Retired police officer Butch Blackmon co-founded the Blue Knights Texas Chapter VII in the greater Houston area. The Blue Knights is an international law enforcement motorcycle club (LEMC). Members include retired and active officials at the local, state, and federal levels.
“Butch made our chapter shine… (he was) always giving and supporting the chapter’s efforts to participate in events, fund raise for charities, and provide motorcycle escorts,” said Michael Powell, Blue Knights member and Butch’s close friend since 1975.
He had a way with people. Butch alone was able to connect with and help a troubled veteran from Camp Hope in Houston. With this experience, supporting veterans experiencing PTSD became one of Butch’s favored causes.
It seemed fitting to memorialize Butch with October’s 1000-mile ride to raise funds for Camp Hope and the PTSD Foundation of America. The planned route was round trip from Houston to Ft. Stockton. Several riders also attempted to finish within 24 hours to earn their first Saddlesore certification from the Iron Butt Association.
Blue Knights VII Chapter President Jeff Tippet brought his teenage grandson along for the ride. Tippet describes Butch as “instrumental” in the chapter’s charitable activities. These included participating in the annual Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Ride for Kids and the Nun Run.
Yes. The Nun Run, now in its 16th year, is a 40-mile ride complete with nuns riding in motorcycle sidecars escorted by Blue Knights VII. Participants raise funds to support Keeping Children Healthy through CHRISTUS School Clinics. Look for the next Nun Run sometime in October 2021.
Source: texaspolicenews.com
