Area residents will soon begin noticing ammo cans appearing at some of the county’s businesses as the Breda American Legion Riders kick off their latest campaign to raise money for the children of veterans killed or injured during service after 9/11. Chapter President Gary Schmitz says this effort is part of the national American Legion Legacy Scholarship, which awarded $1.4 million to servicemen and women’s children last year.
Since its creation nearly two decades ago, the Legacy Scholarship has awarded over $4 million, or an average award of just under $9,400 per student. The program has grown tremendously in the last several years, as the eligibility criteria has grown to include students with post-9/11 veterans with a combined VA disability rating of 50 percent or higher. Most of the funds raised annually are through the nation’s Legion Rider chapters, but Schmitz says the local membership wanted to get the public involved in the program also.
The ammo cans will be out and about through Saturday, July 8. Schmitz says the chapter is organizing a special local ride to collect the cans and raise even more for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship.
Registration for the ride is available now for $20 per vehicle with an additional $5 for each passenger. More details on how to donate or to register for the July 8 ride are included with this story on our website.
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Venmo: @GarySchmitz-3 (Memo: Legacy Run)
