Club History:
DEFENDER VET MC is a national organization of like minded veterans, first responders and their supporters.
The history of the name “Defender” comes from a statement made by Gen. Curtis E. LeMay, after touring the total destruction of Kimpo Air Base by the Chinese Army during the Korean War.
LeMay found that USAF personnel were unprepared to defend themselves against an enemy ground assault and were completely massacred by the Chinese Army, down to the very last man.
LeMay stated that from this day forward, the USAF would never go without its own “Defenders”.
In 1953 Air Base Ground Defense Training was formally established and the Air Police career field went from doing only law enforcement duties, to being literally the USAF infantry, equipped and trained in all weapons and tactics used by modern ground forces.
The name “Defender” stuck, and to this day, it is used in all aspects of USAF base defense nomenclature as well as the annual “Defender Challenge” competition between USAF major commands.
“Defensor Fortis”(Defend the Force) remains the sole motto of all who have served in this role.
DVMC was originally started by USAF veterans in the Washington DC area for those who had served as USAF Air Police, Security Police or Security Forces.
DVMC’s original colors were Blue/White reflective of the USAF membership. As the club grew in size, veterans of other armed services and first responders expressed interest in joining. Founding members knew that their brothers and sisters from the other services as well as patriotic civilians were just as committed to serving and protecting our great countries values and freedoms, so the decision to open membership.
The colors changed to Red/Black in 2017 to be more inclusive and representative of the diverse backgrounds of its newest members. The red represents the blood that was shed protecting our nation and the black represents the darkness we have faced and conquered in our careers.
“Ride-Serve-Defend”is the DVMC South Sound motto. Our members are true riders and our mission is to provide any and all services possible to veterans, homeless or anyone in need. Our sworn oath to defend The Constitution of the United States is of paramount importance to all of us.
R. Mark Sanders “Boomer”
President DEFENDER VET MC
South Sound Chapter