The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 4-7 paid a very special visit to the Missouri Veterans Home on Friday, Dec. 13 to hand out gifts and, most importantly, spread a little holiday cheer through brotherhood.

CMVA was founded in 2001 as a registered 501(c)(19) veterans' charity and made up of combat veterans from all branches of the armed forces who share a passion for riding motorcycles. Currently, there are 13 chapters in Missouri. The first, Chapter 4-1 began in Kansas City, MO.

Chapter 4-7 is based in Moberly, founded in 2014, and their service extends across many parts of Northeastern Missouri.

“We cater such a big area,” says Chapter Commander Shane Huntsman. “We stretch all the way from Troy all the way up to Iowa, Edina and Lancaster all the way down to Boonville.”

Huntsman served in the Army from 2005 to 2011 at Fort Bliss. When he joined, he was 12 Bravo deployed in Iraq from 2006 to 2008. After being home for a brief stint, he was deployed again in 2009 for another year. Although he enjoyed his time in the service, he decided to take a step back and got out in 2011 for his daughter.

“I had a kid, and we kept deploying back to back and I didn’t want her growing up without having me around,” remembers Huntsman.

After leaving the service, Huntsman found himself in a bit of a rough patch and when he sat back and thought about what he cared most about, two things came to mind: riding motorcycles and giving to charity.

Huntsman spent some time with a few organizations but found the CVMA was the best fit for him.

“I felt real comfortable around them and I liked what they stood for,” says Huntsman.

The scope of CVMA extends beyond veterans, volunteering with “Toys for Tots” and partnering with other charitable organizations. When it comes to veterans, CVMA offers more than just monetary donations.

“We’ll cover a whole broad spectrum of things,” says Huntsman.

Their service is aimed towards helping veterans, with a big focus on mental health and PTSD awareness.

That is why, in addition to handing out socks, mugs and a special coin with the CVMA logo on one side, and “POW” on the other, CVMA members took the time to sit with veterans, have lunch and just spend some time with them.

“For us, it’s all about making them feel appreciated,” says Huntsman who understands, maybe more than most, that what some veterans need this time of year is just someone to listen.

Huntsman and the rest of the CVMA work hard to make sure our local veterans can feel the same welcoming sense of brotherhood that encouraged them to join in the first place. That’s what the holidays are really all about.

“The highlight was seeing the smiles on their faces; it’s overwhelming for me,” says Huntsman. “When you listen to their stories and ask questions, they just light up.”