To the Editor,
I’d like to announce our September 7th. big ALR Event of the season, “Bike Run for the Troops” turned into an exciting, successful event! Our event was to raise money for “Operation Troop Support” based out of Danvers, founded over 21 years ago by ret. Col. Dick Moody, and his wife Christine.
OTS has shipped out more than a million packages worldwide, to our American Troops wherever they may be deployed. The non-perishable products such as canned meats, candy, toiletries, magazines, and the list goes on, are all donated by individuals, or corporations. Volunteers, including Local American Legion Riders, and their post have events for example on a Saturday morning. We invite all to attend, including the Boys, and Girl Scouts, and we pack boxes on an assembly line of products. The one thing that isn’t donated is the postage. Each box can cost up to $25.00. That’s where we stepped in at ALR113 to see what we could do to help, along with all of our supporters that helped in any way. We’ve managed these rides before, and it took close to a year to plan. We have 18 members at ALR113, including veterans from all branches, Auxiliary, and Son’s. We were so blessed with all the donations we got that helped, whether it was food, raffle items, or the much-needed monetary donations that our members went out to get.
The morning started with staging, and registration of over 110 motorcycles. Breakfast, and coffee until the start of the ceremony at 10:45. I introduced myself, and thanked everyone. We dedicated the event to the recent death of Dick’s good friend, Steve Godzig. Steve, and his wife Ellen would always help in the events selling the hats, shirts, pins, and OTS memorabilia. The Manchester Fire Department showed off their brand new ladder truck in front of the post with a giant flag hoisted. Senator Bruce Tarr spoke, next the morning prayer, The “Pledge of Allegiance", along with the “National Anthem” sung by Tina Moody, and after a brief safety meeting with all riders. “Start your Engines”was announced for a NEMLEC Police Escorted 39 mile coastal ride up around Gloucester, Rockport, and Essex. Upon arrival back to the post113, lunch, and music was provided, and then into some special introductions, and presentations. At 2 pm. the raffles started with over 60 different items, followed by the pick for the winning 50/50 ticket, won by a lady from Danvers. Through the course of the day I believe approximately 200 people had come in to support the event.
We raised the bar of what our goal would be compared to the OTS Event we co-sponsored with the Haverhill American Legion Post#4 in 2022. Aside from basic expenses to sponsor this event, we were still able to come incredibly close to meeting that goal. 100% of those funds will be donated to Operation Troop Support to be able to pay for the postage for the much needed items that will be sent to our troops!
I’d like to give special mention for the efforts of the Manchester Police Dept, and their NEMLEC Division in helping to make the ride part of the event a safe, and enjoyable one, and also the Manchester Fire Department for allowing us to showcase their new ladder truck, with the American Flag and make the event an event to remember!
Sam Demao, president of the ALR Post 113
