Nam Knights continue to ride for Veterans, supporting Columbia VA through years of service

For several years, the Veteran and law enforcement motorcycle club has played a vital role in supporting the Columbia VAHCS Angel Food Pantry, organizing large-scale food drives that have resulted in tens of thousands of pounds of donations for Veterans and their families facing food insecurity.

Founded in 1989 by three Vietnam Veterans who also served as police officers, the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club was built on a mission to honor those who served and to give back to those in need. Today, that mission continues through community service, charitable events, and a strong commitment to supporting fellow Veterans.

“The impact of food drives goes far beyond the numbers,” said Derek Dutcher, a member of the Moonshine Chapter and employee at the Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center. “It creates a ripple effect across the Veteran community, knowing that what we’ve donated helps Veterans and families who may be living on fixed or limited incomes.”

That ripple effect has been felt time and again at the Columbia VAHCS. The Moonshine Chapter has partnered with local organizations, including Sam’s Club and other community supporters, to organize and execute food drives that directly benefit the Angel Food Pantry. Their most recent effort once again helped fully stock the pantry—ensuring Veterans have access to essential food items when they need them most.

“What keeps us coming back is knowing we’re helping our fellow Veterans and their families in times of need,” Dutcher said. “We keep coming back because we know we are making a difference in someone’s life.”

The success of these efforts is rooted not only in the dedication of the Nam Knights, but also in the strength of the surrounding community. From local businesses to everyday citizens, support continues to grow each year.

“When a community consistently shows up for Veterans, it reflects a strong sense of shared gratitude for what they’ve sacrificed,” Dutcher said. “These food drives bring people together—civilians, Veterans, and bikers—from all different backgrounds.”

For Dutcher, the mission is deeply personal. In addition to his role with the Nam Knights, he serves as a pipefitter at Dorn VAMC, supporting the facility behind the scenes.

“As a Nam Knight, the service is personal and community-driven—we’re out there riding, showing up, and supporting Veterans in visible ways,” he said. “As a VA employee, I’m in a supporting role, but I know Veterans and staff count on us to keep things running smoothly.”

Columbia VA staff who work closely with community partners say the impact of the Nam Knights’ efforts cannot be overstated.

“Partnerships like the one we have with the Nam Knights are critical to meeting the needs of our Veterans,” said Sherwin Baxter, a Voluntary Service Specialist at the Columbia VA. “Their consistency, passion, and ability to bring the community together have helped us provide for hundreds of Veterans and their families over the years.”

Looking ahead, the Moonshine Chapter shows no signs of slowing down. Plans are already underway for another food drive later this year, with hopes of expanding partnerships with additional local businesses.

For those looking to get involved, Dutcher says support can come in many forms.

“People can support us by showing up to food drives, participating in events, or even becoming a supporter of the Nam Knights,” he said. “It all goes toward helping Veterans.”

As the Nam Knights continue to ride with purpose, their message remains clear: service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off—it simply takes a new form, fueled by community, compassion, and commitment to those who served.