GUESTBOOK

Greetings Boss Skinner, Patched Members, Prospects, & Support. Good evening from a cool and windy AZ. I wanted to share my thoughts on becoming a patched member of Nam Vets MC. Interestingly in my teens I was exposed to a MC in Whiley City as you can guess they where 1%ers and I had no idea what they were all about. But I was friends with several of the younger Hang Arounds and Prospects. The President was one crazy SOB but he liked my older brother and me and I really liked their patch and the cool name. Needless to say I didn't become a member for a number of reasons mainly because I entered the service and secondly the Chapter President and some of the members were arrested and sent to prison on weapons charges.

So for most of my life, I've worn patches from the Army, Law Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security. All great patches that I worked hard to earn, treasure, adorn my uniforms with and wear them with pride and honor. I shared these beliefs with my brothers and sisters in arms.

The one thing missing after so many years was my brothers and sisters acceptance of me as an NCO, Leader, Mentor, Roll model and someone they could come to in times of need. Once this was for the most part behind me I experienced a long and scary spiral into silence, frustration and the over all feeling I wasn't accepted or wanted in society.

Then one day I was forced to start the long hard road to recovery. So with the help of my wife and family over the last couple of years, I opened up to my wife and my 2 son's that have and are serving. My wife told me I needed to make friends join a group and so with the encouragement and reinforcement of my boys I became a Legionnaire and then a Legion Rider.

I felt like I started the bumpy road to understanding my personal fears. Then it happen thanks to a man I quickly respected and trusted Boogie "Dan" a fellow Legion Rider. It turned out his out reach to any brother or sister that enjoys fellowship and good food he opened his arms and invites them all to ride with him and others nearly every Saturday on a breakfast run to Wickenburg, AZ mainly to the Horseshoe Cafe. And so that next Saturday I found myself riding with an amazing group of fellow warriors that made me feel better after every ride.

Then something totally unexpected happened I was invited to coffee and a meal with the local Nam Vets lead by now NVP and "yes I will kiss ass" an amazing friend to all, leader and fine gentleman "Steamer" and a group of honorable men that I now feel safe with and I look forward to seeing as often as possible on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Now let me tell you why besides the things I've pointed out I wanted to say all of this tonight. The Patch of the NAM VETS MC is sign of a brotherhood and inspiration to others and a way to help others from our collective experiences. If a man like me facing demons every day and night can find a safe haven with the Nam Vets, I would suggest all of us know others that need the very same help and friendship. So please reach out to them and follow the lead of Steamer, FUBAR, Boogie, GearBox, NotRob, Rob, TinMan and the rest of the group.

Thank you all across the nation for your service. WELCOME HOME and may God bless every one of you.

Others in the class of 59-75 boots on the ground and ERA are waiting to join us on this deployment. Lets all once again answer the call and ruck up, soldier up and lead the way and bring them home to their brothers and sisters at NAM VETS MC.