Verus Frater

Had Pumba not founded this club in 2009, none of what we have achieved together would exist.  Upon being nominated for this award, here is one excerpt to summarize what people had to say about him:

 On behalf of Dobunni Chapter, England we would like to thank you for the  gift of the Copperheads LEMC. I can confidently say that this club has changed and saved lives. From men who have served and lost their way to others who just wanted a reason to get on their bikes and ride. The immense sense of brotherhood is literally second to none from both sides of the pond and that is special. Pumba we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for what you have created and  continue to evolve. Through the good and bad times we all have each other's 6 and we certainly have yours. AFOOFA brother - always 

 Not only his countless hours and tenacity to ensure our annual Get Behind the Badge ride runs flawlessly, he works his connections  year round for the betterment of our chapter and the club. 

Recently on the Blue Knights ride two bikes collided at an intersection.  Once he was made aware of this, he sent his trailer to pick up both bikes and had them taken to his house.  The following week he made sure the remaining bike was taken to the dealership for repairs.  His willingness to go above and beyond not only for the Columbus chapter but for anyone in need is just a small part of why I believe he is more than deserving and should be awarded the True Brother patch. 

DJ is one that will do anything asked of him and as long as he is not hungry, he will do it without question or hesitation.  As the chapters Sergeant at Arms he makes sure everyone and everything is in its place when coordinating events. 

From his nomination: Sasquatch will do anything for any member that he can. He has been there for everyone of us in the Kenosha chapter at some point or another. When he bought his home, he built an incredible basement so that our chapter had somewhere for us to have our meetings. Sasquatch has always made sure our wives are safe when we go out.  If you look around you will see him within arms reach and watching the crowd.  This brother and I have shared a room at every Copperheads event. I almost couldn’t go to Worlds last year as I was unsure if I was gonna be able to fund the trip. Sasquatch told me to pay him when I could.  Then told me he wasn’t expecting me to pay him back.  What most people don’t know was he covered the hotel for another brother to have a hotel room to attend Worlds as well.  That brother wasn’t even from our state. This year we were at Rally like we do every year and decided to take in a Buckcherry concert.  Rocket's girlfriend lost her father this past year and unknown to us, Buckcherry was his favorite band.  She was upset thinking about her late father and listening to the band.  Sasquatch went over and got her an autographed Buckcherry album, not knowing she bought herself one when we first got there.  Sasquatch is what we all look for in a True Brother.  

While spending time in Scotland, Gonzo and his wife became stranded at the Glasgow airport after their flight to London had been cancelled, meaning they were likely to miss their flight home to Florida if they couldn't get to London beforehand.  Stressed and receiving no help from the airlines, Gonzo was about to rent a car to make the overnight drive down.

Instead, he received a message from Rabbit, indicating that he would pick him and his wife up at the airport.  Rabbit said that transportation was arranged and he was not allowed to rent a car.  

Unbeknownst to Gonzo, Rabbit and Pothole made plans to drive through the night, ensuring the flight home was not missed.  Rabbit drove the first three hours, knowing that Pothole was headed north from England to meet them halfway.  Upon meeting, Rabbit headed the three hours home to work his morning shift.  Pothole drove them the rest of the way, dropping them off at the airport around 0230 hours, to then drive home and work his morning shift as well before getting anymore sleep.

 "Both members did this with zero notice, with zero regard for their own schedules or personal lives and asked for nothing in return from us." This is a shining example of going above and beyond for each other.

Blue has done so much to further his chapter and be there for his brothers over the years, it is hard to fit into a small space.  

While planning the Black Country Rally, Blue spent weeks looking for the perfect venue. In his own time, he contacted many places by telephone and e-mail to see if they were suitable. He visited many of them at his own expense, as well as purchased many items needed for the chapter with his own money.

 Blue has worked so hard trying to establish a club house on his own land, somewhere that BC could call home. He spent over £35,000 of his own money in doing so, providing a cabin with pool table, dart board, bar area, full toilet and wet room and covered outdoor space, a separate cabin with beds, a separate horse trailer converted into beds and a camping field for his chapter to use.  BC were keen to attend the worlds in 2024, however flights and accommodation were expensive. Blue used his own company air miles (800,000.00) free of charge to support himself and three other chapter members to get cheap flights to the worlds. He even managed to get his brothers business class on the outward flight, something they all enjoyed. 

Blue also lent his president his own motorcycle after his had been stolen, ensuring Daffy could attend the rally to support another English chapter.   According to Daffy, these things are just a drop in the bucket showing Blue's compassion and loyalty to his chapter and this club.