LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Attacks on Legion Riders unmerited

Published 2:33 pm Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Editor,

I am writing in hopes of clarifying a few misconceptions concerning the American Legion and The American Legion Riders, especially since the relentless attacks and name calling of racists and bigots after the Island County Fair parade, attacks that seem to be completely without merit and unwarranted.

Please allow me to communicate what the Legion Riders do. We just finished an event on Sunday, Aug. 16 at Lake Samish Camp Phoenix. It was the 25-year anniversary of the camp. It was founded Michael T. Mathis, a burn recovery victim himself, sponsored by the Seattle Seahawks and supported by many charity donor groups. This was the second year that the Riders got involved.

These kids come to this camp from all across the nation so that they may have a short break from the prying eyes of the people who are judgmental and make their lives uncomfortable. It is a wonderful experience for the kids and The American Legion Riders have gone full speed to help. We were able to present a check for $3,300 to Michael and his foundation thanks to many generous donations from local business merchants. There were too many donors to list here, but a separate “Thank You” will be coming.

The Riders put on quite a raffle with the items donated and were able to present the $3,300 to The Burned Children Recovery Foundation — it was the largest one-time donation by the Riders to date. It actually brought the total amount of donations by the Legion Riders to over $18,000 in their short three-year existence.

I sincerely thank you for your time.

KEVIN MCDONALD

Post 141 commander