ALRA of Wisconsin District 1 Officers

President	Frank "Phantom" Konieska
Vice President	Jimmie "JR" Rosko
Secretary	Thomas "Tom" Oster
Treasurer	Charlotte "Char" Johnson
Sgt at Arms	Michael "Spider" Petersen
Historian	Don "Alamo" Stone
Chaplain	Lenar "Lenno" Preciado
Senior Road Captain	Forrest "Pack Rat" George
Road Captain	Jim "Sparky" Gengler
Road Captain	John "Johnny B" Nickence
Road Captain	David "Super Dave" Hehn

 

District 1
2008 Meeting Schedule

MEETING LOCATION DATE START TIME


01/19/08 1030 hrs Post 171, Union Grove, Lower Level
02/16/08 1730 hrs Cotton Exchange, Waterford
03 15/08 1030 hrs Post 171, Union Grove, Lower Level
04/19/08 1030 hrs Post 171, Union Grove, Lower Level
05/31/08 1730 hrs Cotton Exchange, Waterford
06/21/08 1030 hrs Post 171, Union Grove, Lower Leve
07/19/08 1030 hrs Post 171, Union Grove, Lower Level
08/16/08 1730 hrs Cotton Exchange, Waterford
09/20/08 1030 hrs Post 171, Union Grove, Lower Level
10/18/08 1030 hrs Post 171, Union Grove, Lower Level
11/15/08 1730 hrs Cotton Exchange, Waterford
12/20/08 1030 hrs Post 171, Union Grove, Lower Level

Meetings held at the Cotton Exchange will be in the Cotton Patch Room, Private, lower level, facing Highway 20. These are dinner meetings with your significant other invited to join us. The cost is $18.00 per person which includes tax and tip.Danny has been given free rein over what to serve. Because our membership is continuing to grow, it would be impossible for them to accommodate us off the menu.

 

Sgt John Penich Funeral - October 28, 2008

The District 1 Legion Riders were honored to attend the visitation (October 27, 2008) and ride in the procession to the funeral and cemetery (October 28, 2008) for Sgt. John Michael Penich, United States Army, killed in action on October 16, 2008.

 

Delafield Parade

Below are a few photos from the Delafield parade, where the moving (Vietnam Veteran's) wall was displayed.

 

Carthage Parade - October 11, 2008

For the second year in a row the Riders were asked to lead the Carthage College Homecoming Parade on October 11, 2008. A beautiful day, and a beautiful campus…took many of us back to earlier times in our lives.

 

Veteran's Family Picnic at Union Grove - September 27, 2008

Members from District 1 attended the Family Picnic at the Veterans’ Home in Union Grove on September 27th. The District 1, Legion Riders were honored to join a large number of other veteran’s organizations in helping to put on this annual event for our veterans. Note the picture of Alamo and his lunch partner. “Ruth” is, to her knowledge, the only female WW II veteran (Navy) at the residence and was an absolute delight to visit with. It was a beautiful day and a great event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

District 1 Participates in Silent March - September 20, 2008

On September 20, 2008 the District 1 Legion Riders were honored to take part in the District 1 Silent March hosted by Twin Lakes Legion Post 544. For the occasion, our bikes were all privileged to fly the POW / MIA flag. Below are a couple photos of the District 1 riders who participated in this emotional ceremony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burlington - Toy Run for Love - August 2008

As usual, the District 1 Riders participated in the annual charity “Toy Run for Love” in Burlington. After the last stop in Waterford we put on our flags and lead the participants back to Burlington. I would be remiss if I didn’t point out the pictures of Phantom (an honored Air Force veteran) examining his placement of the Air Force flag…..upside down on his bike. This unique configuration had to be pointed out to him before we could begin the final fun. My color picture doesn’t do justice to the crimson hue of his face.

 

Bristol Days Parade - July 13, 2008

These are from District 1’s participation in the Bristol Progress Days Parade on Sunday July 13. We lead the parade and took first place as best unit, and have been invited back to lead next year.

 

Independence Day Parades 2008

Delafield parade

The New Berlin parade was District 1 AND a BIG bunch of help from Districts 4/5. Wouldn’t by 4th of July in New Berlin without them… SUPER crowd in ew Berlin, easily far and away the biggest crowd ever, 4 and 5 deep the whole parade route and all stood and clapped for all veterans as they (we) came by. Great experience.

...well Ricoh, what was the answer???

...and Twin Lakes. Hey guys….you’ve got to know that the group photo is from a somewhat elevated view point, it was taken by Lady Liberty from on top of her stilts (she’s in one of the pictures with the Twin Lakes Legion color guard). Another Riders first.

Memorial Day Parades - 2008

Here are some photos from our District 1 Memorial Day parades at Delevan, Twin Lakes, Racine and our visit to the Union Grove VA Cemetery ceremony the Sunday before Memorial Day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salute to Legislature

Some pictures of our guys playing color guard for the “Salute to Legislature”.

 

Christmas Party - December 9, 2007

Below are a few photos taken from the Union Grove Vets home at their Christmas party.

Riders chatting with Jim Navis, WWII veteran	Colleen & Ricoh discussing who is in charge of the ice cream
Some of the members and families who attended the party	Some of the 20+ members who volunteered at the party

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breakfast Before the Vets Parade

District #1's Vice President, Don "Alamo" Stone graciously invited everyone over for the traditional pre-Veteran's Day parade breakfast at his home. With all those full bellies, hopefully there wasn't anyone too tired to be in the parade. Here's a shot of the crew for the annual breakfast.

 

Photos from "Mic" in Kuwait

District #1's Sunshine Committee, Colleen Peterson & Linda Oster, solicited supplies from the membership and gathered three (3) forty (40) pound boxes and one (1) smaller box that were sent over to one of our members in the 395th Ordinance Company at Camp Arifjan Kuwait. Michael "Mic" Hayes is a member of American Legion Post 79 and the American Legion Riders of Wisconsin, District #1. He was our first "crotch rocket" riding up on a bright yellow Ducati. "Mic" sent us some pictures from the sand box that we would like to share. Thanks "Mic" and members of the 395th for keeping the "free" in the word "freedom". Remember "For those who have fought for it....Freedom has a taste the protected will never know." Keep your heads down!!

 

Wisconsin Vets Day Family Picnic - September 30, 2007

Wisconsin Vets Day Family Picnic was held at the Union Grove Veterans Home. District #1 of the American Legion Riders Association of Wisconsin along with Wisconsin Vets Day, Inc, DMZ-MC, Military Order of the Purple Heart & Auxiliary, Smokeaters VFW Post 8320, the Bunker, VFW Chapter 8343, VFW Chapter 11038, VFW Post 7924, Veterans of America, MC and VVA Chapter 921 served over 520 members and their family members at a family picnic on the grounds of the Union Grove Veterans Home. Our very own DJ, Frank "Phantom" Konieska, provided music throughout the day with Jim McKusker providing the Klement's Sausages to entertain the members and their grandchildren. District #1, the Veterans of America, MC and DMZ, MC provided a small motorcycle parade presenting the flags of our country with the members judging the three (3) best bikes and the loudest bike. Congratulation to the winners. Here are a few photos taken from the event.

 

Classic Car Parade at Lake Geneva - September 29, 2007

On Saturday, September 29 District 1 and the Milwaukee Districts went to Lake Geneva to lead the parade of classic cars at their annual charity classic car rally. Beautiful day, beautiful setting and scenery, and great comradery, as always…

Silent March, Beloit WI - September 22, 2007

Members from ALRA of WI District 1 participated in the Silent March in Beloit, Wisconsin on Saturday, Sept 22.
Yes, once again we had to MARCH not ride….bummer, but a good cause.

State H.O.G. Rally - August 17-19, 2007

As many of you may know the Wisconsin HOG Rally was held in the City of Racine August 17th, through the 19th, 2007. District #1 was called on by the State HOG Organization to assist in presenting the colors of our United States, Wisconsin and our Service Branches. Maximum exposure was achieved by District #1 as there were between 5,000 and 10,000 motorcycle enthusiasts in the City of Racine that weekend. We also had a recruitment booth with the assistance of District #2, the Milwaukee County Districts and "Jackie" at Racine Harley Davidson. It was very successful with interest shown by about thirty (30) new prospects from throughout the State

 

 

Independence Day Parades - July 4, 2007

Once again District #1 was called on to assist our District American Legion Posts in four (4) parades. "Sparky's" Squad was in Union Grove assisting Post 171. Our Vice President "Alamo" was called on to assist in Judging the Parade Floats for this Parade. "Phantom's" Squad was in Waterford assisting Post 20, "JR's" Squad, with the grateful assistance of the Milwaukee County Districts, assisted New Berlin Post 488 and then "Sparky" and "Phantom's" Squad headed down to Somers and assisted Post 552. A fun time was had by one and all. We would like to Thank the Posts for the generous hospitality and for asking us to join them on this joyous occasion. There were also numerous question fielded about the American Legion Riders of Wisconsin by all the members.

 

Libertyfest Parade - June 30th, 2007

The American Legion Riders Association of Wisconsin, District #1 were called on by the Twin Lakes Area Chamber & Business Association, Inc. to participate in their Libertyfest Parade. Another great time was had assisting Twin Lakes Post 544. We also had the opportunity talk with a local business owner about joining the American Legion Post 544. Hopefully this will come to fruition.

 

 

Union Grove Veterans Cemetery - May 27th, 2007

The American Legion Riders Association of Wisconsin, District #1 was invited to participate in a Memorial Service at the Union Grove Veterans Cemetery. We were immediately met by the mother of a soldier who recently gave his life in Iraq. We had recently escorted him to his final resting place in this very cemetery. She was very appreciative and thanked us again and again. This is also a great time to stand, side by side, with other Veteran Organizations and Veteran Motorcycle Clubs from the immediate area to honor our fallen brothers and sisters.

Memorial Day - May 28, 2007

District #1 performed in four (4) Memorial Day parades at the request of American Legion Post's in our District. The group was split up into three (3) separate parade squads lead by the District Road Captains. "Sparky's" Squad assisted Post 71 in Pewaukee. "Phantom's" Squad assisted Post 79 in Burlington and "JR's" Squad assisted Post 95 in Delavan. "Phantom" & JR's Squads then headed down to Twin Lakes to help Post 544. It was a great day for parades and membership. We were able to sign a young man to Post 79 and the American Legion Riders Association of Wisconsin who will be heading back to Kuwait in June and it appears that we may have two (2) new members signed by members who attended a Memorial Service at the Bunker after the parades.

 

Annual Bike Blessing - May 6, 2007

District #1 was called on by the Lake Shore HOG Chapter and Illinois Blue Knights MC to present the colors for their Annual bike blessing on May 6th. This was an escorted ride from Lakeshore Harley Davidson in Libertyville, IL to a St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Kenosha. We got to meet a lot of interesting people including some of our Illinois Brothers & Sisters. They are in the process of forming local American Legion Riders Chapters in their Posts. We were asked back again next year and hopefully we'll be able to include some of our Illinois Chapters.

 

 

VFW Loyalty Days - April 28, 2007

The American Legion Riders Association of Wisconsin, District #1 was invited to participated with 50+ other units from throughout the State in the VFW Loyalty Days Parade in Rochester, WI. We received many compliments on our uniforms and our professionalism along with numerous inquiries about how to join the American Legion and the American Legion Riders of Wisconsin. It was our first parade of the season and a great tune-up for a very busy summer. We got to press a lot of flesh throughout the afternoon at the program at the Bunker. A great time was had by one and all.

 

Home Show - March 31, 2007

District #1 was called on by Burlington Post 79 to assist in recruiting along with soliciting donations for their new building project at the Burlington Home Show, March 31st, 2007. We were able to sign a new member to Brookfield Post 449 who also became a new Rider and two new Auxiliary Members for local Posts. This doesn't even take in the amount of fun we had with the members of Post 79. This is what we would consider a successful Home Show.

 

St. Patrick's Day Party

District #1 participated in the St. Patrick's Day Party thrown by the local Service Organizations for the members of the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove. The Riders were instrumental in obtaining the Trinity Dancers and a pair of strolling bag pipers to entertain the members. As you can see by the picture, we have a very close working relationship with Nicole Sprader, Volunteer Coordinator for the Wisconsin Veterans Home, Union Grove.

The costs were shared by the American Legion Riders of Wisconsin, District #1, Bixby-Hansen Post 171, Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 921, VFW Post 11038, Essman Schroeder Post 20, the VFW Post in Wind Lake along with some numerous animous donations.

We had the opportunity to witnessed individuals who had to be wheeled in doing everything in their power to get out of their chairs and get off their power scooters to give the young dancers a standing ovation. It was very heart warming with a strong sense of accomplishment.

 

Don's Breakfast

Below are a few pics of the folks at Don's for breakfast before the Vet's Day parade. He refers to it as "Thunder Comes to Weatherstone Subdivision."

 

 

Patriot Bike

Below is Jay and Char Johnson on the Riders first Harley "Patriot Bike". Except for all the Navy emblems all over it, it looks pretty slick (even in the rain).

Post 79 Breakfast

A few of the members supporting a recent breakfast at Post 79 in Burlington. What a bunch of hungry Riders. A hearty meal at that....we did a GREAT job eating!

 

Log Cabin Toy Run

Here are a couple pictures of the recent Log Cabin Toy Run for Love in Burlington. It was a combined effort of both District 1 and 4/5.

 

Recent District One Meeting / Dinner

Below are a few pictures from the August 19th monthly meeting. Over 35 members and significant others were in attendance.

 

 

Past Events

Pre-Stage Breakfast for Vets Day Parade

It sounds like Alamo had some pretty hearty eaters for his pre-stage breakfast at his home before the Veterans Day Parade in Milwaukee. His comments, "...neither my house or my neighborhood will ever be the same" has me a little concerned.

 

Post 20 Pankcake Breakfast

On Sunday, October 30, 2005 the District #1 Riders helped out at Post 20 (Waterford) for their annual Pancake Breakfast. Great food and then a "color's" ride through the area around Waterford. A good, caloric time was had by all!

 

District 1 Silent March

On Saturday, Sept. 17, the District # 1 Riders were honored to participate in the First District POW/MIA Silent March, sponsored by Union Grove Bixby-Hansen Post 171. For this parade, and in keeping with the Silent March theme, we parked our bikes (with full flags) at the ceremony site and marched in the parade. Many of our older members (ME) are still a little sore at this time. It had been quite a while since many of us had "marched" sans Harley and majority opinion was that we hadn't missed it at all. In addition to marching we also participated in the ceremony by releasing black baloons as the roll call of each Wisconsin Viet Nam MIA's name was called.

 

Toys Run for Love

District #1 was involved with the Toys Run for Love, Inc. Ride in Burlington on September 11, 2005. Below are a couple pictures of that event. It appears that everyone had a great time despite the extremely warm temperatures. Some members were in the official tie-dyed t-shirts for the occasion.

 

Lyons Day Parade

District #1 was honored to lead the Village of Lyons "Lyons Day Parade" this past Sunday. Below are a few pictures of the event.

 

 

 

Other Photos

ALRA District 1 Dinner - Feb '05

 

Veterans Day Parade - Milwaukee - November 6, 2004

Below are a couple pictures taken of some of the ALRA of Wisconsin members that participated in the Veterans Day Parde in Milwaukee. More photos can be found on the "Events" page.

Pack Rat, Country, Phil and Kurt	Don on his Ride with the Rider's Flag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

District 1 Forms

Below is a photo of the founding members of District 1

 

 

American Legion District 1Posts

Kenosha County	Racine County
Post 21 Kenosha	Post 20 Waterford
Post 293 Silver Lake	Post 34 Franksville
Post 361 Wilmot	Post 79 Burlington
Post 544 Twin Lakes	Post 171 Union Grove
Post 552 Somers	Post 310 Racine
Walworth County	Post 494 Caledonia
Post 24 Lake Geneva	Post 546 Racine
Post 45 Elkhorn	Waukesha County
Post 95 Delavan	Post 8 Waukesha
Post 102 Walworth	Post 71 Pewaukee
Post 130 Sharon	Post 91 Oconomowoc
Post 173 Whitewater	Post 196 Delafield
Post 183 Genoa City	Post 289 Mapleton
Post 188 East Troy	Post 294 Hartland
Post 327 Lyons	Post 296 Brookfleild
Post 450 Darien	Post 356 Muskego
Rock County	Post 375 Mukwonago
Post 30 Edgerton	Post 382 Menomonee Falls
Post 35 Evansville	Post 399 Okauchee
Post 48 Beloit	Post 405 Dousman
Post 205 Janesville	Post 430 Butler
Post 237 Footville	Post 449 Elm Grove
Post 309 Oxfordville	Post 488 New Berlin
Post 367 Milton	Post 535 Eagle
Post 440 Clinton