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Operation Wounded Warrior

Duane Ellsworth Post 129 - Queen Creek, AZ

In early June 2005 Chapter 9 responded to a public service announcement (PSA) by setting up collection points and placing an article in the local paper. Chapters 36 and 2 got involved in July after a state meeting and the planning and working phase began to make a run to the ALR West Coast Rally and then personally deliver the health and comfort items.

Operation Wounded Warrior began.

By Aug 10th, we had received approval to access Camp Pendleton and were given an escort across the base. Several local organizations got involved and allowed us space to put up display booths at different events including Tucson’s SAAVI (South Arizona Association for the Visually Impaired) Bike Show and Wal-Mart. Cash donations were also received from individuals and corporations such as Phelps Dodge, Heritage Homes, Alliance Service and Control and Border States Electric.

The success of Operation Wounded Warrior 2005 was obvious. We delivered over 600 cubic feet of health and comfort items to our troops. This was done with a short planning cycle in conjunction with the West Coast Rally and during the same weekend as all of the 9/11 memorials.

Chapter 9 of the American Legion Riders disbanded and move as a group to Post 129, Queen Creek and immediately establish Chapter 129 of the American Legion Riders. Post 129 adopted Operation Wounded Warrior.

2006:Delivered health and comfort items and gift cards to Brooks Army Medical Center (BAMC) at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas.

2007: New Mexico gathered items for Brooks Army Medical Center in San Antonio and Arizona gathered items for Camp Pendleton and Balboa Naval Hospitals. Nevada supported both states.

2008,2009 and 2010 brought around other years of gathering for our troops and again the American Legion Riders came to the call of these hospitals to support our wounded men and women.

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