Every year around this time, our chapter goes through the same process—National dues come due, memberships are reviewed, and unfortunately a few members fall off the roster.
Without fail, there are usually one or two people who are surprised, insist they didn't know, or have reasons why it wasn't their fault.
Over the years, my perspective has changed.
Life happens. I completely understand that. Jobs change. Families grow. Health issues come up. Financial priorities shift. Motorcycles get sold. Interests evolve. None of that bothers me.
In fact, over the past few weeks I've had several conversations with members who were honest about where they are in life. One is selling his bike and moving on to a different chapter in life. I respect that. Another shared that after having children, he simply isn't comfortable riding anymore because his priorities have changed. I completely understand that too.
I even had a Life Member tell me he was considering stepping away because he just wasn't feeling it anymore.
My advice was simple: don't make a permanent decision because you're in a temporary season.
If you still own your motorcycle, pay the $10 annual chapter dues, stop by a meeting once in a while, get your annual swipe, say hello to your brothers and sisters, and keep the door open. You don't even have to ride in. Maybe next year—or the year after—you'll rediscover what brought you here in the first place.
I've seen that happen before.
What is much harder to understand is someone who disappears for an entire year, never participates, rarely (if ever) rides with the chapter, never volunteers, never supports the mission, and then suddenly becomes passionate about keeping their back patch only after they've lost it.
Membership in the CVMA® is about much more than wearing a patch. It's about commitment to our mission, supporting veterans, building friendships, and being part of something larger than ourselves. Nobody expects everyone to attend every event, but participation matters. Effort matters. Staying connected matters.
When someone chooses not to invest in the organization for an extended period, it's difficult to believe that urgency only after membership has lapsed reflects a renewed commitment rather than a desire to simply keep the patch.
As leaders, we have an obligation to be fair—not only to those asking for another chance, but also to the members who consistently show up, volunteer, ride, support our veterans, and pay their dues year after year without being reminded.
The patch is something to be earned every day, not something to be remembered once a year when dues are due.
To everyone who continues to support the mission—thank you.
And to those who may have lost a little of their enthusiasm, don't disappear. Stay connected. Come to a meeting. Grab a cup of coffee. Join a ride when you're ready. We'd much rather help you find your way back than watch you quietly walk away.
Vets Helping Vets.
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