Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association: Serving Those Who Served
What Is the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA)?
The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) is a nationwide nonprofit organization of combat veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces who ride motorcycles as a hobby. Founded in 2001, the CVMA operates with the mission to “support and defend those who have defended our country and our freedoms” . As a registered 501(c)(19) veterans’ charity, the CVMA focuses on helping veteran care facilities provide warm meals, clothing, shelter, and guidance to Veterans in need, while also participating in charity events and donating to various veteran causes .
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Liberty, Missouri |
| Membership | 10,000+ members nationwide |
| IRS Status | 501(c)(19) veterans’ charity |
| Official Website | combatvet.us |
| Motto | “Serving Those Who Served” |
| Member Types | Full (combat verified), Supporter (non-combat), Auxiliary (spouses) |
The CVMA Mission and Purpose
What the CVMA Does
The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is dedicated to supporting fellow Veterans and their communities. The organization’s core mission includes :
Providing assistance to individual Veterans facing financial hardships or other challenges
Supporting veteran care facilities with meals, clothing, shelter, and guidance
Participating in charitable events and fundraising for veteran causes
Offering camaraderie to Veterans who miss the bond they shared during military service
Core Values
The CVMA operates on five core values that guide all their initiatives :
Brotherhood — maintaining the bond forged through military service
Resilience — persevering through challenges together
Impact — making a meaningful difference in Veterans’ lives
Honor — respecting those who have served
Integrity — acting with honesty and transparency
Who Can Join the CVMA?
The CVMA has three membership categories with specific eligibility requirements .
Full Member
Full membership is open to Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces with verifiable combat service.
Requirements:
Proof of combat service via DD Form 214/215 or other service record
Combat service verified by the CVMA National Board of Directors
Annual dues: $20.00
Must own and operate a motorcycle with engine 500cc or greater
Valid motorcycle driver’s license and insurance
Support Member
Support membership is for Veterans who have completed basic military training but do not have combat service.
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityRequirements:
Successful completion of basic military and advanced individual training
Proof of military service via DD Form 214/215
Must be sponsored by a Full Member
Annual dues: $10.00
Auxiliary Member
Auxiliary membership is for spouses, widows, or widowers of Full or Support members in good standing.
Requirements:
Proof of marriage submitted with application
Exempt from motorcycle ownership requirement
Annual dues: $20.00
What Veterans should do: If you are interested in joining, visit a local chapter’s bike night, ride, or meeting to connect with members. When ready, submit your application with proof of service and payment .
CVMA vs. Motorcycle Clubs: Important Distinctions
The CVMA is an association, not a motorcycle club (MC) . This is an important distinction :
| Feature | CVMA (Association) | Motorcycle Club (MC) |
|---|---|---|
| Territory | Does not claim territory | May claim territory |
| Clubhouse | Does not maintain a clubhouse | Often has a clubhouse |
| Patches | Wears vests, not “cuts” or “colors” | Wears “cuts” or “colors” |
| Patch Style | One-piece back patch | May have three-piece patches |
| Focus | Charity and community service | Varies by club |
This distinction helps Veterans understand that the CVMA is primarily a charitable organization focused on service, not a traditional motorcycle club with territorial claims .
How the CVMA Supports Veterans
Direct Assistance to Veterans in Need
The CVMA provides hands-on support to Veterans facing challenges. In one example, Virginia Chapter 27-2 members responded when a Vietnam Veteran hadn’t been heard from for days. They found his home overgrown with brush and debris, and the Veteran had suffered a fall. Within two days, members cleared the property, restoring safe access and dignity to the Veteran .
Fundraising and Charity Events
CVMA chapters sponsor and participate in motorcycle-related charity events throughout the year. Chapter 20-16, for example, organizes annual fundraising events like the “Salute to Heroes” cornhole tournament and charity raffles to support Veterans and their families .
Supporting Service Dog Organizations
CVMA Virginia Chapter 27-2 organizes the annual Bull Run ride to raise funds for Leashes of Valor, an organization that provides service dogs at no cost to post-9/11 Veterans .
Community Service and Awareness
Beyond fundraising, CVMA members participate in community service and awareness events, supporting motorcycle and veteran-related activities in their local areas .
CVMA Chapter Structure
The CVMA has chapters across all 50 states and abroad, including areas where members are currently serving in combat zones . Chapters operate with a standard leadership structure:
| Position | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Commander | Overall chapter leadership |
| Executive Officer | Assists Commander and manages operations |
| Treasurer | Manages chapter finances |
| Secretary | Handles chapter records and correspondence |
| Sergeant at Arms | Maintains order and protocol |
| Public Relations Officer | Manages community outreach |
Chapters can be found in nearly every state, including Florida, Virginia, Washington, Arizona, Arkansas, and more .
The Camaraderie Factor: Why Veterans Join
For many Veterans, joining the CVMA is about more than motorcycles—it’s about reclaiming the camaraderie they lost when they left the military .
“One of the reasons I joined is that I’ve always loved riding motorcycles, but I was missing that camaraderie and that bond with individuals,” said Chapter Commander Josh Higby. “When I found CVMA, it kind of made me feel at home” .
The association brings together combat veterans from every branch of the U.S. military and from conflicts spanning generations—from Vietnam to Iraq and beyond .
Common Questions
1. What is the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA)?
The CVMA is a nationwide nonprofit organization of combat veterans from all U.S. Armed Forces branches who ride motorcycles. Founded in 2001, it operates as a registered 501(c)(19) veterans’ charity with the mission to support and defend those who have defended our country and our freedoms .
2. Who can join the CVMA?
Full membership is for Veterans with verifiable combat service. Support membership is for non-combat Veterans who have completed basic training. Auxiliary membership is for spouses of Full or Support members. All members must be sponsored and provide proof of service .
3. Do I need to own a motorcycle to join the CVMA?
Full and Support members must own and operate a motorcycle with an engine of 500 cubic centimeters or greater, with a valid license and insurance. Auxiliary members (spouses) are exempt from this requirement .
4. What is the difference between CVMA and a motorcycle club?
The CVMA is an association, not a motorcycle club. It does not claim territory, maintain a clubhouse, or wear “cuts” or “colors.” Members wear vests, and the organization focuses on charity and community service rather than club culture .
5. How much does it cost to join the CVMA?
Full and Auxiliary members pay annual dues of $20. Support members pay $10. Membership dues may vary slightly by chapter .
6. What kind of proof of service do I need to join?
Full members must provide a DD Form 214/215 or other official service record showing verifiable combat service. Support members must provide proof of basic military training completion. The CVMA National Board of Directors verifies combat service .
7. What is the CVMA’s motto?
The CVMA’s motto is “Serving Those Who Served,” reflecting their commitment to supporting fellow Veterans and their families .
8. Does the CVMA have chapters in all states?
Yes, the CVMA has members in all 50 states and living abroad. Many chapters operate across the country, with active chapters in Florida, Virginia, Washington, Arizona, Arkansas, and elsewhere .
9. What types of events does the CVMA organize?
The CVMA organizes and participates in motorcycle-related charity events, fundraisers, rides, community service projects, and awareness events. Examples include the Bull Run ride for service dogs and fundraising tournaments for Veterans .
10. How do I find a CVMA chapter near me?
Visit the CVMA official website at combatvet.us to find a chapter near you. Local chapters also have their own websites with contact information for chapter officers .
Key Takeaways
The CVMA is a nationwide nonprofit founded in 2001, serving combat veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces who ride motorcycles
The organization’s mission is to support and defend those who have defended our country, focusing on helping veteran care facilities and individual Veterans
Three membership types are available: Full (combat verified), Support (non-combat veterans), and Auxiliary (spouses)
The CVMA is an association, not a motorcycle club — it does not claim territory, maintain clubhouses, or wear “cuts” or “colors”
Annual dues are affordable: Full/Auxiliary $20, Support $10
Members provide direct support to Veterans in need, from property clean-up to financial assistance and emotional support
Chapters exist in all 50 states and abroad, including areas with active combat deployments
Core values include Brotherhood, Resilience, Impact, Honor, and Integrity
Join by contacting a local chapter and submitting proof of service with your application
Official Resources
CVMA Official Website: combatvet.us
National Headquarters: 11 East Kansas Street, Liberty, Missouri 64068
VA Official Website: VA.gov
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