How many of you have joined, or thought about joining, a motorcycle group?

SFC Derek Ashman Unfortunately, I feel I'm too old, but I just joined the Patriot Guard Riders here in Southern California. I haven't had a day off yet to perform a mission, but I will get one in before the summer is over. I've talked to a few, but I'm not in the mood to be a guest, then a prospect, and all the stuff that comes with it at the age of 58. I've been approached by the American Legion (which I'm a life time member of), and a group here has approached me in California through one of my connections on RP. I'm just really super busy, but you never know I just may join one of them anyway! I think you need to really understand what the MC is about and what their agenda and charter is before you take that step. Just food for thought from an Old Colonel!

I decided many years ago that I would be a lifelong Independent. Many MC/Riders Groups have requirements for participation. I like to be able to manage my own time and rides. I have no problems with people that DO join, and have ridden with them, but on my own terms. For a very short period of time (1-2 years) I was part of the American Legion Riders out of San Antonio Tx.... I could not give them the time I felt they deserved....further showing me that to be a member was not for me at that time.

I belong to Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association

I ride as a supporter for Bikers Against Child Abuse. Anyone can join as long as you do not have a record of abuse against children or women; and they FBI background check those who join. For those who are protectors, this provides a purpose. http://www.bacaworld.org

"Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. We exist as a body of Bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. We stand ready to lend support to our wounded friends by involving them with an established, united organization. We work in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place to protect children. We desire to send a clear message to all involved with the abused child that this child is part of our organization, and that we are prepared to lend our physical and emotional support to them by affiliation, and our physical presence. We stand at the ready to shield these children from further abuse. We do not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner, however, if circumstances arise such that we are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, we stand ready to be that obstacle."

I belong to an organization that is focused on veterans and to be a full patch member you have to be an honorably discharged combat veteran

I joined Patriot Guard Riders in 2010 and have done several funeral missions and a few welcome home missions since. When I returned home from deployment in 2012, I thought about maybe joining a group and subsequently was invited to join a local American Legion riders. I go at my own pace. I decided to opt for the Veteran plates too.

I am a Green Knights member. As you said, the bond of brotherhood is amazing. I was a member of Chapter 28 in AZ for a few years and now a member of Chapter 1 at JBMDL. An amazing group of bothers and sisters. I only wish I had found the club sooner.

I have thought about it and will soon be looking into it. First interaction with some of these motorcycle groups came out of Dover AFB, DE. Everyone knows Dover AFB is were are fallen come on their first leg home. Let me give you some more insight. The Dover AFB Team bring back the fallen with honors and dignity. As a Security Force members, we escorting the remains to and from the A/C to the Mortuary. We also make sure DVs and families are escorted as well. I have had the privilege and honor of ensuring the escort by Hurst is done correctly as well. See when it comes time for the fallen from NJ, DE, some of MD, PA and VA to go home they are escorted by local Police and motorcycle groups. The groups consist of Combat Vets, Buffalo Soldiers, Patriot Riders and even the Pagans. There are other groups who do the same but these are the most remembered to me. I ensured they are lined up and waiting on the Hurst to leave the installation. It is an awesome sight to see and hear these groups leave Dover. Makes you choked up inside and PROUD to be an AMERICAN. With this I have made several contacts and friends who I still keep in contact with today. The most is when all three groups showed up at the same time to escort a Marine from NJ. Pure professionalism by all.

I'm a member of the CVMA (Combat Veteran's Motorcycle Association). Chapter 34-4 Lowcountry Pirates in the greater Charleston, SC area.

We help fellow Veterans support local charities that help veterans and support each other.

I just got my membership application approved for Combat Vets Motorcycle Association, CVMA Chapter 32-2 Tucson, AZ.