Green Knights: defenders of cyclist rights Published April 6, 2010 By Senior Airman Tong Duong 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- With forty miles to go and the wind to their backs, a group of motorcyclists in leather jackets and shiny bikes, pull into the small town of Bronte, Texas for a short break. Sporting soft tail cruisers and sports bikes, the group was on an organized ride to the annual Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater, Texas, one of many scheduled events these military motorcyclists have planned. According to the web site, 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, retired 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. Each chapter has a safety director, who keeps members updated on Department of Defense, Department of Transportation and local changes to traffic regulations. The executive board also disseminates these changes to non-club members. "Members of the Green Knights are not the safety police, but everywhere we go, we try to set a good example for others to follow," said Lt. Col. Rick Eckert, 17th Medical Operations Squadron and GKMMC president. "We support the entire riding population and have members who are experienced and can provide mentorship to others in long distance tours, on and off road dual purpose rides, street bikes and charity events. Members in the club try to offer and meet the needs of all levels and types of motorcyclists." Green Knights are involved in a number of off base and community events each year. Upcoming events include the Richard Duran Memorial Ride, April 11. Proceeds from sales, benefit the local children's food program. Green Knights also volunteer at the annual Rendezvous in San Angelo Bike Rally, April 16 and 17, to assist with entry checkpoints, watch over motorcycles and other functions. Green Knights only participate in events that reflect positively on the military and club riders. Family members are encouraged to attend any and all events. For more information on events visit the web site, http://texasgreenknights.org/gk64/. 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, New Jersey. A brain child 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 Department of Defense employees and civilians 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 85 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 by e-mail at gk64@goodfellow.af.mil or visit the web site http://www.texasgreenknights.org/gk64. The Green Knights do not discriminate against any type of motorcycle or scooter and are always looking for new members.
