Riverbend Patriots

06/05/2026

Thank you to Ty Bechel for coming to meet with us today and bringing us donuts 🥰 if you know anyone that needs help with recovery needs, give him a call!

06/05/2026

Hey guys! Riverbend Patriots is looking for recommendations for trifolds or a pamphlet booklet to be printed. We have our design ready to go, we just need them printed ASAP with a quick turnaround time. What are your recommendations?

05/24/2026

Veterans & First Responders — we’d be honored to have you walk with us this Memorial Day.

Join us behind our Battle Cross Tribute as we march to honor the fallen and stand united for those still carrying the weight.

📍 Meet: Alton Middle School
⏰ 0930 step‑off prep
👕 Wear: RP shirts or hats, or patriotic colors
🎌 Bring: Flags to carry, and packs if you ruck
🎁 Bonus: We’ve got a special surprise for the kids!

05/11/2026

🇺🇸 UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS — JOIN US!
As we head into a season of remembrance, respect, and community pride, Riverbend Patriots is honored to support several meaningful events across the Riverbend. We’d love to see you, your families, and your friends join us.

Grafton Bike Week — RP Booth — This Week (Fri & Sat)
Time: All day Friday & Saturday
Location: Grafton, IL — Bike Week Vendor Area
Description: We’ll be out at Grafton Bike Week this Friday and Saturday in support of our fellow veteran and responder riders. Stop by our booth, say hello, and connect with the # TeamRP

🇺🇸 Alton High School AFJROTC — Flag Care & Swap Event — May 21 @ 6 PM
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Alton High School Auditorium
Description: Bring a flag needing retirement and receive a new one. Learn proper flag etiquette, care, and handling from the next generation of leaders. Flyer attached for more information.

🇺🇸 Memorial Day Parade — May 25
Time: Morning parade (lineup details coming soon)
Location: Downtown Alton
Description: Walk or ride with us as we honor the men and women who gave everything for our nation. Bring your flags, wear your RP shirts, and stand tall with your community. Our Battle Cross will lead the way in remembrance.

🇺🇸 Band of Brothers MC — First NMMA D‑Day Ride — June 6
Time: Ride begins in the morning (see flyer for specifics)
Location: Starts in Granite City → Ends at the National Memorial of Military Ascent, Grafton
Description: Support the Band of Brothers MC as they host their inaugural D‑Day Ride. See the attached flyer for more details.

🇺🇸 Flag Day Retirement Ceremony — June 14 @ 10 AM
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: VFW Farm, Brighton, IL
Description: Join us for a respectful and proper retirement of worn or damaged American flags.
*We ask that you bring your flags folded and ready for retirement.
If you need help folding your flag, we will gladly assist and teach you.
*The VFW often has new American flags available for purchase for anyone wishing to replace their retired flag.

05/07/2026

Team RP has been so busy this week, we almost forgot to share this great news…

Riverbend Patriots is proud to announce our support for the Maier Humanitarian Group. Together, we are working to strengthen support for veterans and responder families facing food insecurity and other essential needs.

The Maier Humanitarian Group provides critical services through:

Food Rescue & Redistribution

Direct‑to‑Door Delivery for those facing mobility challenges

Needs‑Based Care Packages (when available)

Through our collaborative partnership — and with the help of many community supporters and volunteers — food assistance is provided to roughly 50 families or more every week while they connect with the benefits and services needed to improve their lives.

When applying, please include in the referral section so Meier Humanitarian Group knows you heard about the program through Riverbend Patriots.

🔗 Learn More About the Maier Humanitarian Group or

🥫 If You or a Veteran/Responder Family Needs Limited Food Assistance
You can complete their confidential application on their website:

Website: https://maier-connect-hub.base44.app/services

❤️ How You Can Support This Mission:

Consider:

🔹Monetary donations: (via our Zeffy Donation Portal)

🔹Program sponsorships (our van will look great with a sponsored by logo on it ... possibly your business!)

🔹Gas cards to fuel delivery routes

🔹Food or hygiene supply contributions (during our events, or directly from your business)

Every contribution — big or small — helps keep the wheels rolling and the care packages loaded for the families who rely on this support.

Stronger communities start with taking care of one another. So let's do it to

Services on The Maier Humanitarian Group . An integrated platform for The Maier Group, facilitating seamless client collabo.

05/05/2026

🌟 THANK YOU, RIVERBEND PATRIOTS COMMUNITY 🌟
Our 1st Annual Margarita Competition was an incredible success — and that’s because of YOU. The turnout, the energy, the creativity, and the community spirit made this event unforgettable. We had an absolute blast. (If you have photos of the event, share them in the comments!)

🍹 This year’s competitors:

Riverbend Axe Throwing - East Alton

Edison's Entertainment Complex

Sonny's Wedge

Sonny's Main Street Bar and Grill

Tri-County Rod & Gun Club

Alton VFW Post 1308

Bakers & Hale

Thank you all for stepping up, showing out, and bringing your best margaritas to the table.

🏆 Congratulations to the Winners!
People’s Choice:
🥇 Tri-County Rod & Gun Club

Judges’ Votes:
🥇 1st Place: Alton VFW Post 1308
🥈 2nd Place: Tri-County Rod & Gun Club
🥉 3rd Place: Bakers & Hale

And of course…
😆 Last Place: Shawnda — better luck next year!

👩‍⚖️👨‍⚖️ A Huge Thank‑You to Our Judges
We were honored to have an outstanding panel this year:

Lindsay Gallagher

Tim Kearney

Mayor Matt Kasten

Thank you for lending your time, taste buds, and expertise to make this competition fair, fun, and memorable.

🙌 Special Thank-Yous
Big shoutout to Brett Demond and Michelle Sparkles for all of their hard work behind the scenes. Events like this don’t happen without amazing people like you!

Thank you to Sonny's Main Street Bar and Grilll for hosting this year’s competition — perfect venue, perfect vibe thanks to the Chaser Band!

And thank you to Riverbend Axe Throwing - East Alton for showcasing their mobile axe‑throwing unit. It was a hit all day long.

🇺🇸 Why This Matters
With strong community support, Riverbend Patriots can continue our mission of helping those in need throughout the Riverbend region. When local businesses, organizations, and neighbors come together, everyone wins.

If you’d like to compete in one of our two annual competitions (Margarita or Bloody Mary) reach out!
If you’d like to host a future event at your venue, remember — you must first be a competitor.

Riverbend Patriots proudly pledges to support locally owned businesses by hosting our events at locally owned venues. Help us help you. Our community works best when we work together.

📱 Learn More
Want to learn more about what we do, get involved, or stay connected?
Check out the Patriot Connect Web‑App (soon to be a mobile app):
https://riverbend-patriots-connect.base44.app/

Thank you again to everyone who came out, competed, volunteered, judged, and supported.

See you at the next one in October - Hosted by Alton VFW Post 1308 🍹🇺🇸

05/01/2026

Just a reminder, the office is open on Fridays if anyone is in need of assistance. Or call us at 618-270-4048

04/19/2026

See info below to sign up for an exciting local fitness competition to support our cause!