HUMBOLDT – More than 250 motorcycles are expected to pass through Humboldt, Tennessee on August 22, 2022, as part of The American Legion Legacy Run. This five-day, 1,150-mile, cross-country motorcycle ride raises awareness and funds for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship, which supports the children of fallen military personnel and the children of disabled veterans who served in the post 9/11 era. The Legacy Run is one of the largest and longest organized motorcycle group rides in the United States.
On the morning of the 22nd, the riders will depart from Tupelo, MS, and arrive at the Humboldt State Veterans Home for a lunch stop. Meat for the lunch will be provided and prepared by Tyson Foods, Inc., who just last April opened a new $425 million poultry complex in Humboldt. Water will be provided by Gordon Food Services (GFS), and sodas will be provided by the Corinth, Mississippi Coca-Cola Bottling Group. During the lunch stop, American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard will give prepared remarks and present Certificates of Appreciation to the State Veterans Home, Tyson Foods, Gordon Food Services, and Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Group.
The Legacy Run is one of the largest and longest organized motorcycle group rides in the United States. Occurring August 21-25, 2022, this annual cross-country ride fundraiser raises money for the Legacy Scholarship Fund, which benefits the children of fallen military personnel and the children of disabled veterans who served in the post-9/11 era.
Now in its 16th year, the fund has collected more than $15 million, including $1.14 million in 2021. The fund provides college scholarships to children of U.S. military personnel killed while serving on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, and children of post-9/11 veterans with a combined Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating of 50 percent or higher. Since 2004, the Legacy Scholarship Fund has awarded 478 scholarships.
“We are encouraging all Americans along the route to join us and show your support,” said Paul E. Dillard, American Legion’s national commander. “Wave a flag or join us at one of our many stops. With over 250 motorcycles carrying the spirit of America, you’ll hear us roar through as we ride for the children of our nation’s heroes.”
This year’s Legacy Run will also help raise awareness for The American Legion’s new BE THE ONE campaign, an important initiative designed to facilitate a national conversation about the biggest challenge facing our veterans today—veteran suicide. BE THE ONE endeavors to destigmatize asking for mental health support, activate The American Legion’s vast peer-to-peer support network, and provide resources and safe spaces for veterans to be open about the silent wounds of war.
This year’s ride will start at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Ala., on August 21, 2022. It will conclude at American Legion Post 434 in Oak Creek, Wis., on August 25th, where Medal of Honor Recipient Gary Wetzel will welcome the riders after traveling 1,150 miles across seven states over five days. The ride will stop at monuments, memorials, and American Legion posts in Lauderdale County and Tupelo, MS; Humboldt, TN; Mayfield and Paducah, KY; Perryville, MO; St. Libory, Bloomington and Marseilles, IL; and Union Grove before ending in Oak Creek, WI.
Leaders from The American Legion will be on hand to collect donations for the Legacy Scholarship Fund and will be available to discuss the Legacy Run, The American Legion, as well as the new BE THE ONE initiative with the community and local media. Dillard, who will participate in the early stages of the Legacy Run, will be accompanied by Sons of The American Legion National Commander Michael Fox and The American Legion Auxiliary National President Kathy Daudistel.
The American Legion is asking anyone who is on or near the travel route or any of the memorial destinations to show support by raising their flags and/or lining the route as more than 250 motorcycles pass through their local community riding for the children of our nation’s heroes.
The Tennessee State Veterans’ Homes (TSVH) is a top-rated skilled nursing organization dedicated to serving Tennessee’s veterans and their families. TSVH provides rehabilitative and therapy services, and long-term, short-term, and skilled nursing care for honorably discharged veterans, veteran spouses, and Gold Star parents. In addition, the Homes offer residents modern amenities, individualized care plans, and a full calendar of daily activities, all while encouraging veteran camaraderie in a home-like setting. The facilities are located across the state in Murfreesboro, Humboldt, Knoxville, and Clarksville, with Cleveland and Arlington coming in the near future. TSVH Executive Offices are located in Murfreesboro and all facilities are governed by the Tennessee State Veterans’ Homes Board.
The Tennessee State Veterans’ Homes (TSVH) is a top-rated skilled nursing organization dedicated to serving Tennessee’s veterans and their families. TSVH provides rehabilitative and therapy services, and long-term, short-term, and skilled nursing care for honorably discharged veterans, veteran spouses, and Gold Star parents. In addition, the Homes offer residents modern amenities, individualized care plans, and a full calendar of daily activities, all while encouraging veteran camaraderie in a home-like setting. The facilities are located across the state in Murfreesboro, Humboldt, Knoxville, and Clarksville, with Cleveland and Arlington coming in the near future. TSVH Executive Offices are located in Murfreesboro and all facilities are governed by the Tennessee State Veterans’ Homes Board.
The American Legion,the nation’s largest veterans organization, is dedicated to the motto of “Veterans Strengthening America.” Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to servicemembers and veterans. Nearly 2 million members in more than 12,600 posts across the nation and regions overseas serve their communities with a devotion to mutual helpfulness. The American Legion Riders of Legion family members is a program with over 2,500 chapters in Legion Posts worldwide with over 125,000 members.
