American Legion Riders Program

China Post 1 Dragon Riders

The American Legion Riders (ALR) Chapter “Dragon Riders” of China Post 1 is not a normal program, and it is not for everyone.

Operating continuously “in exile” without a fixed physical post building, we preserve a legendary heritage first established by American veterans in Shanghai, China in 1919. We are a specialized, global vanguard. Because of our unique status and international footprint, membership is a privilege, not a right. We maintain an uncompromising focus on high moral character and honor.

To protect the integrity of our fellowship, membership in China Post 1 and the Dragon Riders is strictly by invitation only. We do not accept open public applications; you must be thoroughly vetted, found to possess high moral character, and be formally introduced by an active member to be considered for our ranks.

Why Join & What We Do

  • Global Camaraderie

Connect with a highly selective community of veterans, descendants, and expats around the world [C1]. Members gather globally at designated member bars, known as our “watering holes”, and meet annually during our high-profile international reunion convention [C1, cite: 3, 7].

  • Family-Oriented Motorcycling Activity

We ride to promote the aims, purposes, and charities of The American Legion, the Department of France, and China Post 1. We turn our passion for riding into a structured social atmosphere for patriots who share the exact same interests.

  • Dedicated Veteran & Community Support

We turn fellowship into disciplined action [C1]. Our chapter organizes and participates in charity events, providing vital fundraising, volunteer hours, and local aid to help our veterans, their families, and local communities [C1, cite: 4].

Code of Conduct & Discipline

The Dragon Riders is not a motorcycle club (MC) and does not practice traditional M/C rules. There is no “Patching” or “Pledging” permitted within our organization. Members are strictly prohibited from joining or aligning with an MC, a “Council of Clubs” (CoC), or any regional CoC. Furthermore, any criminal activity while riding is completely prohibited.

Every member is bound by The Rider’s Creed:

  • Riders dedicate themselves to the success of The American Legion.
  • I know through my efforts I can make a difference. Alone am responsible for myself and my fellow riders. I will conduct myself with the highest degree of integrity and honor.
  • Deeds not words, create change. I will persevere against any and all things that prevent my success. My resolve and strength will overcome all obstacles.
  • Each rider is first a member of the American Legion Family. I will actively participate in and support their endeavors.
  • Readily I will join other riders in activities and events which support our missions. I will do so gladly knowing I volunteered to be an American Legion Rider.
  • Success is the only acceptable conclusion. I will allow nothing to dissuade me or impede me from service to my family, community and country, especially to our veterans.

Chapter Dues & Financial Structure

The Dragon Riders program of China Post 1 does not maintain a standalone checking or savings account. In accordance with Post financial rules, all funds are handled through the Post Dragon Fund for disbursement, and all invoices for patches or gear must be submitted directly to the Post Commander for formal approval and payment.

  • Annual Chapter Dues: Active annual dues are currently set at $25.00 per year for the current term and are due no later than 1 October of the preceding year.
  • Upcoming 2028 Rate Change: Effective for the 2028 membership year and all subsequent years, annual chapter dues will be raised to $35.00 per year.
  • Delinquency Timeline: Members whose dues are not paid by January 1st of the calendar year are considered delinquent. If dues remain unpaid by February 1st, the member is suspended from all chapter activities. Unpaid dues running through June 30th result in permanent forfeiture of chapter membership.
  • Life Membership Option: A permanent Dragon Riders Life Membership is available for a set amount of $375.00. This fee is non-prorated, non-refundable, and non-transferable. Life Members must still pay their annual host program dues unless they hold a separate Paid Up for Life (PUFL) status with their host organization.

Dragon Riders Eligibility Guidelines

To establish and maintain an active riding membership in the Dragon Riders, applicants must meet the following multi-point criteria:

  • Host Program Standing: You must be a current member in good standing of a qualifying host program: The American Legion, The Sons of The American Legion (SAL), or The American Legion Auxiliary. You must provide proof of your host program renewal prior to your annual rider renewal.
  • Singular Membership: A rider is strictly prohibited from holding active membership in more than one ALR chapter simultaneously.
  • Motorcycle Specifications: You must own a motorcycle or trike (individually, or documented through marriage, common-law marriage, life partnership, or long-term relationship) with a displacement size of at least 500cc. The vehicle must be fully registered and insured according to your local laws, and you must hold a valid operator’s license with the proper motorcycle endorsement.
  • Physical Constraints Exception: Continued membership remains authorized for fully qualified members (minimum of one-year prior standing) who are forced to give up motorcycle ownership due to age, illness, or injury.

Support & Honorary Members

Support or Honorary members within China Post 1 may be approved directly by the Director. These members hold a voice within the chapter but carry no voting power, and their status does not count toward total membership tallies.

  • Trademark Regulation: In strict compliance with national trademark guidelines, any apparel or vest displaying the official ALR emblem worn by an approved support member must explicitly feature the word “Supporter” or “I Support” directly alongside the emblem.

Required Paperwork & Form Links

Every applicant must provide verified evidence of eligibility and complete compliance documentation:

WEAR THE PATCH – MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Vests & Patch Uniform Regulations

Rider vests are considered an official visual “uniform item” for the American Legion Riders and must be kept neat and uncluttered.

  • American Flag Placement: All riders must display an American flag patch (color or subdued) on the left side of the vest between the collar and shoulder area, above the heart at the highest point. No other front patch may sit higher than the American flag.
  • Dragon Riders Front Patch: The red/gold Dragon Riders circular patch is worn on the front left side where a pocket typically sits, positioned approximately 1–2 inches below any officer patch (or aligned with the name tag line).
  • Back Patch Display: Back patches must be perfectly centered left-to-right. Members in good standing wear the copyrighted ALR back patch alongside the dragon rectangle patch directly below it to easily differentiate China Post 1 riders at national conventions.
  • Gold Borders: Charter members are uniquely entitled to wear a permanent gold border wrapped around their center patch to mark their historic status.
  • Prohibited Imagery: Vests must explicitly avoid patches or pins containing explicit, offensive, political, or partisan language and imagery. All M/C support patches and 1% MC patches are strictly prohibited on Dragon Rider vests.
  • Loss of Standing: In the event a member is suspended or their membership is revoked, they must immediately cease wearing all ALR patches.

The Joining Process & Sponsor Responsibilities

  • Secure a Sponsor (Required): You cannot apply solo. All applicants must have a current, active China Post 1 member act as their official sponsor to vouch for their character and honor.
  • Understand the Sponsor’s Pledge: Inviting someone into the Dragon Riders is a serious commitment. If you sponsor a new member, you are personally guaranteeing their character, conduct, and honor. You testify that they will respect the chain of command, protect our 1919 heritage, and ride safely. If a member you sponsor acts dishonorably, it directly tarnishes your own standing within the Post.
  • Application Review: Once your sponsor successfully vets your background and extends an invitation, your submitted paperwork will be formally reviewed by the Director or Assistant Director within five business days.
  • Administrative Oversight: Administratively, our chapter is chartered under the American Legion Riders Committee of the American Legion Department of France.

Honor Roll: Founders & Charter Members

Founded in September 2005 at the CP1 Reunion, with first official membership forms deployed in 2006, we honor the vanguard who laid the tarmac for our global chapter. These names are permanently preserved on our member rolls:

  • Ronald Burkett (Founder)
  • Marlys Burkett (Founder)
  • Gerald Griffin
  • Robert Senko
  • Art Muzzicato
  • Joel Eisenberg
  • Gregory Rogers
  • Gerald Damewood
  • Gary Howe
  • Lee Hammoch
  • George White
  • Randy Bridges
  • Scott Hilton
  • Milt Brown
  • Tony Riddle
  • Michael Maloy
  • Barry Cauley
  • Stanley Waite
  • Chip Britton
  • Kenneth Jones

(Note: In the event that a Founding or Charter Member passes on to the post everlasting, they will continue to be permanently featured on this webpage marked as “Charter Member – In Memoria” to secure their lasting legacy)

Send check/money order to:

Terry Parker
1528 Santa Lucia Dr
North Las Vegas, NV 89031

Download CP1 ALR Application Form

Download optional CP1 ALR Emergency Medical Record

China Post 1 ALR – Dragon Riders Bylaws

ALR National Guidance

ALR National Resolution 5

SAL Link

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