A Message from Your New ALRA Director

By Lisa Williamson, 2026-2027 ALRA Director

Having been around since the inception of the American Legion Riders in Alaska, you might guess that I’ve served in every office. Not quite! But it looks like I’m adding another one to the list!

Following the resignation of our ALRA Director, I was asked to fill the remainder of the term, and I agreed, during our ALRA meeting at Fall Conference, held at Spenard Post 28 on October 16, 2026.

I love our entire American Legion Family, and you know I’ll do what it takes to help ensure our mission succeeds! Thank you all for your confidence in me. I’m honored to serve, and I’ll do everything I can to make you proud.

Growing Our American Legion Family

My hope is that we can grow every part of our organization, not just the American Legion Riders (ALR). As a reminder, Riders must maintain membership in good standing with The American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, or the Sons of The American Legion. When ALR grows, there’s an opportunity for one or more of our other entities to grow, too. That’s a win for our entire Legion Family!

A few other eligibility requirements to keep in mind:

  • Members must be legally registered motorcycle owners or the spouse of the legally registered owner within the state of registration.
  • All operators must be properly licensed and insured in accordance with state law.
  • All members must obey the motor vehicle laws of the state in which they operate a motorcycle or ride as a passenger.

Let’s Plan for the 2027 Riding Season!

Our 2026 riding season may be over—or nearly over—but it’s never too early to start planning for summer 2027!

Use the off-season to brainstorm rides and events. Reach out to other ALR Chapters around the state and consider joining forces to make our events even bigger and better.

Please let me know about your planned rides and events so I can share them on our statewide calendar at www.AlaskaLegionRiders.org. If I don’t know about an event, I can’t promote it!

Here are a few events already on the radar for 2027:

  • ROMP 2027: June 10–13, 2027 — Hosted by Ninilchik Chapter 18
  • Midnight Sun Ride: June 18, 2027 — Chapters 20 and 57 taking the lead
  • Salute to Vets: July 16–18, 2027 — Sterling

Of course, details may change, and nothing is set in stone just yet. For now, pencil these dates onto your calendars and watch for more information!

Our Alaska riding season is short, and I know we all want to make the most of every opportunity to get out on two wheels.

Stay Connected and Share the Ride!

There are two great ways to keep up with what’s happening across Alaska:

The group is a great place to share your rides, post upcoming events, and promote activities in your area. As Alaskans, we travel all over our beautiful state during the summer, whether on two wheels or in a cage. Sharing information helps us stay connected and discover what’s happening wherever our travels take us!

Mark Your Calendars: 2027 Department Convention

One final date to put on your calendar!

The Department of Alaska Convention is scheduled for April 23–24, 2027, in Anchorage, hosted by the Legion Family at Jack Henry Post 1.

I’ve already started conversations with the Post and asked them to reserve the evening of April 22, 2027, for our ALRA Annual Meeting. More details will follow as plans come together.

I look forward to working with all of you, strengthening our chapters, growing our Legion Family, and making the most of the opportunities ahead.

Until then, Be The One!