The speaker at our regular meeting of December 29th was Tomas Hinsley, Chapter Commander, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association or CVMA. Tomas has been a member of CVMA for 4 years, and has served as Chapter Commander for 3 years. Tomas explained that the CVMA is a national non-profit organization, with chapters in every state. He said there were 6 chapters in Oregon. He stressed that the CVMA is an “association”, not a “club”, and the Chapter Commander is equivalent to a president. The common feature is that everyone rides a motorcycle of at least 500 cc. Women vets are welcome.
Tomas reflected on why some vets need this type of association. He explained that service men and women often form deep bonds with other people, especially with their “battle buddies”. But when they go home, usually everyone goes their separate ways. Coming home can be a difficult adjustment for veterans, and especially when they have no one with whom to share their thoughts and feelings. CVMA provides a sense of community and sharing for vets who otherwise may not have these types of close relationships and support.
In terms of what the members actually do (besides taking motorcycle trips together), Tomas said they provide funeral escorts; money, clothes, boots, sleeping bags and meals for homeless vets; temporary shelter; and guidance. They raise funds to support these services, with 100% of those funds going directly to supplies and services for vets. Tomas said that the need is great. He noted that, sadly, 22 veterans per day commit suicide, and that it is often the lack of relationships and the isolation that pushes people to take their own lives.
Tomas serves in the United States Army National Guard as a Battle NCO (non-commissioned officer) and Sergeant for the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team HHC (headquarters and headquarters company). His job in the Army is a 19Delta/Cavalry Scout, and he was deployed to Iraq in 2009-2010. He currently works for the State at Tualatin Valley Water District. He is also the Veteran Outreach director for Team RedWhiteandBlue in Portland.
To learn more or to find out how you can help, visit https://combatvet.org. They are also on Facebook, at https://www.facebook.com/29cvma1/.