The biggest fundraiser for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund hits the road on August 21 and will cross six states before ending in Wisconsin on August 25 – with plenty in between.
The 1,200-mile American Legion Legacy Run will depart from USS Alabama Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama on August 21 and traverse Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri and Illinois before ending at Station 434 of the American Legion in Oak Creek, Wis. — a 20-minute drive from Milwaukee, the site of the 2022 American Legion National Convention. About 280 motorcycles and 40 other passengers are registered to participate in the ride at any given time.
The Legacy Fund provides college scholarships to children of U.S. military personnel killed on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, as well as children of post-9/11 veterans with a combined disability rating of 50 percent or greater by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Legacy Run has topped $1 million raised across seven rides and has raised more than $15 million for the fund since 2006.
American Legion Social Media Manager Steven B. Brooks spoke with Legacy Run Chief Captain Mark Clark, Chairman of the American National Legion Rider Advisory Committee, about this race. year.
Steven B. Brooks: The 2020 race had to be canceled due to the pandemic. You were able to complete the 2021 route, although there are still restrictions. Does driving seem a little more normal to you this year?
Mark Clark: I think the fact that we’re in an environment today that’s not as restrictive as it has been for the past two years because of COVID, there’s some excitement about that. And I think our Riders appreciate the fact that we can schedule it without worrying that it will be cancelled. That they could make solid plans to come and participate. And I think for most of our runners, we’ll feel like we’re going back to something resembling normal.
Q: What can you say about the dedication of American Legion riders to this cause?
A: When you consider the challenges of our economy today, over 300 people signed up for this, it really speaks to the dedication of our Riders to this cause. No one has disposable income right now. And the fact that they’re still committed to it – they’re still spending their time, energy and treasure to come and ride for the kids – it’s really a testament to the dedication and commitment our Riders have to it.
Q: What are the highlights of this year’s race?
A: I think starting out in the shadow of a WWII battleship is pretty cool. There aren’t many of these things left in the world, and in fact America is the only country that has them as memorials. Starting out in the shadow of a WWII battleship is a really fitting start to this ride.
· Day 1 (Mobile to Tupelo, Mississippi) – We will be able to cross the Mississippi, where we will see a beautiful country. We’re going to Tupelo, where we’re going to see Elvis’ birthplace, which is pretty cool for Elvis Presley fans. We will also be able to honor Tupelo veterans at the Veterans Memorial.
· Day 2 (Tupelo to Paducah, Ky.) – Stopping at Four Rivers Harley-Davidson in Paducah, they’re really going to roll out the red carpet for us. And more beautiful country on horseback there. We will have lunch at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Humboldt, Tennessee, where we can share time with veterans of all generations.
· Day 3 (Paducah to Litchfield, IL) – The beautiful (Missouri National Veterans Memorial) in Perryville, Mo. – this memorial is just beautiful – and the hospitality of Post 133 there, which will feed us. We’re going through Chester, Illinois, which is the home of Popeye the Sailor Man, which is going to be pretty fun. There will be some cool signs that I think will delight our runners as they ride through town. And then we stop in a small town called St. Libory. It’s a small farming community, but this (American Legion Post 683) has been the centerpiece of this community for 100 years. It’s just a really cool place to see.
Day 4 – (Litchfield to Belvidere, Illinois) – We will stop at the Middle East Conflict Memorial in Marseilles, Illinois after having lunch at the Illinois (American Legion) Department Headquarters where they go to feed us a fantastic meal. And we are going to see the Jeep factory, which is right next door (post 77) in Belvidere. It is a gigantic installation.
· Day 5 – (Belvidere to Oak Creek, Wis.) – Once we enter Wisconsin, it’s just beautiful. We will pass through an old town called Fort Atkinson which is a historic town and such a pretty spot along the Rock River. It should be a nice walk through the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery where veterans will be honored. And then we’ll go into post 434 at Oak Creek, where they’re really going to roll out the red carpet for us. We are fortunate to meet Medal of Honor recipient Gary Wetzel. We are fortunate to hear from Deanna Woodburn, recipient of a (Legacy Scholarship). There will be a Gold Star family to welcome us.
All in all, we’re excited to have the opportunity to get back on the road, representing the American Legion and doing it the right way. Sharing this fraternity that we look forward to every year. The Legacy Run is truly a family reunion for us. For most of us, our American Legion family is an extension of our families. We think we put together a good ride, and we think we gave some people some pretty cool things to see. And for our people on the coast, they will have the chance to see where all their food comes from.
Q: Why is it important to incorporate American Legion posts along the route into this trek, and how important is their support?
A: It is enormous. We actually have nine posts involved… where we stop. But we also have positions that will pass our supplies, even if we don’t stop at their position. They will always be part of us. I think that’s important, especially for posts in smaller communities because we have a large footprint. We remind these communities that the American Legion is still vibrant and doing well. That’s big for those little messages. There is a particular community in Mayfield, Kentucky where (American Legion Post 26) was destroyed, the true center of that community. It was obliterated by a tornado. The heart of this city was completely obliterated by a tornado. So we’re coming to this town, and this post will be part of an honors ceremony at their veterans memorial park. And I think we’re going to lift the spirits of this town. For us to have a chance to step into this community and remind them that the American Legion building may be gone, but the spirit of the American Legion and its desire to better this community is alive and well.
Q: Each runner will have a “Be The One” sticker on their windshield during the Legacy Run. This ride is obviously a fundraiser for Legacy scholarships but is it also important to include Legion sharing “Be The One” Suicide Prevention Message as well?
A: I think the American Legion’s commitment to helping combat veteran suicides through the “Be The One” campaign is so important. Those of us who served in battle all know someone who went home and couldn’t live with demons, or who is still fighting demons today. To be able to have the American Legion, the largest veterans organization in the world, put the weight of its name behind this campaign…to reduce the stigma of seeking help through the mental health community …if the American Legion says to the veteran community “your life matters. We care about you. We want to be the one to help you through this struggle,” it only amplifies that in the eyes of the American people. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that we can include the ‘Be The One’ message in what we do at our stops. I think our riders are really going to buy into that. And our runners are going to go home with this message fresh in their minds, and they’re going to be committed to helping us advance this most important cause in our communities.
See a day-by-day schedule of Legacy Run here below Legacy Run 2022 trip details.
