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A Message from the Director

Greetings Fellow Patriots:

It is one of the greatest honors and privileges to have been selected as the new Post Rider's Director. I see this as a tremendous opportunity to do good for our veterans, communities and our country. Our Riders are deeply committed to participating and supporting events that help our various communities remember those who have served. Freedom is not free as we all know and supporting those that serve never stops. Those of us that have served this great nation have found a fellowship and brotherhood that spans numerous generations and all branches of military service, with a common enthusiasm, that being the motorcycle. We have chosen to continue to serve and support our nations troops that are serving and have served, with the use of this platform. Our Riders have an Esprit de Corps that is fulfilling, honorable, trustworthy and fun and we never go hungry...

We enjoy an active participation by our Riders and the numbers are growing. We have had excellent leadership previously with our Riders. Rich Collingwood (Geezer) and Mike Johnston (Coach) have been extremely instrumental in forming what our Riders are today not only from a local standpoint but from a regional prospective. They have done an excellent job, Rahh!, and now it is up to us to carry the torch. Our primary objectives are centered around recruiting new active members, continuing to support the Wounded Transition Battalion from Joint Base Lewis McChord, pay regular visits to our veteran retirement locations and participate in military supportive events ranging from parades and schools to recognition services, benefit runs and rides, Poppy sales and events that support out Post.

This year the Riders of Washington State experienced a reorganization that established a structure element to what it is that we do. We are now organized in a manner that is consistent with the American Legion structure of Washington. Each Post has a Riders Director. Each Director reports activities to a District Representative. The District Representatives report activities to the Assistant State Director of their area. There are Two Assistant State Directors, one for the East and one for the West. The Assistant State Director's report activities to the State Director who then reports activities to the State Commander. It is my honor to have been chosen to be the Assistant State Director (West) and am doing what I can to fulfill the vision of this structure. This year our Post hosted the first Director's meeting. This was a first and our Rider's provided a strong presence. It is our members that make the difference in what we do. I continue to be amazed by the commitments, dedication and devotion to service that our Riders display each and every month. I am very proud to be a part of such a fine organization.

Thank you for visiting our web site and we hope that you will consider becoming a member of our Riders or assist us in supporting our mission.

I look forward to getting all our new members on the rides and having fun; please welcome them to the group. Don't forget, we ride 12 months out of the year and eat on every ride!! I would also invite others to join us. Yours in Service to the Veteran Community.

Semper Fi!

Rod Baker (Deacon)
ALR Assistant State Director (West)
Post 79, Riders Director
Previous Post Commander