American Legion Riders chapter forming in Gallup

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola
Staff writer

GALLUP — Motorcycle enthusiasts who qualify for membership in the American Legion are invited to join a new American Legion Riders chapter forming in Gallup.

American Legion Post 8 of Gallup will host a potluck installation ceremony at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Sports Page/Super Bowl, located at 1400 S. Second St. The ceremony will celebrate the installation of American Legion Riders Chapter 16 and the installation of the organization’s officers.

According to Jose Cordova Muñoz, the incoming president of the Gallup Riders, the local American Legion is actively recruiting more veterans and their family members to join the American Legion, the American Legion Riders, the Sons of the American Legion, and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Any veteran who served in the armed forces during a time of military conflict is eligible to join the American Legion, Muñoz said. Men who have an eligible father or grandfather can join the Sons of the American Legion, and women with an eligible father or grandfather can join the Auxiliary.

Motorcycle enthusiasts of all three organizations can join the American Legion Riders, he explained.

Incoming officers include Muñoz as president, Danny Unale as vice president, Tom Payton as treasurer, Bill Martinez as sergeant-at-arms, and Mike Touchine at road captain. A secretary for the group is needed.

Muñoz said American Legion Riders sponsor poker runs to raise money for local charitable causes, and they participate in national causes like the American Legion Legacy Run and Operation Wounded Warriors. Members become eligible for life insurance programs and assistance with obtaining educational and medical benefits, he added.

Prior to last year’s Christmas holiday season, Muñoz spearheaded a local effort to provide Christmas cards and needed personal items for veterans being treated in hospitals and nursing facilities. He expressed gratitude to the many area schoolchildren who created over 1,200 handmade Christmas cards for the project.

Payton said Gallup’s American Legion Post 8 decided to sponsor an American Legion Riders Chapter because of all the good the organization does for charitable causes nationally and locally. It also provides a camaraderie for veterans who enjoy riding motorcycles, he said.

Muñoz encouraged anyone interested in any of the American Legion groups to attend Saturday’s event.

Because it is a potluck event, participants are asked to bring a potluck dish to share.

Information: Muñoz, (505) 863-9035, (602) 909-8522, jcmunoz1474@msn.com or www.legion.org/programs/legionriders/about