Deacons Host Military Appreciation Breakfast

HOUSTON (March 9) -- Consisting of a membership rich with veterans from all branches of the United States military, the Deacons of Deadwood Motorcycle Club takes exceptional pride in giving back to the Armed Forces whenever the chance arises. That's why the Deacons-sponsored breakfast for all service personnel marching in the annual Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Parade is a favorite event for the 80-plus active members of the 15-year-old club."This gives the Deacons a chance to divert from our usual role of helping children's charities to exhibit our solemn appreciation for what these young veterans do for our country," said Deacon co-founder Ricky Cook, who served in the Marines. "These men and women do things that so often go unnoticed and are taken for granted by so many people. This breakfast is a very small way we can say thank you for their commitment and let them know they always have our respect and support."Having been in these young Marines' boots myself and now being on the other side of the equation, I know how it feels to realize people care about you. I can tell you it's just as big a kick for our membership to do this as it is for them to feel our admiration."This is the third consecutive year the Deacons have teamed with the rodeo's Armed Forces Appreciation Committee to feed the 100-plus servicemen and women who march through the streets of downtown Houston to the delight of the rodeo fans. This year's participants included representatives from the Army's 1st Cavalry Division and the Marine Corp band, as well as the Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard."Our guys absolutely love this event," Deacons of Deadwood President Geoff Seaman said. "It's a little different as we're not helping kids, but I'll tell you it's very humbling when you talk to these young men and women and hear what they've already been through in their lives and they're maybe 21, 22 years old. It quickly reminds you what they do for our country."This year, 22 Deacons presided over the catered affair, where smiles and appreciation were freely flowing through the crowd."Our primary mission as a club is to help fund various children's charities," Seaman said. "Since our inception we've donated more than $2 million to charities such as the Devereux Foundation, Camp For All, Boys & Girls Country, Child Advocates, Dream League, Center for Success, and the Gulf Coast Big Brothers, Big Sisters, among others. This breakfast is something very special we do outside of our normal course of business to help our local military members."The Deacons of Deadwood is a Houston motorcycle club with a diverse membership consisting of top corporate executives and blue-collar workers bonded by a love of motorcycles and donating their time and talents to bettering their community. Formed in 2001, the Deacons of Deadwood is a registered 501(c)(3) charity.