American Legion continues in its mission to serve
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, American Legion Post 221 is still promoting patriotism and looking out for the welfare of local families and children.
One upcoming event is a birthday parade for Robert Henderson, a World War II veteran who will turn 95 on Oct. 20.
“The family of Robert Henderson has reached out to the American Legion Riders (ALR) to help celebrate Mr. Henderson’s birthday,” said Tony D. Strauss, commander, 15th District. “ALR Chapter 221 has put together a drive-by parade in his honor. We are hoping the entire Tehachapi community will join in this special event.”
Anyone who would like to join in the celebration and honor of our hometown hero is asked to stage at the Flying J, located at 1668 E. Tehachapi Blvd., on Tuesday, Oct. 20, starting at 10:15 a.m.
Please, no political flags or banners, organizers ask.
For more information about the parade, call Jim “Pops” Davis at 334-0302.
“We at Post 221 do a
great deal of community service here in Tehachapi and seek to recruit new members to the post,” said Cmdr. Kevin Davey.
According to Davey, the American Legion has several chapters including:
Auxiliary — usually for spouses and daughters of veterans;
SAL (Sons of American Legion) formed in 1932, allows all male descendants, adopted sons and stepsons of members of the American Legion, and such male descendants of veterans who died while in service.; and
ALR (American Legion Riders) formed in 2007 and better known as Riders, the group was formed by a few key Legionnaires who were also motorcycle enthusiasts. Membership in the American Legion Riders is available to members of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion who also meet specific requirements linked to motorcycle ownership. It exists to honor the service and sacrifice of Legionnaires. Chapters are well known for their charitable work, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local children’s hospitals, schools, veterans homes, severely wounded service members and scholarships.
Said Davey, “All of them are involved in making our projects a success. Without political or religious affiliation, we seek to promote patriotism and welfare of families and youth.”
Davey went on to say that often, members are “stereotyped as sitting around a bar telling war stories.”
This couldn’t be further from the truth. “We perform services for older veterans in our community with SAL and instill values in our young men,” Davey said.
In addition, members hold fundraising events for scholarships and often to provide services for local veterans in need, such as building wheelchair ramps.
“The ALR frequently performs funeral escorts for veterans, often when there is no family,” Davey said.
With the current climate, and since the coronavirus pandemic, Davey said he sees the American Legion as a place of refuge from the debates and fighting.
Said Davey, “We simply love our country and the veterans who served.”