ALR Director: Glenville Riders garner the Nation of Patriots Tour

Happy holidays!

It’s hard to believe that 2025 came to an end. This year has gone by so quickly.

I look back to what the Minnesota American Legion Riders has accomplished this past year, and I look forward to what the Riders will accomplish in 2026. I have nothing but adoration and heartfelt gratitude for being a part of the Minnesota American Legion Riders. We do exceptional work, and I am proud of each American Legion Rider in Minnesota.

On Dec. 6, my wife and I were unable to attend the Pearl Harbor Rally in Buffalo due to winter weather that came through southwest Minnesota that Saturday. It saddens us to miss this event, but we’re happy not to be traveling in those wintry conditions.

I would like to say thank you to Assistant Riders Director Garylee Davenport for helping me out and representing the Riders in my absence.

Fortunately, the weather was better on Sunday, Dec. 7, for my wife and I to attend the 1st District American Legion Family Christmas Party at Glenville Post 264.

There were 44 American Legion Family members in attendance. The meal and fellowship were a rewarding experience. I would like to extend my appreciation to Wes Halverson (District 1 ALR director) for the invitation and the Glenville Post 264 Family for the warm and welcoming hospitality shown to my wife and me.

On behalf of the Department of Minnesota and Minnesota American Legion Riders, I would like to offer my congratulations and high-fives to the Glenville Chapter 264 for being awarded to host the start and finish of the Nation of Patriots Tour 2026.

The tour dates & stops are now posted on the 2026 NOP (Nation of Patriots) Tour website. Glenville American Legion Family will host a kickoff party on Friday, May 15. The official ride starts in Albert Lea on May 16 and ends in Albert Lea on Sept. 19.

I would ask and encourage any Minnesota American Legion Rider to try and participate in this ride and show your patriotism and support to the Glenville ALR Chapter 264 and the Department of Minnesota American Legion Family.

Minnesota Veterans Assistance Fund 85 ride is scheduled for July 22-25. This ride will cover the southern half of Minnesota. We are currently receiving requests from posts asking us to stop. I would ask if there were any Legion posts in the southern half of Minnesota that would like us to stop, please reach out to me. I would also ask if your Legion would consider the stop as a meal stop, let me know. It could be either breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The National Mission Ride (Fund 84) is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15. Moorhead American Legion Riders Chapter #21 and District 9 have kindly offered to sponsor this ride to help raise funds for the national mission supporting the American Legion Veterans & Children’s Foundation. More information to come.

Finally, if your chapter is having a fundraising event, or your post is interested in organizing a Rider’s chapter, or you just would like to have a face-to-face visit with me, please get in touch with me so I can do my best to accommodate your request.

God bless our veterans and their families and remember: “Let’s Be Awesome Today!”

Duane Mabon of Pipestone Post 6 is the director of the Minnesota American Legion Riders.