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LEGION MEMBERSHIP DRIVE RIDES ON MOTORCYCLES --
"We are looked at as an old man's organization,
with bowling and bingo as activities."
Story here...
http://www.pressconnects.com/
apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200702
01/NEWS01/702010321/1006
Story below:
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New Legion membership drive rides on
motorcycles
REBECCA TOWNS / Press & Sun-Bulletin
James D. Brewer hopes he's found a way to slow membership declines and
attract a new generation of veterans at American Legion posts in the
Binghamton area.
Motorcycles.
More specifically, Brewer has started a local group of American Legion
Riders -- members of the Legion who also are motorcycle enthusiasts. He
hopes the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan will be inspired to join.
"Legions all over are hurting," said Brewer, a member of the Sons of the
American Legion at Post 80 on Main Street in Binghamton. "We are looked
at as an old man's organization, with bowling and bingo as activities."
None of Broome's 17 posts met their membership goals in 2006, according
to the American Legion Department of New York. Broome's posts had hoped
to have 3,091 members. As of January 2007, memberships stand at 2,689.
Perhaps motorcycles will draw in younger veterans to replenish
membership, Brewer hopes. There are currently riders' groups in Chenango
and Otsego counties.
The signs so far are good, Brewer said. An organizational meeting a
month ago brought more than 30 people, with 12 more people showing
interest. But Brewer specifically wants to attract America's newest war
veterans. The riders will meet at 7 p.m. today at American Legion Post
80. The riders' group will be open to members of the region's Posts,
including Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.
Broome County's veterans services department doesn't have specific
numbers of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans now living in Broome, said
Ralph Luciani, a counselor at the agency.
Brewer said his group will ride in parades and conduct charity rides, as
well as promote motorcycle safety. The group is not a motorcycle club.
Activities will be family oriented, Brewer said.
Dues will be $2 for the first year, he said.
For more information about the American Legion Riders, call Brewer at
759-4293.
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Larry Scott
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