By Joanna Fuchs

The Mile-High Chapter 3-1 of Combat Vets Association would like to invite you to attend their 13th annual All Patriots Run. The ride starts at the American Legion #178, 1655 Simms St., Lakewood, CO 80215. This is the chapter’s largest annual fund-raising event. The bikes will be parked after a day of riding and the brotherhood will continue with food, drink, auctions, door prizes and raffles.  Staging is from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., so come check out the CVMA Mile High Chapter 3-1 and wish the members and participants a safe ride. Check out the Chapter 3-1’s website https://www.cvma3-1.org/ for more information on this and other Colorado events.

The Mile-High Chapter 3-1 of CVMA sponsors or attends events throughout Colorado. The most recent event was the Veterans-4-Veterans fundraiser, where money was raised for the Redistribution Center, Inc./Warrior Warehouse. The ride began at the Mile-High Harley Davidson of Parker and took off from there.

We invite all riders to come and get to know your local chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA). Our members believe in the mission and they’re focused on sponsoring and participating in as many motorcycle-related charity events as possible. And, as a non-profit organization, ride proceeds are donated to various local veteran care facilities and veteran charities.  The organizations selected to receive the CVMA’s donations are dedicated to caring for brothers and sisters in arms who have defended our country and our freedoms and now need our help. Indirectly through these organizations, and often directly as well, the CVMA provides a warm meal, clothing, homeless necessities, shelter, and guidance. Sometimes they simply make sure they’re at the right place at the right time to say, “Thank You” and “Welcome Home,” especially to our older veterans who deserve to be reminded that our country absolutely is still so thankful and proud.

The CVMA membership is comprised of those with verified combat service (full members) and those who have non-combat military service and have a sincere dedication to helping veterans (support members). Members of the CVMA come from nearly all 50 states and some live abroad. Many continue to serve in our Armed Forces, with several currently serving in combat areas. Spouses of full members can join the auxiliary.  Auxiliary members ride along (sometimes on their own bikes), attend to event logistics and planning, and have a fun time letting the CVMA members have stress-free, breathtaking rides and spoken, or unspoken, comradery.

Getting back to the CVMA’s mission, it’s to serve and honor our military:

Let’s honor our military,
The men and women who serve,
Whose dedication to our country

Does not falter, halt or swerve.
Let’s respect them for their courage;
They’re ready to do what’s right
To keep America safe,

So we can sleep better at night.
Let’s support and defend our soldiers,
Whose hardships are brutal and cruel,
Whose discipline we can’t imagine,

Who follow each order and rule.
Here’s to those who choose to be warriors
And their helpers good and true;
They’re fighting for American values;
They’re fighting for me and you.