Members of the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association.
The American Legion Post 3 “Riders” lost one of their comrades, Roy Rogers, to cancer this past week. The funeral service that took place at the Wesleyan Church was led to the East Hill Cemetery in Salem by Ken Stallard, Brian Witten, Larry Fitzgerald, Wayne Cassidy, Mike Elliott and Sonny Long, and accompanied by the members of the Patriot Guard Riders, and the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association. Approximately 25 motorcycle riders made their presence felt. The men stood guard at the gravesite, folded and presented flags to Rogers’ daughters.
The weather was less than ideal, but the riders didn’t mind. Their number one objective regarding their dear friend Roy was simply to “get everything right.”
Many believe that there is something a bit mysterious about motorcyclists. In movies they are often portrayed as a rough and tumble mob of lawless gangs roaming the country looking for trouble. Nothing could be further from the truth in most instances.
One particular group of riders helps with Special Olympics. Another protects children from abuse by parents or others. Unfortunately, those abused children rely on those men and women to protect them from further harm.
Last Saturday was about a U.S. Army Veteran being laid to rest by his fellow riders and his role as a member of Post 3 and a Charter Member of the Post 3 Riders. Rogers was part of the founding of the American Legion Post 3 Riders, Chaplin, Treasurer and a Past Director.
The American Legion Riders is a group of American Legion members who enjoy their motorcycles. They also take pride in making a difference in their community. They participate in Toys for Tots and the Polar Bear Charity Ride for the MD Foundation. They ride in the Armed Forces Day Parade at the VA Hospital; they escorted the Vietnam Moving Wall in Rocky Mount last year and donated Thanksgiving meal baskets for veterans at the Military Family Support Center. The Riders support other veteran groups and work with FRAME, a 501 charity that supports local military members and families of those who have deployed.
- Submitted by Doris Hansel, Former Post Vice Commander
