Over the years I have been a member of four Nam Knights of America Motorcycle Club chapters. In order they have been the Parent Chapter, which is located in northern New Jersey near New York City; the Delaware Valley Chapter, 
which is near Philadelphia in South Jersey; the Old Line Chapter, which is located south of Washington, D.C. in Prince George's County, Maryland and which is the second oldest NK Chapter; and now the Free State Chapter, which is located north of Washington, D.C. in Montgomery County, Maryland, and is the second youngest of the 30 Nam Knights Chapters spread along 10 Eastern Seaboard states.
Each Nam Knights chapter is different from all others. Each is the product of the region it's in and collective personalities of its members. The structure and culture of the Nam Knights MC encourages independence and supports different ways of doing things. Even so, each Nam Knights chapter shares more in common than it has in differences. Nearly every member has sworn an oath to put the welfare of others, often strangers, ahead of his own as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or as a law enforcement officer.
As Jack Quigley, Nam Knights Founder, has said,"The club was formed to recapture the brotherhood its founding members shared while serving in Southeast Asia, and to help other veterans of all wars who are unable to physically or financially help themselves."
Not everyone is cut out for this, which is fine. But those of us who took that oath share a certainty of ourselves that many others lack. So, we like to gather together with those who share the central characteristic of service. As Bobby Colaneri, long-time vice president of the Parent Chapter once said, "Not every club is for everybody." On the surface that doesn't sound very profound, but it is. The Nam Knights is special to us. Another way to look at this is that there is a club for everybody. All you have to do is find what fits you best. We've found ours.
Harley-Davidson
Yes, we are a Harley club. Over the years I've had people ask me, "Why are you guys biased against [place motorcycle brand name here]?" "We're not. We're biased in favor of Harleys," I almost always respond. Generally speaking people don't ask this question of members of Corvette or Mustang clubs. For some reason they feel compelled to ask this of the Nam Knights. They usually.., well, always, own a different brand of bike. "Harley's cost too much," they often declare. They usually follow up with,"Hey, a motorcycle is a motorcycle, right?" as if I'm going to agree with that. About 15 years ago Harley-Davidson ran an ad that said, "Any other bike is too high a price to pay." I guess that's the way we feel about it.
Independent Motorcycle Club
The Nam Knights of America Motorcycle Club is a "three piece patch" club. Three-piece refers to the top and bottom rockers and a central insignia. In our case, like many others, there is also a fourth "MC" patch, designating "Motorcycle Club". This is a bit arcane, but there is a difference between a MC and other groups or associations. This patch arrangement is worn on a vest, and they are generally referred to as "colors."
Three piece clubs are generally "independent" bike clubs. "Independent of what?" you might ask. Well, independent of the American Motorcyclist Association, most of, or all of which wear single piece patch on the back of their vests or jackets. We are also independent of any manufacturer oriented organizations like the HOG (Harley Owners Group), or clubs like the Legion Riders (American Legion), or any other riding club. That doesn't mean that these aren't fine clubs and organizations. They are.
We are not affiliated with any other motorcycle club, coalition, group, council or association. We stick to ourselves.
Independent bike clubs also, generally speaking, require more of a commitment to the club than others do. I think you will find this true of the Nam Knights. Membership is by invitation. We are not a "mail-order" club. There is a hang-round period, and if we like each other, an individual may be selected as a prospect. If all goes well, eventually a prospect might be elected a full member of the Nam Knights. We have found it better to take our time. It is easier to get the right guy in than trying to figure out how to get the wrong guy out. The Nam Knights is a brotherhood, and by definition it means more to be a member of this club than a standard riding club. The Nam Knights is open to any U.S. Military veteran with proof of an honorable discharge (or still on active duty), or any active or retired member of an accredited law enforcement agency.
But, we do more than "ride bikes and drink beer." Part of our commitment is raising funds to support veteran and law enforcement charities. All of our chapters do. We seek to help those that need it. We try to make our communities a better place to live.
Because we wear a three piece patch and an "MC" some people think we are part of the so-called 1% of bikers who are often called "outlaws." While it is certain that these types of organizations exist, the Nam Knights is not one. Remember that our membership consists of U.S. Military Veterans and Law Enforcement personnel. As such, we give respect to all who ride, and expect the same in return. We do not pretend to be other than we are.
We like to think of ourselves as a family-oriented club, so you will see wives and kids at most of our 
functions. We try hard to be good citizens, and if you see our colors flying in your area it is a good thing.
If you would like to know more about us, you can visit the Parent Chapter web site at www.namknights.org, or send me an e-mail.
Best wishes, and I'll see you on the road,
Dave "Wrongway" Lewis
President
Free State Chapter
Nam Knights of America Motorcycle Club
