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The American Legion Riders California District 22 Chapter |
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The American Legion Riders California District 22 Chapter |
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| December 15, 2001 The American Legion Riders delivered Post 149's Jr. Past Commander Scott Varvel (alias Santa Claus) to the Villa Del Rey assisted living community. It was a visit that was out of this world. The residents were so appreciative that we took the time to come see them. It was said that we put new meaning into the word "Christmas" for a lot of them. We gave them each a bag of "goodies", consisting of toiletry items (soaps, shampoos, combs, after-shave, body lotions, etc.). Not all residents can have certain items, but they all need the essential things to live. Our Department Commander and his wife (Ron and Nancy Hanson) donated women's and men's kits that really filled the bags. PIC-N-SAVE donated bags to be filled, and lots of other donations were used to fill each bag up. The people who helped are far too many to list here, but you know who you are, and we are very grateful for your help. We passed the presents out to each resident personally, and it was heart-warming to see the looks on their faces as we wished each one a Merry Christmas individually. Riding back to the Post after the visit in formation with Santa on the back of Doorgunner's motorcycle gathered many looks. We hope to return in the future and also participate in other community events. We were sorry to hear that one of the gift recipients, a Pearl Harbor Survivor, passed away before Christmas actually arrived, but we were glad to have brought some happiness to is last days.
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| December 7, 2001 District 22 Chapter held a Dinner/Toy Drive at Post 149 in Escondido. The evening began with a special menu selected to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Our menu for the night featured Teriyaki Chicken (we thought it appropriate). Our chef (Sizz-mo) also provided cake for desert decorated with "Old Glory" (with 48 stars) commemerating the flag that flew on that "Day of Infamy". We want to thank all the members of American Legion Post 149, Auxilliary Unit 149, "The Rez Riders", and other motorcycle groups who attended and graciously donated toys for the children of active duty military personnel. We also want to thank Mike (owner of Indian Motorcycles of San Diego) who brought a contingent of his friends and employees and signed up for membership in The American Legion that night.
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In July, 2001 five American Legion members met at Post 149 to discuss the possibility of forming a new Chapter of the American Legion Riders. In the ensuing week one additional member was added. Four of the new Chapter Officers rode to the California State Chapter meeting in Adelanto on Saturday, August 4th. We were welcomed by the members and officers there and they voted to officially recognize District 22 as the 3rd Chapter to be formed in California. The picture below was taken at that meeting..
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