In Garden City, Mich., in 1993, Chuck "Tramp" Dare and Bill "Polka" Kaledas, Commander of American Legion Post 396, shared an idea to start a motorcycle enthusiasts association within the organization.  Dare and Kaledas wrote a letter to Michigan Department Adjutant Hubert Hess, sharing their idea.  Hess replied that he liked the concept and wanted to pursue it.

Kaledas and Dare received Hess' instructions for managing the program at the post level.  He also explained how they could be approved to use the American Legion emblem, and how to gain Membership's support and recognition.  At a regular meeting, Post 396 members passed a resolution for a new program to be known as the... American Legion Riders!