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ALR national chairman’s message inspires Kansas Legion Rider to share his own story.

In early August, American Legion Riders National Chairman David Heredia Jr. penned a first-person account of why a certain component of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA) especially resonates with him: the mental health component of the legislation.

As it happened, what Heredia wrote resonated with a fellow Legion Rider – so much so that he emailed Heredia to thank him for his words.

Alan Zeitvogel, the Department of Kansas District 11 commander and a member of every facet of the American Legion Family at Pearce-Keller American Legion Post 17 in Manhattan, sent an email to Heredia after reading about Heredia’s feeling on the various mental health facets of TCAVA.

Zeitvogel, a Chapter 17 road captain and member of Auxiliary Unit 17’s Executive Committee, shared that he survived his own suicidal experience on Jan. 11, 2025, and now wants to help others who may be in the same situation.

In his email, Zeitvogel wrote:

Chairman Heredia,

I read your article, “Beyond the bill: Why one provision of TCAVA matters to me,” and one sentence in particular stopped me:

“Sometimes we ride simply to remind another veteran they are not alone.”

After serving as one of your Road Guards during the Sojourn 250—and with the privilege of serving as a Tail Gunner during the National Legacy Run later this month—I wanted to share something with you that very few people know.

On January 11, 2025, I survived a suicide crisis.

A simple phone call from a friend changed the course of my life. 

One person cared enough to reach out at exactly the right time, and that call reminded me that one conversation, one act of compassion, and one person willing to reach out can make all the difference.

Since that night, I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with that experience. How do I take one of the worst nights of my life and turn it into something that might matter to somebody else?

For me, the answer eventually became pretty obvious.

At the heart of this ride is a simple message I’ve been using throughout my planning:

"Because One Person Can Make A Difference."

I know that because one person made a difference for me.

I ride because I feel free and alive.

I ride because every mile reminds me that healing is possible.

Most importantly, I ride in the hope that someone who hears my story will reach out to a friend, a family member, a fellow veteran, or a first responder and begin a conversation that could change—or even save—a life.

That’s why your article hit me so hard.

You wrote that sometimes we ride simply to remind another veteran they aren’t alone.

David, that’s exactly why I’m riding.”

Zeitvogel said he was motivated to email Heredia because, “His message was almost identical to the message that I want to get across. They go hand-in-hand, basically. When I see someone convey that message, it makes me feel like I’m not alone. Like what I’m trying to do may not be impossible.

“But also, it solidifies in my mind the importance of this message. Because I’m not the smartest tool in the shed. So if I can think of something like this and believe in its importance – and see that there’s other people out there who I know are a lot smarter than me that think it’s just as important – then I know I’m on the right track.”

Zeitvogel said being a part of the Riders and sharing his own struggles “is a healing process for me. I’ve held onto this. I didn’t even tell my wife until six weeks ago. It’s such a hard thing to talk about it. I did tell my post during (its last meeting). And then I spoke to the membership at Post 45 in Junction City. And I told our Riders at our last chapter meeting. Because I’ve got to start if I going to make this ride and make it point at stopping at as many Legion posts along (U.S.) 281 and tell my story.”

Heredia was deeply moved to receive Zeitvogel’s email. “It feels good knowing that my message was able to resonate beyond the TCAVA debate and connect with someone on such a personal level,” he said. “Alan’s story is a powerful reminder that the work we do in this organization goes far beyond legislation, programs, or the miles we ride. Sometimes our words reach someone in a way we never expect. Knowing that something I wrote helped Alan connect his own experience and his mission to what we do every day means a great deal to me.

“More importantly, it reinforces why our mission matters. At the end of the day, it is about people – veterans, families and communities – and being there for one another when it matters most. Alan said it perfectly: ‘Because One Person Can Make A Difference.’ That is what being a Champion of Hope is all about.”