Posted Thursday, June 24, 2021.

From left to right: Scott Wilson, American Legion Post 7 second vice; Steve Garwood, first vice; Huntington Mayor Richard Strick; Randall Richardson, commander; Ed Hippensteel, chaplain; Rick Haskett, American Legion Riders director.

HUNTINGTON – First chartered by the United States Congress in 1919, the American Legion national organization marked its centennial year by rededicating itself to another 100 years of support and service of veterans, active service members, their families and the communities they call home.

American Legion Post No. 7 in Huntington takes these principles of “mutual helpfulness” and “selfless service” to heart.

Tim Hedrick, assistant director for the American Legion Riders Post 7, said the group tries to go above and beyond for local veterans and service members. Regular rides help raise money and show support for past and present service men and women, while Post 7 members also volunteer and donate food to feed homeless veterans at shelters in northeast Indiana. Post 7 members give other veterans free rides to medical appointments, and there’s also an effort under way to raise money and install a new veterans’ memorial at Huntington’s Memorial Park.

“We support all of our veterans,” Hedrick said, “and there’s a lot of them out there that need more than just the support they can get from the veterans’ office.”

In recognition of Post 7’s efforts and the national organization’s recent centennial celebration, Mayor Richard Strick signed a proclamation Thursday afternoon highlighting their admirable service to veterans and the larger Huntington community.

“We are grateful for the members of American Legion Post 7 and their service to our nation, fellow veterans and our community,” Mayor Strick said. “We should always be mindful of not only the sacrifices they have made but also the terrible cost of war.”

The American Legion Riders Post 7 invites motorcyclists to join other riders in two upcoming benefit events. Details on each can be found at www.facebook.com/americanlegionriderspost7.

• Freedom Riders Chapter 5 is hosting a Combat Bikesaver benefit ride at noon Saturday, June 26. Registration begins at 10 a.m. at the P.A.L. Club, 2101 Riverside Drive in Huntington, and costs $20 per rider and $10 per passenger.
• A Road Warrior Foundation Reservoir Run benefit ride will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 10, at Maximum Powersports in Peru, Ind. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and costs $20 per rider and $5 per passenger.