The American Legion Riders, Chapter 107 Leeds, Al.
Riding for Children with Cancer

Camp Smile-A-Mile is Alabama’s program for children with cancer. Children who have cancer, their
families as well as young adult survivors can attend this camp. Even children that are still taking
chemotherapy can attend because they are able to receive their treatment at camp. Everyone attends
free of charge. That’s why it’s so important to have fund raisers, such as, the annual Camp Sam
Motorcycle Ride, which we attend.
This year’s ride was on Saturday, June 14. The day started out dismal and rainy and I knew that it would
keep a lot of bikers away, but it didn’t deter our riders. We knew, rain or shine, the campers were
expecting us. The ride started at Barbers Motor Sports Park in Leeds, Al. We had a full police escort from
the Jefferson County Sheriffs Department Motorcycle Unit. Although in years past there were hundreds
of bikes, this year only about 50-60 bikes participated in the ride.
The campers were waiting as we rode into camp. As the horns began to blow and the exhaust pipes
roared to their delight, they started cheering.  Eighty-one beautiful, bald, sick, and healthy children were
waving banners that read “thank you bikers”. Dry eyes were scarce, as emotions flooded everyone. As
we greeted the long line of campers, they gave us “high fives” as we passed out monkeys, which is
Camp Sam’s mascot.
We formed a huge circle and our chaplain, Terry, said a prayer. Then bikers and campers paired up to
have lunch together. They enjoyed sharing their stories, dreams and were not a bit shy about telling you
what their diagnosis is. Such big words’ coming from such small children is heart-wrenching. Although, I
have to admit, I didn’t meet one child that wasn’t optimistic and they all seemed to be having the time of
their lives. Of course, that’s what camp is all about.
This was a very emotional time because some of the campers were neighbors and friends of our riders.  
Sassy, one of our riders, was tickled that she saw her “lunch buddy” from last years ride and that he
remembered her. One the other hand, Lee and I didn’t see ours and I was afraid to ask why she wasn’t
there. Many campers come back year after year, but unfortunately, some don’t survive their illness to
come back.
After lunch most of the children headed to the bikes. As you can imagine, they had to try on gloves,
helmets, hop on the bikes and rev the engines. (and rev and rev) Finally, we all gathered at the open air
stage for the check presentation. The total donations for this day were $30,000.00. I am very proud to say
that our riders raised $9712.00 of this total.
Although Chapter 107 contributes to many different charities at the community, state and national level,
we have made this our primary charity. I’d like to think that I was instrumental in this decision.  You see,
Camp Sam holds a special place in my heart.  In 2000, my son was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma. My family and I attended this camp for 6 years. This is a wonderful organization and they took
care of us when I had absolutely nothing to give in return. Now it’s my turn to take care of them.
Before my son got sick, I had never heard of Camp Smile- A-Mile. Fortunately, thanks to this article, you
have. Don’t wait until it’s your friend, your neighbor or, God forbid, your own child that gets sick. Donate
now. You don’t have to take my word for it. Visit their website, www.campsam.org, and see all the
fantastic things that they do.
Submitted by:
Jamie Levan treas/membership Alabama Post 107
BEST OF THE ALR STORIES
MORE STORIES
American Legion Riders Post 1340 visited the American Legion Children’s Home in
Ponca City , OK on 6 December 2008.

Trip Report
AL Children’s’ Home visit
Saturday, December 6th, 2008
Well, it was pretty cold for this ride so we all caged it up to the American Legion Children’s Home. Once
there, Doug Carter, fresh from Iraq and dressed as Santa Claus, proceeded to visit each of the 4
dormitories. Each child received a Wal-mart gift card valued at $40, a small duffle bag handmade by the
Auxiliary that contained small trinkets and snacks. Santa posed with each child and then again with group
photos with each dorm.
After visiting all 4 dorms, Santa and Post Commander Big Jim Craig presented ALR 1340 gifts to our Post
sponsored child, Terrence. For the trip to the ALCH 6 cages were driven that contained 7 ALR, 6 AUX, and
1 SAL.
The value of the gifts donated was approximately $3,000.
The donations were raised during our annual Dice Run held on 15 November 2008.

Pictures are available at www.alr1340.org/images/2008/alch/ALCH-visit.htm

Wick
Adjutant
American Legion Riders Post 1340 Oklahoma City, OK
Arizona Legion Riders Wall Escort

On 3/11/2009 the AVTT (American Veterans Traveling Tribute, 'The Wall') arrived in Apache Junction, AZ. It
was escorted in by 167 motorcycles from several Veterans Organizations, and an Apache Helicopter(
Flown by an ALR member).

'Cowboy' Bellinger, Director of the American Legion Apache Post 27 Riders, placed a Memorial Wreath at
'The Wall'.

There were also 365 motorcycles that participated in the Honor Ride to 'The Wall' on 3/15/2009.

I have attached two pictures that we would like to have posted if possible.

Thank You,

Roger 'Stinger' Ringer

PS: All 300 pictures can be viewed on the "Photos" page in
http://www.ajlrpost27.org/
Lacey Washington Post 94
Continuing to Grow

The best ALR story is that the ALR continues to grow!  In February of 2009, a few old soldiers, sailors and
fly boys got together and formed the newest chapter of American Legion Riders in the state of
Washington.  Affiliated with R. V. Van Schoick , Lacey Post #94, our initial mission is to establish our
chapter and promote membership. With the support of brothers at Lacey Post #94 our goal will be to
promot the image of the American Legion and all of it's programs, support our local veteran and active
duty population (FT Lewis, McChord AFB, and several major naval installations are nearby) and enhance
the overall image of service oriented motorcycle groups nationwide.  If you see us on the road, give us a
wave.  We're always looking to meet new friends, see new places and put on a few miles.
Submitted by:
Dave Turner
Assistant Director
Lacey Washington Post 94
dst278@comcast.net