On the bottom row from left are Ray Whiteside, Roger Grimes, Tracy Grimes, Michelle Whiteside, Sally Duarte, Claudia Warnock and Lydia Vargas. Standing on the top row, from left are Jon Carter (guest), Josh Zwemke, and Hunter Grimes (SAL), Aaron Burks, Brad McDonal, Barry Warnock, Gene Anderson, Jennifer Cavanaugh and Owen Stiles. Photo by Seti Long

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Growing in numbers, local American Legion Post 210 has welcomed new members.

Earlier this year, two affiliated groups joined with the post and its auxiliary to form a full contingent: the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) and the American Legion Riders (ALR).

To be in the Sons of American Legion, you simply need to have a father or grandfather who served in the Armed Forces since 1919. The group aims to promote children and youth programs within the American Legion family.

With a rumble and flash, the American Legion Riders brings a fun edge to the American Legion post. American Legion members themselves, they are motorcycle enthusiasts who love to hit the road and do good within our communities.

Gridley High School senior Annie Woods was selected to attend Girls State as the American Legion delegate. She is pictured here with her mother Stacey Gramps (center) and American Legion Commander Owen Stiles. Photo by Seti Long

American Legion, Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Riders recently joined together to recognize California Boys and Girls State delegates selected by Post 210 to represent them as the delegates. American Legion chooses one junior male and female each year to send to the event held in June.

This year, Girls State was held at the California State University Sacramento from June 15 to June 22, with Gridley's Annie Woods and Ryan Taranto representing Post 210.

American Legion, Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Riders recognized them at the monthly meeting and gave them an opportunity to report on their experience gaining a better understanding and working knowledge of city, county and state governments.

Gridley High School senior Ryan Taranto was selected to attend Boys State as the American Legion Post 210 delegate. Photo courtesy of the American Legion

“It taught me so much about our legal system, how it works and how important it is to understand the structure of the government that runs us,” Woods said. “Overall, California Boys and Girls State wasn’t just about the government. It was about teamwork, leadership and developing a deeper understanding of civic responsibility. It is an experience I’ll carry with me forever and I’m incredibly grateful.”

Both Taranto and Woods were honored with certificates and medals by American Legion Post 210.

For more information on American Legion, Sons of the American Legion or the American Legion Riders, call Commander Owen Stiles at 530-306-4588 or email him at [email protected].