CVMA® 35-3 VETS HELPING VETS
DOING WHAT WE LOVE TO DO FOR THOSE WE LOVE
CVMA® 35-3 VETS HELPING VETS
DOING WHAT WE LOVE TO DO FOR THOSE WE LOVE
About Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association Chapter 35-3
Our Patch
Our CVMA patch has a very significant meaning to all of our members:
- Red, represents the blood that has been shed on the battlefield.
- Military Gold, represents all branches of the military service of the United States.
- Black, represents the heavy hearts possessed for those who gave their lives and for those that are considered missing in action or prisoners of war.
- The Skull and Ace of Spade represents the death that war leaves in its wake.
Our History
The Beginning: Combat Vets Motorcycle Club
In 1999, the Combat Vets Motorcycle Club was introduced to the internet. Initially it was believed that the CVMC was an actual established motorcycle organization but, in early 2001, it was discovered that CVMC was simply an internet scam designed to milk money from combat veterans.
Still wanting to remain organized for the purpose of supporting veterans issues, forty-five members decided to form a Combat Veterans Association. In May of 2001 the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association was started as a non-profit organization, allowing its members to continue working toward their main objective of helping their fellow veterans.
The original 45 members have adopted a patch to wear indicating that they are the original founding members of CVMA.
CVMA and the VFW
In May of 2001, the CVMA adopted the CVMA / VFW patch. This was done with the VFW's permission as all CVMA members either were or became VFW members, entitling them to wear the VFW patch. Over the next year and a half the CVMA was well accepted at Post and Division levels within the VFW, but repeated efforts with the VFW National failed to define an officially recognized relationship between CVMA and VFW.
In December of 2002, the CVMA membership voted to begin taking steps to officially establish itself as a veterans charity association independent of the VFW or any other organization. As part of this decision, membership in the VFW was no longer required, opening CVMA membership to all Combat Veterans who ride a motorcycle. It was also decided that the CVMA would wear a one-piece patch composed of the CVMA / VFW background and the old CVMC skull logo. This patch is worn by Full Members only. CVMA Supporter Members and Auxiliary Members each have their own distinct patch based on this design.
Today's CVMA
In the decades since that time, the CVMA has seen dramatic increases in both its membership numbers and the number of chapters nationwide. Today, CVMA is helping our fellow veterans in every state in the country and has overseas chapters in Europe and Korea.
Our Mission
We are an Association of Combat Veterans from all United States Armed Forces branches who ride motorcycles as a hobby. CVMA® MI 35-3 is based in the area of Sterling Hgts., Macomb County Michigan, with members throughout southeast Michigan.
Our mission is to support and defend those who have defended our country and our freedoms. Our focus is to help veteran care facilities provide a warm meal, clothing, shelter, and guidance or to say "Thank You." and "Welcome Home."
Our membership comprises Full Members (those with verified combat service) and Supporter Members (those with non-combat military service and a sincere dedication to helping veterans). As an international association, we have chapters in all 50 states and abroad. Many members continue to serve in our Armed Forces, with several serving in combat areas now.
We sponsor and participate in many motorcycle-related charity events each year, and as a non-profit organization, we donate to various veteran care facilities and charities. Go to cvma membership to goin.