The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) just completed a very successful 4th annual “Burgers, Bikes & Rods” rally on July 25 to support Kieve's Veterans Camp. With over 102 motorcycles and 15 hot rods, the ride started at L-A Harley Davidson in Lewiston and ran through Sabattus and Gardiner on Route 126 before ending at Kieve's Wavus Campus in Jefferson. The rally took up 1.5 miles from start to finish.

The CVMA is a group of vets whose mission is to support veterans or their families. Members are veterans of all branches of the military who have deployed in wars ranging from, Viet Nam, Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan. The CVMA is not a motorcycle club but a tax-exempt nonprofit 501c19 that raises money for a number of veteran related causes.

The benefit raised over $3,500 to help cover some of the costs of veterans and their families to attend the Kieve Veterans Camp.

“We are grateful to the CVMA and all of the community members that turned out to support this run and in turn the Veterans Camp,” Veterans Camp Director Nancy Kennedy said.

Over the past five years Kieve's Veterans Camp has completed numerous incredible week-long programs for veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Vietnam, and even a special week for women veterans only. These free Veterans Camp programs give our veterans a chance to relax, reflect, and reconnect with their families in the tranquil Maine woods at the Kieve and Wavus campuses on Damariscotta Lake.

During these weeks, Kieve’s Leadership School staff and numerous volunteers bring veteran guests a broad range of physical, creative and healing activities such as rock climbing, snow shoeing, pottery arts and crafts, yoga and massage. Some activities, such as PTSD focused acupuncture, are offered specifically with veterans in mind. Personal services such as massage, foot reflexology, haircuts, and manicures have proved to be very therapeutic as well. 

"I feel very strongly about all the service men and women that serve our country,” L-A Harley's owner John Story said. “They risk it all and are too soon forgotten and we should all do whatever we can to honor their service to our nation."

In addition to lakeside relaxing after the ride, there was also a cookout with hamburgers at Wavus Camp for Girls on Damariscotta Lake.

“A big thank you to the sponsors and riders for this year’s ride,” Ride coordinator Steve Spooner said. “Thanks also to the Androscoggin, Kennebec and Lincoln County sheriff’s departments, as well as the Maine State Troopers, for providing a non-stop escorted 45 mile ride."

CVMA membership comprises full members (those with verified combat service) and supporter members (those who have non-combat military service, and have a sincere dedication to helping veterans). Members are from all 50 states with many members still in the Armed Forces, and many serving in combat areas now. 

For more information visit Kieve-Wavus’ website at www.kieve.org/veterans. You can also contact ride coordinator Steve Spooner of the CVMA at 207-784-6332 steve1349@megalink.net or Veterans Camp Program Coordinator Joe Tatem at Kieve at joetatem@kieve.org for more information.