The American Legion Riders (ALR) chapter at Herbert D. Gibb Post 259 in DeBary, FL is a dedicated group of motorcycle enthusiasts made up of military veterans, family members, and supporters. They combine a passion for riding with patriotic community service, supporting veterans' causes throughout Volusia County and central Florida.

Description and Purpose

The Legion Riders function as an active program of Post 259. Rather than operating as an isolated motorcycle club, ALR is a recognized American Legion family program that participates in charitable rides, community events, and veteran support initiatives.

Key activities and focus areas include:

• Honor Escorts & Ceremonies: Participating in funeral escorts, welcome-home rides for returning military service members, and local memorial events.

• Charitable Fundraising: Organizing poker runs, rallies, and benefit rides to support veterans in crisis, emergency relief programs (such as PROJECT: VetRelief), and military youth charities.

• Post & Community Events: Hosting local motor events at the post home (such as the annual Post 259 Car & Motorcycle Show) to engage the DeBary community.

• Fellowship & Group Rides: Organizing regular weekend group rides, scenic coastal runs, and visiting neighboring Legion posts across District 17.

Qualifications and Membership Eligibility

To join the American Legion Riders at Post 259, applicants must fulfill requirements in three main areas: Legion Family membership, motorcycle ownership/operation, and legal compliance.

1. Primary Membership Requirement

You must already be a current member in good standing of one of the three core branches of the American Legion Family:

• The American Legion: Honorably discharged veterans or active-duty U.S. military personnel.

• The Sons of the American Legion (S.A.L.): Male descendants (sons, grandsons, stepsons) of eligible veterans.

• The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA): Spouses, grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and female descendants of eligible veterans.

2. Motorcycle & Licensing Requirements

• Owner/Operator: Must be the legally registered owner of a street-legal motorcycle (typically 350cc displacement or larger).

• Passenger/Spouse: Spouses of legally registered motorcycle owners who meet the primary Legion Family membership requirements are also eligible to join as passenger members.

• Driver’s License: Operators must possess a valid state driver's license with a proper motorcycle endorsement (e.g., Florida Motorcycle Endorsement).

3. Insurance & Legal Compliance

• Must maintain valid motorcycle liability insurance in compliance with Florida state laws.

• Must obey all state and local motor vehicle laws when participating in rider operations.

How to Join Post 259 Riders

1. Verify Base Membership: Ensure your Legion, S.A.L., or Auxiliary dues are up to date at Post 259 (or transfer your membership to Post 259).

2. Provide Documentation: Submit proof of motorcycle registration, proof of insurance, and your valid driver's license with motorcycle endorsement.

3. Contact the Post: Attend an upcoming ALR meeting or post event to complete an ALR application.

• Location: American Legion Post 259, 470 Summerhaven Dr, DeBary, FL 32713

• Phone: (386) 753-1492

Devoted best encompasses their unwavering commitment to veterans, children, safety, and honoring the fallen across every action.

American Legion Riders chapters and districts, nationally have become some of the most generous donors for the American Legacy Scholarship Fund, raising as much as $5,000 or more in a single event. Legion Riders participate in the annual POW/MIA Rally held each Memorial weekend in Washington D.C. known as "Rolling Thunder". Legion Riders sponsor or participate in local and national charity events in support of the sponsoring American Legion Post. Legion Riders ride to raise money for such organizations as local VA Hospitals, Battered Women and Children's Centers, Varied Children and Youth Programs, a School for Blind Children, Veterans Relief, Needy Families and many, many others. Legion Riders founded a national movement called “Patriot Guard” that honors and protects the sanctity of military funerals and memorial services. Legion Riders have formed special motorcycle Honor Guards and ceremonial teams highlighting the special bonds formed in military service and the motorcycling community. Legion Riders have also begun to teach motorcycle and driver safety in the community and in schools in co-operation with ABATE and other national motorcycling organizations.

Remember: American Legion Riders are a very dedicated group of Legion Family members. When your Post or district sponsors a new Riders organization, you create a win/win situation for your Post, District, and Department!

For more information: www.legion.org/riders.