California American Legion Riders Approve Constitution and Bylaws

The next step: To receive approval as a Department – Level program of the Department of California

Fresno, California April 2, 2007- History was made in Fresno, California this weekend when more than 200 members of the American Legion Riders came together to solidify their bond with each other and, most importantly, with the American Legion.

Here in California, the Riders have worked hard to obtain Department-level recognition for the program. 5 years of work culminated in the First Annual American Legion Riders Convention hosted by Post 509 in Fresno.

Post 509 is no stranger to the Riders. The Riders have a strong presence in the Post and has looked forward to hosting the event for some time. The California DEC, recognizing the importance of the Legion Rider program and its goals to support The American Legion, actively supported the formation of the program by appointing an executive (formation) committee and assigning personnel from Department level to oversee the formation. Jim Banakus was appointed as the first President of the fledgling program.

Riders, some traveling as far as 500 miles, began arriving on Friday afternoon to register and prepare for the beginning of the convention. People from all over the state converged on the clubhouse of Post 509 to renew old acquaintances and strike up new ones.

The following day, the Riders got down to business. After opening ceremonies, including the Riders own “POW/MIA Bike” ceremony, the topic quickly turned to the issue of the proposed Constitution and Bylaws. And, as expected, there was some concern over several aspects of the bylaws.

Fortunately, the Department Judge Advocate, Jack Climer, was there to answer all concerns and resolve any issues that might be had. Jack’s presence, Along with Department Adjutant, Bill Siler III, was evidence that the Department was serious about getting the Riders off the ground. If Jack and Bill’s presence was not enough to signal the importance of the issue, certainly the appearance the next day by the Department Commander, Charlie Eskridge, and First Lady, Rosie, would be.

After about 2 hours of discussion, the vote was taken and the Constitution and Bylaws were passed unanimously. The crowd hurrahed as they realized the momentous occasion that was upon them. The afternoon and evening were venues for celebrations of every kind.

The convention’s second day session was prefaced by a hardy breakfast hosted by Post 509. Support for the breakfast was so strong, that the convention start time was delayed to accommodate the long chow lines. Sunday was the first official day of business for the “new” Riders. The convention was addressed by Department Commander, Charlie Eskridge who’s remarks led off with a humbled introduction of the First Lady, a protocol he said he had missed once that weekend already and didn’t plan to repeat. Before business could be transacted though, the conventioneers had the important task of voting for their first Executive Committee.

After nominations and discussions, the Riders set their team, led by Terry Baughman, to the task of preparing for the Department Convention in June. Area Vice-presidents were named.

Department Adjutant Bill Siler conducted the swearing in ceremony as the new ALR Department of California Executive Board and it’s area vice presidents were administered the Oath of Office.

The second day of convention had a few surprises in store for the delegates. Awards were presented to the host post and Jack Climer for their roles in bringing the convention to reality. Cupid not to be outdone by all the excitement of the weekend apparently had struck to the attendees. Fred “Spike” Schau of the 9th District was very pleased to announce that Saturday night he was honored with a “yes” after proposing marriage.

The first, official executive meeting of 2007 was held and initial assignments made by the new ALR President. Sunday also brought farewells and promises that we would see each other again in Palm Springs for the California Department Convention in June. At that time, another milestone is expected to take place when the DEC officially approves the constitution and bylaws and California officially recognizes the Legion Riders as a department-level program.

Here's the info for the 1st ALR Dept. of CA State Convention The convention is scheduled for arrival on Friday, March 30 with registration taking place in the evening at Post 509. Saturday will be a full day of ALR business along with Sunday morning probably until around noon. An agenda has not been set at this time. Besides voting on the ALR Dept. of CA Constitution & Bylaws & other related business, we will also be nominating & voting on the Dept. of CA ALR officers for 2007. Here is the info on the ALR Convention Post: Fresno Federal Post 509 3509 N. 1st St., Fresno, CA 93726 Phone: 559-224-0522 Here is tentative weekend info: Friday night & Saturday morning check-in will be handled by members of ALR Chapter 509 at Post 509 Saturday lunch will be catered with cost very reasonable Transportation can be provided to & from hotels by Post 509 Saturday night spaghetti & meatball dinner & entertainment to be held at Post 509 They are working on possibly providing breakfast both Sat. & Sun.? List of Hotels in immediate area: Host Hotel - Best Western 3110 N. Blackstone 559 226-2110 $59-69 Four Points Sheraton 3737 N. Blackstone 559-226-2200 $105 Motel 6 4245 N. Blackstone 559-221-0800 $50-56 Motel 6 4080 N. Blackstone 559-222-2431 $52-59 Days Inn 4061 N. Blackstone 559-227-4015 $56-59 Water Tree 4141 N. Blackstone 559-222-4445 $76-82 Economy Inn 4290 N. Blackstone 559-227-4015 $55-60 Any questions please get back to me. For God & Country... Jim Banakus, ALR Dept. of CA President

On Thursday Aug. 17th I left with another AL Aux. rider (CA Orcutt Post 534 - District
16) to join with POC Larry Miller in Lancaster for the ride over to Rock Springs,
WY to join in the AL Legacy Run. While coming down a mountain pass heading toward
Santa Barbara her bike went over the side & she impacted some 40' down.

As a result, after several CT Scans they found she suffered 2 fractured vertebrae
in the neck, several fractures in the spine, a broken left elbow, arm fractured in
3 places, ribs fractured in 11 places, her nose sliced open across to each cheek,
wounds on both arms & a bruised liver. She spent 7 days in ICU, 2 days in a regular
room, had 4 different operations & was transferred to a rehabilitation center on
Friday, Aug. 25th.

If anyone would care to contact her the location she is presently at & will be for
several weeks is as follow:

Lammy Johnstone-Kockler
c/o The Rehabilitation Institute at Santa Barbara - Room 408
2415 De La Vina St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93105-3819
(805) 687-7444

District 6 (Sacramento and Yolo Counties) will sponsor a Post-toPost ride on August 20th. The ride is for current ALR members and others who are interested in joining the ALR. The ride will start and end at the VFW Hall, 905 Drever St, W. Sacramento, Ca. We will start riding at 9am and will visit five American Legion Posts in District 6 and have lunch at one of the Posts. Cost: $10.00 per person. For futher information contact: Gino (Road Captain) (916) 285-7883.

On April 16, 2005, We were chartered At Post # 746, District # 2. We started the meeting with "12" souls and finished with "19". As of May 9, 2005, we had "22" souls. We're here to stay, and we recognize Adelanto, as the State Chapter. If interested, please give us a call at the Post, 530-347-7141, and leave a name and number. We'll be happy to get back to you. Take care and God Bless. Always remember to keep your natural eye on the natural road.

On Jan. 4,2005 American Legion Post #746 in Cottonwood, elected to sponsor a chapter of American Legion Riders. Please feel free to contact The Post at 530-347-7141 for any information and please leave a phone number so we can get back to you. Take care and may God Bless.