April 2014 FROM THE COMMANDER`S DESK 20

April 2014
FROM THE COMMANDER’S DESK 20-2
TO ALL:
Let’s start off and say a BIG THANK YOU for all who helped Desert Rose and I move our stuff from the old house to the
new house. It was a big help, and would have taken us a lot longer to do it by ourselves. Again THANK YOU!!!
Once again - we are having another Chapter come out of 20-2. The CVMA is growing and that is good. But not to worry
20-2 is already growing with new members. Like I said it’s a new year and we can handle anything that comes our way good or bad. 20-2 is not going away. Let’s hope our new year will bring good things to OUR Chapter. We already have a
lot of events lined up for the year and I know there will be more to come.
Rocketman USMC
Cmdr. FL. 20-2
DUES
Just a friendly reminder - National ($20) and Chapter ($10) dues by 30 June 2014. National dues can be paid through
the national website or through the chapter. Chapter dues must be paid to Desertrose. Don’t miss out on the brotherhood
or the many events in the upcoming year. Renew now!
WELCOME HOME
Our chapter has been steadily growing the last few months and we would like to take a moment to ‘Welcome Home’ and
thank our new Full members. If we missed anyone, we apologize and please let us know and we will be sure to include you
in the next newsletter
James “SeaOx” Everett
Todd Jaffer
Bruce “Wink” Martindale
Mark “Swede” Stoesser
Benny “The Butcher” Carollo
Keith “Knuckle Dragger” Moore
Michael Williams
Mark Roseberry
Pat “Old Salt” Ray
Nathan White
Dustin “DQ” Conner
Don “Radar” Estey
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VIETNAM VETERANS HONORED WITH SERVICE AWARD
On Tuesday, March 18th, 71 Vietnam Veterans, including four 20-6 members, were honored
by Gov. Rick Scott. They were awarded the Florida Governor’s Service Award, and were
given a “Welcome Home” and thanked for their service by Governor Rick Scott, his cabinet,
and others notable figures. To read an article by the Saint Peters Blog, please click here.
Congratulations!
VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL MONUMENT AT JACKSONVILLE NATIONAL CEMETERY
More than 40 years ago, hundreds of thousands of Vietnam Veterans returned home to a country they could no longer
recognize. They were the first veterans of the United States of America to come home without a hero’s welcome.
Over 58,000 young Americans gave their lives in that war. Many more came home with physical and mental health issues.
Many of them continue to suffer as a result of their service.
The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1046 wants to honor all veterans of the Vietnam War. We have committed to
build a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Monument at Jacksonville National Cemetery. The cost of erecting the monument
will be $40,000.
We, the citizens of Northeast Florida, need to make this happen. It is not only a way of saying "thank you" to those who
served and sacrificed, but a way to permanently remember all those that served in the Vietnam War with this monument
at the Jacksonville National Cemetery. It is our way of telling the families of those veterans that have passed, that we
remember and that "We will never forget."
Please help us remember all Vietnam War Veterans by making a generous donation today to the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial Monument fund. Please fill out the flap on the attached brochure and enclose it with your donation.
Mail your checks to:
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1046
P.O. Box 331322
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233-1322
You can also make your donation online by going to our website at
http://www.vva1046.com/monument. All donations are tax deductible.
We appreciate support. We would also be grateful you would take the
time to forward this to email, with your endorsement and
recommendation, to your email list. Thank you for your support, God
Bless America.
The above was received in an e-mail from Anthony (Tony) D’Aleo the
President of the Nicholas J Cutinha Chapter 1046 Vietnam Veterans of
America.
I have attached the brochure he mentions to this email as well for anyone
who might be interested in supporting this cause.
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DAYTONA MEET AND GREET
On Saturday, 8 Mar, after our Chapter meeting, we rode down to the BFFAR in Daytona for another great Meet and Greet.
We had members from all over, and received a great welcome from the BFFAR. As you can see from the picture below, it
was a great turnout. If you missed this year’s event, make plans to join next year.
PATCHING IN CEREMONY
Saturday, 8 March, during the Meet and Great at the BFFAR during Bike Week in Daytona, one of our newest members
Bruce “Wink” Martindale (pictured on the left) received his Full Members patch. Congratulations and Welcome Home
Brother.
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PURPLE HEART CEREMONY
The Purple Heart Ceremony took place at the Florida National Guard Armory in Crystal River on 15 February. This event
paid tribute to Florida’s fallen Heroes of the Global War on Terror, America’s Wounded Warriors, and was dedicated to
Donald Guard. There was also a special recognition of World War II recipients, as well as a mural, which was the first to
bear both the engraved names and color portraits of those who fell during the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. Many of our
own members attended. The photos below were supplied by 20-2’s Phantom.
VIETNAM VETERANS WELCOME HOME CELEBRATION
Saturday, 29 March, in Port Orange, a Welcome Home Ceremony was held for Vietnam Veterans and their families.
Festivities included a parade, a ceremony with speakers, a flyover, food and entertainment. It was hosted by the John E.
Mealy memorial VFW Post 3283. For the approximately 500,000 Vietnam Veterans who live in Florida, and for those
across the Country – Welcome Home and Thank You! Thanks to Grumpy for these pictures.
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PALM COAST HOMELESS STAND-DOWN
Saturday the 29th was also the Homeless Stand-Down at the Palm Coast VFW. Thanks to all that came to help. There
weren’t many of us, but there was plenty to do and we did receive thank yous many times. We directed traffic, parked
cars, helped with set-up, worked as escorts, and helped with clean-up before the rain hit AGAIN. Thank you to all who
participated and helped to make this another success story of Vets Helping Vets.
CHAPTERS FORMING FROM 20-2
20-6 First Meeting
The first official meeting of 20-6 was held 22 February at 12 noon. Members from several chapters including 20-1, 20-2,
and 20-3 attended. Our very own state rep G-Force was even in attendance. There was a lot of socializing, and some
business too. They will be meeting the LAST Saturday of each month at the VFW in Chiefland.
North Jacksonville Stand-Up Meeting
Another group of Brothers and Sisters from 20-2, working on forming a new chapter, had their Stand-Up meeting on 15
March at the VFW in Fernandina Beach. Members of 20-6 rode up and attended this meeting. During the Stand-Up
meeting the following officers were elected: Chapter Commander: JetMech. XO: Guch. Treasurer: JK. Secretary: Hub.
Sergeant-At-Arms: Sully. Just as with 20-6’s formation/stand-up meeting, G-Force was in attendance as well. They will
continue the process of getting their paperwork together and approved. Hopefully we will have another new chapter in
Florida very soon.
CALENDAR
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
If your birthday or CVMA anniversary does not appear below and should, please let Spice
and/or Hawk know. We may not have it on file. Thank you.
Birthdays
14th - Spice
19th – J-Dog
22nd – Big Mike
CVMA Anniversaries
Copper
Top
Gazoo
Turtle
Moe
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Chapter Meetings

12 April – Rocketman and Desertrose’s NEW place. Let’s go break it in right!

10 May - TBD
APRIL
Alabama
Rally by the River
Dates: 3-6 Apr
POC: Marty or Melissa at 205-680-2962 or [email protected]
Location: Cleveland, AL
Website: http://www.rallybyriver.com/index.html
Old school rally located just off the banks of the Locust Fork River. 21 years old and up ONLY. Biker games, contests.
This is a dry county, so BYOB. This is the wildest party in North Alabama. Hot Showers and clean bathrooms are
available.
Faunsdale Bike Rally
Dates: 17-20 Apr
POC: [email protected] or 334-216-0598
Location: Faunsdale, AL
Website: http://www.faunsdalebikerally.com/
Come out and enjoy field events, poker run, bike show, and contests. $30 for all weekend access. Must be 18 or older.
Don’t miss the ever so popular Midnight “Breezy Ride”.
Florida
Jacksonville, FL
Jim South Benefit Ride
Dates: 3 Apr
POC: Sully
Location: Monkey’s Uncle, Mandarin, FL
One of our Brother's (Sully) good friends, Jim South, was Cut-off by a cage last Saturday and is at Shands. He had some
very bad injuries but, appears he will recover. Jim is not a Veteran but a devoted father and motorcyclist. His only
transportation is his Harley Road King! Monkey's Uncle in Mandarin area of Jacksonville is having a Bike Night to raise
money for Jim's two daughters and his medical costs. The band Chrome Heart will be playing, they will have food, 50/50
and more. Please come out and support this cause. For more information, please contact Sully.
Bunnell
9th Annual Ride For The Heroes
Dates: 5 Apr
POC: John Henry November at 904-525-3042 or [email protected]
Location: Bunnell, FL
Please come and support this ride benefitting our Local Veterans.
12th Annual Brevard Law Ride
Date: 5 Apr
POC: Alan Rainey ([email protected] ) or 321-794-6084
Location: American Policy Hall of Fame and Museum, 6350 Horizon Drive, Titusville, FL
Website: http://www.bikerswelcomeusa.com/calendar/events/link/index.php?tID=1&oID=26868
Escorted ride, music, raffles, 50/50, freebies, coins, t-shirts, patches, decals and more. Registration is 0730-1000. KSU at
1030. Free coffee and doughnuts in the morning. $20 rider & $10 passenger includes BBQ lunch & beverage. Proceeds
benefit Law Enforcement Charities.
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Child Abuse Awareness Month Run
Date: 6 Apr
POC: Ashley ([email protected]) or 813-505-7829
Location: Brandon Harley Davidson, 9841 Adamo Dr., Tampa, FL 33619
If you have Zero Tolerance for child molesters and child abuse, please join this 100 mile country backroads memorial ride
for a great cause – remember Fallen Angels and raising funds for education to help protect our children from predators. A
pit stop will be made at Mango Jo’s Bar Southshore in Ruskin. We plan to arrive at Sarah Lunde’s Memorial Site by 1430.
The return ride will end at the American Legion Alafia Post 148 in Riverview where there will be music, food, auctions and
50/50 raffles. Cost is $15. Registration is from 0900 – 1015, with KSU
at 1030.
Okeechobee Bikefest
Dates: 12-13 Apr
POC: 863-634-6300
Location: Cypress Hut Eagles, 4509 HWY 441 SE, Okeechobee, FL 34974
Website: http://bikefestokeechobee.com/
Classic, Custom & Antique Car show as well as Motorcycle Show. Food,
games, vendors, 50/50, $10 poker run and more. $5 admission.
Honor Flight Escort
Dates: 12 Apr
POC: Baileys Man ([email protected])
Location: Parkway/Wickham Rd in Melbourne.
Rally at the 7-11 at 0200. KSU at 0215. Ride over to the Senior Center and Escort the buses to the airport. If you have a
Sun Pass be sure to bring it with you.
Demo’s Pig Roast
Dates: 12 Apr
POC: Demo ([email protected]) or 352-459-9125
Location: 17130 SE284th Court, Umatilla, FL 32784
BYOB, covered dishes welcome. Primitive camping is available, lodging is available at the FoxDen County Inn.
16th Annual Bunny Run
Date: 13 Apr
POC: Tamale (President) 813-777-8247 or Fester (Vice President) 813-385-2975
Location: US Military Vets MC Tampa Chapter, 11305 Southwind Lake Dr., Gibsonton, FL 33534
Proceeds benefit St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital of Tampa. Event Starts at Elks Lodge 708 and
finishes at the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital of Tampa. Registration begins at 1130 hours, and
KSU at 1300. $15 registration includes Donation to Hospital. $5 for passenger. Food and drinks
will be available for purchase.
1st Annual Pigs against Pediatric Cancer Run for Nemours Children’s Hospital
Date: 19 Apr
POC: Iron Pigs Motorcycle Club – Saint Johns River Chapter ([email protected]) or 321-230-1960
Location: Orlando, FL
Website: http://ipmc.ezregister.com/
This will be an escorted ride. Registration begins at 1000. KSU at 1200. Grand Prize Raffle items: 42” Flat Screen Smart
TV and Leather Recliner. There is also a pre-run party at Airport Embassy Suites (5835 T.G. Lee Boulevard, Orlando, FL
32822 from1730 to 1930 on 18 Apr. Orlando Harley Davidson will also be there with a display of the new bikes.
Leesburg Bikefest
Dates: 25-27 April
Location: Leesburg, FL
Billed as the World’s Largest 3 day motorcycle & music event. This year’s event includes 3 headliners, 75 concerts 300+
vendors, 12+ venues, 5 hotbody contests, bike shows & events. Downtown Leesburg.
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Vietnam Traveling Wall Escort (Central Florida)
Dates: 27 Apr – 4 May
Location: Brevard College, Cocoa Campus
This will be the escort of the wall to the Florida Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion in Melbourne. Formation location to
be announced, please watch further Kickstart newsletters. Time: 0800.
16th Annual Thunder Beach Spring Rally
Dates: 30 Apr – 4 May
Location: Pensacola Beach, FL
Website: http://www.pcbrally.com/
Lots of things to see and do including two Poker Runs during this event.
Florida Vietnam and All Veterans Annual Reunion
Dates: 1 – 4 May
POC: 321-501-6896 or [email protected]
Location: Wickham Park, Melbourne, FL (Just off I-95 at Exit 191)
Website: http://www.floridaveteransreunion.com/
All Veterans, families and public invited. Live music, food & drinks, military vendors
and displays, POW/MIA Ceremonies, and much more.
Georgia
Spring Bash 2014
Sanctioned Event
Dates: 5 Apr
POC: Jason “OP” Feaga at [email protected]
Location: Little Sturgis Blvd., Warm Springs, GA
Website: http://www.cvmageorgiainc.org
This is a CVMA GA 25-1 event. Event and Dice run registration begins at 1000. KSU for Dice run at 1100. $20 per hand.
Vendors, Raffles, Beer tent and more.
Angel City Rally
Dates: 9-13 Apr
POC: Dawn Smith at [email protected] or 478-627-3168
Location: 775 Bembry Road, Unadilla, GA 31901
Website: http://angelcitymotorcyclerally.com/
13 bands with live music all weekend. Bike ride, Vets tribute,
biker games, burnout, and so much more.
H3 (Honoring Hospice Heroes) Spring Event
Date: 12 Apr
Sponsored by: Columbus Hospice, Columbus Hospice of Alabama, CVMA AL 28-1 and CVMA GA 25-1
Location: Chattahoochee Harley Davidson, 3230 Williams Road, Columbus, GA
This program is designed to enhance the care of the hospice patient, with six months or less to live, by honoring them with
a special request or “wish”. A large number of these patients are veterans. There will be raffles, crafts, yard sales, and
activities for kids. Good Food – Good Music – Good People. Event takes place from 1100-1500 hours.
2nd Annual Gauntlet Thunder in the Mountains Rally
Dates: 24-27 Apr
POC: 478-804-2999 or [email protected]
Location: South Creek 2949 Hwy 441 South, Milledgeville, GA 31061
Website: http://milledgevillethunderrally.com
Live Rock & Roll all weekend. Bikini contest, poker run, biker games, burn out pit, BYOB. No one under 21 allowed. On
site camping, hot showers, rasslin, and more. $40 per person for a 3 day pass, $30 for 2 day pass (Sat & Sun).
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Surrender the Booty
Date: 19 Apr
POC: [email protected]
Location: Savannah Harley-Davidson, 6 gateway Blvd West, Savannah, GA 31419
Website: Facebook
Registration is from 1100 to 1230 hours. The fee is the booty you collect on your pillaging raids. Pirate gangs will be sent
out in waves scattered across the seven seas and last gang is due back at Island Time Bar and Grill by 1600.
Milledgeville Thunder Rally
Dates: 24-27 Apr
Location: Copperhead Lodge, 171 Copperhead Parkway, Blairsville, GA
Website: http://gauntletga.com/index.cfm?content=1&Menu=1
133 miles of Smiles. You’ve slain the Dragon, now run the Gauntlet. You can preregister now and get a free t-shirt! All rooms/cabins at the Lodge are sold out.
Limited RV and Camping still available. More hotels and information available at
the site above. Vendor village, Live Music, Bike Show, Wet T and Daisy Dukes &
Boots Contests, Games, prizes and much more.
FUTURE EVENTS
CVMA 20-2 Spring Party
Dates: Pending
POC: RocketMan and DesertRose
Location: Anderson’s Lodge, 10 Boston St., Welaka, FL 32193
Website: http://www.andersenslodge.com/
It was proposed and discussed at the October meeting that our Chapter have a spring party at Anderson’s Lodge during
the April – May time frame. We would need to purchase breakfast and lunch
from the restaurants on site, but we would “be on our own” for dinner. Dates
are still pending and more information is forthcoming!
Nationals
Sanctioned Event
Dates: 18-22 Jun
Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Website: http://www.cvmapa22-1.com/Nationals2014.htm
Make your reservations now so that you don’t miss out another great CVMA
Nationals. Information and updates are being made to the above website so
check it often for the latest and greatest. As the event gets closer and more
information is available it will be included in the newsletter.
Wreaths of Remembrance
Chapter Ride
Dates: Pending (Mid-Aug – Mid-Sep proposed)
POC: Hawk or Spice
Location: TBD
Our Chapter will be holding a dice run to help raise money and awareness for the Wreaths across America program
helping to ensure that each year more and more vets are honored. All monies raised will be evenly divided between our
supported counties. In a time when we really need them, we can’t afford to forget America’s Heroes!
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GhostStock
Sanctioned Event
Dates: 29 Aug – 1 Sep
Location: Nameless, Tennessee
This is an event not to be missed. Mark your calendars now for next year’s event. One set price for all your weekend
partying needs. DesertRose and RocketMan have attended this event in the past. More information will be posted as it
becomes available.
Florida Fall Rally
Sanctioned Event
Dates: 26-28 Sep *Proposed Dates at this time*
Location: Chiefland, Florida
After last year’s success, planning is already underway for the 2nd Annual Florida Fall Rally. Mark
your calendars for the last weekend in September. Preparations are in the works and more
information will be released as it becomes available.
FROM THE EDITORS
We would like to thank Gazoo and Phantom for supplying pictures for this month’s
newsletter, and the Kickstart newsletter for information on some of the events.
Spring has sprung! The weather is getting nicer (for the most part), and everyone is
turning their eyes to the road and to putting their knees in the breeze. Please remember to
have your bikes PMCS’d before making any long trips. We all need to stay safe.
Remember – this is YOUR newsletter. We can’t do this without you, so please, submit your
items (photos, flyers, stories, jokes or something just for fun) to us by email for the next
newsletter by 15 April.
JUST FOR FUN
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