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07/22/2018
9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Brand loyalty.  What does it mean to you?

Brand loyalty is when you consistently choose one brand over competing brands.  I eat, breathe, and bleed the American Legion and the American Legion Riders.  I do not expect, nor should I expect, everyone to have the same enthusiasm.  You should support a person’s desire to be a member of more than one organization.  It is good to have variety in your life.  What I do expect though, is if you are going to be an officer in our organization that you give it your full and undivided loyalty.  If you choose to be a member of different organizations, you dress the part of the organizations event you are attending.  Not as a member of the other organization.

As an officer at the Post or Riders level, the membership has an expectation of loyalty to the organization.  They do not expect to see their leadership attend a function or event wearing the uniform or patch of another organization.  First, it is highly disrespectful to the people they serve.  Second, it shows contempt toward the organization.  Their loyalty must lie with one or the other.  It is hard to make decisions in the best interest of an organization when as an officer, each organization requires your best interest.

Would you expect an officer at the state or chapter level to attend an American Legion Riders poker run representing another organization? Would you expect a post officer to accept an award on behalf of the American Legion dressed in a shirt of another service organization?  Sadly, over the past year both have happened.  Why should a member have the desire to be loyal to our organization if the officers are not endorsing the product they represent?  You, as members, have the right to demand your officers personify the organization you elected them to represent.

Is this too much to ask of the people who you elect to represent you?  It should not be.  Actions speak louder than word.  You should expect brand loyalty from them. 

For God and Country,
Mick Sobczak
President
American Legion Riders
Department of California

Veterans First * Professionalism * Teamwork
Always with passion and a sense of urgency!

07/28/2018
8:00 am to 6:00 pm

I found this article under AllState Insurance, short and to the point.

With the skyrocketing temperatures of summer now upon much of the country, motorcycle riders need to take a little extra care to keep their mind and body tuned-up to deal with the heat.

One easily preventable and often overlooked motorcycle safety hazard on the road is dehydration.

What is dehydration?

In simple terms, dehydration is using more water than your body is taking in. This means you don’t need to be running a marathon for dehydration to set in. The act of riding your motorcycle in the heat can be a cause. Spending hours in the saddle under the hot sun without replenishing your fluids can be a recipe for disaster.

What are some of the symptoms of dehydration?

• Headache
• Weakness
• Dry Mouth
• Increased Thirst

Do you feel a little “off”? Listen to your body. The dizziness or sluggishness a motorcycle rider may experience as a result of not taking in enough fluids can have dire consequences.

Hot Weather Motorcycle Riding – Be Prepared

Often, your body may be experiencing mild dehydration before common symptoms begin to appear. With a small amount of extra planning before you get on your bike, you can keep your body strong and your mind sharp for the duration of your ride.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” – Ben Franklin

Hot Weather Motorcycle Riding Gear – Hydration Pack

TIP: Filling your hydration pack first with ice, and then filling it the rest of the way with water keeps it cooler longer.

Reusable Water Bottles

A thermos or reusable water bottle tucked in your tankbag or luggage could be just what the doctor ordered.

In addition to replenishing your fluids, having to stop to take it out and drink from it can give your body a few moments to rest. Pick a nice, shady spot and enjoy the scenery while you recharge your battery.

What to Drink

Water is the best option for keeping your body hydrated. A sports drink is also a good choice.

Alcoholic beverages like wine and beer as well as caffeinated beverages like soda, coffee and teas are diuretics and actually encourage fluid loss. They should be avoided to keep your motor running in tiptop shape.

Ride Smart, Ride Safe!

Don’t leave your personal safety to chance during the dog days of summer. Leave home prepared with something to drink along the way.

08/04/2018
8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Do you wear the patch or do you wear the patch?  Is the American Legion Riders patch on your back simply a piece of cloth you wear so you can look cool or do you breathe life into the patch and give it meaning? 

We have come a long way over these past few years, but I know we are better than what we have accomplished.  While we are growing, our parent organizations are not.  We need to be the example to them.  We have added 17 Chapters in two years and will be voting in two more this month.  After that, we are working with 10 other American Legion Posts to add Chapters there. 

This is where you come into the equation.  You, the individual Rider, are the best advertisement we have.  You need to give life to the patch you wear and show veterans and their families why we are the premier veterans service organization in the world.  Now I understand life gets in the way and you have other commitments, but if you can donate thirty minutes of your time a month to your Post, Squadron, Unit, or Chapter we can accomplish so much more.  Also, I know this is a volunteer organization, but to me, if you put on the patch and pay your dues, you have just volunteered.  Especially officers, if you said yes, accepted a title, and took an oath of office, I expect much more from you. 

You have heard me talk about American Legion Basic Training and I cannot emphasize the importance of taking that course.  It will make you a walking, talking recruiter for your family organization and the Riders.  You should also carry applications in your saddlebag.  The best ones to carry are the American Legion Auxiliary applications because they have Legion, Squadron, and Auxiliary applications in one trifold.  This will allow you to sign up an entire family, not just an individual.  We, the Riders, are a family and we do not use that term only when it is convenient for us.  We live it. 

We also need to work the Four Pillars and I know many of you do.  As I travel this great state, I have seen the fruits of your labor.  I see you visiting veterans in VA Hospitals and nursing homes.  I see you participating in parades and other ceremonies (Preamble stuff there).  Yet, there is so much more we can be doing.  We need to think outside the box and find creative ways to bring more people into the family fold.  If we concentrate on Americanism and Children and Youth, we will blow this organization wide open. 

To those of you who have dedicated countless hours to this organization, I thank you.  To those of you who may need to give CPR to your patch, think about why we are here and what our mission is.  Now let us ride and do great things.

For God and Country,

Mick Sobczak

President

American Legion Riders

Department of California

www.alrdoc.org

Veterans First * Professionalism * Teamwork

Always with passion and a sense of urgency!

07/29/2018
9:30 am to 2:00 pm