. If they rule they are not linked it would void many gun ownership laws across the country. Keep an eye on this one it will be interesting they might decide to revise the amendment

What really makes me mad, the Holidays are here and I will bet you that we will receive another message from Osama Bin Laden, (please let this one be from his grave). The news will report it, the CIA will work to verify it as authentic and then we will get the message one part at a time. This guy can say anything he wants and it will be repeated all across the world. What ever happened to fair and balanced. Where is the rebuttal, I know you can never win an argument with an idiot so a one on one with him is useless. Are we afraid the extremist Muslim nation will hunt down anyone that says anything? Who is going to step up and issue our view to the world? Maybe it’s because actions speak louder than words and we are already sending a loud message to the world about where we stand. Then again I think a good old patriotic American biker could post a few videos on You tube. They have a lot to learn about freedom over there.

It is a great time to clean your leathers and check for damage on your riding equipment. What year did you buy that helmet does it need to be replaced? A new helmet law will be in effect in North Carolina requiring helmets to meet a new saftey standard Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218, which requires helmets to have a firm inner liner of polystyrene foam that is about one-inch thick. It will probably be introduced in other states as well. Maybe Santa can bring some new boots. I do not want to make new rules we have earned the right to do most anything we need to and we have all the rules we need in the By-Laws.

I found this note on the most important patch or pin we wear on our vest in our by-laws and we should adhere to it. I thank the Papillion post riders for pointing out an issue related to this on my riding vest, I had a pin placed above my flag patch. It has been corrected.

From the ALR By-Laws:

American flag patches when worn shall be oriented and placed on the front or shoulders of the garment at approximately chest-high level but not lower, in accordance with U. S. military guidelines. Additionally, no other patch resembling the flag or any foreign country may be placed on the garment at the same level or higher than the American flag patch.

Veterans Health Issues

Many Veterans remain unaware of the following. Information

A study conducted in 1999, by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and involving 26,000 veterans shows that up to 10% of all veterans in the VHA system tested positive for hepatitis C. "One in 10 US Veterans are infected with HCV", a rate 5 times greater than the 1.8% infection rate of the general population."

Of the total number of persons who were hepatitis C antibody positive, and reported an era of service, 62.7% were noted to be from the Vietnam. The VA hospital system has a special program for this (http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/), it has been reportedly linked to the air gun injection devices as blood was blown back onto the gun and was injected in the next person same effect as sharing needles. I am sad to say that when this trend was first noticed it was thought that it was due to the number of Veterans that had become drug users during and after their service. As time went on the trend was strong enough to mandate additional investigation due to the number of veterans that were not drug users found to be infected. I encourage you to register with the VA if you were given injections using the no needle high pressure air type delivery systems. Remember the "don’t flinch" rule, my uncle flinched and he got and 8" gash in his arm from an air injection. The information above is from this website. (http://www.hcvets.com/).

Hepatitis C can cause liver damage and treatment can put you on the couch for 6 months or more. Please register with your local VA hospital if you received air gun injections.

The Holidays are here and that means travel for many.

That brings up one of my focus points "safety". Being in the Military means we have probably forgotten more about safety than most civilians will ever know. It never hurts to hear it again and some of our younger members may have some updates to our older versions that changed a little with time. It bothers me to hear about a friend that gets hurt needlessly. Please be safe in your Holiday travels.

Safety item to think about

As I mentioned in the November meeting; I have recently learned that the PGR Road Captains have been involved in safety training. I'm sure many of us have been on PGR rides that included close calls or unfortunate accidents. I myself almost hit one of their road captains coming over a blind hill on an entrance ramp. Many of these groups include new riders and people that have never ridden in a pack formation. Last year they had an accident that involved three riders and a car. Riding in large formations is always a challenge. The PGR road captains found out in this training that if road captains are passing the pack on the right shoulder and have an accident the insurance companies will not pay. This is due to the "do not drive on shoulder" laws. Passing a long pack of motorcycles on the left on a two lane road in Nebraska with the hills can be an invitation to disaster unless the pack leaves a gap for the road captain to use until it is safe to advance. Our road captains are responsible for your safety on the road I ask that you respect their instructions. You can discuss riding theories with them later over a beer or soda that you bought for them, not during the ride. If you have a concern or question it is better to ask before the ride.

Deployments

We have some members that are deployed and some that will be deployed soon; we thank them for wearing the uniform and serving their country proudly. Please be safe and stay in touch, let us know when you are coming back so we can welcome you home properly.

Other news

Another year ends and that means change, we are entering an election year and the candidates will be narrowed down to a few. President Bush will be leaving office after serving the nation during one of the most challenging periods in our history. One of the big campaign issues is the help for Veterans. Maybe this war will help see the treatment of Veterans improve. Make sure you get out there and vote. It also means some things will happen on our annual schedule. Things like the American Legacy Scholarship fund drive will be one of our top priorities for the year. This effort has been very successful and I trust that we will continue that trend.

I often work at various job sites around the country and overseas. In my travels this year while in North Carolina in October I met a young man that was stationed on the USS Cole when it was attacked by terrorist. The ship was hit by a missile. Part of the crew was on the chow line and this man was very lucky. He related that when the missile hit the man in front of him was mortally wounded, the 200 men in front of that man all died in an instant and the 17 cooks on the kitchen were all killed as well.

I was in Cleveland in November and my client turned out to be a Silver Star recipient Army Ranger with several purple hearts. I bought him dinner and he related some of the times he had been wounded. Incredible bravery and I would have never known except for a brief conversation about our Veterans Day weekend activities. I gave him one of our challenge coins for a job well done.

My brother David has re-enlisted in the USAF and is stationed at Dover, AFB I believe he will be retiring after this tour with 30 yrs as an E-9.

Our Godson William Arnold is a young Marine and he is back home safe after his second tour in Iraq. Will has re-enlisted and is now in training to become an Embassy guard. Will volunteered to drive bulk fuel trucks on his first tour and was in a security platoon on his second tour.

Please let us know if you have someone in your family or circle of friends you would like mentioned. Forward the information to Bob Swanson, his contact information is at the end of the bulletin.

Those runs, rallies and events listed below with a (P) designation are considered "Priority" events since they further the objectives and endeavors of the ALR, so please try and support them. It’s a busy year.

This Month’s Rides, Rallies and Events

(P) Our Monthly meeting and Christmas/ Holiday meal together. December 15^th. Bellevue Golden Corral 4-6 p.m. This is going to be a big one you do not want to miss it.

(P) We need volunteers for bell ringing at Dillon Brothers on Saturdays for the Salvation Army. Please let Bob Swanson know if you can volunteer for this. As I understand it you will be able to take a time slot on a Saturday. Bob will advise if he has all the staffing needed.

(P) Wreaths Across America Ceremony – Forest Lawn Cemetery – Dec. 15, 1300 (1:00 pm) More details to come as they become available.

(P) Event at/for the residents at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home. More details to come as they become available.

Winter is here riding will be hit or miss depending on weather and road conditions We may be invited to attend PGR events. Please remember it is OK to drive your cage, the main thing is that you are there to pay your respect.

Winter is a great time to start planning for some of the larger events on our 2008 Veteran’s calendars. Are you going to make the run for the wall? The Veterans rally in Colorado, etc.

Don’t forget to support your local shops and dealers, winter is a great time to trade in, have maintenance done and many dealers offer storage. If we don’t support them they will not be there when we need them.

Next Year’s Ride’s, Rallies and Events – (Please get your calendar out and start marking the dates you can support).

(P) 2008 Legacy Run Details as they become available more routes planned.

(P) Lincoln Motorcycle show February 15^th-17^th We will have a display and I am proud that the members to have my chopper there. I need to get busy with the metal polish and wax LOL. I do not have a truck or trailer and I might be out of town, my schedule varies on short notice. Michele will be at the house and knows where the keys are. Caveman has a trailer and lives close to me. So all we need is a few good men Where have we heard that before? Oh and women are welcome to help as well. We need to transport it to the show and back after the show. This is a great opportunity for us to sign up some new members. I’m hoping a chopper will get the attention of some of the younger guys or even the older guys that never grew up. I thinking we should have kind of sign with the ALR info on it. Anyone good with tin and a Mack pin striping brush loaded with one shot out there.

This one is an idea for a just for fun trip - Cassoday, KS Biker breakfast first Sunday of month March to November 254 miles 75 to Topeka then 235 SW to Cassoday pop 75. This one draws thousands from several states. Get there early 06:00 as the breakfast lines get long fast. A nice 500 mile day of riding for those that have to be ready for work Monday. ( I believe past ALR commander Roy Dykes suggested a ride committee and our road captain Mike was on it, Thanks for bringing it to my attention Mike)

Here is another just for fun trip idea - Marquette KS motorcycle museum bikers every 3rd Saturday of each month I think it also a March – November event 264 miles 80 to 81 south of hwy 70 follow signs to Marquette. Another fun 500 mile day or you can spend the night and still be back for work on Monday with no pressure.

Qwest Center Motorcycle show March 28^th-30^th This is another opportunity for us to get some exposure for the group. The chopper will be available so maybe we can round up a few Army mules to carry it down there and back. We could use a nice touring bike as well.

(P) Memorial day event

(P) Veterans Day event

(P) PGR events

Support of other Veterans orientated Motorcycle club events. With total respect.

(P) ALR Memorial Missions

(P) Nebraska ALR ROMP Omaha Post 1 is hosting the Nebraska State Romp for 2008. Last years event was very informational. We are working to nail down the details and Doc could use a hand. We are trying to find the best low cost place to hold the event. If you are interested in being involved in this committee please contact Bob Swanson.

Out-of-State Events

(P) National ALR Romp in Iowa this summer. This is a great opportunity to have a camping expedition. Bob can you fill in the dates and town name, maybe we can get some local hotel info, reservations may be hard to get later.

National Veterans Rally Colorado a few members made it to this event last year and reported it to be a very good event. Several have expressed interest in attending this year.

(P) Run for the Wall, This is the famous ride with routes all across the country. I have not attended this one; I have heard it is a time of rejoicing, sorrow and powerful healing. This is a very organized ride that requires a lot of planning and commitment.

Your ALR Road Captains:

Duties: shall be the logistics person in charge of organized rides of the Chapter. He/she will determine dates, times, routes and meeting places for those taking part in a ride activity. This will include fuel and comfort stops. He/she may, at his/her discretion, appoint assistants or take any other measures he/she may feel necessary to help insure the safety of the group during a ride. Will determine if/when a support vehicle is necessary to insure logistical support and for safety measures. He/she will brief the Commander, ALR, on all finalized routes and times.

Your Sgt. at Arms:

Duties: Shall have charge of the discipline of the Chapter membership at all ALR Chapter functions, meetings, events and rides.

Your Appointed Historian

Kim "Princess" Mahoney has volunteered and been appointed to be our Chapter Historian she is compiling pictures of our runs, events and meetings. Don’t be offended if she has to ask you your name or wants a quote or two. She has done a great job so far and we appreciate her efforts. Such things as this and other pictorially documented events make good PowerPoint® presentations and party entertainment too!

Your Appointed Secretary

Linda Benson has been gracious enough to allow us to coerce her into being the appointed secretary again. She captures the important meeting minutes. You are responsible to make sure she captured your important information. See her after the meeting to check that she got it.

Your voices

It is important that I get your feedback.

I have been made aware of some PGR items that we will talk about at our next meeting. I am aware of several changes that will be announced by the PGR soon. I ask that you help maintain an even keel while they go through this period.
Anything you feel your leadership team should be aware of. Suggestions etc. I do ask that if you have a complaint; you step up as a winner not a whiner. That means you can complain but please propose a solution that you think might be workable.
I’m thinking about having a commander’s dinner every week or two at a different place it will mostly be on the weekends. I will try to give as much notice as my work schedule permits. We need to support our local business owners.

White lining

Defined as when you are going so fast that the dashed white line in the center of the road looks like a solid line. Or as the old hot rod Lincoln song went, telephone poles look like a picket fence. Folks we have a good foundation, the best people and we are shifting to a higher gear this year. I am going to "aim high" (where did I get that from).

Pass-The-Word

Our next ALR Chapter Meeting will be held December 15^th, 2007. At the Golden Corral in Bellevue from 4 – 6 p.m. This will also be our Christmas / Holiday meal together. They request that we all purchase a buffet meal ticket. Lots of good food and it is already prepared. Bring a potential member and help us grow our Chapter.

Newsletter Submissions

All submissions for the monthly newsletter should arrive to the Commander / Vice Commander by the ALR meeting date of the month prior. Email works best.

CHAPTER OFFICER CONTACT INFORMATION

Commander – Clayton Hollister, c# 210-3723, duc900rider@yahoo.com

Vice Commander –– Bob Swanson, # home 572-1917 cell 630-5632 swansoro@msn.com

Secretary - Linda Benson blindabenson@aol.com

Treasurer – Doc Holiday, docps2@cox.net

Chaplains – Paul Johnson, Glen Leapley; Dennis Edwards

Road Captains – Mike Heilig, sledmstr@gmail.com; Art Cudney, ac62612@alltel.net;

Vince Mahoney, vinspark@tconl.com, Bob Benson , Jim Downey

Sgt. at Arms – Bob Benson

In Closing God bless, The United States of America, World Leaders, The American Legion, Our Military Forces and Veterans, Those that may be sick or injured, the children of the world, Family and Friends and Fellow Riders wherever they may be.

From Bob Swanson on Monday, November 26th, 2007

To All Members and fellow Veterans:

We need this to go out to the national American Legion membership and other veterans organizations nationwide. You may be able to help by going to your local hospital to donate.

As many of you know, our Nebraska ALR/PGR Chaplin Dennis Edwards has battled with Leukemia several times in the last few years. He has repeatedly fought back this disease, but is now faced with its return. This is not the type of news anyone would want at this time of the year.

The doctors are telling him that he will need some blood transfusions to replace the "bad" stuff with "new blood". He will most likely need a bone marrow transplant as well.

He is "O" negative whic