Legacy Run Day 5: More than $470,000 raised for VCF heading into national convention

With the roar of 202 motorcycles moving down River Road and turning into the parking lot of American Legion Post 267 in Jefferson Parish, La., the 2024 American Legion Legacy Run came to an end – bringing with it more than $470,000 raised for the Veterans & Children Foundation (VCF) heading into The American Legion National Convention in New Orleans.

It was the first year that the Legacy Run raised funds for the VCF, which provides Temporary Financial Assistance grants to assist military personnel and veterans with minor children facing urgent, unexpected hardships; and which covers the cost of training and accreditation for American Legion claims experts who provide free representation for veterans and families applying for disability benefits, survivor assistance, GI Bill opportunities and more.

The ride also was a first-time experience for Department of Virginia Legionnaire and American Legion Rider Chester Snody, the post finance officer and ALR director at Braxton-Perkins American Legion Post 25 in Newport News.

Snody said circumstances allowed him to fulfill his wish to take part in the Legacy Run.

“I’ve been trying to do it for years,” he said. “I had a daughter who was disabled, and she recently passed away. I recently retired. I figured this was the best time to do it, my first year of retirement. Get out, enjoy my retirement for a good cause.

“I really enjoy fundraising for The American Legion. I figured this was a great cause and a great ride, so I decided to go ahead and go.”

Snody is a regular participant in the Virginia Legacy Run, which has reached as many as 300 motorcycles in the past. “I’ve done the in-state ride in Virginia since its inception,” he said. “I’ve been a road captain there every year, except the first year. It really helped prepare me for this.

“I’m used to riding in big groups, so I was prepared for the big group ride. I wasn’t quite prepared for the 1,000 miles.”

That led to more anticipation than nervousness when Snody and the rest of the ride left Missouri on Day 1.

“When we left out of Independence, I was excited. I was pumped up, ready to go,” he said. “A little nervous … to see how everything operated. But I was really excited and pumped up to do this.”

And now he’s ready to do it all over again. “I’ve enjoyed this entire ride, start to finish, and I plan on doing this again next year if the cards play out correctly, and every year after that, as long as I’m able,” said Snody.

American Legion Family members from multiple states were on hand to greet the ride, as was a meal inside of Post 267. The post was happy to host the Legacy Run’s final stop.

“I looked for any way we could be of help,” said Post 267 Commander John Barrette, who added that nearby Post 350 also helped. “If we can be of help, we’ll definitely step up.”

Past District Commander and Post 350 First Vice Commander Joe Stephany cooked the meal of red beans and rice for the Riders. “I cook semi-professionally. It’s fun for me. And above all, it’s the camaraderie. It’s the usual: service above self.”

Thursday’s donations included $10,000 raised in the first-ever Georgia In-State Legacy Run.

A Cemetery Stop Made Personal. American Legion Department of Louisiana Commander Angela Gomon joined the Legacy Run on Tuesday and has been riding on the back of Assistant Chief Road Captain David Heredia’s motorcycle.

When the ride stopped at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell for a wreath-laying ceremony, it brought out an emotional response from Goman. “This is where I will be buried, so it really means something to me,” she said, trying to hold back tears. “I can’t tell you how many I’ve laid to rest here.”

Goman was equally emotional when talking about her experience on the ride. “It’s been an honor, truly,” she said. “I’ve never experienced anything like it. That’s why I do it. I don’t do it for (my Legion cap). I do it for (my heart). It’s watching veterans come together. This is our mission. Our mission is to serve our youth, our community, our state, fellow veterans, and it’s incredible to see this many people from all over the United States come together and just do this awesome, awesome mission.”

Legacy Run Chief Road Captain Mark Clark explained why such stops matter. “Why do we stop at these veterans cemeteries? We do because of the sheepdogs buried in these fields,” Clark said. “We have the sheep wandering aimlessly through this world, completely clueless to the threat of the wolf. But the wolf is ever present. So is the sheepdog.

“Each of these marker marks the sheepdog in the nation, who over the generations have served this country, given the very best of themselves in defense of our freedom. Most of the people of Louisiana and around the country will never know their names. But each of us, today, are here to remember them. To remind this community that heroes rest here. That this hallowed ground is worthy of their respect, admiration and support.”

Clark urged the Riders to take advantage of the stop to honor those buried there. “These beautiful cemeteries across the country give us a chance to stop, reflect and remember,” he said. “Go out and take a look. Go out and tell them how much you appreciate their service and sacrifice.”

Director Daniele Palen thanked the Riders for making her cemetery a stop along the Legacy Run. “I didn’t know what to expect. I really wasn’t sure,” she said. “But I am in awe of all of you for everything you do. For being out there in this heat and for what you stand for. This has been really great for all of the people that work at the cemetery. You all did a wonderful job.”

The ceremony’s color guard was provided by American Legion Post 16 in Covington, while Posts 185 and 374 in Slidell provided a combined honor guard.