Combat Vets Motorcycle Association Chapter 33-3

Our Story.....

On a relatively sunny day in June 2011, ten members of San Diego/Escondido’s CVMA Chapter 33-1 initiated a bloodless coup to establish a new chapter in the Inland Empire. The impetus for our formation came from Chapter 33-1, whose support facilitated our inaugural meeting at American Legion Post 262 on Foothill Blvd in Fontana. The founding members of Chapter 33-3 included Dustin “Staubi” Watson, Jim “Loner” Hilo, Bill “Jake” Birch, Anthony “T” Hestand, Bruce “Chief” Hanke, Robert “Chi Town” Diaz, Wade “Gator” Blackmon, William Stone, William “Abaddon” Johnston, and Bradley “Wingman” Baxter. As of today, only two original members remain: Bruce “Chief” Hanke and Robert “Chi Town” Diaz. With assistance from officers of CVMA 33-1, we elected Dustin “Staubi” Watson as our first Chapter Commander, primarily due to his reluctant willingness to take on the role.

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The initial years were challenging; we primarily gathered for monthly meetings and occasional rides. By the third year, we elected Alfred (Jim) “Loner” Hilo as our second chapter commander after Watson stepped down mid-term. Hilo served two terms from 2012 to 2014. Although we continued to face struggles, our membership gradually increased. We organized occasional rides and visited long-term care veterans at the L.A. Veterans Hospital, sometimes hosting barbecues for those able to attend. Our meetings shifted locations as we sought a more permanent venue.

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In the early years, we faced some controversy regarding our affiliation with the Southern California Confederation of Clubs (COCSOCAL, or COC). While some members believed we should join, others questioned the necessity of such a requirement since we were not a traditional club. Ultimately, Commander Jim “Loner” Hilo attended COC meetings in Anaheim, signed us up, and distributed COC ribbon patches to our members. This decision initially led to a temporary decline in membership, but it was later clarified by COC leadership that, as a Veterans’ “Association” rather than a “Club,” we were exempt from this obligation.

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During the early years, specifically around late 2014 or early 2015, several chapter members, including some officers, left to form their own motorcycle club in the Ventura area. This development posed challenges for Chapter 33-3, creating tensions among members. However, we appointed new officers and continued to foster camaraderie, ultimately moving forward as friendships persisted despite the changes. During this period, we were fortunate to welcome Robert “Gunner” Tolliver, who took on the role of Commander and positively influenced our growth as a chapter.

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For some time, we convened at the Tujunga American Legion Post 377, which remains a periodic meeting location after breakfast at Rise N’ Shine Café in Sunland. We also met at a VFW Post in Sierra Madre and eventually found a more permanent home at the American Legion Post 299 in Chino. However, due to scheduling conflicts whereby the Post staff did not open until 10:00 AM while our meetings began at 9:00 AM, we began searching for a new venue.

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A tragic incident occurred during our October 17, 2015, meeting. We welcomed several new members, including Anthony Gregorio, Jr., a Vietnam Veteran who was excited to join us. Tragically, he was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident on his way home from the meeting. Unfortunately, we did not learn of this tragedy until weeks later. In response, we adopted the “Group Me” app to facilitate post-meeting check-ins and ensure members returned home safely. In memory of Anthony, we established the annual “Ride For Tony,” which takes place every October from our meeting location to his gravesite at Riverside National Cemetery.

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In 2018, we relocated to VFW Post 6563 in Fontana. The staff there treated us well and provided breakfast at each meeting. However, the facility was in disrepair, necessitating work on our part. Although we invested time and resources into improving the venue, we ultimately decided to discontinue meetings there in 2021 due to various reasons, including the presence of another motorcycle club and other considerations. We then moved to American Legion Post 328 in Norco, where we continue to meet today.

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In addition to our annual Remembrance/Poker runs, we support the U.S. Vets Veterans Village through monetary donations and periodic barbecues for residents. We also assist individual veterans in need and participate in various events aimed at raising awareness of veterans' issues.

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The name “Hooligans” originated from a memorable incident when several chapter members, wearing their CVMA vests, entered a restaurant. An older couple overheard the wife remarking that they should hurry inside before those “hooligans” arrived. The humorous comment resonated with us, and the name has since become a fitting identity for our chapter.