Chapter 24-5
Vets Helping Vets
Who we are:
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Chapter 24-5 is the Southern Illinois Chapter of the CVMA® consisting of Veterans from Effingham southward to Cairo, from the Metro East eastward into Indiana. CVMA® is an Association of Combat Veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who ride motorcycles as a hobby. Our mission now is to support and defend those who have defended our country and our freedoms. Our focus is to help Veteran’s care facilities provide a warm meal, clothing, shelter and guidance, or simply to say “Thank You” and “Welcome Home.” Our membership is comprised of Full Members (those with verified combat service), Supporter Members (those who have non-combat military service), Auxiliary Members (spouses of our Full Members) and anyone else who has a sincere dedication to helping Veterans. CVMA® has members from all 50 states and living abroad. Many members continue to serve in our Armed Forces, with several serving in combat areas right now. Our members are also first responders, EMS, law enforcement and State and Federal workers. For an interactive map of the Chapter near you, click here: Interactive Chapters Link |
Charity begins at home.
While the visual part of our Chapter is our members and their motorcycles, our main focus is supporting Veterans, their programs and their causes.
We are a registered 501c3 Charitable Organization, and all donations received are directed to the charities and organizations we support.
Click the button below to see some of our selected charities.
No One Fights Alone!
In addition to our calling to support Veterans’ services, we are also bound to each other through our combined service and love of motorcycles.
On average, we lose 22 veterans a day to suicide and/or substance addition due to PTSD. Most Veterans suffering from these maladies fail to reach out for help. This is where our ministry of “wind therapy” comes into play. Any brother feeling anxious or self destructive, can call on another and go for a ride (wind therapy). We may ride for miles without saying a word; but just having a brother near while another wrestles with his demons can mean the difference between coping, or succumbing to the darkess.
Think of this next time you see two bikers riding alone, a therapy session may be taking place.
Our beautiful scenery.
Nestled in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, we have some of the most beautiful scenery in the State. From Garden of the Gods, Cave in Rock, Ferne Clyffe, Giant City State Park or the wine trails around Bald Knob Cross of Peace, we have miles of peaceful, scenic beauty to ride in. Come ride with us and discover these hidden gems right in your own backyard.