How to start a VFW Motorcycle Club

[Tweedy]

My name is George Tweedy I am a lifetime member in the VFW Post 8389 in Kingsland Ga and I need some help from the VFW brethren I am interested in organizing a VFW Motorcycle at my post but I do not know how exactly to start this project. Any help on this subject would be very much appreciated. v/r George Tweedy

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[DoggyDaddy]

Old Question - check out

http://www.vfwwebcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,1134.0.html

http://www.vfwwebcom.org/forum/index.php/topic,857.0.html

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[IJK3770]

Tweedy,
    Here is a link to the Mo VFW Riders webpage: http://myvfw.org/mo/vfwriders/
I think the e-mail address for Comrade Sherwood is moriderschrmn@mo.vfwwebmail.com
Cheerily
IJK

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[Tom Clark 1117]

Hi Tweedy,
     As DD wrote, this is a pretty old topic, but I wanted to chime in and state that, at least in MY state (IL) there were BIG changes which came out of this year's (2011) National.
     
     Right off the bat, I would encourage you to refrain from calling a future riders group a "CLUB". There is only ONE VFW Motorcycle Club (in California) and as far as I know, there will never be another. You have to realize that, just like on the road, the vast majority of VFW members have NO CLUE what the difference between a "MC", "RC" and group is. WE, who live this life, know there is a HUGE difference between the three. Add to the fact that relatively few members ride, MANY members are concerned that a VFW Riders Group is a BAD idea because they automatically think of stupid shit like SONS OF ANARCHY and what they read about concerning 1%ers.

    In Illinois, the "powers that be" at State have decreed that VFW Riders Groups are to be nothing more than POST LEVEL entities. We are not allowed to elect officers nor are we officially recognized at anything above POST. These are the guidelines set forth, and while I personally think they suck, they are what they are so we work within their confines. Each state pretty much does its own thing.

     Our group's first plan of action was to find a VFW "home". Some states have enough members to organize groups by post, but we do not, so we have members spanning two Districts and several posts. The post in which I am a member extended its hand and officially recognized our group. Once recognized, we set about making ourselves an ASSET to our post home, the District and State. We realize that the only way we can counter the "biker stereotype" is to work our asses off doing good in the community (the VFW community and our community at large). We have held events and all proceeds from those events have gone to our post home, our District and State.

     I don't know about YOUR state, but Illinois is in a membership crises. As such, we have touted the fact that any time the public at large sees a VFW Rider and the Cross of Malta, that is PUBLICITY. Since having a post home, we riders have brought in many new members and auxiliary members. Our post officers, some of which were leery about "new guys" coming in, are happy with the member increase and added revenue. In a relatively short time, our riders group has gone from "those bikers" to "comrades".

     Of course, all of this can come undone relatively easily. All it takes is one loud mouth member raising hell in the canteen or acting like an outlaw in public to set the whole shebang back. We have an unofficial HMFIC (Head M Fer In Charge) who takes care of any problems and while there is no "prospecting" to get in and no "banning" for screw ups, it's clear that if a rider severely screws up, they may technically remain a VFW Rider, but they will be riding on their own.

     I have compiled what I believe to be the most comprehensive list of VFW Riders links on the net on my group's page. Please feel free to check out the links and zap us any questions. I don't know about others here, but I know Joe is a VFW Rider and he's been doing it much longer than I. The motto I have in our riders links section is "Separated by Distance -- United in Cause". Don't hesitate to give a shout out and good luck in your effort. Respects, Tom

Our Post Webpage:
http://vfwpost1117.shutterfly.com/vanderclutevfwriders

"For God -- For Country"

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[Chris Weber 5468]

Tom, Well stated. That is exactly why National wrote it up that way and left it to Posy Level.
It could be partially their hindsight mentality like they done with the Mens Auxiliary. In this case, iI feel they figured they would place it under Art 7 to provide limited basic control and let the Riders sort out their proper handling. Actually, it makes sense as the numbers of Riders are spread wide.
I offer this, As Tom stated, find your 'Base Post' to serve your region. Prove the Value and Image to the community and thus to National. In time perhaps with a strong enough show of growth and support, it may become organized like the Cooties.
So, what National did was only the first step. Give it time and perform with the VFW in interest.

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[Tom Clark 1117]

I thought I would re-visit this topic as a follow-up to what I posted last year concerning the VFW Riders program. One of the things I wrote about was the need to dispel the biker stereotype some in the VFW have by proving our worth to not only as comrades in the VFW, but to our community at large.

It's been a really good year for our Riders Group. We are FULLY integrated into "normal" post activities (working BINGO, assisting with post home clean ups and needs, and taking a front-leaning position at events). Members of the Riders Group have assisted with every Post celebration this past year and have been honored to provide escort for veterans participating in the 2012 National Veterans Golden Age Games in St. Louis. We have raised more than $4,000.00 for Post, District and State programs and presented a $1000.00 check yesterday at the Illinois State Convention to the State Commander for his Commander's Project. The balance of those funds were raised through Poker Runs, Post events, bucket brigades at area stores, and working for tips at restaurants.

Our Riders Group is blessed with some great leaders and we count among our members two active Post Commanders, two past District Commanders, one past National Aide De Camp, and four past District officers. So, not only are we an asset in fund raising and additional manpower (and woman power), but we can also provide spot-on advice when matters of the VFW arise.

I am personally aware of more than 54 different websites/ Facebook sites representing Riders Groups across the nation and am certain there are many more out there, just like us, who are combining their love for motorcycling with their love for the VFW and serving our veterans.

I guess this has come across kinda' like a commercial, but my point is that those VFW members who are interested should reach out to established Riders Groups and attend a meeting. If there's no Riders Group in your area, we can help with that, too.

Until the VFW Riders Groups are seen as an asset, the preconceived notions some have in the VFW will remain, but as long as we "Charlie Mike" (continue the mission), we will continue to make head way. Respects 'n take care out there. Squirts (Proud VFW Rider)

Presenting a check for $700.00 to the District Homeless Vets program

Veterans Day Ceremony at the Post

Escorting Golden Age Games Participants

Our Chairman, Toothpick, presenting a check for the State Commander's project at State Convention

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