Serving Those Who Have Served

For the members of the Marietta Legion Riders, it's hard to tell what they love more: riding their bikes or giving back to their community. Lucky for them, they have equal opportunity to do both.

Formed in the 1970s, the group has about 42 members, men and women who are either riders or passengers. Since its inception, the Marietta Riders group has had a mission of making an impact on the community. The group focuses on veterans' organizations and events, but not exclusively, said secretary Colie Schmitt, who rides as a passenger with her husband, Robert. "Ninety-five percent of what we do is vet-related, but we also help others when there are needs in the community," she said. The group collects items for Toys for Tots and participates in the Marietta, Bainbridge and Maytown Memorial Day parades. It holds biannual chicken barbecues and spaghetti dinners, and it recently acquired a mailbox, which it fixed up and will install in the Legion parking lot as a receptacle where the community can deposit tattered flags for retirement. In May, the group will begin repairs on the Marietta Cemetery, working with a local Boy Scout troop.

On the second Sunday of every month, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., the group holds an all-you-can-eat breakfast to benefit various organizations. On Sunday, March 13, proceeds will support Woodworking with Warriors, a Quarryville-based nonprofit that serves wounded veterans.

"We do a lot of research into the groups we support, because want to make sure they are nonprofits and they are helping the local community," explained president Bill Rittenhouse. "All of the money we raise goes out to the door to the organization. We keep nothing."

For members of the Riders, the group provides not only a way to give back but also a chance to socialize with like-minded friends.

"I joined because I wanted to ride with other people," said Jerry Bush, "but I really like this group because they are making the community better."

Wade Drescher noted that his participation is a way to honor veterans - including his family members - since he himself never served. This sentiment was echoed by others in the group.

Rittenhouse said the group provides a sense of security during rides, explaining that there's safety in numbers, but even more importantly, the Riders foster a sense of camaraderie. The members have bonded like a family over the impact they've had on the community.

"Anybody can write a check, but we like to get involved," he stated. "We like to meet the people we're serving and shake their hands."

The group is always looking for new members, and its charity rides are open to anyone. "You do not have to be a member to ride with us," Rittenhouse remarked. "If you have a motorcycle, you are welcome to join us."

Upcoming rides include Saturday, May 14, to benefit the Burning Bridges Foundation; Saturday, June 11, for Donegal Trout Unlimited; and Saturday, Aug. 13, for Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania's Tiny Homes for Homeless Veterans.

For more information, search for "Marietta Legion Riders Post 466" on Facebook or stop in the club, 19 S. Gay St.