Month: June 2025

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What Really Matters?

How can we make a positive difference in other people’s lives? 

Thirteen members of the American Legion Riders (ALR) of Ernest A. Love Post 6 recently showed us what matters with their actions and deeds.  They embarked on A Ride That Matters.

Raising over $14,000 and riding their motorcycles and trikes over 2,500 miles in the western United States- the ALR team made a huge impact on hundreds of people’s live. Veterans and their families, children and burn victims were assisted in this effort. 

The ALR members of Post 6 embarked on their eight-day journey on May 31, 2025 and rode from Arizona to Nevada, California, Oregon, Idaho, and Utah. they stopped at multiple locations and met with the four non-profit organizations listed below to distribute the donations they collected. 

Members of Post 6 American Legion Riders as they depart Chino Valley, AZ on 5/31/25

Each of these organizations received $3,000 donations from the American Legion Riders:

  • Camp Courage:  Arizona Burn Foundation.
    • Arizona Burn Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for burn survivors and their families in Arizona, while promoting burn prevention advocacy and education. The camp is a week in Prescott, AZ for burn survivors age 6-19 to build courage as they connect with other survivors through horseback riding, swimming, arts and crafts, high ropes, rappelling.
    • https://azburn.org/camps
  • Central Oregon Veterans Ranch
    • Over the past nine years, the Central Oregon Veterans Ranch has touched the lives of veterans and their families through therapeutic, vocational, and agri-therapy programs on our 19-acre working ranch.
    • Supporting at-risk veterans with weekly movement and mindfulness sessions including yoga, tai chi, and gentle aerobics. 
    • https://www.covranch.org/
  • Project Healing Waters
    • A leading nonprofit in therapeutic outdoor recreation, using the sport of fly fishing as an intervention. They help active military service personnel and Veterans in need through a dedicated, developed curriculum of fly fishing.
    • https://projecthealingwaters.org/about-us/
  • Yavapai Big Brothers and Sisters
    • Mentoring: Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”), ages 6 through 24. 
    • Provides families life-sustaining resources like food, shelter, and medical care.
    • https://azbigs.org/what-we-do/
ALR Members present donation check to Camp Courage in Prescott, AZ

In addition to visiting the non-profits, the ALR team stopped at over 10 American Legion Posts along the route of A Ride that Matters. At the June 2025 General Meeting of Legion Post 6 in Prescott, Commander Sam McPherson gave praise and recognition for the outstanding hospitality to five Legion posts who went above and beyond to support and welcome the tired and weary riders.  

Here are the American Legion Posts who welcomed the Post 6 ALR with open arms, big smiles, and warm spirits during their week-long ride.

  • Post 40 in Henderson, NV
  • Post 8 in Klamath Falls, OR
  • Post 18 in Nampa, ID
  • Post 112 in Salt Lake City, UT
  • Post 69 in Kanab, UT

A Ride That Matters was not just a success; it was an accomplishment that shows the strong impact we can have on each other’s lives. This act of goodwill exemplified two of the four pillars of the American Legion – Rehabilitation of Veterans and Youth and Children. The outpouring of love and support resonated deeply with everyone involved, making the world kinder and more compassionate through these efforts.

Thank you to everyone who participated in, supported and donated to this incredible event.

The children, veterans, and families that were helped by this ride showed their appreciation with their smiles and laughter— and that is ALL that really matters.

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American Legion Auxiliary raises thousands to help veterans in Prescott, AZ

The Auxiliary members of the Ernest A. Love Unit 6 American Legion extend their sincere thanks to everyone who generously donated during their annual Poppy drive this year.

Auxiliary Unit 6 Officers Diane Shaffer and Sandy Gorraiz

Armed with bright, red poppies and warm smiles, twelve members of the Unit 6 Auxiliary set up tables outside of True Value and two Fry’s locations in Prescott, AZ.  The goal of the annual campaign around Memorial Day is to not only raise awareness but to raise money for local veterans.  This year the team received $2,148 in donations.

This tradition, deeply rooted in history and patriotism, invited the Prescott community to show their support for veterans while contributing to meaningful programs that directly benefit them and their families.

The Significance of the Poppy

The iconic red poppy has long been a symbol of remembrance and resilience. Its history dates back to World War I, inspired by the poignant poem “In Flanders Fields” written by Canadian soldier John McCrae. The poppy grew in the battlefields of Europe, blooming amidst the chaos and destruction, and it became a powerful emblem of sacrifice and hope. The American Legion Auxiliary adopted the poppy as a tribute to the courage and sacrifices of veterans and as a beacon of support for those who continue to serve.

Supporting Veterans Through Donations

Every poppy distributed by the American Legion Auxiliary represents a story of bravery and endurance. Donations collected during poppy campaigns directly fund programs designed to assist veterans, military families, and active duty servicemembers. These funds help maintain critical services such as rehabilitation programs, housing assistance, job placement initiatives, and mental health support.

In Prescott, the Ernest A. Love Unit 6 Auxiliary is committed to making a difference by channeling donations into local and national efforts that uplift the lives of those who have sacrificed for freedom. When you wear a poppy, you stand as a testament to their service and affirm your dedication to remembering their contributions.

Auxiliary Unit 6 President Glenda McFarland and Connie Turner.