Welcome
to the American Legion Longhorn Post 333’s
web-site. As the Post Commander I feel obligated
and have the pleasure of providing you with some
historical background about our Post, the Legion
itself, and some insight of what to expect should
you elect to apply to become a member of our fine
organization.
First
of all let’s talk a little about the Post
itself. The Longhorn Post 333 is one of the youngest
Posts in Texas. We received our Temporary Charter from
National Headquarters on April 16, 2006. The Founding-Charter
Members of the Post 333 were transfers from our local
brother Post in Bedford, the American Legion Riders Post
135. It would be hard to not speak briefly about Post
135 when presenting the historical record of Post 333.
Legion
Post 135 was established in 2000, mostly by motorcycle
enthusiast
members of Ft Worth’s Post 516 (located
near John T. White Blvd and Hwy-820 South). The areas
parent command, the 12th District, which covers the Greater
Ft. Worth Area, recommended starting a new Post specifically
designed for Legionnaires interested in newly established “Legion
Riders Program”. Hence, Post 135 was born. It soon
grew from the original 12 to over 160 with attendance
at events and meetings reaching the 40% mark! Today it
continues the mission of the Legion Family.
In
2006, the former long time Commander and Co-Founder
of Post 135,
was approached to start yet another Post
in Grapevine, Texas. Selecting a few choice members to
help and become the “Founder-Charter Member Cadre” he
set out to open the “American Legion Longhorn Post
333”. Much like its brother Post 135, Post 333
serves both the traditional Legionnaires while supporting
an active “Legion Rider Program”. We were
able to select our name “Longhorn Post” and
our number “333”. There are many rumors as
to why 333, but the truth being it was easy and just
looked right! Like many other Legion Post throughout
the country, Post 135 and 333 do not have what is know
as the “Post Home”, a building that most
associate with an American Legion. Instead we meet in
the boardrooms, community centers, etc… of our
host towns or cities.
Today
the Longhorn Post has some 80 plus members of which
approximately
20 are declared to be “Legion
Riders” as well. Here at 333 we stand by the traditions
and highest standards of the American Legion. We probably
also hold our Riders to a higher standard than most Legion
Posts. Although, we don’t proclaim in any manner
to be a Motorcycle Club “MC”, we do hold
to many of their standards and pride regarding riding,
wearing their colors (Legion Rider Vest) and in the brotherhood
and fellowship we share. If you prefer a more loose,
less disciplined Rider’s Program, Post 333 should
probably not be your choice.
To borrow from one of the armed services recruiting motto
we prefer “Quality not Quantity”.
I
hope, in some small way, this helps in your decision
to become
a member of our proud Post. Should you have
any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact
me, or any Post Officer. They will be happy and more
than willing to serve.
The
American Legion Riders Program
The "Longhorn" Post
also supports a Legion Riders program.
The
Legion Riders are
members of the American Legion who are also motorcycle
enthusiasts.
They can be found participating in parades, partaking
in motorcycling
events, and supporting the communities in
which they live, work, and play. Members of the
ALR
come from
the Legion, the Legion Auxilliary, and the
Sons of the American Legion. The American Legion
Riders were
formed...
...to participate in parades and other ceremonies
that are in keeping with the Aims and Purposes of
the American Legion.
...to promote motorcycle safety programs and to provide a social atmosphere
for American Legion members who share the same interest.
...to use our Association to promote and support programs of the American Legion.
The
American Legion Riders is not a "Motorcycle
club". The American
Legion Riders is family-oriented, just as is its
parent organization: the American Legion.
