Legion Riders organize fundraiser in support of veteran service dogs

WEIRTON - An event held Sunday provided more than a leisurely motorcycle ride around the Ohio Valley.

The Northern Panhandle American Legion Riders organized the motorcycle run, beginning and ending at American Legion Post 10 in Weirton, in support of the Train A Dog - Save A Warrior program.

"We are raising money for disabled veterans for service dogs," explained Charlie Poland, Legion Riders director and first vice commander of Post 10.

Almost 50 riders turned out for Sunday's run, representing local American Legion posts, Riders organizations, and other residents, with a route leaving Weirton and heading south through Brooke County, before crossing the Wellsburg bridge into Brilliant, and then north to East Liverpool, where the group would cross the Jennings Randolph Bridge into Chester and make their way back to Weirton.

Along the way, stops were scheduled at American Legion Posts in Brilliant, Steubenville, Toronto, and Chester.

The original goal for the ride was $10,000, but Poland announced that, as of Saturday evening, they had already brought in $12,850, and were hopeful to reach somewhere between $18,000 and $20,000 when all was said and done.

The $10,000 mark, he said, would support the training of three dogs for local veterans.

"This is a nationwide program," he said. "We are dedicating this to our district."

Since July 2010, Train A Dog - Save A Warrior has accredited 1,731 service dog teams, including 186 Vietnam veterans and two Korean War veterans. The program provides the training of a medical alert service dog, as designated under the Americans with Disabilities Act, for veterans surviving Military Induced Anxiety Depression Syndrome, Military Sexual Trauma, or traumatic brain injury at no charge to the veteran or their family.

Poland was connected to the nonprofit organization after receiving his own "Battle Buddy" dog, explaining the group also teaches the veterans receiving dogs how to properly be a handler, so they, too, can later train any dogs they may receive in the future.

Riders taking part in Sunday's run received an escort from the Hancock County Sheriff's Reserve, with additional support from the Brooke County Sheriff's Department, Weirton, Steubenville, and Toronto police departments, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Food for after the ride was provided by Down Range Smoke, a veteran-owned, Texas-based barbecue which donates much of its time in support of veteran-related causes. Music for the evening was provided by Nothin But Led and Denizens.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)