Bernie G. Crouse Post 133 — Maricopa, AZ

About Us

Veterans on motorcycles, united by service, bound by brotherhood, and rooted in the Maricopa community.

Our Mission

Riding with Purpose. Serving with Honor.

The American Legion Riders of Post 133 are a chapter of veterans, servicemembers, and their families who share two passions: the open road and the duty to serve. We are not just a riding club — we are an extension of the American Legion's century-old mission to serve veterans, defend the nation, and strengthen communities.

Service to Veterans

Every mile we ride is a tribute to those who served. We advocate for veteran rights, support veteran-focused causes, and show up for our brothers and sisters in uniform — past and present.

Brotherhood on the Road

The bond forged in service doesn't end at discharge. It carries onto the highway. Our rides, events, and gatherings are how we keep that connection alive and strong.

Community Impact

Maricopa is our home. We ride for it. Through fundraisers, charity events, and community partnerships, we work to make a tangible difference right here in our backyard.

Our History

More Than Thirty Years on the Road

1993

Founded

40+

Departments

$5K+

Per event for Legacy Scholarship

The American Legion Riders were first formed in 1993 in Garden City, Michigan. Since those first days, we have grown and expanded to over 40 Departments. The purpose of the American Legion Riders is to participate in parades and other ceremonies that are within the aims and goals of the American Legion, to promote motorcycle safety, to provide a social atmosphere for The American Legion Family member, and to use our program to support other motorcycle organizations, the community, and most of all our Veterans, Veterans homes and hospitals.

To join The American Legion Riders, you must be a member of The American Legion Family or the spouse or child of a member. American Legion Riders chapters and districts, nationally, have become some of the most generous donors for the American Legacy Scholarship Fund, raising as much as $5,000 or more in a single event. Legion Riders participate in the annual POW/MIA Rally held each Memorial weekend in Washington D.C. known as “Rolling Thunder.”

Legion Riders sponsor or participate in local and national charity events in support of the sponsoring American Legion Post. Legion Riders ride to raise money for such organizations as local VA Hospitals, Battered Women and Children's Centers, varied Children and Youth programs, Schools for Blind Children, Veterans Relief, needy families, and many, many others.

Legion Riders founded a national movement called Patriot Guard that honors and protects the sanctity of military funerals and memorial services. Legion Riders have formed special motorcycle Honor Guards and ceremonial teams highlighting the special bonds formed in military service and the motorcycling community.

Legion Riders have also begun to teach motorcycle and driver safety in the community and in schools in cooperation with ABATE and other national motorcycling organizations.

Leadership

Your Officers

Elected by the chapter, accountable to the membership. These are the riders who keep Post 133 moving forward.

Gregory Lomeli

Rider's Director

“Amigo”

U.S. Navy

Mathew Harris

Asst. Rider's Director

“Jefe”

U.S. Army

I’m Matthew Harris — but around the crew, everyone just calls me Jefe. After 20 years in the U.S. Army, I’m closing in on a well‑earned retirement, and the American Legion Riders have become a huge part of that journey. In just two years with the ALR, I’ve thrown myself into the work: recruiting new members, pushing events forward, and taking charge of our marketing and communications. When something needs to get done, I don’t wait around — I make it happen. I’m still rolling on my old Vulcan for now, but I’ve got my eyes locked on a Long Beach Custom bagger/ Harley in the near future. The ALR brotherhood has given me purpose, energy, and a family outside the uniform. I’m proud of the noise we’re making, the growth we’re driving, and the impact we’re having together.

Juan Garcia

Sgt. at Arms

“Darkside”

U.S. Marine Corps

Juan, known as Darkside, is a recently retired Marine Corps First Sergeant who has traded in his sport bikes for a 2025 Indian Chieftain without losing a single ounce of his passion for the ride. In just five months as a member, his impact has been undeniable — always the first to check on his fellow riders and lead from the front, just as he did throughout his Marine Corps career. His nomination for Sergeant at Arms isn't a new role for Juan, it's simply a new title for what he already does naturally.

Jerry Glaze

Secretary

“Gdawg”

U.S. Air Force

Cordell Maines

Treasurer

“Chief”

U.S. Air Force

A proud USAF veteran and aircraft mechanic on the KC-135, Chief hails from Oregon and has been putting miles on two wheels for a few decades — currently splitting time between a 2018 Harley Davidson Street Glide and a 2021 Harley Davidson Pan America. What brought him to the American Legion Riders was simple: connection and camaraderie.

The Chapter

Our Riders

Every one of us arrived at Post 133 the same way — through service, through a love of the road, and through the call to give back. These are our brothers and sisters.