To the Editor:

"Bikers and veterans go hand in hand. I can assure you, we never forget. That rumbling sound you hear when a group of bikers comes together is not noise, Sir, it is the harmony of brotherhood coming together for a purpose and a cause."

That quote means a lot to me although I’m unsure of its source.

We, the Altamont American Legion Riders Post 977, are hosting our fourth annual poker run this Saturday, Aug. 27. In doing this, we raise funds, of which every penny goes to veterans in need.

It's not about poker; it's about brotherhood and helping those individuals who selflessly gave to defending our country.

Some of us are veterans; some of us are sons and daughters of veterans. All of us hold those men and women who have given of themselves to serve the United States of America in the highest esteem.

Funds raised will go to many local venues, including but not limited to:

— Albany Housing Coalition for Homeless Veterans, which offers sustainable solutions to veterans' homelessness one veteran at a time (www.achvets.org);

— Woofs for Warriors of Clifton Park, a subsidiary of Mountains to Miracles, matching suitable shelter dogs to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and  traumatic brain injury (www.mmvf.org);

— Leatherstocking Honor Flight in Amsterdam, which flies veterans who served in World War II, or in the Korean or Vietnam wars, free of charge, to see their memorials in Washington, D.C.;

— The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, which assists children of active duty United States military, guard, and reserve personnel killed in action since Sept. 11, 2011 (www.legion.com);

— Victoria Acres Equine Facility  in Altamont, partnering with Horses for Heroes to help veterans dealing with PTSD, using the healing power of horses (www.victoriaacresequinefacility.com);

— Soldier On, a not-for-profit organization providing veterans with transitional housing and supportive services. Soldier On is refurbishing the former Ann Lee Nursing Home in Colonie to “change the end of the story” for veterans (www.soldieron.org); and

— The Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center (www.albanyva.gov).

Veterans and their families in our community who are undergoing hardship are assisted with funds for living essentials.We repair homes and build ramps for those with handicaps. Any assistance we can provide, we'll be there.

To be involved, join us on our ride

Registration is at the Voorheesville firehouse at 12 Altamont Rd. in Voorheesville. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.; kickstands go up at 10:30 a.m.

Our ride is about 100 miles long. Our last stop will be at The Wall That Heals, a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., which has visited more than 400 localities across the country. The Wall That Heals will be in Duanesburg for three days.

Dinner is back at our Post at 988 Altamont Blvd. in Altamont

Or donations may be mailed to: American Legion Riders Post 977, Post Office Box 461, Altamont NY 12009. Or call us at (518) 861-6848. Or stop by the post between 4 and 9 p.m.

Come join us in showing our veterans that we care, appreciate, and support them.

Come help us make this happen!

Hellen Wager

Altamont