After
Action Report

Still
Kickin
Haven’t written anything in a while, so we figured
we’d better throw something out there to keep
the website refreshed.
Got a few pics here from the St Patrick’s Day
fundraiser. Hickory’s no photographer, but there
are a couple of decent ones in there. Some folks just
look good enough to overcome the lack of skill on
the photographer’s part, I suppose.
On April 12 2008, Hickory, Mule, and Fish –
along with Hickory’s eldest boy and Fish’s
neighbor – ran in a 5k Race/Fun Run to benefit
the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. Not sure about
Mule and Fish, but Hickory was definitely concentrating
on the “Fun Run” side of the event…’nuff
said
The race was held at Patuxent River Naval Air Station,
and was sponsored by the Marine Aviation Detachment.
Not sure what they ended up collecting at the race
itself, but overall the Detachment has raised over
$13,000 for the Semper Fi Fund…Outstanding work,
Marines!!!
As this is being drafted, we have a detachment rolling
to Colonial Beach, VA to support a benefit for EOD
technicians who have been wounded in combat. The IED
threat in Iraq largely defines the conflict against
terrorist/insurgent elements which, we fear, will
be fought by our own kids before it is won. As such,
this was a benefit we had all wanted to attend. Unfortunately,
work precluded many of us from doing so – just
the way things play out from time to time. At any
rate, hopefully our Brothers will get a pic or two
we can paste up here on the site.
Although it’s a little late, we should mention
another event this weekend (17 May 2008). The VFW
post in Indian Head, MD is in danger of having to
shut its doors. A couple of the local MCs are putting
something together to assist the post – starting
at noon on Sunday, 18 May. This post is very good
about hosting events for the local clubs – they’ve
been good to the MC community, and we need to try
to give something back. If anyone feels compelled
to assist, contact us through the link at the bottom
of the page and we will put you in contact with the
right folks.
We’re gearing up for Rolling Thunder and Memorial
Day next weekend. We hope everyone will take some
time to remember those to whom we owe a debt of gratitude
for preserving the freedoms we enjoy today. Do not
let their memory fade.
It’s gonna be a busy Summer. Ride safe and give
us a yell if you’re in the area.
PROUD
FEW MC

St.
Patrick’s Day Fundraiser 2008
The
Proud Few MC hosted a St. Patrick’s Day party/fundraiser
on 15 March 2008 – and the turnout was phenomenal!
This was the first event we have hosted as a club
and although we had not specifically planned it to
be so, it turned out to be the season opener for several
some of the local clubs as well as a good number of
independent riders. There were several area clubs
in attendance, some of which were so esteemed as to
have a police escort right to the parking lot... Snakebite
took the stage at 8:00 PM and was incredibly good.
There was plenty of food and lots of beer –
everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
In
recent months, we had discussed what charity the PFMC
would be supporting on a regular basis. We had settled
upon the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, which provides
financial assistance to wounded Marines, Sailors,
or other service members who served with Marine units
at the time of their injury (for information visit
http://www.semperfifund.org).
As it turned out, we decided to shift our focus closer
to home this time and raise money to assist Wendy
Cooper (yes, our Brother Coop’s OL) with their
expenses as she continues to recuperate from her accident
last September. Thanks to the generosity of those
that donated, we were able to raise over $2400 for
them, which will go far in making ends meet until
Wendy can return to her professional livelihood.
It
was a great effort by all involved. We want to extend
our sincere thanks for all who came out to support
us. We also want to thank those businesses and individuals
who made donations of their time or offered discounted
prices for goods and services to assist our cause.
We’ll
post pictures as soon as we can.
PROUD
FEW MC

After
Action Report: Marine Corps Birthday & Veterans
Day Chesty Run 2007
On
10 Nov 2007, a detachment of the Proud Few rolled
out from MD to visit Mainshaft in Stafford Co., VA
for a Marine Corps Birthday celebration. It had been
looking like it was going to be a nasty ride, as it
had been raining the night before, and the sky was
threatening more of the same all day. Mule and Blaster
showed up at Hickory’s place around 1500 –
thankfully, the skies had clear somewhat and the rain
appeared to have left the area.
The
plan was to roll south on Rt 301 and come up through
Frednecksburg – we figured I-95 would be jacked
up, with it being the Marine Corps Birthday and the
first anniversary of the Marine Corps Museum. It as
apparently a good call, as we made it in to Mainshaft’s
without incident. There was a bit of a chill in the
air, though. We figured the following day would be
a run to remember.
We
pulled into Mainshaft’s garage where he and
a neighbor – Earl – had been waiting.
Earl’s a retired Marine as well and, though
not a Patch Holder, has been to a couple of functions
with us and is always a welcome addition. Anyway,
Mainshaft and Earl quickly produced some beers to
warm us up after our ride. We stood around and commiserated
for a while, watching someone get the whip cracked
by his Ol’ Lady because he hadn’t started
the grill yet. We won’t say who it was.
Once
he got the grill started, Mainshaft took us on a tour
of his shed, which was just out of yelling distance
to his house. Good construction – would make
a great clubhouse. When we got back to the top of
the hill, someone’s OL had already started grilling.
Observing the Code of Modern Chivalry, we cracked
another beer.
After
dinner, we reconvened in the garage. At an appropriate
time, we held a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate
the 232nd Anniversary of our Corps, complete with
a reading of the Commandants’ messages and presentation
of the cake to the oldest (Earl) and youngest (Mule)
Marines present. At some point, our Brother Rover
called and we shared a telephonic toast to the Corps.
We also called Bro Coop and checked on Wendy’s
progress (she’s at home and doing great –
thank God).
We
rolled out early the next day en route to visit Chesty
Puller’s grave in Saluda, VA. We were supposed
to meet up with another Marine Corps club, The Corps,
in Spotsylvania but we were running late and by the
time we got there, they had already left. We made
our way down Rt.17 – the sun was bright, but
it was about 35 degrees out. By the time we got to
Port Royal, we figured a cup of coffee would be in
order. We ended up staying for breakfast at Horne’s
(great diner, by the way) and continued our journey
south. The sky was clear and the leaves were just
right – fantastic ride.
We
made it to Chesty’s resting place – and
managed to link up with The Corps after all. Saluda
is a great little town. This being our first time
there, we had to ask directions to the chapel and
grave site. The locals were eager to help a Traveler
and pointed us in the right direction. We spent a
while at the site, reflecting on the stories of Chesty
Puller that each Marine knows so well; and perhaps
on our own contributions to the history and legacy
of our Corps, for all they are worth. It was fitting
that we were still shivering from the ride as we stood
there at Chesty’s stone – and we dared
not complain in front of he who led the 1st MarDiv
at the frozen Chosin Reservoir a little more than
half a century ago.
Our
original plan was to roll into Haymarket, VA for a
Fisher House benefit – hosted by the Desert
Knights MC – as we headed back north. We opted
out of that due to the long day in the saddle and
the inevitable drop in temps after the sun went down.
We would each have had another couple of hours ride
to get home after Haymarket, and the potential for
hypothermia would have increased (especially if we
had partaken of any alcohol) – so we decided
returning to base would be the wise choice this time
around. We rolled back in to the Charles Co. Clubhouse
(Hickory’s) that evening and had ourselves a
celebratory beer.
Outstanding
run. May have to do that one again next year.
S/F
Hickory

CONGRATULATIONS
MULE AND PX!!!
It is with great pleasure
we announce that two Brothers were patched in on 29
September 2007. Brothers “Mule” and “PX”
were issued their Proud Few Colors at a function hosted
by Mule at his house, with family and friends present.
Mule had invited us
over for beer and the occasional bite to eat in celebration
of his birthday. If we didn’t know better, we
would think he was trying to set the stage for us
to take a vote…but we had already balloted and
both he and PX were easily voted in several weeks
prior – we just needed to get everyone (or as
many as we could) in one place at the same time.
It was a great party.
Several friends and colleagues from work showed up
– as well as Mule’s folks, who flew in
from down south. We also had a guest from one of the
local MCs – Strength & Honor – who
served in the Marine Corps with Mule and Hickory.
None of them were expecting a patch-in, but hey, gives
‘em something to talk about later, I suppose.
Tonto, our trusty Close Air Support, made sure we
all had a dose of his anti-bacterial, mason-jarred
medicinal water. Some of us who spent some time in
nasty places like Iraq and Afghanistan required an
extra dose, just to make sure the microbes were dead.
Quite uncharacteristically,
we took advantage of the opportunity to screw with
Mule – he had offered to take care of any patch
sewing we needed a couple of weeks prior, so we all
hit him up about hemming trousers, sewing Girl Scout
patches, and the like – and finally asked him
if he would mind sewing his and PXs patches on if
he got a chance (they were done in minutes, oddly
enough).
We
almost had to postpone PX’s patch-in due to
an encounter with the local constabulary. He eventually
made it to the party with no cuff marks, but we did
contemplate changing his road name to Lockdown.
The most pleasant
surprise of the evening was when Coop showed up. With
Wendy still in the hospital, we figured he would be
(rightfully) preoccupied. Still, we were overjoyed
to see him walk through the door, as he was in need
of a break from the hours and days in the hospital
with her. We still pray for her full recovery every
day, and will be with them both every step of the
way while she recovers.
During
the Patch In, Hickory read a letter received that
very day from Sgt. Eddie Ryan, the Marine for whom
the Poker Run had been the previous weekend in New
Jersey (see below). The letter was in two parts: the
first by his Mother; the second written by Sgt. Ryan
himself, using his left hand, thanking the Proud Few
MC for supporting him and giving him the motivation
to recover.
There
really were no other words than Sgt Ryan’s letter
to better underscore the purpose for which we all
wear the patch of the Proud Few MC, and for that reason
we will end this AAR here with a heartfelt congratulations
to our two new Brothers. May you both ride safe and
wear the Colors proudly.
S/F
Hickory

After
Action: Sgt Eddie Ryan Poker Run
On
22 Sep 07 a detachment of the Proud Few MC rolled
north on I-95 to participate in a poker run to benefit
Sgt Eddie Ryan. Sgt Ryan was severely wounded in Al
Khaim, Iraq in 2005, suffering two gunshot wounds
to the head. He has since begun his recovery and has
improved beyond all expectations. Sadly, the Veterans
Administration has seen fit to reduce his benefits,
and his family is paying from their own pockets to
supplement his physical and occupational therapy.
It
was an honor for the Proud Few MC to take part in
this event. We were met with hospitality that would
rival that of a Southern town, and were treated as
VIPs during the event – a privilege we will
not soon forget.
Tarr,
Hickory, and Prospect Mule, with Naval Gunfire Support
by Norm, the Token Sailor, rolled out in the wee hours
of Saturday morning. The first thing we noticed was
the rain…yup, it was raining outside, despite
the “80 degrees and sunny” forecast we
had just seen the day before. Surely, we figured,
it would burn off by mid-morning, as the forecast
was still for partly cloudy skies and no rain…wrong!
As we rolled north toward Mule’s place, it misted
on us intermittently, with the ever-present road spray.
Mule had coffee ready (good Prospect, that one) so
we warmed up a bit before rolling out.
The
weather cooperated with us most of the way…except
for the last 30 miles on the NJ Turnpike, when we
got pelted with a sizeable rainsquall. You know, I
had wondered why those chicks were smiling at us about
five miles back…they musta had the weather report
going about the time they passed us. Anyway, we got
nailed just about all the way in to the start point.
By
the time we got there it was late in the run. We paid
up our entry fees (with a couple of extra for our
Brothers who couldn’t make it) and tried in
vain to dry out before proceeding. While we waited,
the Thunder MC, Central Chapter rolled in. Seizing
an opportunity, we asked if we could follow them (they
being locals and therefore familiar with the terrain)
on the ride to the end point (it was too late to do
the whole run by the time we got there). They graciously
agreed and we followed them through the boroughs to
the VFW at Carteret, NJ.
What
a ride that turned out to be. While making a left
turn, Thunder put out a road guard and some jackass
in a cage, talking on a cell phone, decided to go
around him and get in the middle of the stack. At
some point, the realization that he had screwed up
seemed to dawn on him, as he desperately tried to
dial 911 with handful of patched bikers swarming around
him like hornets.
A
couple of miles later, as we got near our destination,
they let the cager go with a wave and a wish for a
safe and happy journey.
The
event itself was pretty impressive, even though the
numbers were down from the weather (RUBs). It was,
nonetheless, well organized and had a great spread
by a local barbecue place. A couple of vendors were
present, but it was not overdone. Entertainment was
provided and everyone seemed to be having an enjoyable
time, although anxious for the guest of honor to arrive.
As
we were waiting we were greeted by Jeri Kopin, the
event’s main organizer. We had met Jeri on the
return trip from Laconia, right there on the NJ Turnpike,
and she had informed us at that time that this event
was scheduled. Jeri gave us the royal treatment, sitting
us in the VIP area of the event and making sure we
were on the program as presenters.
Eddie
arrived and the main event started – renditions
of the Star Spangled Banner (to include a piper –
way cool), music written for and about Eddie, color
guard, and several presentations made. This Marine’s
tenacity is absolutely impressive. It’s not
surprising that the community has rallied behind him,
given the circumstances of his sacrifice and his unexpectedly
successful recovery. When our turn came, the three
of us gathered on the stage and presented Eddie with
Proud Few soft colors and declared him an Honorary
Member of the club.
We
rolled out that evening and turned in relatively early
– except for a short spell in the hotel bar
with Jeri and her family. A great end to a great day,
to be sure. We jumped up in the morning and rolled
south…much dryer than the day before. We were
honored to have been able to participate in the run
– we’ll be back next year, for sure.
S/F
Hickory
Click
on thumbnail for larger photo

After
Action: July & August Rides
The
Proud Few participated in two Veteran-related rides
in the months of July and August 2007. The first was
the “Fallen Heroes Memorial Poker Run;”
the second was the “Charlotte Hall Veterans’
Home Poker Run.” Both are great causes which
merit the attention of all who value the sacrifices
made by those in uniform.
The
Fallen Heroes Memorial Poker Run was a run organized
by Mrs. Debbie Higgins whose son, Lance Corporal James
Higgins, was killed in action in Iraq during the Summer
of 2006. LCpl Higgins’ last wish, as expressed
to his Mother, was that Veterans of our country’s
recent conflicts would not have to wait 50+ years
for a memorial to be erected to remember their sacrifices.
The
run started in Frederick, MD, extended up into Southern
Pennsylvania, and ended at Hagerstown. Great run!
Great weather! Blaster and Hickory represented the
Proud Few MC, with an additional rider from Hickory’s
neighborhood riding support. We had the opportunity
to meet members of other clubs – always a pleasure
– and to share in an honorable, common goal
with them and the hundreds of independents who participated
in the run.
The
Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Poker Run is an annual
event sponsored by the U.S. Military Veterans Motorcycle
Club, Southern MD Chapter (http://www.usmvmcsmd.org/).
What a great cause this club has adopted – well
organized, too! Coop and Hickory were in attendance
at this one, with Close Air Support by an Air Force
Reserve Officer who came out to ride with us. Coop’s
wife, Wendy rode her scoot as well. We had a great
time and, except for a wrong turn that delayed us
for a couple of minutes – not to mention a pothole
that nearly swallowed two of our scoots – it
was a highly enjoyable run.
We’re
looking forward to supporting both of these events
again next year.
S/F
Hickory

Laconia
Bike Week 2007
Hickory,
Blaster, and Mainshaft rolled out to Laconia on 13
June 07. It was a good run, though it started out
a little rough. Seems we hit Harrisburg, PA about
the same time a nasty thunderstorm did. A couple of
heavy cross-winds nearly took us all off the road
- at least into the adjacent lanes, so we huddled
up under an overpass for about 45 minutes to let the
worst of it pass.
We
rolled on for another six hours or so and stopped
for the night just over the Connecticut line. Good
thing - the temperature was dropping and, although
we were prepared for weather, we had already had enough
by that time. We got up bright and early the next
morning and rolled in to the Worcester, MA area where
Mainshaft's brother lives. A couple of beers later
we were ready to move on up to Laconia with "Pocahontas"
as our guide.
When
we got to Laconia the skies cleared and we put the
leathers away for pretty much the rest of the trip.
We took a long ride around the Kancamagus Highway
to North Conway. It being late in the day, we took
the liberty of purchasing food and beer from a nearby
grocery store, and celebrated our arrival.
The
next morning, we rolled into Meredith, NH and visited
the HD store there. As luck would have it, they had
beer tent. We spent the rest of the day there, celebrating
our arrival at Meredith. We were joined in our revelry
by Bryan, a Marine from the Road Dawgs MC out of MA,
and a few of his brothers. Had a great time listening
to the band - never caught their name, but they rocked
almost non-stop every set. The Road Dawgs invited
us to Weirs Beach that night for more partying, but
we had to decline, given our impending departure the
next day.
We
did manage to make Weirs Beach on Saturday. Thankfully,
we had packed a few celebratory beers for just such
an occasion. We downed a couple and strolled through
the vendor camp, walked the boardwalk, had another
beer to celebrate the end of our Laconia visit, and
mounted out. As we rolled back south, we happened
upon another thunderstorm - this time in the Worcester,
MA area where, you'll remember, Pocahontas lives.
So… we stopped in and celebrated our successful
storm dodging by drinking his beer.
The
intent had been to put a couple of more hours on the
road behind us. We opted not to, based on the continuing
precipitation and the number of beers we consumed.
We got up early on Sunday and started for home. Much
to our chagrin, there was not an ounce of sunblock
to be found on I-95, so we roasted the whole way home.
Between that and rolling at 80+ mph, we were pretty
wiped out by the time we got home.
Great
run though - we'll be back next year.
S/F
Hickory
Click
on thumbnail for larger photo

A
Veteran’s View…
Here
is a link
to a letter by Red Burdett, also known as the
Highway Poet, which was posted to another web forum
by a good friend. The letter addresses a veterans
monument being built in Deltona, FL, but we thought
it was as clear a representation as one can get, in
writing, to the feeling each and every Veteran carries
with him when he stands before a monument to our War
Dead.
The
Proud Few requested Red’s permission to post
the letter’s URL
here. We also encourage you to visit Red’s
own webpage.
Semper Fi
Proud Few MC

Membership
Inquiries
We are a small club of Marine bikers. We met under
the colors of another organization and, feeling there
were endemic flaws which threatened the cohesion -
or brotherhood - of the same, formed the Proud Few
MC.
In
order to join this club, you have to ride with us;
be nominated; and survive two membership votes. We
are indeed a small club, and are currently located
in the Maryland/Northern Virginia areas only. We have
had a couple of inquiries from former Marines in various
regions, looking for information on how to join, and
we had to politely turn them away.
This
isn't an Internet club. That is, we will never take
an application via email and simply mail a set of
colors to the interested individual. That's not what
this lifestyle, or this club, is all about. If you
want to roll with us, you have to be known to us -
we have to be comfortable that you are as family to
each and every Brother that wears the patch.
That's
not to say that if you like what you see in these
pages, that you won't be welcome to introduce yourself
and get to know us - quite the contrary, actually.
You can still contact us through the link at the bottom
of each page. We'll still be glad to meet you and
maybe share a round of beer. But do not expect to
be invited to join through this medium. That's not
the way the Proud Few rolls.
Semper Fi,
PROUD
FEW MC

Welcome
to the After Action Report – our own weblog
of Proud Few MC events. We’ll be making entries
periodically, just to give visitors a feel for what
we’re all about and to relate some of our observations
as we take part in rallies, runs, and other events.
You
may not like or agree with everything we put out here,
and that’s okay. All we ask is that if you find
something that you disagree with or that offends you,
you go somewhere else on the web. I promise you we
won’t follow and you’ll never have to
read our entries or look at our photos again.
On
the other hand, if you like what you see we encourage
you to sign the guestbook
or send us an email
and let us know you stopped by - we like hearing from
other clubs, organizations, or individuals.
See
ya on the road!
S/F
Hickory

After
Action Report:
Gathering of Eagles
17 March 2007

On
17 March 2007 the Proud Few MC rallied to support
the Gathering of Eagles in Washington, DC. The GoE
was a hastily-formed movement of Veterans and veteran
organizations who traveled to DC from all over the
country in response to a planned demonstration by
the ANSWER coalition. The primary mission of the GoE
was to ensure the integrity of the Nation’s
war monuments – it would become a full-blown
counter-demonstration in the bitter cold of St. Patrick’s
Day.
We
met in the early morning – well before sunup
– at a pre-designated rally point in Upper Marlboro,
MD. We had debated up until the previous day as to
whether we would be able to take the scoots –
but a wave of sleet and snow moved through the area
on Friday and pretty much made the decision for us.
As I stepped out of my front door on the morning of
the 17th I looked up and saw stars. For a brief moment
I thought about cranking up the Dirty Dyna –
that is, until I slipped on the ice that covered the
porch and nearly busted my ass. So…discretion
being the better part of valor, I cranked up the truck
as planned, drove around the corner to Tonto’s
house, and off we went.
We
got to a parking area just as the sun was coming up.
Damn, it was cold. As we walked over to the memorials
area, we could see the GoE folks gathering. There
were already a lot of people there. We were certainly
proud to see the Marine Corps Battle Flag flying across
the frozen field. I took a picture of that one –
but it turned out to be only the beginning of the
Marine Corps flags we would see that day.
Click
on thumbnail for larger photo
We
walked down to the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial
after grabbing a round of GoE Arm Bands and getting
our zone assignment. There was already a ton of Vets
– independent and club-affiliated – lined
up outside the Wall.
The
first thing we noticed when we looked at the Sheehanistas
gathered was that they had almost no American flags
flying. A couple eventually came out – small
ones – as well as some flown upside down. By
far, the largest and most prominent flags displayed
were Lebanese, Palestinian, and Iraqi.
The music selection was decidedly…offshore,
as well. The average age of the Sheehanistas appeared
to be low- to mid twenties (if not younger) –
a bunch of kids with no real idea why they were there,
and probably no idea who the image of Che Guevara
was emblazoned on the front of their tee shirts, nor
what he stood for.
A
couple of aspiring Al Jazeera junior correspondents
attempted to interview Tarr and Fish – something
to do with the 1967 march…Tarr and Fish swore
they had nothing to do with it – hell, just
look at the date patch on their colors. Another sneaky
Persian-looking chick asked for a picture of several
PF Brothers…that’ll probably end up as
the photo to accompany AJ’s article about how
Tarr and Fish single-handedly instigated the 1967
march.
There
were several motorcycle clubs present; Rolling Thunder,
Inc was there as well. Between these, the non-motorized
Veterans groups, and the individual Vets who came
on their own, we packed the grounds and denied the
protestors any real estate near the monuments. Some
tried to pass through the lines at various times and
were met by walls of crusty bikers and Vets. A few
were shown the error of their ways and put back on
the path of righteousness by the law-abiding veterans;
others, well, we had to do the right thing and assist
the Park Police in removing them. One lady called
us a bunch of “hoodlums” as she was being
escorted away – we all got a kick out of that.
As
the Sheehanistas started marching, we lined the sidewalk
between them and the Lincoln Memorial. The expected
counter-battery of taunts and jeers ensued –
but more than a few of the Sheehanistas were visibly
taken aback by our numbers, and by the number of National
Ensigns, Marine Corps Colors, and POW/MIA flags flying.
Some of them even broke ranks and crossed over to
our side, and stood in the middle of a group of Vietnam
Vets MC shouting back at the people they just left…I
don’t know if they had an epiphany or were just
out there because it seemed to be the cool thing to
do, without thought for where they really stood on
the issue.
Sadly,
I have to report there was a Marine – or someone
dressed like one - in the other ranks…he didn’t
say much as he marched by, but rest assured he was
properly greeted by the real Marines filling our ranks.
Click
on thumbnail for larger photo
We
rolled out from DC later that afternoon and stopped
in at Duffy’s for the first of many a beer.
It was St. Paddy’s Day, after all…and
there’s a wee bit of Celtic blood in the club.
We ended up at Rule’s place – thanks for
hosting, Brother!
Many
thanks to Tonto for accompanying us during this event
– being an Air Force veteran, we’ll consider
you “Close Air Support.” That means you’re
always welcome.
That’s
all for now. Ride Safe.
S/F
Hickory
