CVMA — Free Combat Veteran Peer Community Nationwide
The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) is a national nonprofit network of combat veteran motorcyclists organized around the mission of vets helping vets. Founded in 2002, CVMA has hundreds of state and local chapters across the United States where combat veterans gather for rides, community service, mutual aid, and the kind of steady peer connection that often becomes a lifeline for members navigating post-service life. The Association is open to combat veterans, support members (non-combat veterans who served honorably), and auxiliary members (spouses, partners, family).
What to Expect
CVMA chapters meet on a regular schedule for chapter meetings, rides, community service projects (escorts for fallen veterans’ funerals, fundraising for veteran causes, supporting veterans in crisis), and informal peer gatherings. The Association’s culture is built on showing up — for fellow chapter members in their struggles, for veterans’ families during loss, and for the broader veteran community when help is needed. Stories of chapters checking on a missing brother or sister, organizing transport to medical appointments, or rallying behind a member in crisis are common across the country. CVMA also coordinates national-level service work and policy advocacy.
Who This Group Is For
CVMA Full Members are veterans who served in a combat zone (multiple eras and branches, with documented service). Support Members are veterans who served honorably but not in a combat zone. Auxiliary Members are spouses, partners, family members, and supporters. The Association explicitly welcomes veterans across political and cultural lines — the binding identity is shared combat service and the commitment to riding alongside other vets. Motorcycle ownership and participation in rides is part of the culture, but chapters welcome members at all stages of motorcycle experience.
Why Peer Support Works
For many combat veterans, peer connection that doesn’t require explaining context — that meets them as veterans first — is the foundation of healthy post-service life. CVMA builds that connection through regular chapter activity, shared rides, and the steady pattern of vets showing up for vets. The motorcycle culture adds something distinct: time on the road together, an embodied practice of focus and freedom, and the kind of conversations that happen in the parking lot after a long ride.
How to Join
CVMA membership has annual dues (modest, around $40-50 depending on state) that support the Association’s work. Visit combatvet.us to find your state chapter, learn membership requirements, and start the application process. Chapter membership is contingent on documented combat service (for Full Members) and the chapter’s own review process.