Carrying the Mission Forward: Michael “Red” Helmeid’s Journey
For the month of June, we are proud to recognize Full Member Michael “Red” Helmeid as our Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® 45-3 Member of the Month. Red has been a dedicated part of our chapter since the very beginning, and we appreciate him sharing a little about his story, both in the military and with the CVMA®.
Military Service
Michael served in the United States Army for four years as a Specialist with the MOS 11M — mechanized infantry. His time in the military included a lot of field training, as well as maintaining vehicles and weapons while on base.
During his service, Michael was stationed in Kirchgons, Germany, and deployed to Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait. He also spent time at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
“I was 18 years old and knew college was not an option at the time, so I joined the military believing that the time and job would give me direction for my future.”
One of his most memorable experiences was the night fighting during Desert Storm, as well as helping secure areas afterward so medical staff could assist civilians. He also remembers traveling throughout Germany and other countries with friends — even taking a trip with his parents to Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
His time in service shaped him into someone more patient and understanding of others, recognizing that everyone has a different way of reaching a result.
Transition to Civilian Life
“In the military, there were always orders or missions. Transitioning out, there were not many things that had to be done and longer timelines to do work that needed to be done. The flexibility and lack of direction for a specific outcome were the hardest part.”
His advice to fellow veterans leaving the service:
“Talk to veterans who have been there. Join groups that you can relate to or fit in. It can be a difficult transition, but you have support.”
Red stays connected through his membership in the CVMA®, which he says is his main way of connecting with and meeting veterans these days.
Joining CVMA®
Michael joined CVMA® when Joe Benny worked to get a detachment started in the Fox Valley area. Alongside Jerry Jochman and Eric Hill, he attended a meeting, liked what he saw, and became part of what was then 45-1B, later becoming 45-3.
“The idea of riding with a group of veterans — members with diverse backgrounds — and the flexibility in attending based on schedules is what inspired me.”
CVMA® has helped Michael personally by helping him isolate less and giving him a sense of friends and family. His favorite part about being involved is simply being around other members — whether at meetings or rides:
“Meetings do not feel like standard meetings. It always feels like I am with family.”
Motorcycle & Riding
Michael rides a 2019 Heritage Classic. He chose it because he wanted a cycle that would be more comfortable for longer rides, with features like cruise control.
“The freedom of riding gives me time to work through any issues I have, see the sights, and enjoy the outdoors.”
Riding helps him mentally, emotionally, and physically by allowing him to unplug from stress and relax.
One of his favorite memories with CVMA® is a ride to Door County, having lunch and riding to Gills Rock with fellow members.
Brotherhood, Sisterhood & Community
“CVMA® is a family. Although my schedule often does not allow me to be present at meetings or events, I always feel welcomed by the members when I do attend. That feeling of being around family and being able to relax means more than I can possibly state.”
His message to any veteran thinking about joining:
“Come to a meeting or a ride to interact with the members. The CVMA® is more than a group of veterans — it is a family.”
Personal Life & Hobbies
Outside of CVMA®, Michael works at Oshkosh Correctional and picks up a lot of overtime. He also helps his parents as they get older and spends time with his girlfriend and daughter.
“I went on the Honor Flight with my father who is a Korean War veteran. The memories of being with my dad throughout the day were something I will never forget.”
If he could ride anywhere in the world, it would be back to South Dakota:
“The views are amazing. The Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, and Spearfish Canyon are incredible.”
Thank you Red , for your service, your dedication to the CVMA®, and for sharing your story with all of us in Chapter 45-3!
