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I have the scholarship applications in hand. Please pass along to your chapters that any Blue Knight, child, step-child, or grand-child can apply. Five scholarships will be given away at the International Convention, so time is of the essence.

Faith and begorrah laddies and lasses, can you believe tis March already! And we all know what that means; St. Patricks Day; the celebration of the patron saint of corned beef and green beer. The beauty of the Emerald Isle (and a few pints of Guinness) was my inspiration for this months newsletter. So Erin Go Braless!

Sing along with me: When I.R.S. eyes are smiling. What in the name of Sister Mary Elephant am I talking about? Well, tis a wee musical reminder that all chapters must file their 990-N E-Card with the IRS by April 15, 2010. The 990-N is required for any organization that claims to be non profit, and must be submitted to keep your status intact. You can find the link to the e-card on the official government site: WWW.IRS.GOV. Like most government web sites, this one takes a few minutes to maneuver around, but the actual e-card is easily submitted once you find it. You will need your chapters EIN number to complete this card. Failure to submit your 990-N three consecutive years can result in losing your non profit status.

And what would St. Patricks be without a bit of the green? In this case, I mean Green Bay, the site of the 2010 Spring GLRC (April 30-May 2). I recently spoke with Wisconsin State Rep Dane Nelsen about the upcoming convention, and hes filled me in on what will be one great party. WI X is planning a tailgate party, and Saturday nights entertainment will be by Chris Carey, one hell of a fiddle player. And while its not Irish, Im told therell be plenty of the (in)famous WI X Apple Pie on hand to make you see leprechauns and make you feel plenty green in the morning. At this point registrations are few, so please get your registrations in as soon as possible.

Well Danny Boy, the pipes the pipes are calling, so I fear we must part for now. Happy St. Patricks Day!! See you all very soon in Green Bay.

Random thoughts and deep musings From the Mind of Wrongway

If my teaser about the 2010 Spring GLRC didnt inspire you, heres some additional information forwarded to my by Wisconsin State Rep and event chairman Dane Nelsen of WI X (Green Bay): The 2010 Spring GLRC is getting closer. April 30-May 2 in Green Bay WI. Registrations are starting to come in and we are continuing to work to put together a great convention for you at a great price. In addition to the info on the flyer/registration form (available on line) we are working to add even more for your enjoyment. Well have two hospitality rooms (smoking and across the hallway non-smoking). In addition to free beer (4-5 different flavors) we will also have free wines and cocktails and munchies. Well have live entertainment Saturday night. For those interested, we are arranging a personally guided tour of Lambeau Field (small additional cost) and scheduled transportation and free match plays for Oneida Casino. We will also have several raffles including a 50/50 each night, a gun raffle and a raffle to win your room comped for the weekend (1st prize) and one person's registration fee refunded (2nd prize). We have 80 rooms blocked until March 30, 2010. We can add more prior to that if needed, but no guarantees you will get a room after that date. So get your registrations in and room reservations completed ASAP. Like Lt. Aldo Ray says in Inglorious Basterds: Sound good? Yes sir! Thisll be a GLRC you wont want to miss.

I received this sobering information from Ted Englebart, one of the directors of WI VI (Metro Milwaukee). Its gleaned from the NLEOMF web site:

This years overall, 7 percent reduction in law enforcement deaths was driven largely by a steep, 21 percent drop in the number of officers killed in traffic-related incidents, reported NLEOMF Chairman and CEO Craig W. Floyd. However, that bit of good news was overshadowed by an alarming surge in the number of officers killed by gunfire.

Other findings of the preliminary 2009 law enforcement officers fatality report:

Footnote: Sadly, just hours after the preliminary 2009 report was released, we learned of the latest law enforcement death of 2009: Pierce County (WA) Deputy Sheriff Kent Mundell succumbed to gunshot wounds he suffered on December 21 as he and another deputy responded to a domestic disturbance call in Eatonville. He is the sixth officer from the Seattle/Puget Sound area to be gunned down in just the past two months -- a shocking spate of violence against law enforcement.

2010 is an election year within the Blue Knights. Offices at the International level, the Board of Governors, and the GLRC will all be up for election. Michigan State Rep Mike Scarborough sent in this handy information if you are considering a run for office:

The following is taken from the International Bylaws and deals with the election process and must be followed to run for an International Office. Please note that the dates to notify the International Office are not before March 1, 2010 but not after May 1, 2010.

The Officers shall be elected every two (2) years (odd numbered years) at the election meeting of the International to be held at the International headquarters the second Saturday in January at 09:00 a.m. for the purpose of counting ballots. They shall serve in their offices until the close of business of the meeting at which their successors are elected. If the election of Officers shall be delayed for any reason, an election shall be held as soon thereafter as convenient and each Officer shall continue to hold his office until his successor shall be duly elected. All Officers of the International must presently be or have previously served as the President of a local chapter.

1) Any regular member who wishes to be a candidate for an office on the International Executive Committee, President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer must contact the International Office Manager after March 1st but prior to May 1st of the year prior to the election and request to be placed in consideration for the nomination of that office.

2) At this time, the Office Manager shall fill out a nomination sheet on each candidate and forward it to the Verification Committee, immediately after the filing period closes. A) To qualify for an office on the International Executive Committee, a candidate must have served, or currently be serving as a Chapter President.

3) These Candidates submitting their names during the period shall have their names listed on the International Election ballot, if they meet the qualification for office as listed above. The candidates shall have an opportunity to place a photo and 200 word biographies, without charge, in the last edition of the Blue Knights News preceding the mailing of ballots.

4) Any member who fails to file for International office during the filing period listed above, shall have the opportunity to run as a write-in candidate for the office they wish to pursue, but their name will not be included on the International Election ballot and they shall not be given the opportunity to place a photo and biography in the Blue Knight News without charge.

The key thing to remember here is that these guidelines apply for seeking election to an International office. So far Ive heard of the following people running for International office: Dave Mulford and Peter Domiziano for president, Pat Fox and D.J. Alvarez for VP, Russ Harper for treasurer, and Jack Kaylor for secretary. As more candidates come forward Ill keep you all informed. If you are considering a run for a GLRC officer position, you simply need to state your intention to run, either in person or by letter of intent at the upcoming Spring GLRC business meeting (May 1) in Green Bay Wisconsin. A nomination and a second are required. GLRC officer elections will be held in Perrysburg Ohio at the Summer GLRC business meeting (August 28).

And speaking of the 2010 Summer GLRC in Perrysburg, did you know that registration forms are currently available on line? The dates for our summer convention are August 27-29, 2010. If you were at the last convention OH II hosted, youll remember what a great time it was (and the MOAD at Tony Pacos Restaurant). So get your forms on the GLRC web site (WWW.BKGLRC.COM) and make plans to attend.

From Your Secretary/Treasurer February 2010

INCREASE YOUR SIZE WITHOUT CONSEQUENCES! No Im not touting the miracle of Viagra or the latest Swedish pump; Im talking about the GLRC newsletter. This months issue would have required a kidney on E-Bay to pay for postage, and would have probably ruptured all but the hardiest mailman delivering it to your home. But the new electronic format has allowed me to send you bigger and (hopefully) better newsletters without bankrupting the conference. And thats not even touching on the additional depth of distribution or more penetrating reporting youre experiencing. Theres nothing I wont do to enhance your reading pleasure.

SIZE DOES MATTER! Of course Im referring to our GLRC checking account. Interested in increasing its size naturally? Well, the preferred method is for you to send in your 2010 GLRC dues. Your meagre $20 helps keep this great conference performing at peak efficiency. Check out the chapters whove contributed so far:

Illinois: II, V, IX, X, XI, XV, XIX and XXII
Indiana: II, III, VIII (new chapter waived)
Michigan: III, VI, and X
New York: NY V
Ohio: IV (new chapter waived), V, VI, X, XII, and XV
Ontario: IV, V, VIII, XI, XIII, XIV, and XV
Wisconsin: I (new chapter waived), II, III, IV, and VI

For some odd reason Ive got a hankering for a cigarette and a cold shower, so Im going to wrap this up for another month. Happy Valentines Day!

Random thoughts and deep musings From the Mind of Wrongway

I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken! It seems that I have to start off my column this month with some corrections to last months newsletter. In my haste to meet my deadline I apparently didnt proofread my work, and WI VI Secretary Joe Eagle Eye Kubicek caught a couple of errors yours truly made. Well, at least I know one person is reading the newsletter, even if hes just looking for mistakes! With that said, here are my infractions: In my article about the Crying Towel Classic I inadvertently failed to list my own chapter in the attendees. It seems that I listed WI V twice and not WI VI. I attribute that error to a problem with the nut behind the keyboard. Secondly, in Bills Chairman Comments Bill Drees says that hes looking forward to the 2110 riding season. Well, in my defense Bill also said that after his surgery hed feel 20 years younger, so maybe hes just being really optimistic about his longevity. Bill, Im pulling for you on your long term goals! What some guys wont do to get the Oldest Rider award at the International.

Are we a gang? This misguided accusation has haunted our club for several years now, and it seems that the so called gang crime investigators wont let it go. Well, I received an e-mail from Michigan State Rep Mike Scarborough with the web site for the National Gang Center. This web site gives definitions of what constitutes a gang, gang member, and gang crimes for the federal government and for each of the 50 states. You can check this out at:
www.nationalgangcenter.gov/content/documents/definitions.pdf

While Im loathing saying this, it looks like the Feds at least have somewhat of a clue. Some states however I know Ive said this before, and Ill say it again; if you dont act like an outlaw you wont be treated (or classified) as one. Our local sheriffs department has a slogan: Image is everything. Food for thought.

Remember what youve learned about these outlaw clubs, and be extremely careful on the road. With the 2010 riding season a few months away, it doesnt hurt to start programming the old brain box with some extra officer safety.

One of our brothers needs our help

IN III member Dick Lear is fighting a serious medical condition and needs your help. A fund has been set up to assist Dick and Diana with the medical bills. If youre interested in contributing, please send your donations to:

Dick Lear Fund
C/O Indiana 1
Blue Knights Indiana 1
P.O. Box 1962
Muncie, IN 47308

2010 INTERNATIONAL UPDATE

If youre planning on attending the upcoming International Convention in Billings Montana (and I hope you are) heres a teaser from MT I President Dave Evans regarding some of the organized rides theyre planning.

We'll be riding the Beartooth Pass and the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway each day, since it's the most popular route for everyone who comes here. One of those trips will also include a ride to Cody and the Buffalo Bill Museum. Another ride will go to the Chief Plenty Coups Museum and Little Bighorn Battlefield. A third ride will go into the Big Horn Mountains of northern Wyoming.

Now word around the campfire has it the host hotel block sold out in September of 2009. Rooms are still available (not in the BK room block) to the tune of $189 per night! But dont despair; there are quite a few hotels in spitting distance of the host hotel with rooms available. But dont wait until the last minute to reserve your room; Im sure theyll go fast. WCC Chairman Karl Hutchinson recommends checking the MT I web site for info on local hotels. Also, if youre planning on attending the combined WCC/SWC in Grand Junction Colorado, be advised that their host hotel block is also sold out! Karl is working on setting up another room block at a neighboring hotel. Check their conference web sites for updated info on these conventions.

PS: Please register early for this convention (and for ALL conventions you plan on attending). Having been a host to an International, a GLRC and a couple of Wisconsin State conventions I can tell you from experience that the host chapter really appreciates pre registrations (and that walk in registrations are a major pain in the kiester). Pre registrations help the host chapter figure out the amounts of food, refreshments, pins, etc that they need to put on a successful event. So please be a courteous guest and send in your registration forms early!!! Besides, your early registrations will save you a couple of bucks and in these tough economic times who doesnt want to save money?

January 2010 - International Rep (John Gordon) Report to Committee

From the Great Lakes Regional Conference, I bid the Blue Knights membership a Happy New Year. We hope that 2010 brings you happiness, prosperity, and good health. We hope that your Blue Knights travels will be safe and worry free. For the members who have not joined the retired ranks, we pray for your shifts on our worlds streets and highways to be injury free. Please remember those Ten Fatal Errors that an officer can make (your attitude, tombstone courage, not enough rest, taking a bad position, danger signs, failure to watch hands, relaxing too soon, improper use or no handcuffs, no search or poor search, and dirty or inoperative weapon) and dont become one of the news stories that have become all too familiar. Keep in mind that we have a riding season coming up, and there will be many Blue Knights weekends to attend. Dont forget that these Blue Knights events have some adult beverages, and I need help in its consumption.

Far too many of our friends have passed on to Heaven I, least of which was Gil Mitchell. Gil was probably responsible for recruiting more members to the Blue Knights than anybody and without ever receiving the proper recognition. He did this through his efforts and hard work on the Blue Knights web-site. In honor of Gils dedication to the Blue Knights, I will formally propose at our next meeting that the Blue Knights Web-site of the Year Award be renamed to the Gil Mitchell Award.

Our next Spring Great Lakes Regional Conference meeting will be held in Green Bay, Wisconsin on April 30, 2010 to May 2, 2010. It will be at the Midway Best Western Hotel in downtown Green Bay. Our Summer Great Lakes Regional Conference meeting will be held at the French Quarter Holiday Inn in Perrysburg, Ohio, on August 27-29, 2010. This will be our election meeting for conference officers. It will also be time to visit the famous Tony Pacos Restaurant in Toledo. Make your plans now. More information is available on our web-site.

Are there any questions for me?
Riding With Pride,
John P. T. Gordon
International Representative
Great Lakes Regional Conference

From Your Chairman - Jan 2010

I would like to wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year to all and if you dont celebrate Christmas, Happy Holidays. 2009 left a bit to be desired for some of us; hopefully 2010 will be more pleasant.

Thank you for all the prayers, get well cards and phone calls. They made a big difference and I am on the mend. I feel a little bit like George Bailey from Its a Wonderful life. It is a good feeling to know so many care but then what else would expect from a group like the Blue Knights.

The doctor told me all of the infection is gone so I should concentrate on building myself back up for the heart surgery. Until then I am still on oxygen. That surgery is scheduled for January 7th. The doctor also told me the operation will be a piece of cake compared to what I have been through. He also told me I would feel twenty years younger after surgery.

So I am looking forward to the 2010 riding season and seeing my friends again. Maybe if Im twenty years younger, my hair might grow back and not be so grey.

The Crying Towel Classic, Part Deux

It was a dark and distant epoch (okay, so it was thirteen years ago; no need to be so damn nitpicky about the time). Sparked by the building blocks of creation from Milwaukee, a new life form emerged from the primordial ooze that was Waukegan. That life form began to grow, slowly at first, but over time evolving into a creature unlike anything in the known universe; The Crying Towel Classic! The offspring of WI VI (Metro Milwaukee) and ILL X (Waukegan) has now reached dinosaurian proportions, and evidence shows that it will continue to evolve and expand to even greater size.

As the law requires me to provide, heres how the above theory goes for you Creationists in the crowd: On the Seventh Day God was resting, and while looking down on the whole of creation found that it was good but kind of boring. So lo, on this day hence called Sunday, God created football. And He found it good. God then created the Green Bay Packers, fashioning them in His image, and found them very good. He then created the Chicago Bears, fashioning them out of some left over stuff in the creation bin, and while finding them not so good decided to keep them around anyway, kind of like footballs version of the platypus. God then said go forth, draft and multiply. He then created the Crying Towel Classic, so His teams would have a paradise to live. And so, to honor Gods grand design, the lowly Blue Knights of Wisconsin and Illinois meet every Packer/Bear game to celebrate His benevolence with draughts of fermented malt beverages, food, and talk both plentiful and silly.

No matter which version you choose to believe, the Crying Towel Classic has grown to its best attendance ever. Round Two of this annual friendly rivalry was Sunday, December 13, 2009, and was hosted by my chapter, WI VI. 59 Blue Knights were in attendance, representing the following chapters: WI IV, V, V, and X, IL X, XI, and XIX, and doing the MWRC proud were Paul and Kathy French of IA III (Des Moines), who blew off their chapter Christmas party to attend the Crying Towel Classic. IL X Chapter President James Mac McCarthy was resplendent in his new Green Bay Packer jersey, a fitting penance for the Bears losing the first game. The Crying Towel was proudly hung for all to revere. The drink was plentiful and the food excellent, courtesy of our host New Entertainers and the efforts of WI VI Secretary Joe Kubicek and his lovely wife Doni. After a titanic struggle, the Green and Gold were triumphant once again over the Inglorious Bearstards, with a final score of 21 to 14. WI VI Chapter President Jim Tiny Kindt had the honor of returning the Crying Towel to a suitably teary eyed Mac, once again sending it to its lair south of the Cheddar Curtain for a long winters hibernation. But the party didnt end there, as many Blue Knights stayed to enjoy the camaraderie that this unofficial club event fosters (as well as the later televised games). Both Creationist and Evolutionist had set aside their differences, comforted in knowing that next year the Crying Towel Classic would again unite them in a common bond of brotherhood and football.

Sounds like fun? Well, know this; the Crying Towel Classic is open to all Blue Knights, regardless of your beliefs or team affiliations. This is what the Blue Knights is all about; good friends getting together to enjoy good times. No politics, no agendas, just Brother and Sister Knights watching football and having fun. Become part of this growing event in 2010. Venues will be announced when the 2010 football season kicks off.

June 4-7: 2010 European Convention, Oostduinkerke Belgium (hosted by Belgium VI)

**Please check the web sites of the above listed chapters and conferences for registration forms and prices, and hotel information and room rates**

Hey, its never too early to start marking your calendar and putting in those off day requests. Make plans to attend one of these great Blue Knights events in 2010

From Your Secretary/Treasurer - Dec 2009

This month, I have to start off this newsletter with an editors correction (this is the point where you all collectively gasp and say it cant be true). Yes, it seems in my haste to get last months issue out, I forgot to list the charter date for WI I (Madison). For the record, they were officially chartered on October 22, 2009. There, all better.

And what better way to slide into our next (and related) topic. The conference continues to grow with two new chapters, both chartered on November 13, 2009. Welcome OH IV (Bellefontaine) and IN VIII (Elkhart) to the club.

The end (of the year) is nigh, and there are still a handful of chapters who have not paid their 2009 GLRC dues. Folks, the pittance your chapter contributes helps to keep this great conference running. Take a gander at the list of paid chapters and if your chapter is still in arrears PLEASE send me your dues! Remember, they are a mere $20.00. Incidentally, Ive started collecting 2010 conference dues, so beat the spring rush and send them in.

The new GLRC conference patches are selling like hotcakes! For the ridiculously low price of $3.00 you too can own one. Show your conference pride and order yours today. Did I mention that they make great stocking stuffers?

And finally, with the holiday season looming on the horizon, take a moment to remember those of us whove transferred to Heaven I, and keep our officers on the streets and our soldiers in harms way in your thoughts and prayers. On behalf of the entire GLRC Executive Board, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May the joy and love of the season bless each and every one of you and your families.

Heres the scenario: youre attending one of the bigger motorcycle expos, and while admiring all the bikes and accessories that you cant afford a couple of full patch members of the local outlaw MC walk by. As they pass, you see (because youre a trained observer after all) a number of patches and emblems youve never seen before. You find yourself wondering what in the hell do those things mean? Well, wonder no more Partner, cause this month were going to go into the cut and explain what some of those things signify, and why its important for you to know what they mean. My source materials for this article are: The Rebels by Daniel R. Wolf, Hells Angels by Yves Lavigne, The Brotherhoods by Arthur Veno, and our old friend the internet.

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, a bikers vest, also known as colors, a cut or cutoff (a term derived from the practice of cutting the sleeves and collar off a leather or denim jacket) can be characterized as a roadmap of his life within a club. All of us are familiar with the back patch and its significance, so I wont spend a lot of time writing about it with one exception: the prospect bottom rocker. In the outlaw MC world, a potential member (prospect or striker) is given a bottom rocker identifying him as working toward full membership in the club. After a period of time has elapse (sometimes as long as two years), during which the prospect acts as a gofer for the club, he is voted on by the full members of the club. If the vote is unanimous, the prospect becomes a member, and is given the complete set of the clubs colors. Why is this important? Well, many of the outlaw clubs require a prospect to commit a felony in the presence of at least two full patch members prior to being voted in. This practice is done to prevent undercover cops from infiltrating an outlaw club, and gives them something to hold over the prospects head in the event he decides to turn informant. The last time I checked assaulting a police officer was still a felony, and if a prospect want to make a name for himself what better way than to attack a cop. This is something to keep in mind when conducting that traffic stop, or walking around a non Blue Knight rally wearing anything that identifies you as a cop (like your BK vest).

Lets move to the front of the vest, and examine some of the patches you may see. The most prevalent is the 1%er patch. This patch was born out of the infamous Hollister riot of 1947, when the AMA stated that 99% of all motorcyclists were decent, law abiding folks. Rather than being insulted, the outlaw bikers adopted the 1% patch as a badge of honor, denoting the wearer as a righteous outlaw. Many outlaw bikers have gone so far as to have themselves tattooed with this emblem. This one usually goes hand in hand with the FTW patch/pin, standing for F*ck the World.

Nazi paraphernalia: Outlaw bikers wear swastikas and other Nazi emblems to shock the public. Wearing these items does not mean that the wearer is a member of the Nazi Party, or even a supporter. This practice started after WW II, when the most hated group worldwide was the Nazis. The purpose of wearing these items is to create outrage amongst the citizens. The possible exception to this is the SS lightening bolts, frequently associated with the Outlaws MC (more on that later).

Colored wings: These patches are purportedly used to denote sexual achievements by the wearer (namely the performing of oral sex), with the specific color denoting the particular womans race or her physical condition. Bear in mind that these acts are allegedly witnessed by at least two members. The purpose of the wings is two fold; first to show the bikers low regard for women, and secondly to screen out undercover officers, as sometimes these wings are earned without the consent of the woman involved. Some of the most frequently seen colors are: White (for Caucasian), Black (African-American), Yellow (Asian or possible for drinking urine), Green (woman with VD), Brown (for analingus), Red (menstruating), Blue (woman is a police officer), and Purple (deceased). One source even cited Golden wings for participating in a gang bang with more than 15 men, and wooly wings for sex with sheep!

White Cross: supposedly for digging open a grave, stealing an item from the corpse and wearing it on their colors.

Please note that many of the sources stated that the significance of the wings and the crosses mentioned above is NOT what Ive listed here. These sources stated that the colors have no significance, and that deviations such as bestiality and homosexuality are abhorred in the outlaw biker world and would not be encouraged with patches. They further state that the urban legend of the wings started several decades ago, and that outlaw bikers keep it alive because it shows class and separates them from the average citizen. Draw your own conclusions about these patches; I prefer to err on the side of caution.

The number 13: This one has two meanings. The first is that the number signifies the letter M, standing for marijuana or methamphetamine, denoting that the wearer is a seller/user of the drug. The second meaning may also stand for 12 jurors and 1 judge, meaning the wearer is his own judge and jury.

Upside down patch: This is a sign of disrespect. An example would be seeing a badge upside down, meaning a disrespect of police. Frequently, when the colors from a rival club are obtained they are displayed upside down in the club house.

The next patches I want to cover are those supposedly denoting members who have killed for the club. Again, some of my sources disagreed on the validity of this, so draw your own conclusions about its accuracy. The Hells Angels have the Filthy Few, the Outlaws the SS Death Squad; the Pagans have the Black T-shirt Squad, and the Bandidos the Nomad chapter. Another indicator may be the pin/patch TCB, meaning Taking Care of Business. (For you fans of Sons of Anarchy, the club killers wear a Men of Mayhem patch.) Of course the outlaws deny these allegations, saying that these patches indicate the hard partiers; the first to arrive at a party and the last to leave.

One of the most dangerous patches a Hells Angel can wear as far as law enforcement is concerned is Deguello, which means no quarter. This was the Moorish march General Santa Annas regimental band played during the storming of The Alamo. Members who wear this patch have violently resisted arrest, and dates back to the early 1960s. Like most Hells Angels colors, this patch is white with red lettering.

Back in the day, when a prospect was voted in to a club, his colors were subjected to various degradations, with being urinated on the most frequent initiation. These practices have supposedly stopped, as members now view this as desecrating the club colors. If you spot an outlaw biker with heavily soiled colors, chances are hes been in the club for a very long time. Most members maintain spotless sets of colors, and view them as their most prized possessions. How prized you ask? Lets look at the Hells Angels for that answer. Touching an Angels colors will earn you (at the very least) a severe beating. Stealing their colors or dragging them on the ground is a killing offense. An Angel who loses his colors can be thrown out of the club, usually after being beaten nearly to death. Still not convinced? In the 1970s, members of the Hells Angels Cleveland chapter went to Memphis Tennessee to establish a new charter. They got into a fracas with the local cops, who gave them a sound beat down. The Angels threatened to sue for infringement of their civil rights. However, the cops had also confiscated their colors, without which the members couldnt return to Cleveland. The law suit was dropped in exchange for the return of their colors. Thats the power of the patch.

Several of my sources claim that many of the Big Four no longer sport many of these patches or symbols on their vests, cleaning up their act as it were. Is that truly the case, or is it an effort to keep law enforcement in the dark? Only you can be the judge of that. Personally speaking, I tend to believe that there is some degree of validity given to each of my sources, whether they support or refute the meanings of these patches. Now when I see an outlaw biker, I like to think Im a little more savvy about who he may be when I see what he wears on his vest.

2009 PAID up GLRC Chapters

Illinois	Indiana	Michigan	New York	Ohio	Ontario	Wisconsin

I -pd	I - pd	I - pd	V - pd	II - pd	I - pd	II - pd
II - pd	II - pd	II - pd		III - pd	IV - pd	III - pd
IV - pd	III - pd	III - pd		V - pd	V - pd	IV - pd
V - pd	IV - pd	V		VI - pd	VI - pd	V - pd
VI - pd	V	VI - pd		VIII - pd	VIII - pd	VI - pd
VII - pd	VI - pd	VII		IX	IX	VII - pd
IX - pd	VII - pd	X - pd		X - pd	X - pd	VIII - pd
X - pd	X	XI - pd		XI - pd	XI - pd	IX - pd
XI - pd	XI - pd			XII - pd	XIII - pd	X - pd
XII - pd	XII - pd			XIII - pd	XIV - pd	XI - pd
XIII - pd	XIII - pd			XIV	XV - pd	XIII - pd
XIV - pd				XV - pd	XVI - pd	XV - pd
XV - pd				XVI - pd		XVII - pd
XIX - pd				XVII - pd		XVIII - pd
XX - pd				XVIII - pd
XXI - pd				XIX - pd
XXII - pd				XX
XXIII - pd				XXI - pd
XXV - pd				XXII - pd
XXVI - pd				XXV - pd
				XXVI
				XXVII
				XXVIII - pd

If you Don't see your name here, then you should consider the consequences for not supporting your conference.

Have you ever fancied yourself the next Mickey Spillaine or Joseph Waumbaugh? Do you ever find yourself reading the newsletter and saying I could write like that? Well, you can! This newsletter is yours. Become a contributing editor today. Im always on the hunt for articles and information to share, so send me your Pulitzer Prize winning submission. Please keep in mind that the newsletter is sent out to the state reps by the 10^th of each month, so send your submissions well in advance of the deadline.

If you found the article about outlaw bikers interesting, and would like to see other law enforcement or motorcycling related topics in future issues, drop me a line with your suggestions. I want to keep the newsletter informative and entertaining, and feedback is always appreciated.

Has illness or injury downed a brother or sister Knight? Let me know about it. I cant send them a bowl of chicken soup, but I can give them a get well shout out. Please let me know if a member transfers to Heaven I. We need to be there for the members family during those difficult times. By keeping the conference informed, we can all help the family ease the burden the loss creates.

From Your Secretary/Treasurer - Nov 2009

Another riding season is over, and its time to put our prized possessions away for the winter. In a back issue of the GLRC newsletter I found a great end of year maintenance article submitted by GLRC Safety Officer Thurlow Haskell. I thought Id share his storage tips with you, so here goes:

Check with your MOM (motorcycle owners manual) on the care and maintenance of your bike. Are you a few miles from the scheduled tune up? Why not now? Check your tires for spider cracks and air pressure. This may be a good time to replace that worn tire. Put the bike on its center stand or use a bike lift to get the weight off the tires (this prevents the tire developing a flat spot). Here are a few tips thatll keep your bike ready to hit the road in spring:

1) Check over your motorcycle for any mechanical problems. If you find something wrong consider fixing it now. Spring is a busy time for bike shops, and by addressing the problem now you can avoid long waits when riding season kicks off next year.

2) Change your engine oil and filter. Be sure to run the motor briefly to circulate the clean oil through the system.

3) Drain your float bowl (carbureted bikes) by running the engine, shutting off the petcock and letting the engine use up the fuel in the float bowls. Put fuel stabilizer in your tank and fill it up (all bikes); this prevents condensation in the tank. Run your bike with the stabilizer in it for a few minutes to get it through the fuel system.

4) Check your battery. Clean the terminals and connect it to a Battery Tender or a similar type trickle charger. If you remove the battery store it in a warm, dry location.

5) Take the time to wash and wax your bike. Dry it thoroughly and cover it with a breathable cover.

6) Store your bike in a draft free, secure location, and remove your registration or other papers from your tour pack.

Thanks for the tips Tee! Proper maintenance now will ensure your bike being road ready in spring.

Outlaw motorcycle clubs. Weve all heard about them, and seen how our pop culture portrays them on programs like Sons of Anarchy, but how much to you really know about them? This month Im going to delve into the world of outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMG). The following information has been gathered from the 2009 FBI National Gang Threat Assessment report, the book Hells Angels by Yves Lavigne (1995) and the web.

AMA sanctioned motorcycle clubs have been in existence as early as 1914, but the outlaw clubs came into their own shortly after WWII. Many veterans returning home from the war couldnt settle down to suburban living, and several formed clubs such as the Booze Fighters and the Market Street Commandos for the purpose of riding, drinking, and raising hell. Over the 1947 Independence Day weekend in Hollister California, and two months later in Riverside California riots broke out at AMA sanctioned motorcycle events, fueled by these clubs. Riverside Sheriff Carl Rayburn labels these rebel bikers as outlaws, and from the mouth of an irate lawman a subculture was born. The AMA was quick to say that these outlaws represent only one percent of the motorcycling community, the outlaws responded by creating the 1%er moniker, a badge of honor in the OMG world. Since then, numerous outlaw motorcycle clubs have formed, with several being absorbed or patched over by the larger national clubs, or taken off the road when they refused the takeover. The national clubs maintain a network of regional and local clubs, referred to as puppet, support, or duck clubs. Many of these smaller local clubs carry out the criminal activity for the benefit of the larger national clubs and are a source for new members. The growth of these OMGs and their increasing criminal endeavors has made them the subject of numerous investigations by law enforcement. While drug manufacture and trafficking is still the number one source of income for OMGs, they have been tied to such crimes as murder, assault, kidnapping, prostitution, extortion, weapons trafficking, motorcycle and parts thefts, arson and witness intimidation. As of June 2008 state and local law enforcement agencies estimate that between 280 and 520 OMGs operate at the national, regional, and local levels. OMGs range in size from a single chapter to hundreds of chapters worldwide. Current law enforcement intelligence estimates that more than 20,000 validated OMG members, divided among hundreds of OMGs, reside in the US. Theyve come a long way from their origin as fun loving motorcycle enthusiasts.

For decades the major outlaw motorcycle gangs were referred to as The Big Four, those being the Hells Angels, Outlaws, Pagans, and Banditos. The 2009 NGIC identifies five gangs by name.

The Hells Angels MC (HAMC) is an OMG with 2,000 to 2,500 members belonging to more than 250 chapters in the US and 26 foreign countries, posing a threat on six continents. US law enforcement estimates that the HAMC has more than 69 chapters in 22 states with 900 to 950 members. HAMC produces, transports, and distributes marijuana and methamphetamine and transports and distributes cocaine, hash, heroin, LSD, MDMA, PCP and diverted pharmaceuticals. HAMC is involved in other criminal activity, including assault, extortion, homicide, money laundering, and motorcycle theft.

This gang formed in San Bernardino California in 1948, and adopted the winged deaths head as their emblem. Gang colors are red lettering on a white background, with the bottom rocker denoting the state the chapter hales from. Also referred to as The Big Red Machine, the HAMC is considered an elite gang in the OMG world. The 1970s were a particularly violent decade for the HAMC, as they became embroiled in a war with the Outlaws MC. The 1980s werent much better; the North chapter in Canada was wiped out by their own members when they were deemed too wild for the clubs own good. The bodies were dumped in the St. Lawrence Seaway after being gunned down in their own clubhouse. In spite of this, the club continues to be media darlings, having starred in B movies in the 60s, provided security for the Rolling Stones at the infamous Altamont concert, and even volunteering for duty during The Vietnam War. Past Oakland Chapter President Ralph Sonny Barger has become a pop culture icon and published author, and continues to be a major influence on the club to this day.

The Bandidos MC is an OMG with 2,000 to 2,500 members in the US and 13 other countries, and is identified as the fastest growing criminal threat in the nation. Authorities estimate that the Bandidos is one of the two largest OMGs in the nation, with approximately 900 members in more than 88 chapters in 16 states. Bandidos are involved in transporting and distributing cocaine and marijuana and producing transporting and distributing methamphetamine. Bandidos are most active in the Pacific, southeastern, southwestern and west central regions and is expanding in these regions to form new chapters and allowing members of support clubs to form or join Bandidos chapters.

The Bandidos were formed in 1966. The gang colors are red lettering on a yellow background (similar to the USMC), with the center patch being a machete and pistol wielding Mexican bandit. The Bandidos are a sister club of the Outlaws MC.

The Outlaws MC has more than 1,700 members belonging to 176 chapters in the US and 12 foreign countries. US law enforcement estimates that the Outlaws have more than 94 chapters in 22 states with more than 700 members. The Outlaws also identifies itself as the American Outlaws Association (A.O.A.) and Outlaws Nation. The Outlaws is the dominant OMG in the Great Lakes region. Gang members produce, transport, and distribute cocaine, marijuana and, to a lesser extent, MDMA. Outlaws members engage in various criminal activities including arson, assault, explosives operations, extortion, fraud, homicide, intimidation, kidnapping, money laundering, prostitution operations, and robbery, theft, and weapons violations. Its primary competition for territory is the Hells Angels.

The first chapter of The Outlaws formed in Chicago Illinois in 1959. Gang colors are white lettering on a black background, with a center patch being a skull with red eyes over crossed pistons, affectionately referred to as Charlie. The club motto is God forgives, Outlaws dont. Women are forbidden to wear anything with the club name on it except a property of Outlaws patch, which gives you an idea of their status. Since 1974 the Outlaws have been locked in a war with the Hells Angels, stemming from the murder of three Hells Angels in Florida.

The Mongols MC is an extremely violent OMG that poses a serious criminal threat to the Pacific and southwestern regions of the US. Mongols members transport and distribute cocaine, marijuana, and meth, and frequently commit violent crimes, including assault, intimidation, and murder, to defend Mongols territory and uphold its reputation. Mongols has 70 chapters nationwide, with most of the clubs 800 to 850 members residing in California. The gang also maintains chapters in Italy and Mexico. Many members are former street gang members with a long history of using violence to settle grievances. ATF agents have called the Mongols the most violent and dangerous OMG in the nation. In the 1980s the Mongols seized control of southern California from the Hells Angels, and today the Mongols are allied with the Bandidos, Outlaws, Sons of Silence, and Pagans against the HAMC. The Mongols maintain ties to Hispanic LA street gangs.

The Mongols also are referred to as the Mongol Nation or Mongol Brotherhood. The Mongols gang colors are black lettering on a white background. Their center patch is a scimitar wielding genie looking rider on a chopper. The gang literally shot into the national spotlight in 2002, following the infamous brawl with the Hells Angels in Harrahs casino during the Laughlin River Run. This clash left two Hells Angels dead from gunshot wounds, and one Mongol stabbed to death. Bloodshed continues to this day between the two gangs. The gang had been successfully infiltrated by the ATF, resulting in several arrests, but the gang has since resurged. An excellent book on the gang is Under and Alone by William Queen, the ATF agent who infiltrated the gang in 1998 and eventually became a full patch member and a chapter officer.

The Sons of Silence MC is one of the largest OMGS in the US, with 250 to 275 members among 30 chapters in 12 states. The club also has five chapters in Germany. SOSMC members have been implicated in numerous criminal activities, including murder, assault, drug trafficking, intimidation, extortion, prostitution operations, money laundering, weapons trafficking, and motorcycle and parts thefts.

The Sons of Silence were formed in 1966 in Niwot Colorado. The gang is predominant in the Midwestern and southern US, as well as southern Germany. Their logo (a 1 piece patch) is an American eagle superimposed over a letter A arch (very similar to the Budweiser emblem), with the club motto Donce Mors Non Separat (Until death separates us) underneath the eagle. Gang colors are black lettering on a white background. Like the Mongols, the gang had been decimated by law enforcement, but has resurged.

Now you know a little about the major players in the OMG world. There are literally hundreds of smaller clubs out there, but not all of them are criminal enterprises (such as the Christian Motorcycle Club). That said, in order to move in the OMG world these smaller clubs either associate with one of the national clubs, or have permission to exist. The internet is a great tool to learn more about these gangs, but a word of caution: several of the national gangs allegedly have software to track whos visiting their web sites, so be careful poking around.

With all this in mind, why would you want to associate with these guys? How cool do you think you look with your arm around a man whose club is involved in everything from drugs to murder? Remember, these self proclaimed outlaws hate society and especially us. They stand for everything we as law enforcement fight against. Theyre not putting an arm around you for brotherhood; chances are theyre gathering info on you to use later to discredit you and the Blue Knights. Remember what happened a few scant years ago in Sturgis between the Renegade Pigs and the Hells Angels? Outlaws and cops dont mix, even if we both wear vests and ride bikes.

Theres no love between OMGs and LEMCs, so dont put yourself in a compromising and quite possibly life threatening position by rubbing elbows with outlaw bikers. Were constantly fighting the outlaw MC label and trying to distance ourselves from the LEMCs who want to be on the fringe of this sub culture. Dont give the gang investigators any ammunition to use against us by associating with these outlaw clubs.

Next month well go in the cut, and shed some light on the various pins, patches, and symbols that you see on OMG vests.

I want to start out by welcoming the newest Blue Knights GLRC chapter to the fold. Wisconsin I (Madison) was chartered on . Welcome to the club!

Our Chairman Bill Drees continues to convalesce, and is making a slow but steady recovery. Please continue to refer any club business to Vice Chairman Bill Haylett until further notice; hes the Acting Conference Chairman until Bill D. gets back on his feet.

There are still a few chapters that have not paid their 2009 GLRC dues. Please get them in to me so I can close the books on 2009. As long as Im on the subject, you can start sending in your 2010 GLRC dues anytime! Remember, theyre only $20.00, and the money helps keep our conference running. If youre not sure if your chapter is current, drop me an e-mail and Ill let you know.

The new and improved GLRC conference patches are in. Through a great connection here in Milwaukee, I was able to get the patches made for a lot less than expected. Theyre selling for $3.00 a piece, and if you absolutely cant wait until the next GLRC and must have one (or several) they can be mailed out. You can check them out under the Sales section on the GLRC web site. Remember to make your checks payable to the GLRC.

And finally, on behalf of the entire GLRC board I want to wish each and every one of you a safe, joyous and Happy Thanksgiving.

Dayton Daily News Article

Blue Knights motorcycle club has more than bikes in common - Ohio Chapter III
members are mostly law enforcement types who have a charitable side

Don Winters sparkling eyes perfectly match the baby blue leather vest he often wears when hes out riding his motorcycle. The vest is adorned with Blue Knights patches and pins. I joined in 84 when I was a kid, he said. I was a motorcycle rider anyway and they had a charity event. I went and joined that day. I came here in 89 and have been a member of Ohio III ever since.

The Blue Knights is an international, law enforcement motorcycle club. Winters, semi-retired from the Carlisle police department, is president of the Blue Knights Ohio, chapter III. The overall idea is officers getting together and enjoying motorcycling, he said. They ride with people they know and trust.

The club is open to law enforcement employees active and retired and their family members, who can become honorary members. The club has dinners, breakfasts, monthly meetings and of course, group rides. Cruisers, sport bikes, scooters, Harleys, Hondas ... as long as it carries a motorcycle plate its welcome, Winters said. Blue Knights international was formed in 1974 in Maine. There are 599 chapters in 20 countries, boasting about 20,000 members. There are more than 130 members representing about 28 law enforcement agencies in the Ohio III chapter.

Members range in age from 82 to 23; three are female. Deena Neal, a police officer for Wright State University, is the only female member who works in law enforcement. A lot of men bring their wives and daughters, Neal said. Although I may be the only female member, I dont feel isolated or like Im the only girl there. Neal worked for the German Twp. police department for 23 years before taking the job at Wright State. She owns a 2003 Harley Fat Boy her fourth bike. Neal started riding about 15 years ago.

My brothers had bikes and theyd take me on rides every once in a while, but I wanted to ride more than that, she said. She bought her first bike from her brother before she even knew how to ride it. I thought, Im going to learn to ride this and if not Ill sell it back to him.

There were some beginners nerves. I mainly rode on back roads until I got comfortable, she said.

That strategy worked well until a large piece of farm equipment forced her to the side of the road once, as she was riding up a hill. Its hard to start back up when youre a new rider and on an incline, she said, laughing. Now its just like second nature to me.

Law enforcement and motorcycles have been linked since as far back as the early 1900s. The first Harley Davidson police motorcycle was delivered to the Detroit Police Department in 1908, according to the Harley Davidson Web site. Nearly seven decades later TV brought CHiPS, the hugely popular, bike cop show, into millions of homes.

Maj. John DiPietro of the Miami Twp. police department was in front of one of those TVs as a kid and fell in love with motorcycles. He got his first bike when he was 16. As goofy as this sounds, that was my inspiration to be a police officer, too, said DiPietro, 45, who has three bikes. Im going to rebuild one to look like a California Highway Patrol motorcycle. The Ponch dream lives on, he said, laughing.

Personal riding aside, having a motorcycle in the department is great, too, DiPietro said. Theyre used primarily for traffic enforcement and special events.

I think everyone enjoys seeing an officer or deputy on a motorcycle. Its a reason for someone to come up and talk to us, he said.

But Blue Knights members arent just riding around aimlessly. A big part of the clubs activities is its charitable efforts, including donating money to several charities over the years, Winters said. The club also supports New York Police and Fire Widows & Childrens Benefit Fund.

Their help isnt always in the form of a check. Since 1996 the club has purchased and distributed 3,500 to 5,000 trauma bears, according to Tuck Fuller. The bears are to comfort kids going through a tough time, whether its watching Mom or Dad get arrested, testifying in court or being hospitalized.

Fuller, a retired FBI agent and Ohio III member, said the bears go to service providers and agencies that include hospitals, courts and rescue squads.

Communities including Tipp City, Lewisburg, Vandalia, Dayton, Huber Heights, and Sycamore and Good Samaritan hospitals have all been recipients. Sometimes the knights hand-deliver the bears to kids, like in July when members rode to Childrens Medical Center and handed out 50 furry creatures.

This is a way of giving back to the Miami Valley, Fuller said. Its great to put a smile on these kids faces.

Brenna Bretscher deals with kids on a daily basis as a math teacher at the Miami Valley School, where she also coaches varsity softball and junior varsity tennis. Shes an honorary member of the Blue Knights. Every person Ive met in that group has been so kind and helpful, she said. Its not what people think about cops, said Bretscher, whose dad, Bill, is a retired Bellbrook police lieutenant.

He encouraged me to take the course the state offers and it was a lot of fun, she said. Bretscher, 32, sometimes rides her Suzuki sport bike to work. The little kids think Im the coolest teacher ever, she said.

From Your Secretary/Treasurer - Oct 2009

Greetings my Brother and Sister Blue Knights! Last month the GLRC newsletter went to a completely electronic format, and so far the change has been very well received. Besides the tremendous cost savings to the conference, the newsletter is now available to every member of the GLRC. Together with the GLRC web site and the Yahoo group, information will be more accessible and communication within the conference will greatly improve.

And as long as Im on the subject of the newsletter, I want to remind all members of the GLRC that this newsletter is yours! As your humble editor, Im always looking for information pertinent to law enforcement, motorcycling, and articles about your chapters activities and travels. I encourage your submissions; just remember that the GLRC newsletter will be posted by the 10th of each month, so dont wait until the last minute to share your articles. This months issue features an article about one of our brothers in Afghanistan, submitted by Indiana State Rep Glen Wheat. If your chapter has a flyer for an upcoming event get it to me well in advance if you want it included in the newsletter. If I get it past the deadline Ill still forward it to Paul Croteau for posting on our web site.

Fall is officially upon us. But dont despair; theres still plenty of good riding to be had before the snow flies. Fall colors are coming in, so take the opportunity to enjoy them while theyre still on the trees and not on your lawns. Toss that rake in the shed and fire up the bike. Please remember that wet leaves are just as treacherous as ice, so take it easy while youre out enjoying Natures Technicolor display. And it doesnt hurt to pack your digital camera in the saddlebag; a fall colors ride is a great opportunity to work on earning your Travellers Pin. You can download the form from the GLRC web site. Its fun, easy to do, and earns a pin you can wear with pride.

Congratulations to Bill Murphy of WI II on his appointment as the Wisconsin State Safety Officer. Bill hales from the Madison Wisconsin PD, where he serves as a motor officer. Bill is also a MSF and Riders Edge instructor. Hell be replacing Clint Cagle, who stepped down to take the position of International Safety Officer.

Ride with Pride,

Wrongway Dennis Hafeman
GLRC Secretary/Treasurer

GLRC International Representative John Gordon

The Blue Knights International Board conducted its meeting on September 1, 2009. As I previously reported, there were several proposals on this meeting agenda, and that made it a long meeting which lasted almost 2˝ hours.

International Secretary Peter Domiziano reported that as of August 2009 the charity statistics (which includes goods, services and cash) totaled $12,320,677.92. Peter D. requested that if you have contributed anything to a charity and if it has not been reported, to please do so by notifying him. There is also a new charity reporting system in place on the International web-site in the members-only section.

All of the agenda items in their original form are posted on the GLRC web-site under the tab of the International Rep. A summary of those items that we discussed, along with the outcome, is listed below:

Agenda Item 2009-008 was suggested by Clint Cagle. He suggested that we pay an annual $1,000 fee to the National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators. The intent was to place the Blue Knights at the forefront of developing motorcycle safety and give us a voice and credibility at the State, National, and International level. Safety Chairman Cagle spoke to the board with his reasons why we should join the organization. After much discussion, this item failed by a 13-2 margin.

Agenda Item 2009-009 was suggested by Vice-President Pat Fox. It dealt with designing and issuing an identification card for the surviving spouse of any member who has transferred to Heaven I. Prior to the meeting Vice-President Fox learned from International Office Manager Bessie Small that this practice is already in existence, so this item was withdrawn.

Agenda Item 2009-10 was suggested by the presidents of the European Conference. They want to have a by-law change to Article VII Section7.03 Chapter Dues. Their opinion is that the $20.00 maximum that a chapter can charge a member for chapter dues does not cover all the costs anymore. This item was tabled until the next meeting.

Agenda Item 2009-011 was suggested by European Conference Rep. Koen Hutse. He suggested that the expenses be paid for the International Executive Officers and the Chairman of the Board of Governors to attend the European Convention in Belgium. The discussion covered that most Blue Knights members in Europe have never met with the board, and it is too expensive for most of their membership to come to the convention in the states. After much discussion this item was withdrawn.

Agenda Item 2009-012 was suggested by European Conference Rep. Keon Hutse. It dealt with paying the expenses for the founding fathers and European Liaison Officer Frank Gennari to attend the European Convention in Belgium. After much discussion this item was tabled.

Agenda Item 2009-013 was suggested by European Conference Rep. Keon Hutse. It dealt with two spouses of Belgium VI are making a DVD with movie clips and pictures to promote the Blue Knights. The old DVD is dated and cant be used in Europe. They want to present the new DVD at next years International Convention in Billings, Montana. This proposal, if approved, would have the International pay for their registration and hotel expenses. This item was withdrawn after discussion.

Our next meeting will be on October 31, 2009, at 9:00 AM (EDT). I will post the agenda and any proposals at the GLRC web-site in my section. Agenda Items 2009-010 and 2009-012 will be discussed again at this meeting. If you have any comments on these two items, please forward them onto me.

Riding With Pride,
John P. T. Gordon
International Representative
Great Lakes Regional Conference

IMPORTANT REMINDER

While Chairman Bill Drees is recovering from his medical misadventures, Vice Chairman Bill Haylett is the Acting GLRC Chairman. Please refer all conference inquires and issues to Bill Haylett until further notice.

As of October , 2009 the above listed chapters have paid their 2009 GLRC dues. Your GLRC dues keep this conference running, so PLEASE get them paid before the end of the year. Send your chapters dues to:

Remember, GLRC dues are a mere $20.00. Make your check payable to the GLRC, and make sure that your chapter name and number are clearly noted on the check so your chapter gets properly credited.

Illinois	Indiana	Michigan	New York	Ohio	Ontario	Wisconsin

I -pd	I - pd	I - pd	V - pd	II - pd	I - pd	II - pd
II - pd	II - pd	II - pd		III - pd	IV - pd	III - pd
IV - pd	III - pd	III - pd		V - pd	V - pd	IV - pd
V - pd	IV - pd	V		VI - pd	VI - pd	V - pd
VI - pd	V	VI - pd		VIII - pd	VIII - pd	VI - pd
VII - pd	VI - pd	VII		IX	IX	VII - pd
IX - pd	VII - pd	X - pd		X - pd	X - pd	VIII - pd
X - pd	X	XI - pd		XI - pd	XI - pd	IX - pd
XI - pd	XI - pd			XII - pd	XIII - pd	X - pd
XII - pd	XII - pd			XIII - pd	XIV - pd	XI - pd
XIII - pd	XIII - pd			XIV	XV - pd	XIII - pd
XIV - pd				XV - pd	XVI - pd	XV - pd
XV - pd				XVI - pd		XVII - pd
XIX - pd				XVII - pd		XVIII - pd
XX - pd				XVIII - pd
XXI - pd				XIX - pd
XXII - pd				XX
XXIII - pd				XXI - pd
XXV - pd				XXII - pd
XXVI - pd				XXV - pd
				XXVI
				XXVII
				XXVIII - pd

Indiana State Rep Glen Wheat

I received an email from Rick Kirk, BK IN XIII, who is currently in Afghanistan. Attached is a photo of Rick and his really cool Chinese Semorgh Bike taken today at the Kandahar Airport. Rick says to say Semorgh really fast three times...........

The bikes don't come with a name on them. You are supplied with several names that you can stick on the bike. They generally last three to five month before something breaks.

Kandahar International Airport (more commonly known as Kandahar Airport) (IATA: KDH, ICAO: OAKN) is located 10 miles (16 kilometres) south-east of Kandahar City in Afghanistan. The airport was built by the United States in the 1960s, under the United States Agency for International Development program. It may have been intended to be used as a possible U.S. military base in case the United States and former USSR went to war. It was occupied by the Soviets in 1979, and was severely damaged during the Soviet war in Afghanistan in the 1980s. It received further damage again during the US raids in October 2001, when the Taliban government was being removed. As of 2007, Kandahar Airport has been rebuilt and is used for both military and civilian flights. Since 2006 the airfield has been maintained by the Canadian Forces, but there are also other NATO forces present. It is sometimes difficult to locate the airport from the sky during daytime because of lack of contrast with the ground and the usual dust or haze in the area. But during night time the runway is well lit up and can easily be spotted.

Please keep our Brother BK Rick in our thoughts and prayers...........

--
Regards;
Glen Wheat
BK GLRC Indiana State Rep.
BK IN XIII
FOP IN 87

RWP and Ride Safe.....

A good story...

An old country preacher had a teenage son, and it was getting time the boy should give some thought to choosing a profession. Like many young men his age, the boy didn't really know what he wanted to do, and he didn't seem too concerned about it.

One day, while the boy was away at school, his father decided to try an experiment. He went into the boy's room and placed on his study table four objects.

1 A bible.

2. A silver dollar.

3. A bottle of whiskey.

4. A Playboy magazine.

'I'll just hide behind the door,' the old preacher said to himself. 'When he comes home from school today, I'll see which object he picks up.

If it's the bible, he's going to be a preacher like me, and what a blessing that would be!

If he picks up the silver dollar, he's going to be a business man, and that would be okay, too.

But if he picks up the bottle, he's going to be a no-good drunken bum, and Lord, what a shame that would be.

And worst of all if he picks up that magazine he's going to be a skirt-chasing womanizer.'

The old man waited anxiously, and soon heard his son's foot- steps as he entered the house whistling and headed for his room.

The boy tossed his books on the bed, and as he turned to leave the room he spotted the objects on the table. With curiosity in his eye, he walked over to inspect them.

Finally, he picked up the Bible and placed it under his arm.

He picked up the silver dollar and dropped into his pocket.

He uncorked the bottle and took a big drink, while he admired this month's centerfold.

'Lord have mercy,' the old preacher disgustedly whispered.

'He's gonna be a Policeman!!!

From Your Secretary/Treasurer - Sep 2009

If its raining, I must be in Xenia! I was last at the Greene County Fairground in 2001 for the Summer GLRC, and as I recall it rained then too. But the rainy weather couldnt dampen the good times had at the 2009 Summer GLRC, hosted by OH III. Chapter President Don Winters and the hard working membership put on a fine event. You just gotta love having a pig roast with three different types of pork served (with all the trimmings of course). It was great to see some new faces in the crowd, as well as improved attendance. I want to thank the membership of OH III for stepping up at the last minute and offering to host this convention.

The Saturday morning business meeting went relatively smoothly. You can read all about it in the minutes from the meeting later on in this newsletter. Several issues were resolved quickly, and all should benefit the conference and you, the membership. One thing thats most noticeable will be the new electronic newsletter. No longer will the conference be putting out a paper newsletter. You can find out the details on how this works and why we went to this new format on my random thoughts page. The new format should improve communication, and will allow more members access to the GLRC newsletter.

I want to take a moment to thank Past International President Connie Flanagan, WI VI First Lady Patti Kindt, Judy Haylett, Lois Gordon, and the host of other ladies (sorry, I didnt get your names) for their assistance at the business meeting. I couldnt have done it without you; muchas gracias.

Sadly, this GLRC saw Indiana State Rep Rita Hornbrook and Ohio State Rep Rich Dolbow stepping down from their offices. With work and personal demands putting too many constraints on their time they both decided to give up their offices. Youll both be missed! On that note, I want to offer hearty congratulations to our new Indiana State Rep Glen Wheat (IN XIII) and Ohio State Rep Rich Labis (OH II). Welcome aboard gentlemen.

I was advised by BOG Chairman Bob Seelye that ILL XI member Jim Foley crashed on his way home from this event. While I dont have all the fine details, Im told that Jim sustained a shoulder injury, and should be up and running in no time. We all wish you a speedy recovery Jim.

Well, as you may have noticed, theres been a change in the format of the GLRC newsletter, and I hope that youll find it a change for the better. As of September, the GLRC newsletter will no longer be sent out as a paper newsletter; itll be a totally electronic affair! Before I get into the mechanics of how thisll be working, let me give you all a bit of background. Since taking over as your secretary/treasurer, Ive been looking for ways to save the conference money, which is to say your money. The biggest expense to our conference is this newsletter. For example, from August 2008 to August 2009 the conference has spent over $1,600 just to put out a monthly newsletter. A fair chunk of change, but you also have to consider that the newsletter is sent to only 107 people out of a conference of over 2,600! Thats a lot of money to put out a newsletter that only a few people get. Now, factor in that many of these people dont share the info in the newsletter at the chapter level (hell, my chapter president didnt even know the GLRC had a newsletter). That makes it even more ridiculous. So, I proposed to do away with the paper newsletter and instead go to an electronic format at the summer GLRC in Xenia. The membership unanimously voted to go ahead and enact this change with a caveat. The newsletter will be published no later than the 10th of the month. This means that if you have an article or flyer you wish me to publish you must get it to me well before this deadline. On the flip side of this, if you dont get a flyer to me in time to get into the newsletter Ill send it to Paul Croteau for publication on the GLRC web site. The front page of the newsletter will no longer have the GLRC boards home addresses and phone numbers listed; this is an added security measure for the board members.

Now for how this new format will work, and what you, the soon to be faithful reader, must do. As stated above, Ill write and publish the newsletter by the 10th of the month. Once completed, the newsletter will be e-mailed to the entire GLRC board, all state reps, and a select number of subscribers who already receive an electronic newsletter from me. Paul Croteau will put the newsletter on the web site, and each of our six state reps will be responsible for forwarding the newsletter to each chapter and member at large in their respective state. Once the chapter representative gets it, itll be up to him or her to forward it to their chapter membership and/or publish the newsletter on their web site. When the member receives it, they can read it, delete it, or print it up for bird cage lining. This way, each and every member of the GLRC will be able to receive the conference newsletter. Sounds simple, right? Well, there is one small catch to this, and it requires your assistance. In order for this to work, each chapter MUST maintain a current e-mail address with their state rep, and each chapter member MUST keep their chapter informed of their current e-mail address. If theres any change in an e-mail address, you have to make sure that the next person up the ladder knows, or youll be missing out on getting your newsletter.

Lack of communication is one of the biggest complaints I hear from members when I attend conventions, and I firmly believe that by bringing the GLRC newsletter into the 21st century well improve communication within our conference. Besides saving a ton of money (and a lot of man hours on my end) this new format will give every member of the GLRC a chance to read whats going on in the conference. This also requires chapters to keep in contact with their state reps (and vice versa). The new format will allow me to publish newsletters that wont be limited to a set number of pages, so Ill be able to put out more info without worrying about the cost of postage or rupturing the postman. And did I fail to mention that this is your newsletter? This means that you all have an opportunity to contribute. Take the time to share road stories or articles about our conference with your brother and sister Knights. I welcome your contributions, so dont be shy; fire up the keyboard and send me your articles! Please keep me informed about sick/injured members, and if anyone should transfer to Heaven I, so I can share this info with our membership. I do ask for a little patience while I get this new format up and running, as this will require me to hone my computer skills.

Well, thats the skinny on the new newsletter. I think that youll find it more accessible and informative than its predecessor, so Read with Pride (sorry, I couldnt resist).

Wrongway Dennis

From Your Secretary/Treasurer - Aug 2009

If you werent in Louisville for the 35th Annual Blue Knights International Convention, all I can say is you missed a lot. For once Im not going to write a detailed article about the goings on at the convention. Instead, Im going to let Glen Wheat of IN XIII Blue Knights GLRC News do all the work for me. Ive borrowed his well written synopsis of the convention from the Yahoo group. Thanks for making this months newsletter easy for me Glen; Ill owe you a cold one in Xenia.

On the subject of the International convention, I do want to say how proud I was to hear several members of our conference receiving awards at the banquet. Congratulations to all of our members who received due recognition: GLRC Chaplain Rich Bartley (OH XII) and Jody Ward (WI XVIII) for receiving the BOG Distinguished Service Awards, Ohio Rep Rich Dolbow and Vincent Turro (OH XVI) for receiving BOG Lifesaving Awards, and Bruce Gondert (WI II) and Carl Karwacki (WI VI) for bringing home plaques for their mad talents in the motorcycle skills competition. Way to go everyone!

News flash: the GLRC is poised to invade Europe. Post banquet I won a raffle for hotel, meals and registration for two to the European Conference in Oostduinkerke Belgium next June. I think you could hear Lauras elated scream in Brussels. But dont worry; Ill represent our conference with the same grace and dignity youve seen me display at many prior conventions. By the way, does anyone know the name of a good international bail bondsman?

The 2009 Summer GLRC is just around the corner, and itll be a convention you dont want to miss. Theres some important stuff on Chairman Bill Drees meeting agenda, and your input is needed. After all its your club, so come to Xenia and voice your opinion. Remember, your chapter must be current with GLRC dues to be able to vote at the business meeting, so please make sure your chapter is up to snuff. And dont forget to bring your International membership card; youll need it to get in to the business meeting.

See you in Xenia. Have a safe and enjoyable ride.

Wrongway Dennis Hafeman
GLRC Secretary/Treasurer

Chairmans Comments - Aug 2009

Hello everyone. A couple reminders before the summer meeting: We will be discussing the format of the GLRC newsletter and the date of future spring meetings. We are talking about doing the newsletter in an electronic format which will possibly be posted on the website to save postage. We will be discussing moving the spring meeting to the previous dates which was the end of February or the beginning of March. This date is not conducive to riding but does not conflict with other events and gives us an earlier date to plan events.

Presidents make sure you are at the meeting or issue a letter to a member to vote in your place. This is important; your voice will not be heard if you are not represented.

If there are any issues you would like to bring up at the meeting please notify me or another board member before the meeting. It helps make the meeting go smoother when we know what is coming up.

Bill

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION REPORT - Glen Wheat - July 2009

Greetings to all from the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the 35th International Blue Knights Convention.

To start off with, I want everyone to know I will undoubtedly miss mentioning many of our Brother and Sister Blue Knights and their families by name but there are so many who were at the Convention, I simply cannot list everyone by name. Ruben Gardner and the members of Kentucky II (Elizabethtown) hosted an outstanding convention and they are due our heartfelt thanks and congratulations for their hard work and dedication to the BK fellowship.

BK members from Canada, England, Scotland, Belgium and I think every state and Canadian providence were represented this year.

Sunday afternoon there was a pool party with snacks, hot dogs & cold drinks. A magic show and hospitality room helped get the convention and fellowship rolling.

Monday was a day for meetings and various activities. The Ladies were treated to a pampering party with body massages, manicures, pedicures and facials by professionals. I think some of the guys slipped in for a body massage. The meetings were informative and went well. You can find information on the meetings on the International web page as soon as it is posted.

Later Monday night, there was a pasta buffet, children activities, magic show and then the ever present hospitality room with free beer and soda until midnight (or sometimes 2-3, just depending on the mood of the evening).

Motorcycle safety awareness, internet seminars, motorcycle skills competition as well as various other seminars were presented throughout the week. Monday night was a ball game at the Louisville Stadium located about a mile from the hotel. There were daily children's activities and magic shows for everyone several evenings with a fun time for all.

Some traveled the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in two separate days on Tuesday and Wednesday with a total of eight distilleries visited. I did not hear of anyone partaking of too many samples while visiting.

On Tuesday, some rode to the Blue Grass Harley-Davidson and had a nice lunch provided by the HD dealer. Tuesday evening the eats were a Kentucky BBQ, followed by children's activities, a magic show and of course the hospitality room for brew and fellowship. The ever dreaded possibility of rain reared its ugly head on Wednesday and some events were postponed until Thursday. The remainder of the Convention days were blessed with sunshine and warm to hot days with the events going as planned.

Wednesday, a group went west to Bowling Green Kentucky to visit the Corvette Museum. I would have liked to gone on that as a couple of friends formerly from Muncie now work at the Corvette Plant in Bowling Green. Dave Evans of Billings Montana was the Road Captain for the Corvette Ride and several went with Dave to look at many one of a kind Corvettes and memorabilia.

Speaking of Dave Evans, mark your calendars for the 2010 International Convention to be held in Billings Montana. Virginia V and Illinois XI had submitted bids for the 2011 Convention and Virginia V (Chesapeake) won the bid. BK members from Nova Scotia declared their intention to bid on the 2012 Convention.

In addition to the Bourbon Trail and Corvette Museum Rides, there were trips to the Frazier Arms Museum and the General George Patton Museum at Fort Knox. Other area events included the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory where the really cool BK blue mini bats imprinted with the 35th BK Anniversary info were provided by Kentucky II for Convention attendees.

By the way, the factory will furnish any BK with a full size Louisville Slugger bat commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the Blue Knights, complete with the BK Logo and 3 or 4 lines of text of your choosing that you can add. I think the cost is a little less than $50 for this. The contact information for the factory representative is available if anyone is interested.

There was an abundant supply of food, brew and soft drinks provided at various times during the convention. A trip to the Horseshoe Casino was on the schedule for Wednesday night with the casino providing a great all you can eat buffet. The only big win story I heard was that one BK wife came back with $1600.

Thursday consisted of a short Memorial Service and a Blessing of the Bikes presented by the GLRC Conference Chaplin, Reverend Richard Bartley followed by an escorted parade through parts of Louisville, motorcycle skills competition and the chapter uniform competition.

A cocktail hour preceded the Thursday evening banquet and award presentations. The opening ceremonies included the national anthems and placing of the flags of the various countries of those who were in attendance at the convention. International President Dave Mulford read the names of our Brother and Sister BKs who have entered Heaven One since last year's convention. While I knew some of those we have lost, all will hold a special place in our hearts.

During the week, we were able to meet with Conference Reps, the Board of Governors, the International Elected Leadership, Bessie from the International Office, Gill Mitchell, the International Web Master, Mark Howard of the Internet Committee and the list goes on and on.

BKs from various chapters as well as outside vendors were set up for our buying pleasure.

It was a great pleasure to meet Koen from Belgium as well as some BKs from England and Scotland and many from Canada.

From our own GLRC, Chairman Bill Drees, International Conference Rep. John Gordon, GLRC Web Master and Ontario/NY V GLRC Rep. Paul Croteau, Secretary/Treasurer Dennis Hafeman, and most of the State Reps were always available to field questions and simply to have a great time trading stories.

While I already knew many of the BKs in attendance, it is always good to see friends and their families again and to meet some who were only known via email and telephone contact before seeing them face to face. Many new friendships are always forged and prior friendships are renewed at the conventions. When one gets the opportunity to meet with BKs from other states and countries, it is an enriching experience and it personally gives me added meaning to why I am a member of the BKs International.

One of the highlights for me was to meet Mr. Blue Knight himself, Ed Gallant, one of the Founding Fathers. His name is on every BK Web page and I have seen pictures of Ed before, but to meet with Ed and his wife Maggie was a true honor. Ed and Maggie both exhibit humility when one talks about what they and a few others created 35 years ago.

There were many events and rides scheduled, one could not do all of them and there was enough variety to please the convention attendees. Again, thanks to Ruben and the others of KY II for a great time at the 35th International Blue Knights Convention.

Regards,
Glen Wheat
BK IN XIII

Illinois	Indiana	Michigan	New York	Ohio	Ontario	Wisconsin

I -pd	I - pd	I - pd	V - pd	II - pd	I - pd	II - pd
II - pd	II - pd	II - pd		III - pd	IV - pd	III - pd
IV - pd	III - pd	III - pd		V - pd	V - pd	IV - pd
V - pd	IV - pd	V		VI	VI - pd	V - pd
VI - pd	V	VI - pd		VIII	VIII - pd	VI - pd
VII - pd	VI - pd	VII		IX	IX	VII - pd
IX - pd	VII - pd	X - pd		X	X - pd	VIII - pd
X - pd	X	XI - pd		XI - pd	XI - pd	IX - pd
XI - pd	XI - pd			XII - pd	XIII - pd	X - pd
XII - pd	XII - pd			XIII - pd	XIV - pd	XI - pd
XIII - pd	XIII - pd			XIV	XV - pd	XIII - pd
XIV - pd				XV - pd	XVI - pd	XV - pd
XV - pd				XVI - pd		XVII - pd
XIX - pd				XVII - pd		XVIII - pd
XX - pd				XVIII - pd
XXI - pd				XIX - pd
XXII - pd				XX
XXIII - pd				XXI - pd
XXV - pd				XXII - pd
XXVI - pd				XXIII
				XXV
				XXVI
				XXVII
				XXVIII - pd

Theres still plenty of time to get your 2009 GLRC dues paid before the summer GLRC.
Please send them to Dennis Hafeman at 4713 W. Wilbur Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53220.
Remember, your chapter must be current with GLRC dues in order to vote at the upcoming GLRC business meeting on August 29.

Hello My Friends,

I hope this e-mail finds you in good health and having a great summer riding season.
I want to personally thank all the Blue Knights that have been supporting various Blue Knight Events and Police oriented rides. The COPSRide went very well and we gave a check to COPS Ohio for $15,000. Next years ride will be raising funds to help the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society and then the National Memorial. It will rotate between the three organizations. We had 980 motorcycles on a beautiful day. Also thank you to the people that in the last few weeks supported the Ohio XII Scavenger Hunt, CPD Scholarship Ride, and the Josh Micktarian Scholarship Ride. We still have a few rides that are dear to our chapters - Camp Ho Mita Koda (Juvenile Diabetes Ride) Ohio XV Sept. 20, Kevin Skizenta Memorial Ride Ohio XII Aug 22, Blue Knights OH XXII Covered Bridge Ride Aug 16, Never Forget 9/11 Ride (I will be doing the invocation) Sept 6th, and don't forget the GLRC Summer Campout at the Green County Fairgrounds August 28 and 29. Let's continue to support each other and continue to have fun!!

"Ride With Pride"
Chappie

Every month or so I post news and encouragement on the GLRC Chaplains page at: http://www.bkglrc.com/
The GLRC web site is a great place to surf and see what is happening (pictures and rides) with other Blue Knights chapters within the GLRC. This is this months post:

Hi Everyone,

Just a few words of encouragement as the month of August is starting -

The summer has past its half way point and the riding season is dwindling down so very fast. The last month has been a blur - BUT -

I want to personally thank everyone who has participated in chapter rides and police oriented fund raising activities this summer. Alot of the rides cost money but the benefits have lasting effects and fulfill the Blue Knights International By-Laws. After meeting and talking to Ed Gallant (one of the Founding Fathers) at the International Convention in Louisville, he reminded me that sometimes we forget the original purpose and goals of the Blue Knights.

Our purposes and goals are to:
1. Provide for the mutual assistance, enjoyment, entertainment, education, physical, mental and social benefit of its members and the general public.
2. To promote and advance the sport of motorcycling and the safety of motorcycling.
3. To serve the interests of motorcycle owners and users.
4. To promote by example and any other acceptable means, safe use, operation and enjoyment of motorcycles.
5. To develop a fraternal spirit between law enforcement personnel and the general public.

I truly believe that the Northern Ohio Chapters are banding together and starting to support each other and the fundraising rides that are held in high esteem by each different chapter. You see, everytime we ride people look at us under a microscope - It is so impressive to see 25-30 Blue Knights from 5 or 6 chapters attending the different events. It shows unity, camaraderie and friendship that other people can see and then ask "How can I become a Blue Knight", "It looks like they are having allot of fun".

A lot of discussion on the question "How do we increase membership and get younger people to join" was done in Louisville. Many chapters are losing members. Why are they leaving? We all need to do some soul searching and ask ourselves if we have become stale. An Iowa III member told me that a chapter is only a good as its members. How true that is - Are we supporting the other chapters that are close to us geographically? Are we excited about the things that our chapter is doing? Are we asking our friends, or our fellow workers to ride with us? Do we carry a membership application to give to qualified people that we meet? Do we go to places that others are at to show that we truly are the "Good Guys"? Do volunteer to help out at Charity Rides? HAVE WE FORGOTTEN WHY WE JOINED THE BLUE KNIGHTS?

OR - Are we doing things the way we have always done them even if they don't work?? And seeing our friends drift away?

Let's turn the page on this book and start to look at ourselves in a more positive way - Scripture states in John 15:13 - Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Do we love our brothers and sisters? Do we love ourselves?

Chappie

From Your Secretary/Treasurer - July 2009

Blue grass, bourbon, and Blue Knights; what could be better? The 2009 International Convention in Louisville Kentucky is rapidly approaching and I for one am looking forward to it. The Blue Knights of KY II are planning a fun filled week, and judging from past conventions theyve hosted itll be a good time. As of this writing pre registrations for the convention are pretty low, so if you havent sent in your registration yet please do so as soon as possible. Do your gracious hosts a solid and let them know youre coming.

June 12-14 was the 2009 Spring Midwest Regional Convention in Des Moines IA. Members from ON IV, WI V, WI VI, WI XI and WI XVIII invaded Iowa for a great weekend. Our brothers and sisters in the Midwest Conference throw an excellent party, every bit as fun as a GLRC! If you havent experienced their Midwest hospitality, you owe it to yourself to do so. The 2009 Fall MWRC is being held in Omaha NE Sept. 11-13. A registration form is attached to this months newsletter. One trip west and you may find yourself a Midwest Frequent Flyer (sorry, no chocolate chip cookies though).

And speaking of conventions, have you sent in your registration for the 2009 Summer GLRC yet? OH III is planning a great weekend, and the only thing missing is YOU! You can still download the registration form on the GLRC and OH III web sites. Come on out to Xenia and experience what this club is all about; good friends having good times.

On to the inevitable business part: If you are planning on attending any of these fine conventions, please remember to bring your membership cards with you, especially if you want to attend any of the business meetings. Chapter presidents: it is critical that you have your card at the Board of Governors meeting in Louisville or you will be denied entry. If you are sending a chapter representative other than the president to be the voting member, a letter of proxy signed by the chapter president is required (the letter is needed even if youre the chapter VP). No letter=no vote. Keep in mind that the GLRCs own IL XI will be bidding to host the 2011 International Convention, and your support (and vote) would be greatly appreciated. I hope to see you all in beautiful Kentucky.

Random thoughts and deep musings From the Mind of Wrongway

Okay, so the title may be a bit melodramatic, but it sure sounded better that Wrongways ramblings! Anyway, this particular page will be where I speak out on things I see in the club. Bear in mind that these opinions are expressly my own and not those of my fellow board members, so if a lynch mob forms up youll only need one noose.

For the first time in many years the GLRC has dropped to #3 in total membership. As your secretary, Ive seen chapters in our conference go out of existence, and others renew with under the required 10 members. What gives? I joined this club in 1997 to ride my bike and to have an outlet for the stress of the job. I havent regretted one minute of my time with The Blue Knights. But like every great organization, the club is only as good as its membership, and that membership keeps dwindling. How can we turn this around? Well, we all know people on the department who ride. We also know many of those people who wed like to party with (if we havent already done so). So whats the harm of floating them an application and talking about the fun youve had with the club?

We need to encourage newer and dare I say younger members to join the club, and to get them involved. Even if the commitments of job and family prevent many of these members from doing that cross country trip, it shouldnt prevent them from the chapter level ride or even a cocktail after a meeting. In time they may find that they want to increase their involvement. Chapter executives should be asking members who leave the club why theyre going, and if the reason isnt insurmountable encouraging them to stay. I know that the politics oftentimes turns people off, but its up to the executive officers to balance the necessary evil of politics with the core of what this club is about: riding motorcycles and having fun. We need to show prospective and current members that this great club isnt all about rules and regulations; its about camaraderie, good times, and friendships with fellow law enforcement officers who just happen to share our passion for riding.

Recently, Ive attended the Spring GLRC and MWRC, as well as the Wisconsin State Convention. One of the things Ive noticed, and have seen for some time, is the lack of attendance at these events. Now I know that family and job are #1 in everyones life (as they should be), but were seeing less and less participation. I know weve all felt the sting of these tough times in our wallets, but now more than ever we need to stand together and support our fellow Knights, and one of the best ways to do this is by participation. Okay, so we may not be able to afford to hit all the conventions wed like, but even if you go to just one itll help the host chapter. Conversely host chapters need to find ways to make conventions affordable and family friendly again. Lowering costs can be an attractive incentive to encourage more members to attend these excellent conventions.

Okay, time to get off the stump. While I may not have given a concrete solution to any of these problems, I hope Ive encouraged you to seek out new members, work to retain our present ones, and boldly go down the road to that Blue Knights event.

Wrongway Dennis

Cleveland COPS Ride 14 Jun 2009

The Cleveland area Blue Knights chapters had much to do with the Cops Ride, which was held today. All proceeds went to the Ohio COPS. The link listed below is the news video from TV-8. You will see, very briefly, Reida Bartley, the wife of GLRC Chaplin Richard Bartley, and yours truly.

Riding With Pride,

John P. T. Gordon
International Representative
Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club Inc.
Great Lakes Regional Conference

Great Lakes Regional Conference News:

Random thoughts and deep musings From the Mind of Wrongway

From Your Secretary/Treasurer February 2010

Random thoughts and deep musings From the Mind of Wrongway

One of our brothers needs our help

2010 INTERNATIONAL UPDATE

January 2010 - International Rep (John Gordon) Report to Committee

From Your Chairman - Jan 2010

The Crying Towel Classic, Part Deux

From Your Secretary/Treasurer - Dec 2009

2009 PAID up GLRC Chapters

From Your Secretary/Treasurer - Nov 2009

Dayton Daily News Article

Blue Knights motorcycle club has more than bikes in common - Ohio Chapter III
members are mostly law enforcement types who have a charitable side

From Your Secretary/Treasurer - Oct 2009

GLRC International Representative John Gordon

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Indiana State Rep Glen Wheat

A good story...

From Your Secretary/Treasurer - Sep 2009

From Your Secretary/Treasurer - Aug 2009

Chairmans Comments - Aug 2009

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION REPORT - Glen Wheat - July 2009

From Your Secretary/Treasurer - July 2009

Random thoughts and deep musings From the Mind of Wrongway

Cleveland COPS Ride 14 Jun 2009

Top Of Page

Great Lakes Regional Conference News:

Random thoughts and deep musings From the Mind of Wrongway

From Your Secretary/Treasurer February 2010

Random thoughts and deep musings From the Mind of Wrongway

One of our brothers needs our help

2010 INTERNATIONAL UPDATE

January 2010 - International Rep (John Gordon) Report to Committee

From Your Chairman - Jan 2010

The Crying Towel Classic, Part Deux

From Your Secretary/Treasurer - Dec 2009

2009 PAID up GLRC Chapters

From Your Secretary/Treasurer - Nov 2009

Dayton Daily News Article

Blue Knights motorcycle club has more than bikes in common - Ohio Chapter III members are mostly law enforcement types who have a charitable side

From Your Secretary/Treasurer - Oct 2009

GLRC International Representative John Gordon

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Indiana State Rep Glen Wheat

A good story...

From Your Secretary/Treasurer - Sep 2009

From Your Secretary/Treasurer - Aug 2009

Chairmans Comments - Aug 2009

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION REPORT - Glen Wheat - July 2009

From Your Secretary/Treasurer - July 2009

Random thoughts and deep musings From the Mind of Wrongway

Cleveland COPS Ride 14 Jun 2009

Top Of Page

The Crying Towel Classic, Part Deux

Blue Knights motorcycle club has more than bikes in common - Ohio Chapter III
members are mostly law enforcement types who have a charitable side

Chairmans Comments - Aug 2009