IF INTERESTED IN JOINING A GREAT CLUB, PLEASE DIRECT INQUIRIES TO THE E-MAIL ADDRESS ABOVE OR THE P.O. BOX BELOW. VoVMCHQ, P.O. Box 372120, Denver, Co. 80237-2120
The ‘hilarity’ of PTSD
In “Less important whining” (letter, Feb. 13)
the writer made a comment about post-traumatic stress disorder being a “joke”.
I would like to address that.
It’s true that PTSD is a joke, PTSD is the hilarious anguish that nearly ruined my Vietnam Veteran father’s life. PTSD is the comedic parade of the faces of those who died beside me or those who died at my hands, that keeps me awake at night. PTSD is the barking laughter of a back firing car that makes me jump. PTSD is the amused snicker of a piece of trash on the freeway that I swerve in a panic to avoid.
PTSD is the mocking guffaws that haunted whole generations of heroes before it was taken seriously. PTSD is the dark grimace that stains a young man’s face when he commits atrocities in the name of revenge. PTSD is the answer to the “knock-knock” joke when the person knocking is a frustrated service member fragging his leader. PTSD is the punch line of the highest suicide rate the Armed Forces has ever seen.
PTSD is the bemused snort of spouse who are afraid to wake their loved ones when they cry out in sleep. PTSD is the amused look on a child’s face when they ask “What’s Wrong With Daddy?” PTSD is the echoing laughter that haunts the alleyway where a homeless veteran freezes to death while crying out the names of those he left behind.
No, dear reader, PTSD is not a joke. The joke is any chain of command that would allow a noncommissioned officer who thinks PTSD is a joke, to lead and mentor soldiers. And it is not a funny joke: it’s one that ends with tears, a flag-draped casket, and one word “Why?’
SPC. Eric Catron
Camp Liberty, Iraq
It takes more to belong to a motorcycle club than filling out paperwork, paying dues, and putting on a patch. You have to be committed and support the club. You have to ride out of state on occasion. The members of a club become family. You do all you can to help your family. If your club member needs help, you need to be there without hesitation, worry, or fear--just do it. Always have your brother's back. It takes time and money, but you need to be ready, willing and able to do whatever it takes. That's why most people don't want to be part of a motorcycle club. They don't want to be committed or give the time. We don't want wannabe's, patch collectors, or people lacking commitment. We want brothers we can depend on who are willing to do for the club whatever needs to be done. If you aren't ready and willing to do this, don't sign up. Don't start to prospect and hope you will slide in because you will not be accepted. Don't waste your time or our's.
Remember the members of this club have something special. Not many Americans can be part of this club. We are an elite class of Veterans. We served our country when it wasn't very popular to do so! It didn't matter if we were in-country, supporting, or serving wherever our government wanted us. We did it with pride and commitment. I believe that is why the members of this club support the military 100%. We've been there, done that. We understand what the soldiers are going through. We pledge NEVER, NEVER, NEVER have them feel what we felt. When you wear the patch, you represent all of us. GIVE RESPECT AND GET RESPECT. Be an ass and get treated like an asshole. We are committed to the brotherhood of the VOVMC and ride for those who can't. Ride safe and be proud of who you are! We are looking for more Brothers so if you would like to join us..just click the Join Up Here page. We need to remember our Vietnam Brothers... Brother Wolf
"Copyrighted 2001-2008"
"WHEN ONE BLEEDS WE ALL BLEED"
International President; Brother Baron
VETERANS OF VIETNAM MC MISSION STATEMENT
The Veterans of Vietnam Motorcycle Club is a military veteran’s motorcycle club dedicated to maintaining the special friendships and associations developed by them during their service to our country in the Vietnam War era.
Our main mission is to support veteran’s charities, in whatever form, by means of personal involvement, either through volunteerism, or fundraising events. In particular, Veterans Hospitals and Veterans Nursing Homes are charities to which we hold special allegiance.
We offer qualified veterans a unique opportunity to continue to enjoy these friendships through the brotherhood of motorcycling. The threads that bind the fabric of the VoVMC are the respect for the sacrifices made by all veterans. As a motorcycle club, we are devoted to enhancing the image of motorcyclists, at the same time seeking to ensure that all veterans and their families have the opportunity to freely associate with one another, without fear for their safety and welfare. These are fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL YELLOW AND RED
Remember, NEVER AGAIN, WILL AMERICA TURN HER BACK ON HER HONORABLE MILITARY AND VETERANS. "Never again will one generation
of veterans abandon another."--Author Unknown
Our Brother Dreamer. Still Fighting The Battle In The Sandbox.
The first annual Freedom Ride that is taking place all across the United States on the same day. See the flyer below.
May 15 2010~ 1st National FreedomRide on the 15th day of May (Armed Forces Day) will spread Nation Wide with a showing of support for all Armed Forces,Veterans of War,Our Troops,the MIA,POW and all that still stand to Serve our Country. ~Freedom Is Not Free.~ To many lives have repeatedly paid the debts through the years of Battles in War by protecting our Security and giving us our Freedom. We may not agree with the reason or cause of these battles in which they fight, but it is vital that we stand proudly and show the Pride and Support we hold for all these Brave men and women,that have Served our Country,and those that stiil Bravely stand to Serve. We hold Hope and wait for them to return home after the battle is fought,and I ask that you join us with a showing of Support that they so deserve to know and see. 37 States & 69 Coordinators are already in the process of forming their FreedomRide for this give day of May 15 2010..and more expected. Several States will have multiple Rides in different area of their State~ A various of Ride that will include several different areas of some States or may cover a Tri State area and will pass through a City or small town near you. All Coordinators are working on their Rides,Parades,or Gathering Place to Honor all with encouragement to the citizens of the area So they to can participate, and be a part of this event or show Support by lining the streets, sidewalks, along the highways, or in the privacy of their own lawns to waves these Flags too with their own showing of Support All States involved and Patrons will Fly their Flags~that will wave with the Pride and Support they hold in their hearts for all and their family's . This World Wide Vision began with a personal vision and a goal that continues to be bound together with hope and faith that it will become a true reality of seeing a Worldwide showing of support, and with the knowledge of knowing that these brave men and women are never forgotten. I know now that this is a shared vision through the eyes and hearts of thousands across this Nation The Vision of Support will be known, be heard and seen through this Nation as these flags wave Free with a voice, and a showing of the Pride and Support we hold for the Freedom we gain because of these Brave~ ~ The chosen day is May 15 2010 (*Armed Forces Day*)
February News….Just finished with the big swap meet here in Denver. There were clubs and their members from coast to coast and border to border. This thing just keeps getting bigger every year. We all had the chance to meet up with some friends that we haven’t seen in a while, and renew those friendships once again. It was great to see Brother Cisco and crew from Iowa come down for the meet. The Salute to Veterans has been moved back to Cripple Creek this year in August. A big HOORAH for Jim and Pro-Promotions for getting this worked out. Not that Winter Park and the surrounding towns weren’t good hosts, but Cripple Creek just seems like the home for this Rally. The weather has been cooperating here in Colorado for the last few days so we were able to get out on the Scoots. Guess we sent it on to Tennessee. Brother Brentwood said they got 7” of the white stuff. You all be safe and hope to see you all at the National Meet this year.
“A Patchholder will not discuss any club business whether it's about membership numbers, club goings on, or any member's personal information with anyone outside of the club. They understand that they are a Patchholder 24 hours a day whether or not they are wearing their colors. Everything they say or do in public can affect the club. They also understand that if they get out of line, that they are subject to be counseled for their own good and for that of the club. Wearing a patch is more than getting together for good times. It also means getting together for the other times, too. It constitutes a lot of work. It's committing themselves to a lifestyle in which they do not look for how their brothers or sisters can help them, but for ways that they can be of help to their brothers and sisters. They always look to give rather than to receive.
Always be aware of the "Golden Rule" of conduct while traveling in club circles: If you give respect, you'll get respect. If you act with disrespect, then you'll be treated with the same.”
“No member will go against anything the club has voted for and passed.”
“Absolutely no talking about Club business to persons outside the Club.”
“They have the attitude that there are two types of people in the world: their brothers or sisters, and those who are a potential threat to the club. For this reason they will not discuss club related business, membership numbers, the club's movements, or personal information about their brothers or sisters with anyone outside the club. Anything that could possibly be used by anyone to piece together an informative picture of the club is a very serious security issue.”
“A Patchholder will not discuss any club business whether it's about membership numbers, club goings on, or any member's personal information with anyone outside of the club. They understand that they are a Patchholder 24 hours a day whether or not they are wearing their colors. Everything they say or do in public can affect the club. They also understand that if they get out of line, that they are subject to be counseled for their own good and for that of the club."
Always be aware of the "Golden Rule" of conduct while traveling in club circles: If you give respect, you'll get respect. If you act with disrespect, then you'll be treated with the same.”
“Majority rules.”, “No member will go against anything the club board has voted for and passed.”
“Absolutely no talking about Club business to persons outside the Club.”
“The tribe that showed compassion between its members could survive better than one that consisted of selfish individuals.”
“The modern teaching of personal rights (I have my rights and you are supposed to be tolerant of whatever I do) as opposed to personal cooperation, causes compassion to fall into disuse.”
And last but certainly not least;
"If you give respect, you will get respect. If you act like an asshole, you will be treated like an asshole!"
Sincerely
Nite Train
Sept. News...
National Meet 2009
July News...It is with sad heart that my first posting for July is about our Brother 'Hippy John' passing. It was a great tribute to his life seeing so many friends, family, and club Brothers and Sisters coming from so far away to help celebrate his life. You all did us proud.
June News...Well, it's been a busy couple of months to start off the summer of riding. Thanks to all out there that have been participating in all of the Veterans doings out there. It's starting to look like a very busy Summer.
One of our members somewhere
"About Vietnam...The tragedy, indeed the immorality of those years, was that for the first time in our history, our country and it's government failed to match the heroic sacrifices of our men in the field...This must never happen again."--President Ronald Reagan March Thought of the Month...by Brother Nite Train - National Sec./Treas.
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