Rough riders, with heart
<p>Tom "Reaper" Chaney of Bonners Ferry rides in the sidecar of a motorcycle driven by Dan Morrill of Careywood on Wednesday as nearly 100 Combat Vet Riders parade their motorcycles along Spokane Street in Post Falls in support of a recently deceased member.</p>
<p>Rod "Barbie" Sala, road captain for the Combat Vet Riders, offers direction for nearly 100 members prior to a rally to the funeral services of a fellow member.</p>
Don't let their leather fool you.
The Combat Vet Riders roll with big hearts.
The motorcycle group, which has members on both sides of the border, assists veterans in need and their families with everything from emotional support to helping them transition back into society from war or the justice system to purchasing items during tough times.
"We serve veterans' needs - nothing else," said Dana "Low Rider" Mailloux, from Hayden.
Combat Vet Riders, which has about 150 members and also includes an auxiliary, started in 2008. Many of the members belonged to the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association before the Vet Riders branched off.
"We wanted to be active in the community and have control over our group," said Stan "Dynaman" Woods, treasurer.
After the Vet Riders secured their nonprofit status, they went to on a mission fundraising for a variety of veterans' efforts, including state veterans homes, Toys for Tots, bringing a memorial wall to the region, vouchers for those in need, support for the volunteer mentoring program of a veterans court and others.
"We're starting to change the image that since we have a patch on the back of our black leather we're troublemakers," said Pat "Panhead" Payne, club president.
The group recently assisted a soldier's family after he was struck by an improvised explosive device in Iraq and had traumatic brain injury. His wife was pregnant, and the couple had little furniture and items for the baby at its North Idaho apartment.
The club completely furnished the apartment.
"A lot of people have mission statements; these guys are out there doing it," said Linda Alldredge, volunteer mentor coordinator for a court that helps transition vets in need. "We're very lucky to have them."
Several of the riders are mentors for veterans who have entered the justice system with a non-violent crime and have mental hurdles from combat. The club has provided a meal for the court's forum of about 100 people three times in the past nine months.
Members also assist at funeral services, stand downs and other events involving veterans.
Most of the group are combat vets, but it also consists of service vets. Ages range from 25 to 75. Careers vary from attorneys to truck drivers.
They refer to their clubhouse in Spokane Valley as an "outreach center."
Inside the newer metal building off Trent is a full kitchen, refrigerators, a resource section, small store and couches in front of a large-screen TV.
"This is for veterans in the community to hang out and have camaraderie with other veterans," Payne said.
Members' relatives are also welcome. Three wedding receptions are planned at the facility.
Emily Simonson, 18-year-old granddaughter of Steve "Bug" Simonson, does chores around the clubhouse to help out.
"Everyone here is like a big family," she said. "Everyone has their small families, but this is one big one."
The group's slogan is "veterans riding for veterans." It wants to be as visible as possible and has ridden in multiple parades throughout the region.
"We use our love of motorcycles to promote veterans' causes," Woods said. "It's our marketing tool. When you ride into any town and there's 50 motorcycles that are parking, trust me, people pay attention and pretty soon they're asking. That our opportunity to tell them about us."
Payne, a Purple Heart recipient and Vietnam veteran, said the benevolent activities have helped heal the wounds of war.
"This club has helped me deal with my military service more than anything due to the camaraderie with my brothers and sisters," Payne said. "I feel like I'm back home now. That's how we want all veterans to feel."