We ride as a chapter with a goal in mind and that goal is to experience our unity as a chapter but to some degree display to the public that we Support our Vets. After all that is the logo on our vest, hats, shirts etc. However, the public does not see what we feel, as a group, what they see is a group of people on motorcycles and their immediate perception is "Gang". Why is that? Watch the media, read the papers and so forth they have indoctrinated to see a gang or at very least a group of people very different from the themselves. Don't forget we are, after all, just citizens, as they are, and live the same life they do. However, we speak Veteran and they don't, LOL. I speak of the public in second person because they are different from us when we are together. Heck, I believe that most time they are envious of our comradery and dedication to each other. Nevertheless, we have a duty to make sure that we dispel any negative perceptions at every opportunity. We can do that in many ways and most are simple. When we ride, in a group or alone, a simple wave and smile goes along way in showing that we are just regular people. When we stop talk with people and pass our message along that we ride and exist to help vets across the country. Never forget we have a message and that message is " Our Vets need support not only from us but from every citizen". One final thought to keep in mind the general public has NOT experienced what we have as Combat Vets and nor have their families experienced what our families have experienced in the aguish of separations during deployments, mending of a broken body, mental fatigue and the dedication, perseverance, love and understanding it takes to endure those experiences and support us as veterans. So lets give them a break and teach them as we journeys as a family. I ask that you help me by sharing both postive and negative experiences in dealing with or understaning public reaction. My true hope is you have nothing to report and that all is well but if not speak up so that I can become a better proctor for this job and support you.