Here is a wonderful article about our Legion Riders Sandhill Chapter from the Broken Bow area. As published in the June 12, 2014 Custer County Chief Meet the Freedom riders; Central Nebraskas Hometown Heroes By DEBORAH McCASLIN Chief Executive Editor You hear their roar - colors posted heads held high flags waving sun glasses on. You see them ride proud in the local parades, standing tall beside their bikes as the National Anthem is played, hats off and hands over their hearts, or with the proud salute of one who has served. You see them in the cemeteries at Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Flag Day, honoring what it means to be a citizen of the United States of America, the nation they proudly served, and continue to serve. You see them, you hear them, and riding with each is the memory of their fallen comrades. It is with great pride that Custer Federal State Bank and the Custer County Chief honor The American Legion Riders Central Sandhills Chapter Post 126 as this weeks Hometown Hero. Thank you ALR for your service, and your mission. While formally formed in March 2009 the idea laid its first seed in December 2007 when the tragic news that Mike Doheny had died overseas hit the community. There were threats of anti-military protestors appearing at his funeral and Rod Sonnichsen said no way, not in his hometown, not for one of our fallen heroes. I witnessed this community come together when one of our own residents became a casualty of war and whereas the protesters were coming to protest in our hometown to disrupt and humiliate the remaining living family during their last moments of the funeral. Not in my town! The citizens of the city, county and state came together in such a force, that the protesters bowed out. We won! What a strong group of people!? Rod said. A little over a year later, in Broken Bow, the American Legion Riders Charter was accepted with 20 riders signing on the dotted line. As a program of the American Legion, the organization supports the five Pillars of the American Legion: Americanism, Children & Youth, National Security, Veterans Affairs and Community Service. The American Legion, Deb Sonnichsen points out, is the largest Veterans organization in the world. American Legion Riders consist of members of the American Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion. The Central Sandhills Chapter consists of members from Ansley, Mason City, Ord, Callaway, Comstock, Merna, Arnold, Burwell, Loup City and Sargent. They have one member who is active duty Air Force and three members of the National Guard. The Broken Bow post supports 86 members. What we are not, Deb reminded, is a motorcycle club. We are a program of the American Legion. They raise money for the American Legion Legacy Fund which provides scholarship dollars for the children of those military members killed in action since 911. Through their presence in the parades they help raise awareness of patriotism. And when one of our youth is heading off for military duty, they form a flag line of support and say a prayer they return home safely. They have a job to do. I can state that this is the strongest behind the lines group of people that I have experienced within my familys 12 moves, said Rod. Even though some might not agree because they have not witnessed the East/West or abroad, I am more than sure they would return after their experience. Rod went on to explain the mission, and how very, very important this mission is to him, his wife Deb, and to the other ALR members. Why do we ride? because the United States is one of the few countries that has free-to travel roads without check points and interrogation of why you are traveling that particular road. We ride to escort deploying troops so they have confidence that we support their efforts for the reason of freedom. We ride to escort the troops back home because of their efforts to protect the country, and to forever stop the scenario of what returning Vietnam era soldiers went through during their return. We ride for the youth programs to help and assist them in the values and education because they will be tomorrows leaders that will determine free or not free in the future. We ride also simply because we are still able to do so, but once you witness a ride whereas the families along the street and highway have assembled with their caps off and hands over their hearts, whether it be an escort to or from war, or a casket of a fallen soldier, you will weep behind the sunglasses as you ride just because of witnessing honor of the fallen or the families that cherish freedom. This is why the American Legion Riders were formed. Mr. Doheny accept our salute, said Rod.
Posted on: Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:00:00 +0000
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