To the Editor:

The American Legion Riders Altamont Post 977 will hold its third annual poker run on Aug. 29.

In the Military, “Got Your 6” means “I’ve got your back.”  The saying originated with World War I fighter pilots referencing a pilot’s rear as the six o’clock position. It is now a ubiquitous term in the military that highlights the loyalty and cooperation found in military culture.

This is what the American Legion is all about. Our third annual poker run is all about having the backs of our veterans on a grassroots level.  The Riders decided that the proceeds from our run will benefit veterans in the Capital District.  We are supporting several small, local venues:

— Albany Housing Coalition for Homeless Vets in Albany: Sustainable solutions to veterans’ homelessness one veteran at a time, is the motto of the coalition, which offers rapid-response assistance to homeless veterans and those at imminent risk of losing their housing. More information is online at www.ahcvets.org;

— Woofs for Warriors Project for post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries in Clifton Park: A subsidiary of Mountains to Miracles Veterans Foundation, its goal is to match veterans with suitable shelter dogs and assist with the care of the dogs, so the pair can have a successful relationship. Go to www.mmvf.org to learn more;

— Leatherstocking Honor Flight in Amsterdam: Honor Flight Network recognizes American veterans for their sacrifices and achievements by flying them to Washington, D.C. to see their memorial at no cost to them.  Currently, Leatherstocking’s priority is the dwindling group of World War II veterans and terminally ill veterans from all wars. More information is online at www.leatherstockinghonorflight.org;

— Victoria Acres Equine Facility Inc. in Altamont: Partnering with Horses for Heroes, Victoria Acres helps veterans dealing with PTSD,using the healing power of horses.  Horses are great healers since they perceive, interpret, and respond to where we are in the moment, to help veterans attain inner peace and calm, expand personal awareness, and move beyond grief and fear.  You can learn more at www.horsesforheroes.org or www.victoriaacresequinefacility.com; and

— The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund: The fund was established for the children of active duty United States Military, Guard, and Reserve personnel who were federalized and who die on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Learn more at www.legion.org.

On Saturday, Aug. 29, at around 4 p.m., you will hear the powerful thunder of motorcycles trailing into the American Legion Post 977 on Altamont Boulevard  These riders are standing as one, to call out to our heroes, “We got your 6.”

You are welcome to ride with us, come for the celebration and dinner after the ride, or contribute what is comfortable, to our cause.

To ride with us, meet at the Voorheesville firehouse at 12 Altamont Road in Voorheesville. Registration is from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Kickstands go up at 11 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. The ride ends at the Altamont American Legion Post 977 at 988 Altamont Blvd. in Altamont with dinner, dancing, drawings, a Chinese auction, and 50/50.

Come join us, or contribute what you can, making checks payable to ALR Post 977; call 861-6848 after 4 p.m. daily.

When you hear the thunder, see the magnificence of this proud display of the riders, stand proud with us, as the proud Americans that we are, to make it loud and clear to our veteran heroes!

We’ve got your 6.

Hellen Wager

Altamont