Each month, we feature a Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® member whose story reflects service, sacrifice, and the healing power of the open road. For August, we’re proud to honor Joshua “Outsider” Perkins. Joshua shared his journey with us through a series of written questions — and his answers reveal a life shaped by faith, family, brotherhood, and the ride.

Military Service

Joshua’s service spanned a full decade, across both active duty and the National Guard. When asked how long he served, he shared:

“I joined the active Army in January of 1996, served four years, then I joined the Army National Guard, served four years, then our Guard unit was activated just before my ETS date, so I was issued a stop-loss order to serve another two years before finally getting out – for a total of ten years.”

His career began as an 11M (mechanized infantry) operating a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, and he finished as an 11B team/squad leader. Along the way, he gained experience in weapons proficiency, vehicle maintenance, land navigation, and chemical warfare instruction.

“My job(s) included, but were not limited to, weapons proficiency and maintenance, drills, vehicle proficiency and maintenance, 80% of time in the field training for combat, land navigation and chemical warfare instructing.”

Joshua’s service took him far from home: Ft. Benning, Georgia; Ft. Riley, Kansas (with an eight-month deployment to Bosnia); Camp Red Cloud in South Korea; and Iraq with Wisconsin’s B Co 2-127th Infantry out of Green Bay.

Military Experience and Impact

When asked what inspired him to join, Joshua’s answer was straightforward and full of youthful energy:

“I come from a patriotic family, so the main reason truly was to serve my country. It also helped that I was sick of homework, which ruled out college right after high school, and I loved camo, guns, running around in the woods, and the comradery that I believed the military could provide. The recruiter did not find me, I found him, and Infantry was the only job I wanted.”

Some of his most powerful memories include martial arts training in South Korea and serving in Iraq alongside his brother.

“The most memorable experience I had while serving is a toss-up between studying martial arts while stationed in S. Korea and serving in Iraq with my brother.”

But it wasn’t just the experiences — it was the lessons that stayed with him.

“My time in the military taught me many values that made me into the man I am today; values like loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. The decisions I made while serving also opened my eyes, after the fact, of the importance of a strong faith and trust in God.”

Transition to Civilian Life

Leaving the military wasn’t easy. Joshua described the hardest part as losing the bond he had with fellow soldiers.

“Transitioning out of the military was difficult for me because the respect and brotherhood that I had while serving, did not translate into civilian life. Almost everything I worked so hard for no longer mattered.”

When asked what advice he would give to others preparing for that same transition, he offered encouragement rooted in connection:

“To fellow veterans leaving the service, take advantage of all the benefits you can and immediately get connected with a reputable veteran group, such as the CVMA®. Staying connected with brothers/sisters who understand is priceless.”

Before discovering the CVMA®, Joshua relied on social media to stay connected to veterans, but it wasn’t enough. Today, thanks to the CVMA®, he has a nationwide network of brothers and sisters who understand.

Joining the CVMA®

Joshua’s journey into the CVMA® began with a gift from Hogs for Heroes. With encouragement from Kevin Kuhn, he applied and was awarded a Harley — and with that, a doorway into the Association.

“Many conversations with Kevin Kuhn convincing me to apply for Hogs for Heroes moved me to finally apply for the gift of a Harley. I was gifted an amazing bike, which then qualified me for the CVMA®, of which Kevin also introduced me. Before joining, me, my wife and youngest son went on the 2024 VSA ride. The impact that had on all of us, but me specifically, told me all I needed to know – I patched in the following month.”

Since then, the CVMA® has become an anchor in his life.

“CVMA® has given me opportunities to give back to other veterans who have given so much, opportunities to encourage, to listen, to speak words of hope – and in turn, that has given me and my immediate family that sense of belonging, brotherhood and connection that had been missing for so long.”

“My favorite part about being in the CVMA® is serving other veterans and serving with other veterans – while riding as much as possible together. I have met so many amazing people within the CVMA®, with so many more yet to meet!”

Life on Two Wheels

Joshua rides a 2020 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited, chosen for comfort and long-distance adventure with his wife. Riding, for him, is about far more than transportation.

“I ride a 2020 HD Ultra Limited. My wife and I have always dreamed of touring this beautiful U.S.A. on a motorcycle and wanted to do it as comfortably as possible.”

“I love riding because it gives me a sense of freedom, emotional peace, and clears my mind from the stressors of the day and life. It has also brought my wife and I together in a way nothing else could.”

“Riding helps me unpack my thoughts, but it also allows me to think about nothing at all and simply focus on the beauty of being on the open road, risks and all. I am much happier when I get to ride.”

Brotherhood, Sisterhood, and Community

When asked what the CVMA® means to him, Joshua described it as more than just an association — it’s family.

“Being a part of CVMA® means serving, brotherhood, connection, community, and family. It is a place where people get you, they understand, and without judgement they are there to help and support.”

One of his favorite CVMA® moments came when he was nominated to serve as Chapter Chaplain.

“One of my favorite memories with CVMA® is when I was nominated for the Chapter Chaplain service opportunity. I am so blessed and honored to have the opportunity to fill this role, and it will be a joy connecting with, and serving with, other veterans and the CVMA®, however I am able.”

And when asked what he’d tell a veteran considering joining, his advice was enthusiastic and direct:

“Absolutely join! You will get out of it what you put into it, but give it your all and you will see that you can’t outgive the givers!”

Life Beyond the Patch

Outside the CVMA®, Joshua stays busy with work, family, and faith. He works at a wood manufacturing facility, plays disc golf, rides with a church group, camps, plays games, serves in his church, and spends time in the gym with his wife. His life is full of adventure and connection.

“The very first time I drove a motorcycle was when I drove it off the lot at the motorcycle dealership. I stalled it one time, but after that I was good to go. Two days later, I drove it from Ft. Riley, KS, to Holland, MI – 14 hours!”

Though he’s traveled to fourteen countries, Joshua still dreams of exploring the U.S. on two wheels.

“I have been to fourteen different countries, and hands down, the best and most diversely beautiful is our great nation. So, I want to ride from East Coast to West Coast and from North to South, taking as many iconic highways as possible.”