Apple Valley American Legion Riders Give to Families in Need

The American Legion Riders of are much more than motorcycle enthusiasts.

While they love to get together to bask in the freedom of the open road, their organization is also about honoring the military and giving back to veterans and families in need.

Since the group started in Apple Valley in 2009—there are chapters in all 50 states, as well as in foreign countries—members have made strides to support military families through fundraisers, and often are there to pay respects to troops at funerals and homecoming events.

In July, they raised $10,000 at their Ben Kopp Memorial Ride, the money from which goes to the poly-trauma unit at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.

“The money will go toward helping poly-trauma patients get active in everyday life,” said Mark Ceminsky, the director and commander of the Post 1776 riders. Poly-trauma patients have injuries to two or more limbs or vital organs.

“We want them to feel very much a part of our community and we found out they are short of funds to introduce the injured military personnel back into every day life to get out," he said.

Their work has not gone unnoticed. Apple Valley’s American Legion Riders have been honored by the Minnesota Military Family Foundation, and on Aug. 30 Ceminsky was honored for his work with the group as WCCO’s Good Neighbor.

Enjoying the Open Road

Ceminsky has been a motorcycle rider for more than 30 years.

What started as a teenager riding dirt bikes has evolved into a meaningful endeavor that goes beyond the relationship between a man and his Heritage Classic Harley Davidson. It gives him a way to honor his veteran father, support the military and lead a group of more than 40 like-minded individuals.

As long as the weather cooperates, Ceminsky said members of the American Legion Riders get together on open rides frequently on the weekends, traveling to other Legion posts in Minnesota and enjoying each other’s company.

“I love the companionship and the friendships,” Ceminsky said. “Just getting out and riding and exploring the countryside with people that have the same beliefs for our country and enthusiasm to get out there and feel the open road.”

Jean Boe was nearly at a loss of words when she tried to describe how she feels about riding.

“There’s that Harley saying that goes ‘if I have to explain it, you wouldn’t understand,’ ” Boe, the secretary of the riders club, said. “It’s just something I enjoy very much.” Her husband, David Boe, is also a member.

Helping Families in Need

The American Legion Riders have hosted a toy drive each year to help put Christmas presents for children under the trees of military families in need.

 “[T]hat was something we came up with when we first formed the American Legion Riders and it is something we will continue to do each year,” Boe said.

Beginning Nov. 20, the riders will have a drop-off box at the American Legion Post 1776 in Apple Valley for toys, cash and gift cards from community members.

Dan McCanney, a U.S. Air Force veteran and an American Legion life member, said the riders club has been a way for him to give back to his country since his service has ended. When it comes time for the toy drive, McCanney, the group’s treasurer, helps to advance the cause from Apple Valley to Eagan, where he works and lives.

Ceminsky, who plays Santa Claus to deliver the toys each year, said the toy drive helped roughly 400 children from military families have happy holidays in 2010. 

“No matter how families are struggling, children should never have to suffer on Christmas,” Boe said.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly spelled the last name of Dan McCanney as McKinney.