More than 75 motorcycles participated in the American Legion Riders of Norwich's Warren Eaton Post 189's sixth annual Poker Run Saturday in support of the Landstuhl Hospital Care Project.  According to ride captain Lex Danyluk, the ride raised more than $3,000 for the non-profit organization, which provides comfort and relief items to wounded soldiers being treated at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.

Legion Riders 'saddle up' to support injured soldiers on Armed Forces Day

Norwich-Over the last five years, the American Legion Riders of Norwich's Warren Eaton Post 189 have raised roughly$7,000 for the Landstuhl Hospital Care Project, which supports American soldiers wounded in combat overseas.  This Saturday, Armed Forces Day, the veterans group will be saddling up to support this cause once again with their sixth annual Poker Run. 

According to Ride Captain Lex Danyluk, around 165 bikes participated in the run last year.

"I'm hoping for more this year," he said.

The event will take place rain or shine Saturday. Registration will open at 10:30 a.m. at the Lt. Warren Eaton American Legion Post 189, 29 Sheldon St. in Norwich.  The entry fee will be $10 per hand.  Bikes will leave the post at 11:30 a.m.

Ride Captain Danyluk described the run as a "leisurely and scenic" 80 mille ride.  The first stop on the planned route will be the New York State Veterans' Home in Oxford.  From there, riders will head to Seebers Tavern in Smithville Flats for lunch.  Additional stops will be made at Dave's Dairy Treat in Cincinnatus, the American Legion Post in South Otselic and the Balsam Inn in East Pharsalia before returning to the Norwich American Legion Post for raffle drawings, light refreshments and entertainment.

Proceeds from the ride will benefit the LHCP.  Founded by Karen Grimord in 2004, the non-profit organization provides comfort and relief items to wounded soldiers being treated at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.  Landstuhl, which is the largest American hospital located outside of the U.S., is the first stop for many soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan before returning home for further treatment and rehabilitation.  The clothing and other needed items LHCP provides are designed to "enhance the morale and welfare" of those soldiers during their hospital stay which, due to the severity of their injuries, is often lengthy.

Grimord, who ALR Post 189 President Paul Russo describes as a "living angel," will be traveling up from the D.C. area for Saturday's event with her husband Brian.

To participate, all riders must be at least 18 years of age and posses a valid operator's license.  Bikes must be properly licensed, registered, inspected and insured.

For more information on the poker run, contact Bill Fowler at 656-5697 or via email at ALRPost189@yahoo.com

For additional information about the cause, visit www.landstuhlhospitalcareproject.org

Pictures from the 6th Annual Ride below