Amador County – Nine members of the Post 108 American Legion Riders will be leaving early Monday with some local fanfare to head to Rancho Cucamunga, where they will be part of the 23rd annual “Run For The Wall,” a cross-country motorcycle ride to honor all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action, Killed in Action from all wars and to show support for military personnel all over the world.
Albert “Poncho” Villa, President of the Chapter 108 American Legion Riders and his Vice President Brian Dommes, and another of the nine riders, Denver Stauss, gathered today (Friday, May 13th) at the American Legion Hall in Sutter Creek to talk about the ride.
Villa said: “Veterans, active military and supporters of our military gather at Rancho Cucamonga to begin a ride across the United States to gather at Washington D.C. and celebrate Memorial Day along with thousands of other motorcyclists.”
Villa said about 200 motorcycle riders from across the country will converge on Rancho Cucamunga, and break into platoons of 30 or so motorcycles. He said they will have northern, southern and central routes, for the various platoons, with the object being to travel across the country to Arlington, West Virginia, to the Vietnam Veterans Wall.
Villa is a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in 1969-1970. Some others of the nine Post 108 Riders are also. Eight are military veterans, the others and passengers, are either sons of Legionnaires, or members of the Auxiliary.
Villa said: “This is the first time to do this for all of us,” a ride for fallen vets, POWs, MIAs, KIAs and for wounded military. “This is an honor for them, for those who can’t ride. We call it a mission. It’s not a party, or a fun ride.”
Strauss said they have been planning and saving for 2 years, and expect to spend about $3,000 on the 10-day trip, on hotels, gas and food. They tried to go last year, but could not get the trip together in time. One rider from Amador went last year, and told them what to expect.
Brian Dommes, Post 108 Riders vice president, said the reason for the ride is a support effort to remember, and help the healing process from mental scars from what they saw and did over there. He said he is kind of scared, and knows it will be physically and very emotionally demanding.
The Post 108 Auxiliary will be giving the Amador Run For The Wall group coffee and pastries at 7 a.m. Monday, May 16, and Villa said they “will probably kick the stands up at 7:45 a.m.”
The Amador 108 Riders will ride through Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas, Missouri, and West Virginia.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
