Chapter 221
Chartered June 22, 2017
CHAPTER OFFICERS
Director................................ Lonny "Tinker" Mann
Vice Director................... Jim "Papa Jim" Matteson
Sgt-at-Arms.................................. Jim "Pops" Davis
Secretary........................ John "Jacknife" Fagan, Jr.
Treasurer.......................... Tony "Jayhawk" Strauss
Judge Advocate.................... Tim "Wookie" Guiles
Chaplain............................... Martha "Lita" Strauss
Road Captain........................ Doug "Miles" Bowers
Asst. Road Captain................. Jay "Goldpan" Clark
Historian.............................. Bill "Cowboy" Rendall
Membership................................................ VACANT
Jr. Past Director... Steve "Reverend Steve" Swindle
CHAPTER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Lonny R. Mann - Director
James Matteson - Vice Director
John E. Fagan, Jr. - Secretary
Vince F. Rondone - Appointed
John Jenkins - Appointed
Tony D. Strauss - Post Liaison
CHAPTER MEETINGS
Date: 2nd Tuesday of the month
Time: 6:00 p.m.
We will make every effort to respond to you as soon as possible.
American Legion Riders
The American Legion Riders (ALR) is one of the fastest-growing and most visible programs of the American Legion Family. Made up of members of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion who share a passion for motorcycling and service, the Riders are dedicated to supporting veterans, active-duty military personnel, military families, youth programs, and their local communities.
Across the nation, American Legion Riders chapters participate in a wide variety of charitable, patriotic, and community service activities. While every chapter is unique, all are united by a common mission of service For God and Country.
American Legion Riders proudly support:
- Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.
- American Legion programs, including the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund and other youth initiatives.
- Community fundraising events that benefit veterans, first responders, military families, and local charities.
- Memorial ceremonies, military funerals, veterans' tributes, and patriotic events.
- Charity rides, escort missions, and public events that promote patriotism and community involvement.
- Motorcycle safety awareness and responsible riding within the community.
American Legion Riders are known for their willingness to answer the call whenever veterans, military families, or their communities need assistance. Whether raising funds for scholarships, participating in memorial ceremonies, supporting local veterans in need, or volunteering at community events, Riders proudly represent the values of the American Legion Family.
At American Legion Riders Chapter 221, we are proud to serve the Tehachapi community through fellowship, volunteer service, patriotism, and charitable outreach. Every ride has a purpose, and every mile is traveled in support of veterans, our community, and the principles upon which the American Legion was founded.
If you enjoy riding and are eligible for membership in The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, or Sons of The American Legion, we invite you to join American Legion Riders Chapter 221 and ride with a purpose.
For complete information ciick on above logo
For the past 17 years, American Legion Riders across the country have supported the American Legion’s Legacy Scholarship Fund through various fundraising events. The primary source of funds were the American Legion Legacy Run and several in-state Legacy Runs, such as the California Legacy Run.
As of 2024, the National Leadership of the American Legion has asked the American Legion Riders to change the focus of their efforts as the Legacy Scholarship Fund has enough money to be self-sustaining. In its place, we have been asked to support the American Legion Veterans and Childrens Foundation.
The American Legion Veterans and Childrens Foundation, also known as “The Foundation of Hope”, provides temporary assistance for military and veteran parents in unexpected financial crises and support for service officers in their tireless efforts to obtain care and due benefits and opportunities of disabled veterans and families.
The 2026 California Legacy Run is proud to join other American Legion Riders across the country in this new mission with the same determination.
Fueled by Community Spirit
For 20 years, the American Legion Riders have journeyed across the nation, uniting communities behind our cause. From main streets to overpasses, the flags and cheers we pass are a reminder that this ride is bigger than any one of us.
Since 2006, The American Legion Legacy Run has raised $16 million for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. These funds have provided over $6.2 million in scholarships to support children who lost a parent in active military service on or after September 11, 2001, or whose post-9/11 parent has a VA disability rating of 50% or higher.
With the Legacy Scholarship Fund now self-sustaining for the foreseeable future, the Legacy Run expanded its mission in 2024 to begin fundraising for The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (VCF) to continue meeting the evolving needs of veterans, service members, and their families.
None of it would be possible without the unwavering support of local Legion posts, businesses, city officials, and law enforcement.
(L-R: T. Strauss, Post Cmdr; R. Miller, VP; Kevin Davey, Sgt@Arms; P. Donahue, Chaplain; S. Tehee, Pres.; P. Harris, Treas.; M. Johnson Post Adj.)
Backpatch Presented to Founding Chapter 221 President Stan Tehee by Post Cmdr Tony Strauss
2017 999 Foundation Support Ride
