CVMA

Texas Chapters at CVMA Nationals

Yesterday started off with a delegate meeting and photo opportunity for the folks attending from all the Texas Chapters.  With 13 chapters, Texas has the most members in the country.  At this point, it's probably time to give y'all some background on this organization and why I am here in Gettysburg with them.

Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) is an association of combat veterans from all branches of military service who ride motorcycles.  It is comprised of full members (those with verified combat service), supporter members (those who have served, but not in combat), and auxiliary members (the spouses of members).  Our focus and motto is "Veterans Helping Veterans."  That motto means different things to, and thus results in different contributions from, different chapters and members.  The chapter in which I belong is involved in a variety of events ranging from money raising charity events for veterans organizations and facilities to helping individual veterans in our community who have been recognized as needing assistance to the simple act of reaching out to a fellow member who needs emotional support. 

I'm not sure of the rules for using images of our  patch, so click on this link to see it.  The skull and ace of spades represent the death that war leaves in its wake.  The color red represents the blood that has been shed on the battlefield.  Military gold represents all branches of the US armed services.  Black represents the heavy hearts possessed for those who gave their lives and for those killed or missing in action.

CVMA became an official non-profit organization in 2001.  Since motorcycle club culture is popular right now and many folks are fans of the show Sons of Anarchy, I need to point out that we are not a motorcycle club, we are an association.  We have a chain of command and wear patches on the back of our vests,  but we don't have a "prospect" process and we don't claim territory.  The motorcycle club represented on the show Sons of Anarchy is considered a 1% or outlaw club and, as you'd expect, make up a small percentage of the motorcycle groups you encounter.  If you would like to read more about different types of riding groups and club culture, this link is very helpful.

My love of riding my own bike was realized back in 2006, and since then, I have ridden with friends and participated in various group rides, but I have primarily ridden solo.  I've just never really found a group of folks that I connected with.  For me personally, CVMA has given me an outlet through which to give back and feel part of a community.  Although the combat experiences of our group are quite diverse, we all share that common experience of having been placed in harms way.  Whether you were a trigger-puller or a paper pusher, the experiences of being in a combat zone, participating in history and being willing to give your life for the brother or sister standing next to you gives us all common ground.  We don't have to explain what or how we feel about those experiences because each of us has been there in his or her own way or are close to someone who has.  That brotherhood is a powerful thing.

Well, this was enough of a post for today, so I'll save the photos and stories from our battlefield tour yesterday for the next one.  Enjoy the day!