American Legion Riders hold annual motorcycle raffle
“No one left behind” is a policy embedded into every branch of the United States military. Both the Airman’s Creed and the Soldier’s Creed are variations of the term, while a Marine is told it is their duty to help when they see another in need. American Legion Riders Post 8 goes to great lengths to ensure veterans in Sussex County are not left behind, even during their darkest hours.
American Legion Riders Post 8 Director Jim Parkinson estimates he spends about 1,300 hours a year acquiring, building and detailing mini-bikes to replicate various eras and professions. Peggy, his wife, is the activities director and ensures veterans in four Sussex County nursing homes are visited throughout the year and, on certain days, receive gifts. For Veterans Day 2022, the 104th anniversary of the end of World War I, Jim made a World War II replica mini-bike and Peggy assembled diet-specific gift baskets featuring pajamas and personalized boxes representing the branch the veteran served in while containing the initials of the hero.
Members from Department of Delaware American Legion, including Commander Dwight D. Lacy, joined Delaware Legion Riders Commander Steve Kellam in taking part in a Veterans Day raffle drawing for Jim’s bike. Lacy presented Peggy with a special honor prior to picking the winning ticket from a large clear bag. Peggy said they sold so many tickets this year that the bag had to be used in place of the traditional raffle barrel to accommodate the entries. Almost $15,000 was raised, with funds going toward projects like a wheelchair ramp.
“This is a money-making gold mine, and every dime goes to the veterans. Every dime. There’s no general fund and no administration fees. Every dime,” said American Legion Riders Post 8 Commander Bill Lawson.
Clayton Watson of Annapolis, Md., was the lucky winner of the mini-bike that Parkinson and others helped to assemble.
The Riders were careful to keep the bag containing the tickets intact, saying it will remain that way as Peggy cares for the unpulled tickets.
“We don't want anybody finding any faults with us, because we do this for love,” Jim said. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Georgetown branch or donating outside the raffle can contact veteran and American Legion Riders Post 8 member “Mack” Mackley at 410-251-7700 or via email at brkyrddog@gmail.com. Information about American Legion Riders is available by contacting Steve Kellam at 302-983-0874 and S.Kellam363@gmail.com.
