by Melanie Jongsma
AURORA, Ill. (March 17, 2019) – Eight Legion Riders from American Legion Post 697 in Lansing, Illinois, drove to Aurora this morning to express support for the Aurora Police Department. Five Aurora officers were injured last month when a gunman killed five workers at Henry Pratt Co., a manufacturing company.
Legion Riders Nick Grigutis (President), Patty Grigutis, Kevin Engelbrecht (Treasurer), Tammy Davis, Tom Parsons, Bill Strauch, Keith Miller, and Greg Altgilbers made the 58-mile trip to present a check for $1,000 to the Aurora Police Department. Police Chief Kristen Ziman came in on her day off to meet the group. Ziman said she believes the shields used by the officers during the February 15 saved their lives, so the Legion Riders’ donation will go to the department’s Equipment Fund in order to ensure the safety of other officers.
“It was a great trip,” said Rider Patty Grigutis. Like many Legion Rider chapters, Lansing’s Legion Riders are well known for their charitable work. Treasurer Kevin Engelbrecht has often said his goal is to write as many checks as possible because the Riders are all about giving back to the community.
American Legion Riders Edward Schultz Chapter 697 meets at the American Legion, 18255 Grant Street in Lansing, Illinois. Call 708-474-5906 for more information.
