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CVMA® NC 15-1 keeps service at its center
- Details
- Tuesday, 01 September 2026
- Written by Jamie Bishop
Motorcycles may bring them together, but service is what keeps them moving in the same direction.
For 20 years, CVMA® NC 15-1 has turned the shared bond of military service into help for veterans and military families across North Carolina. On Saturday, Sept. 19, that history will be celebrated where it began — with CVMA® Chapter 15-1 in Fayetteville.
The free anniversary gathering will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Paradise Acres of Grays Creek, 1965 John McMillan Road in Hope Mills. Hosted by CVMA® NC 15-1, known as the All-American Chapter, the event will welcome veterans, families and community supporters for fellowship, recognition and a celebration of two decades of “Vets Helping Vets.”
The first chapter in the state was approved Sept. 17, 2006, and later became CVMA® NC 15-1. Since then, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® has grown to 14 chapters across North Carolina.
Geoffrey Pickett, public relations officer for CVMA® NC 15-1, said that growth has been driven by a clear focus on veterans and military families. State Representative TJ “Rooster” Blake leads an effort to keep members active, visible and engaged in service, he said.
“This veteran- and military-centric focus becomes infectious with those who want to give back,” Pickett said. That spirit, he added, creates camaraderie and draws other veterans to the mission.
The record of service stretches from large donations to quiet acts of help that rarely make headlines. When North Carolina hosted the 2012 Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® national gathering at Fontana Dam, chapters nominated organizations serving veterans. Operation Re-Entry North Carolina, an East Carolina University program helping veterans transition from military service, was selected to receive $10,000. Pickett said it was recalled as the largest donation of its kind from Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® at that time.
Closer to home, CVMA® Chapter 15-1 has helped build wheelchair ramps, repair homes and provide emergency lodging, clothing and food. It has also helped disabled veterans attend events that might otherwise have been out of reach.
One recent request came through the Fayetteville Veterans Affairs medical center. Veterans preparing for a major wheelchair event needed a container capable of safely shipping their expensive equipment. After meeting with VA representatives, CVMA® NC 15-1 purchased and donated the supplies needed to build a durable container that could be used for years.
“This type of collaboration and engagement is how we help,” Pickett said.
That help also reaches beyond money. After a member died in 2022, CVMA® NC 15-1 organized an escort for the family and funeral service, followed by a final escort to Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery. More recently, CVMA® NC 15-1 joined two other North Carolina chapters for an annual ride benefiting Stop Soldier Suicide, with all rider and passenger registration proceeds going to the organization.
Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® has also created ways to strengthen fellowship while supporting charitable work. Its North Carolina Long Range Riding Platoon encourages members to visit events outside their home chapters, form relationships across the state and direct excess program funds to veteran charities.
Pickett hopes the anniversary gathering shows the public that veterans and military families remain committed to serving long after their uniforms are put away.
“By their participation in attending our 20th anniversary celebration, they are honoring and giving back as well by showing their support,” he said. Community members can also help identify veterans and military families who need assistance and connect them with CVMA® NC 15-1.
The celebration opens at 10 a.m. An opening ceremony and anniversary cake cutting are scheduled for noon, followed by the official statewide photograph at 12:30 p.m. A motorcycle show begins at 1 p.m., with winners announced at 2 p.m. The day also includes a silent basket auction, a 50/50 drawing, commemorative merchandise and vendor booths.
Admission is free. Paradise Acres will offer food and drinks for purchase, and outside food and beverages are prohibited. Veteran-owned businesses and chapter stores will sell merchandise, including “I Support Combat Vets” items. Proceeds will help CVMA® NC 15-1 continue assisting veterans and military families.
The anniversary may mark how far CVMA® NC 15-1 has traveled, but its real measure is found in the people helped along the way. One ramp, one family, one veteran and one act of service at a time.
