When officials at the Arizona Veterans Home included DVDs on their annual "wish list" of needed items, they probably weren't counting on the response they received from the local American Legion Riders. Instead of a box of blockbusters, they received an entire DVD Library.

"The theme of the year for our chapter is ‘Vets helping vets," said Al Jobes, president of American Legion Riders Post 105 in Phoenix. Affectionately known as "Big Al," Jobes approached other Riders with the goal of collecting 500 movies and enough DVD players to give every resident in the home.

The chapter relied on posters and web announcements to inform the public of their initiative. Other Riders chapters rallied to the cause. A "bike night" dinner was held, with a charity auction and t-shirt sales. Several American Legion posts placed "Vets Helping Vets DVD Drive" donation boxes in their entryways. By November, the project raised nearly $20,000, 50 DVD players and more than 1,300 DVDs. Some of the funds were shifted to other Legion-supported projects, while other money went to purchasing another 150 DVD players, shelving to hold the movies and RF modulators.

The dedication of the new library included keynote speaker and "America's toughest sheriff," Joe Arpaio, a longtime member of The American Legion. Other speakers included Arizona Department Commander Henry Branch, Arizona American Legion Riders Chairman John Moffitt and Past Post 105 Commander Henry Tank.

"See what happens when you let a bunch of bikers loose? Especially bikers who are vets?" Big Al asked. "We are not all bad." The residents of the Arizona Veterans Home would certainly agree.