"This whole process from the time we learned there was a need to the day we built the ramp was only two weeks. We try to mobilize as quickly as we can," said Chris Swenda, road captain for the American Legion Riders from Post 626 in Birdsboro, when describing how volunteers constructed an access ramp for a local veteran. "We were supposed to be in the Berks County Memorial Firefighters Ride. We decided not to go on the ride, and we would take care of this veteran. That's our primary mission."

The ramp was built on July 31 at the home of George Sterner of Birdsboro, who uses a walker. Previously, he had to navigate a set of stairs to leave his home, where he resides with his wife, Kim.

Sterner is a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran and a member of the American Legion Post 626 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 411, both of Birdsboro. Kim is a member of the auxiliary at both organizations.

Swenda, who is a carpenter by trade and served with the U.S. Army, was co-project manager with Bob Mealand.

"Bob Mealand, a member of both posts, as well as the former commander of the American Legion, was the person that brought (the need) to us," said Swenda. "Bob took care of all the measurements, and I went back a second time to review everything and make sure we had everything we needed."

Twenty-two volunteers, which included Legion Riders and members of the VFW, constructed the 32-foot ramp using pressure-treated lumber. "It will be stained sometime in the spring because it needs to dry because (we used) fresh lumber," Swenda pointed out.

This is the third ramp that the Riders have completed. The first was built in the fall of 2021 at the home of a disabled veteran in Fleetwood. "We also (built a ramp) in early December for an Army veteran's wife and daughter that live in Gibraltar," said Swenda. "We are getting the process down pretty well. (The most recent ramp project) took only three and half hours."

In addition to building the ramp, volunteers also completed yardwork at the location, weeding, cleaning out flower beds and trimming the hedges. "Kim and the ladies auxiliary from the VFW provided our lunch," Swenda noted.

Sterner interacted with the workers throughout the day as they constructed the ramp. "He was outside the whole time on the deck with his wife, and everyone had ample opportunity to chat with him," said Swenda. "We never say the project is done until the person who lives there walks down the ramp."

The American Legion Riders are motorcycle enthusiasts who belong to the American Legion, the Legion Auxiliary or the Sons of the American Legion. Post 626 is located at 445 E. Main St., Birdsboro. For more information and to view additional photos of the ramp building project, visit http://www.facebook.com/Riders626. Those interested in joining the organization may email alriders626@gmail.com for more details.