Green Knights provide skills development, mentorship to riders Published Aug. 12, 2011 By Brian Codd 17th Training Support Squadron SAN ANTONIO -- With 220 miles behind them that morning, a group of Goodfellow motorcyclists in gold shirts lined up at Port San Antonio, the old Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, along with 21 other bikes to escort a VIP bus as it travelled around the area. Sport bikes, ranging from Harleys to Hondas, and five members of the local Green Knights joined members of chapters from several other bases to escort Jay Leno during his "Tour for the Troops" show Aug. 6, where he met with service members from Randolph and Lackland Air Force Bases, as well as several Wounded Warriors from Wilford Hall. This is just one example of the many events the Green Knights are involved with. In the past, they have held motorcycle safety checks at the base exchange, organized local rides to help riders develop their skills, and have participated in local fundraisers such as the Department of Defense Fallen Firefighter's Memorial and Toys for Tots. Upcoming events include the Military Freedom Run in San Antonio with proceeds benefitting the VA Fisher House, and the Texas Green Knights Meet and Greet in Medina, Texas, where members plan to tackle the famous "Three Sisters" routes through Texas Hill Country. Green Knights only participate in events that reflect positively on the military and club riders. Family members are encouraged to attend any events. For more information on events, visit www.texasgreenknights.org/gk64/. The Green Knights, Chapter 64, is a military motorcycle club established at Goodfellow in 2009, born from the American Patriots Motorcycle Group in 2005. Members include active duty, reserve, and retired military members, as well as federal employees, contractors and family members. The Green Knights work with the Wing Safety Office and security forces to help riders retain their rights, and follow the federal, state and base regulations. They also provide skills development and mentorship to riders in the local area. Each chapter has a safety director, who keeps members updated on Defense Department, Department of Transportation and local changes to traffic regulations, and an executive board that disseminates these changes to non-club members. Club Origin The Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club, Chapter 64, dates its heritage back to the "Mother Club" organized in 1999, and formally recognized in 2000 at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. A brainchild of Adam Buehler, and with the aid of the McGuire AFB Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor, Jeff Richards, the duo sought to organize base motorcyclists and bring awareness to Defense Department employees who were interested in learning to ride. They set out to organize and create a club where riders could get together, discuss issues of the base, fight for biker rights, help each other, participate in charity events and enjoy going on rides. After gathering up a handful of riders from the base, they were able to form the first chapter of the Green Knights at McGuire. Their actions would soon catch fire and erupted not just across the Air Force motorcycle community, but branch off into other services as well. The Green Knight's by-laws, policies, and mentorship outlines have become the basis of the Air Force current policy to have a motorcycle club on every base. Currently there are 90 chapters throughout the U.S. Air Force and Army installations as well as international services such as the Royal Air Force, Irish Defense Force and Canadian Forces. Chapter 64 meetings are held every second Saturday of the month, with planned rides at least once a month. Members also meet every Saturday for rides (weather permitting) to local destinations determined at meeting time. If you would like to learn more about joining the Green Knights Chapter 64, contact the club at gk64@goodfellow.af.mil or visit www.texasgreenknights.org/gk64. The Green Knights do not discriminate against any type of motorcycle or scooter and are always looking for new members.
