By Scott Thoma
After having served in various branches of the military, some veterans have struggled with civilian life physically, financially or mentally. Fortunately, Minnesota veterans have been able to get help from the Vigilant Guardians Motorcycle Club.
The Vigilant Guardians are made up of three chapters in Minnesota. The North “Lakes Area” Chapter is located in Brainerd, the South Chapter is based in LeCenter, and the Metro Chapter is still searching for a clubhouse and currently holding meetings at VFW and Legion Clubs in the Twin Cities area. All the members of these various chapters are veterans themselves.
“We are a 501c(3) non-profit fraternal organization and have officers in each chapter,” said Ken Melrose, an SSG (Staff Sergeant) who belongs to the North Chapter. “Each chapter, like any other non-profit, holds meetings, but we have a ‘one club’ mentality.”
Veteran motorcycle clubs were started following World War II when the men returning from war missed the bonds they had built.
“We were founded with a ‘veterans only’ membership and will remain that way,” said Melrose. “We operate as a traditional motorcycle club, but never forget out military heritage.”
To date, the Vigilant Guardians are the only veterans motorcycle club in the state.
“We wear this title as a badge of honor,” Melrose said.
Membership in the Vigilant Guardians Veterans Motorcycle Club is open to all services. The primary focus of the group is simple — to support veterans and their families. Any and all active duty, Army and Air Guard, and all reserve units of Minnesota are supported.
The members of the Vigilant Guardians have ranged in age from 20 to late 60s.
“Our mission is growing,” Melrose said. “And we continue to find ways to support veterans’ communities and our communities in which we live and work.”
The ways the Vigilant Guardians have taken care of other veterans in need is astounding. They have helped with things such as filling their propane tank in the winter, repairing their vehicles, helping with their rent, giving Christmas gifts and meals to a veteran and his/her family, or by cash donations.
Typically, each chapter tries to help out in the area they are located, but sometimes they have made lengthy trips out of their area.
“Most of our leads come from word of mouth or our local County Service Veterans Officer (CVSO),” Melrose said. “Each county has a CVSO for veterans to go to for many things like help with VA claims, or provide counseling about VA and state benefits.”
Recently, the North Chapter made a long trip to Porter in southwestern Minnesota to cut down 10 dead or dying trees on a veteran’s property because he had developed an infection in his right leg and surgeons had to amputate it. Melrose’s parents live in Porter and informed their son of the veteran’s need for help due to the high cost of removing that many trees.
“We have also donated to BELIEVET, which is a non-profit that trains service dogs for veterans,” Melrose said. “Each year, we help lay wreaths at Camp Riley and Fort Snelling cemeteries. We provide meals during the deployed Soldier Muzzle Loader Deer Hunt at Camp Ripley. We do whatever we can to help a veteran and his or her family.”
Often, when the Vigilant Guardians are assisting a veteran in need, other veterans from that community will volunteer their time or equipment to help, too.
To raise money in order to alleviate their costs, the Vigilant Guardians host at least one cash raffle a year.
“The other money comes from donations and silent auctions at events we host,” said Melrose. “The money we raise goes towards veterans and their families in Minnesota.”
Everyone belonging to the Vigilant Guardians owns and rides a motorcycle. If anyone has a desire to join the group, but doesn’t own a motorcycle, they are urged to get one.
Melrose was asked what it means to him personally to be involved with the Vigilant Guardians that help out other veterans.
“Giving a hand up to a brother or sister that may be struggling at that moment is one of the best things any of us can do,” he said. “It feels good to put smiles on people’s faces when they may feel there isn’t anything else they can do. I get to help put that good back out in the world and really feel it ripple outward when that veteran shares their story, or we get to post pictures on social media to share it further.
“It’s not about the clicks on social media, but more about reminding people that there are still people out there willing to help each other. It can remind someone about us when they hear of another veteran in need, and it can make more people want to help others which just makes that ripple keep going.”
The mission statement of the Vigilant Guardians Veterans Motorcycle Club is: “Born of our desire to serve, and forged by war, veterans we are, guardians we shall always be, forever vigilant.”