http://www.give2thetroops.org/items.htm
Northern Chapter, please go ahead and bring things to the meeting this weekend to ship to deployed troops. I'll box things up and get it in the mail before the 15th. Thanks! Ruffian.

We are now on Facebook

I am not going to be closely monitoring this, but it's a public profile with photos. Friends can post.

All Patriots Run 2009

Well it's been another good run this year - we had great weather for the APR. It was a good time at Susie's, and our very own National Sgt-At-Arms won the 42" HDTV that was raffled off at the event. That was donated by the Denver West Best Buy. WOW!! So congrats to Short Round! Unfortunately, Ginger (from Susie's) was unable to be there due to an injury, and we wish her a speedy recovery and owe her great thanks for allowing our event there.

It was a beautiful trip through the canyons. We'll be looking to make the event just as enjoyable next year!

ALL PATRIOTS RUN COMING UP

This coming September 19th, which is also POW/MIA remembrance day, is the date we will have our annual All Patriots Run. The run is to benefit the Mountain States Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Please check our calendar for details.
http://www.localendar.com/public/CVMACO
The route has been specifically planned to enjoy the canyons and meadows of the foothills. We hope to see you there!

Spectre

We have learned that Spectre's son has been awarded the Bronze Star. Spectre, an officer himself, is rightfully so proud, and we are proud to stand behind him. In a turn of events, though, Spectre is possibly redeploying. We'll see. More later!

Long overdue Scatch update

Our brother Scatch is doing well. He has moved into a temporary housing situation that CVMA is gladly able to pay for. This has been made possible by the many donations, participation in events, and fundraiser sales. We are so glad to report that he is able to manage on his own pretty well and he is still getting help from home visitation from physical therapists and speech therapists. He was able to attend the July meeting, his first since before the accident.
THANK YOU, TO ALL WHO HAVE HELPED MAKE CVMA'S FINANCIAL SUPPORT HAPPEN. THIS WEBMASTER COULDN'T BE PROUDER OF THIS ORGANIZATION AND ALL ITS SUPPORTERS.
Ruffian.

Belated news

Scatch is doing very well, and I hope you'll check out this link to see pictures of him and his "Guardian Angel," Demitri, who is an EMT who was just blocks away when he heard the call of a motorcycle accident over the radio. Scatch has been very excited with the idea of meeting him, and it was a wonderful thing to see these two crossing paths again this week.
Demitri works the Denver area, and we are enormously grateful to him for doing his job so efficiently, and for taking the time to follow up after the accident, where a few of us had a chance to meet him and agree to keep in touch.

More news: The All Patriots Run is scheduled for September 19, 2009, and the flyers are ready (click here)
The Winter Park Poker Run flyer is also ready (click here), thanks Short Round!

The CVMA National Convention is to be held in Tulsa, OK in a couple weeks. Please see our CVMA Calendar.

Spectre's Son

FUNDRAISER DINNER FOR SCATCH APRIL 3

http://co.combatvet.org/pdfs/cliff.pdf
April 3, Aurora VFW, 6 pm - view this flyer!

Good people out there!

Yes, now and then someone really surprises me.... I got a call from a total stranger over the weekend who couldn't remember where she got a "wishlist" that was passed out for a drive to send products overseas to our deployed troops last year. We were later told by one of those members that the boxes they got may have been the best Christmas gift he ever had. Well, thanks to this couple, it's Christmas again.
She and her husband have packed another box to ship overseas. There are things in this box that weren't even on the list - just really cool things and treats that someone will thoroughly enjoy. There's a platoon somewhere that's going to really have a treat. Thank you, kind donor, for being so mindful of what our troops are doing for us.
Ruffian.

SCATCH UPDATES

UPDATE: 27 April 2009
Scatch has come leaps and bounds in his improvement. He is now at the VA in Denver, seems to have a very good setup there, and they are working to help him with further transitions. His sense of humor and flirty demeanor are back, and we're so happy to see all this change. His personal property has been taken care of, and waits in storage, and Scatch still has a very long way to go. But we're all here for him, and he knows that.

UPDATE: 18 March 2009
Yesterday was the best I've seen him yet. Some family of his arrived yesterday, and he just lit up - when we walked in he was sitting in his chair, he's talking coherantly and knows and calls us by name; he says he is not in pain; and he was in a good mood seeing everyone. Dewey and Red Dog were also there, what a tremendous difference those guys make. I'm wow-'ed!!

UPDATE: 16 March 2009
Scatch is talking with his own voice for over a week now. It's amazing. The trach has been removed, he is capable of swallowing (pureed) food on his own. He is speaking in complete sentences. He's in speech and physical therapies that are more challenging now. While a good bit of this is following suit we were told about what may happen with traumatic brain injury, he is definitely getting better and surprising everyone. He even asked that we wheel him out because he (paraphrased....) didn't like one nurse.... (she's a real sport, they know not to take things personally when their brain is waking up.)
I'm not sure what else to say; our Brother's coming back. Wow.... and I mean WOW.....
Ruffian.

UPDATE: 1 March 2009
FROM OUR TREASURER:
All,

An update on Scatch and the benefit held last night. First, I just retuned from seeing our Brother Scatch. When I entered his room the therapist had Scatch sitting on the edge of his bed. She was stabilizing him but he was using his own power to sit up. This is a first I have seen. She then asked if he recognized me. He shook his head yes and mouthed "YES". Amazing. Today was the first day that I have seen a hint of Scatch. So wonderful to see.

Second, The benefit that was held last night was outstanding. The Gringo's MC opened their clubhouse for us. At one point we had 10 different clubs present. From 1%er's to Christians Associations. Not one issue. Just a good time with my Brothers/Sisters, friends, family, and the motorcycle community. We raised nearly $4000 for Cliff. I can't say thank you enough to my Brothers and Sisters for all of their hard work and dedication. I have never been so proud to
be a part of this special Brotherhood. Thank You to All!!!

Dewey
Colorado 3-1 Treasurer

UPDATES: 25 FEB: Scatch has someone with him all the time, because he's becoming more agitated, or active may be the better word :-) They want him to stay in bed, but they don't want to actually restrain him. He is still on the trach. EVENT THIS WEEKEND: We're trying to make sure we're prepared for a whooolllle bunch of people!

New fundraiser item!!!
This is a 12" unfinished steel CVMA logo disc. You can chrome it, or paint it or just do what we're doing and just hang it.....
They are $50. We have a HUGE BREAK on these from a local artisan who just loves Veterans. All profit goes to Scatch. Hey you CVMA chapters out there you can and should get these things for award ceremonies!! Have them mounted on plaques! Weld them to your truck! email cvmafundraiser@yahoo.com and we'll take care of you!

Remember Our Heroes PATCH

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/combatvets_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ

This patch is DESIGNED BY A CVMA MEMBER, STITCHED BY ANOTHER CVMA MEMBER. The patch is $10, but you can also purchase directly through paypal. Please email for more details at ruffiansride-patch@yahoo.com .

SCATCH'S BENEFIT IS THIS WEEKEND!

Don't forget the event on the 28th, this coming Saturday - it looks like we could have an incredible turnout at this benefit. The latest update is the Denver West location has donated another BIG flat panel HDTV toward CVMA Colorado's efforts. We are so, so grateful for their support. This TV will go home with SOMEBODY. Will it be you?????

The flyer for that event is here http://co.combatvet.org/pdfs/gringos.pdf
Please print it and distrubute as much as possible between now and then. I know there's a spot on your workplace corkboard!

Scatch is still in the long term intensive rehab facility, and I'll be there this afternoon to bring back an update. His improvement is remarkable, given the severity of the accident, but he's got a long way to go and every little bit helps.

Scatch's family continually extends their gratitude for everyone who is helping. They live in Arkansas and it would have been far more difficult if he didn't have his CVMA family here. They have a lot of relief knowing that there's always someone looking in on Scatch, and we are in regular close contact with them to help with any and all arrangements.

Rolling Thunder Salute to America's POW's

Come to this event to raise awareness to the plight of POW's, MIA's, and families; this is a heavily attended event every year. More details will be available on the calendar about where CVMA is to meet to ride in.
You can download the flyer at http://co.combatvet.org/pdfs/POW.pdf

UPDATES

CVMA Northern Chapter has a meeting coming up on 21 January. View details at www.localendar.com/public/CVMACO

Scatch has been moved to another room - for those of you who have been to see him recently, he is now in the room first off the elevator to the right. (closest to the nurses station.)

Scatch IS MOVING HIS LEFT SIDE A LITTLE, VOLUNTARILY. This is huge news folks. He is still in for a long, difficult recovery, but to all of us, every little step is a light year.

DON'T FORGET THE BENEFIT COMING UP ON THE 28th. Also on the calendar. Here's the flyer http://co.combatvet.org/pdfs/gringos.pdf please print it up and distribute at your convenience!

GOOD NEWS!

While Scatch is still "in and out" of his awareness (which is our best guess), he is stable enough to be moved to a long term rehab center. He gave me a half hug and messed with my hair a lot the other day, which is a good sign. I was joking with him about taking advantage of the ladies' compassion. He has his moments, folks, and this is very encouraging.
His mom had to go back to Arkansas to deal with the ice storm situation that happened while they were here looking after Cliff, and she will be returning soon to reevaluate Cliff's needs.
I'm so proud to be in this organization. What a family to be in.
Ruffian.

Photos from Benefit

http://s452.photobucket.com/albums/qq248/RuffianCVMA/

Flyer for benefit in February

http://co.combatvet.org/pdfs/gringos.pdf
Colorado CVMA and friends: Please download this flyer and distribute as much as you can!

GREAT NEWS ON SCATCH.

EXCERPTS FROM LETTER FROM CVMA CO CHAPTER 3-1 COMMANDER, BOB CLEMENTS:

First, regarding (Scatch).....He is still in bed but the bed is cranked up so that he is in more of a sitting position.....his eyes are open and when spoken to, he turns his head toward the speaker but does not talk yet.....he responds to touch, better on one side of his body than the other.....he managed to work the feeding tube out of his esophagus with his tongue and the nurses will be able to feed him without the tube.....he is no longer on the ventilator.....he still has the tracheotomy in place to ease his breathing....THIS IS ALL GOOD NEWS, FOLKS....but he's not out of the woods yet. Please keep him in your prayers.

Second, we are hosting a dinner tonight at the Arvada VFW Post 4331, 5340 Marshall St., Arvada. Dinner starts at 6:00 pm. We could use some more volunteers to work this event. Workers should be there at about 1600 hrs. THIS EVENT IS A FUNDRAISER FOR SCATCH. I understand Scatch's Mom will be the guest of honor. Your support is sure needed and I encourage y'all to be there, please.

BENEFIT FOR SCATCH

An excerpt with details from email from Snipe:

We will need to step up our donations to the dinner. I was expecting around 30, we have a group of 30 line dancers coming that nite also.
Add in that we are distributing flyers to all the local biker friendly bars and the info. will also be announced at the Colo. COC. At this point I cannot discount that we are looking at 100 dinners. The 3-1 Chapter will be providing Hamburgers and Brats, the rest needs to be provided by members. Bring your favorite Chili as a side dish. We will need everything that you would have at a picnic, Chips, potato & mac. salad, baked beans, etc;, toppings for hamburgers and brats. I know that some have already offered donations, but I think we may need more.
This is now for a Brother and his family.

There is also talk of a benefit at the Gringos clubhouse, more info on that to follow.

Member Down

Our brother Scatch had a serious motorcycle accident on Jan. 19, 2009. He is in the hospital with some very serious injuries, but his long term prognosis is good. There's more information on the members only board. Our thoughts and prayers are with Scatch, and he is being attended by excellent doctors and his CVMA family.

News page

Everything below this point is not posted in real time. They have been copied from the old news link.

Farewell Digger.

We are saddened over the loss of our brother, Mike "Digger" O'Dell. He died on Veterans Day. Linda, his wife, and the rest of his family have our deepest condolences and our ongoing support. Services will be held Friday, November 21, 2008 at Logan National Cemetary, Staging area "C", at 10 am. Digger will have military honors and a Patriot Guard Color Guard. Welcome Home, brother Digger.

Need beds!

An ongoing homeless coordinator's project has run out of BEDS. We are looking for these desperately needed beds as the coldest season approaches. Have truck will travel!!! An ongoing homeless coordinator's project has run out of BEDS. We are looking for these desperately needed beds as the coldest season approaches. Have truck will travel!!!

Ride to benefit a member

November 16, 2008, may prove to be one of the busiest and rewarding days that the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) Southern Colorado Chapter has tried to pull off.
We will meet at the Western Omelet (16 South Walnut Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80905) for breakfast, coffee or just to get warm. At 8:30 AM we will depart for the Colorado State & Veterans Nursing Home (903 Moore Drive, Florence, CO 81226). If you have never visited a veterans home, CVMA believes that you are in for one of the most heart felt and soul searching events you will have. Our visit will conclude with the presentation of a $1,000.00 check that will be used for their individual personal needs. Upon departure we will return to the Western Omelet to retrieve vehicles.
Our next stop will be the Crazy Horse Bar & Grill (18600 US Highway 24, Peyton, CO 80831) for a steak dinner fund raiser for one of our members in need after an accident. We will start around 3:00 PM. On October 5, 2008, the member was injured in a crash that killed an Oklahoma man and woman near Springfield, CO. According to police, a passenger car was heading North on Highway 287 late at night when it crossed the center line and crashed head on into the member's semi truck. His truck was totaled and because the crash is still under investigation the insurance company has done nothing for him or his family. With a wife who is sick, his own injuries to deal with and his source of income destroyed, our Brother needs our best joint efforts.

Mountain States Chapter of PVA Honors CVMA Members

September 20, 2008We are very proud of our own Donna Bryant, Combat Veteran of the US Navy, who received the Presidents Award from the Mountain States Chaper of Paralyzed Veterans of America. Our State Representative, AJ Tholkes, also represented Colorado in presenting the check for the proceeds of the All Patriots Run 2008. The Marriott hosted a recognition dinner coordinated by MSCPVA and was attended by honored guests such as Senator Ken Salazar. Donna, as the Northern Chapter's Events Coordinator, pulled together another successful event, and we are so grateful for all her efforts.

CVMA Northern Has New Commander

September 14, 2008We are grateful to Frank "Boats" Day for his years of service as Commander of the CVMA Colorado Northern Chapter. Under his leadership we have had successful events, served our community, and grown stronger in our ranks. We salute you Boats!
Bob Clements, business owner and long time member of CVMA, has stepped up to take the reigns. Our thanks to you, Bob!

Tragic Motorcycle Accident.

September 13, 2008We are saddened that on this day, Peligroso Mike Martinez and his wife Linda were in a terrible accident. Mike died instantly of his injuries. Linda remains in critical care as of 9/20/08, on which date Papi's of Denver, CO hosted a poker run to raise funds for the family. Those gathered celebrated the life of Mike and show continuing support for the family.