By Taylor Sterling
Sunday, August 17th marked a stellar day for the Nam Knights of Orange County (American Military, Veteran and Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club) and that translates to a stellar day for everything military, veteran or law enforcement related. Every dollar the Nam Knights raise goes to assist members of our military, our veterans, law enforcement, and first responders. In fact, the Nam Knights of Orange County are the biggest contributors for WTBQ’s annual Toys for Military Tots drive which all stays local. The Nam Knights originally formed these clubs to dedicate to the 2.7 million Americans who served during the Vietnam Era and the more than 58,000 who gave the ultimate sacrifice and to all those that still remain missing. Let us never forget! The Nam Knights first formed in the summer of 1989… a small group of Harley-riding combat vets of the Viet Nam War, who were also police officers, banded together to form the Nam Knights. The Club was founded in New Jersey by Jack Quigley, now retired Undersheriff of The Bergen County Sheriff’s Department. Jack served as a platoon sergeant with the 11th Motor Transport Battalion, First Marine Division. The Nam Knights of America Motorcycle Club has grown to 69 chapters in 16 states, Washington D.C. and two Canadian provinces, with hundreds of members made up of veterans of all eras as well as law enforcement personnel plus a few special and dedicated “patriots.”
As Jack 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. The mission of the Nam Knights is to honor the memory of American Veterans and Police Officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, to assist Veterans and Police Officers in their time of need, and to promote community awareness through sponsorship and participation in various community and fund-raising events.” The Nam Knights Motorcycle Club continues to grow and thrive due to the extraordinary dedication of its members, their families and their benevolent supporters. A record number of 500 attendees arrived on Harleys or in those quiet cars (the cars were jealous cause they did not have the roar of those hogs!) Everyone from all around the county, state and the USA helped to make this one of the largest fundraisers for the Nam Knights. BBQ chicken, pork, burgers, hot dogs + clams and shrimp at the “all you can eat” event. Among the attendees was our Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, Sheriff Paul Arteta, Town of Monroe Supervisor, Tony Cardone, Monroe Councilwoman, Dorey Houle, Legislator, Janet Sutherland, the next Legislator of District 2, Aaron Ubides, Legislator, Paul Ruszkiewicz and 500 more The Nam Knight’s Mission is to honor the memory of American Veterans, Law Enforcement and First responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and to assist Veterans and Police Officers in their time of need and to promote community awareness through sponsorship and participation in various fundraising events. The Nam Knights Motorcycle Club continues to grow and thrive today due to the extraordinary dedication of its members, their families and all their amazing supporters. To learn more visit Nam Knights of Orange County on Facebook.
