2014 Bama Southern Romp

Bama Southern Romp Comes to Gulf Shores GULF SHORES - March 2014 -- Roaring engines, warm sun on their backs and cool wind in their faces motorcycle riders are heading to Gulf Shores for a fun-filled weekend ride on the Gulf Coast. The spring weather is an invitation for motorcycle riders to get their bikes out of garages for group rides. The American Legion Riders in Alabama are planning and preparing for a major family-friendly motorcycle event in Gulf Shores on April 10 through 13, 2014 as a fundraiser for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. This scholarship fund provides college scholarships for the children of military members who were killed on active duty in the war on terrorism since September 11, 2001. The 2014 Bama Southern Romp is conducted by The Department of Alabama American Legion Riders. A romp is characterized as "Riding on Military Pride". This event is hosted locally by the Baldwin County American Legion Riders headquartered at American Legion Post 44 in Gulf Shores. The romp is focused on the Gulf coast region, primarily Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL and Perdido Keys, FL. Details of this event can be found at www. Alabamaalr.org. This is the sixth year of the Bama Southern Romp. It's second year holding it in the Gulf coast region in an effort to grow the event for the future. Motorcycle riders and enthusiasts primarily from the southeast region of the United States are invited to join in the fun and fellowship for the weekend. Legion Riders from as far as Auburn, IN, near Michigan, attended the Romp last year and are expected to return this year. The Romp is not exclusive to motorcycle riders, nor Legionnaires. It's open to the public. The purpose of the romp is to meet and greet fellow rider enthusiasts, ride a lot, have fun, enjoy great seafood and most importantly, raise money for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. Information about early registration, lodging, RV and camping details are found on the website. This is a family-friendly, fun-filled weekend. A motorcycle is not required for participation. -10- The funds raised for this event will go to The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund to help bridge the gap for children left behind by a father or mother killed during active military service since September 11, 2001. This scholarship is a trust fund in which the annual interest accrued during the year determines the dollar amount of the scholarships. The larger the trust fund, the greater the scholarship aid. Approximately 42 percent of active service members have children; the majority of those children are many years away from college concerns. The now single parent must face raising their family alone and worry about the dream of a college education for each child. "It's an honor for us to help in this small way to care for the children of the men and women that died protecting our freedom and democracy" says Wayne Stacey, Department of Alabama's Senior Vice Commander for The American Legion. "We feel this is a powerful way for us to say thanks." The Blue Star Salute will set up a memorial display of service men and women from Alabama that have died during the war on terrorism since 9/11. They paid the ultimate sacrifice. Some features for the weekend include live music everyday; a romantic sunset ride to the beach, including a bon fire; a poker run with cash prizes, shrimp boil on Saturday night; a patriotic flag ride through Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in honor of our country and the men and women dedicated to service and sacrifice; fun rides to places like the USS Alabama and local memorial sites, the National Naval Aviation Museum, and Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island; bike games; and ending with a breakfast and memorial service on Sunday. Also, there will be door prize drawings throughout the weekend and other special drawings. "There is something for everyone," said Stacey. "We had over 200 participants last year. The reviews were great, so we expect to grow with more riders this year. If the weather is as great as it has been, then we can expect an exceptional weekend. Inclement weather will not dampen our spirits. Our cause is too great." Early registration is now through March 31, 2014. The per person fee is $35 for the weekend or $20 per day. Motorcycle ownership is not required. Early registrants will receive a specially designed neon green T-shirt and patch, extra tickets for door prize drawings, a wristband for special discounts from many local restaurants and free breakfast on Sunday and an opportunity to participate in a poker ride, patriotic flag ride and sunset beach ride. You can register online or by mail. -10- "We strongly encourage early registration to ensure we can provide a T-shirt and Patch to all participants," says Stacey. Stacey was especially proud of the t-shirt designed for the event. He said that it tells the story of the deceased service member's children receiving their diploma as a result of many dedicated motorcycle riders across the nation. Stacey said that they have received full support from the community to include several donations from local businesses. The renowned Florabama Lounge and BluGemTV.com have partnered with The American Legion Riders in Alabama for this worthy fundraising event. This will maximize the donations to the Legacy Scholarship Fund. Donations from other local businesses and entertainers are well received by the local Legionnaires. Other local rider groups, such as Rolling Thunder, provide assistance with this event said Stacey. The American Legion is the nation?s largest wartime veterans organization. Founded early in 1919. The American Legion shows its support to veterans and their families everyday through numerous programs such as the Family Support Network, Temporary Financial Assistance, the National Emergency Fund, and Operation Comfort Warrior, just to name a few. More than 1,250 American Legion Rider chapters, organized by local American Legion posts worldwide, ride in support of America's future. Legion riders help maintain American Legion programs in every state and in several countries overseas. The Riders are one of the fastest growing and most highly visible of the many activities offered by The American Legion. Membership is open to all active members of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary and The Sons of the American Legion, including those on active federal military service in the armed forces of the United States. Members must own and ride motorcycles and maintain active membership within The American Legion. -30- Contact: Donna K. Stacey, 251-968-2693