Fund 85 Ride to begin in New Ulm, head west, back to Waseca

Across Minnesota, members of the American Legion Riders continue to make a meaningful impact — from raising awareness of veteran issues to engaging with local communities through service, charity and fellowship.

The Legionnaire highlights these accolades so that all who read the Legionnaire can see the meaningful impact happening throughout Minnesota. I would encourage Rider chapters to continue submitting your good-will, feel-good articles and pictures as well as posting on social media so that the Minnesota American Legion Family can read about your accomplishments and on goings so all can rejoice with you in your success.

The Fund 85 Ride Committee met in late January and are still in the planning stages for the southern route that will cover the southern half of Minnesota. I can mention that the kickoff party has been awarded to New Ulm American Legion Post 132 on Wednesday, July 22.

On Thursday, July 23, the Day 1 route is still in planning but will end at Montevideo Post 59.

On Friday, July 24, the Day 2 route treks eastbound and down to St. Peter Post 37.

On Saturday, July 25, the Day 3 route still is being planned; however, the ending party has been awarded to Waseca Post 228 that evening.

A hotel block of rooms has been reserved for the first two overnight stops in New Ulm at the Best Western under “Legion Rider Fund 85 Ride” and Microtel under “Legion Riders.” In Montevideo we are at the Grandstay under “American Legion Riders.” In St. Peter, it is the AmericInn under “American Legion Riders.” In Waseca, we stay at the Grandstay Hotel also under “American Legion Riders.”

Please call these hotels to make your reservations. Further information regarding routes, overnights for day times, activities, etc. to come. I will continue to print Fund 85 ride information in my article as quickly as I am made aware so everyone can plan accordingly.

I would like to acknowledge my appreciation to Department Service Officer Jason Storm for his past two articles in the Legionnaire regarding Fund 85. The information he provided was detailed and a helpful reminder of the Fund 85 process and the good that comes from it.

Reading the “thank-yous” he printed from families that reached out and benefitted from the Fund 85 generosity was truly heartwarming to read. Nice job, Jason.

Finally, I would encourage everyone to read the All-Family Events Calendar that’s printed in each Legionnaire edition. Find it on Page 6. This is a terrific source of information that is very helpful, especially in my planning.

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.