June 2026 Member of the Month: Daniel “Nitro” Johnson
A soldier shaped by grit, a rider fueled by freedom, and a veteran who continues to
push forward no matter what life throws at him; the Combat Veterans Motorcycle
Association® proudly recognizes Daniel “Nitro” Johnson as our June 2026 Member of
the Month.
A Career Built on Commitment and Courage
Nitro served 8.5 years in the U.S. Army, working as a 15S and later as a Recruiter,
earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. His career took him from Fort Bragg, NC to
deployments supporting Border Patrol in 2001 and fighting in Iraq from 2003–2004.
He served in:
Bravo Company 1/82
Delta Aviation Maintenance Company
His list of awards is long: AAM x2, ARCOM, Soldier of the Month, NCO of the Month,
Distinguished Honor Grad (AIT & BNCOC), Recruiter Ring, Glen E. Morrell Award, and
a meritorious promotion to Staff Sergeant, but he’ll tell you most of that isn’t what
matters. What matters is the commitment behind them.
One duty assignment stands out: Fort Huachuca, where a broken plane in San Antonio
turned into a week on the Riverwalk… and eventually flights with Border Patrol agents.
A story only Nitro could tell.
Moments That Leave a Mark
One of Nitro’s most unforgettable experiences came during his first enemy encounter in
Iraq. Driving toward FOB Ridgeway, his convoy took fire from both sides. Nitro returned
fire from the fourth truck while others engaged the right flank. Then the Mk19 opened
up, making a full circle of fire.
As Nitro watched the explosions arc across the convoy’s perimeter, one round hit a cow
dead center, vaporizing it before continuing into a nearby house and finishing the circle
under the overpass. A moment of chaos, adrenaline, and survival: one he’ll never
forget.
How Service Shaped Him
Service changed Nitro in ways both positive and difficult. He’ll tell you plainly:
“I have major trust issues. Those trust issues kept me alive.”
Physically, he’s “partially broken.” Mentally, he’s ready for anything.
And today, his time in uniform represents commitment, sacrifice, and service, values he
still carries.
Transitioning Out and the Reality of Civilian Life
Nitro’s take on transition is blunt:
“There is a transition? The hardest part is dealing with insistent laziness of normal
civilians.”
His advice to veterans is equally direct: Get a full medical workup outside the military
and VA. Xrays, MRIs…everything. It’s advice he wishes more veterans took seriously.
He stays connected with only a few people from his service days, through social media,
calls, and occasional visits.
Finding CVMA® and Finding Belonging Again
Nitro first encountered Chapter 453 at Eve of Destruction, years after leaving the Army.
That moment sparked his interest and eventually brought him into the CVMA®.
“It gave me back some of the camaraderie with soldiers in my own age group.”
His favorite part of being a member? Smallgroup rides: the kind where the road, the
wind, and the company are all that matter.
The Rider: Freedom on an Indian Chieftain
Nitro rides a 2018 Indian Chieftain Classic, chosen for its look and its ride. For him,
riding is freedom, especially when traffic isn’t insane.
“It clears my head. It’s basically my psychiatrist.”
His favorite routes:
Tail of the Dragon: the undisputed #1
Highway 55 in Wisconsin: a close second
One CVMA® memory stands above the rest: A trip to Athens with Mike and Tracy. It
was an incredible ride through Tail of the Dragon followed by a storm so intense that it
created a fullspeed obstacle course of falling trees and nearzero visibility. A ride he’ll
never forget.
Brotherhood, Belonging, and Purpose
Being part of the CVMA® gives Nitro something he deeply values:
“A sense of belonging.”
His advice to veterans considering joining?
“Come to a couple meetings and maybe an event. You’ll know.”
Life Beyond the Patch
Nitro is married with two sons and one daughter. He works at Alltech as an Assistant
Plant Manager.
His hobbies include:
Motorcycles (always motorcycles)
Fishing
Traveling
Camping
Hunting
And here’s something most people don’t know: He wrote the Army’s first two contracts
for the GED Plus program, as well as his station’s first warrant officer, first Ranger
packet, and first OCS packet.
Dream Ride
If he could ride anywhere in the world, Nitro would choose Victoria’s Coastline in
Australia: 150 miles of winding ocean views and a country he’s always wanted to visit.
