As the IRON CREW MC Founder and National Executive Board President I am charged with fulfilling many positions.

As a former U.S. Marine I've stepped up to this task willingly, enthusiastically and knowing full well the gravity and importance of this endeavor.

That being said, another role that I assume is being the 'bearer of bad news'.

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I bring you the following developments;

Way back in February of 2004 we received an email from an individual seeking information on how to form an IRON CREW MC Chapter in his state. This man's name is Jonathan Bowling. Jon is a Police Officer with the Martinsville Virginia Police Department and a Biker who rides a new HD Road King. Jon comes from a law enforcement family, his Dad Darrell being an active Virginia State Trooper for the last thirty (30) years! Not only does Jon serve the people of Martinsville Virginia but he serves in the U.S Marine Corps Reserve as well.

In my email dialogue with Jon I informed him that I was busy with preparations for our Club's 2004 National Run in Laconia, NH and that upon my return in late June I would contact him and we would embark on the IRON CREW MC Chapter formation process. Well, I didn't hear from Jon for many months. I concluded that he was like many of the 'tire kickers' that seek information about the IRON CREW MC. Low and behold in October of 2004 Jon contacted me...from IRAQ of all places! His Marine Reserve Unit was activated and he was serving in Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps' 4th Combat Engineer Battalion.

I sent Jon an IRON CREW MC 'Supporter' shirt and promised him that when he rotated back to the world he and I would realize his goal of forming the VA Chapter of the IRON CREW MC. Jon was so proud of his IRON CREW MC 'Supporter' shirt and his plans of forming the VA Chapter that he took some candid photos of himself and his 'Supporter' shirt in various locations in country. We all prayed for Jon's safe return to the world and his family.

Tragically, Jon was killed in action on January 26th, 2005 in an ambush in the Al-Anbar Province, near a town called Haditha. He was in a convoy patrol when his vehicle was struck by a RPG. After the attack the vehicle immediately received a large amount of small arms fire. Jon died while being medi-vaced to a hospital.

Jon's death hits home for us in the IRON CREW MC. Jon was a visionary and trail blazer, seeking to form the Virginia Chapter of the IRON CREW MC. He was a hero to his family, the Martinsville Police Department, the U.S. Marine Corps and the free people of Iraq whom he sacrificed his life for.

There are no words that can serve to console anyone who knew Jon and who now grieves for him.

The temptation exists to assign blame for Jon's death. PLEASE REMEMBER, Jon is a hero...to engage in dialogue assessing blame to anyone other than the evil that exists in this world would be counter-productive.

As active and former Servicemen we adhere to a Chain of Command. Accordingly, our Commander in Chief has ordered his forces into Iraq.

I know I speak for all Members of the IRON CREW MC, our Friends and supporters when I say our heartfelt prayers go out to the Bowling Family on the loss of their beloved son Jonathan.

God Speed Jonathan Bowling...you've answered your last call...go home in peace our Brother...we love you and will remember you always!

Thank you, Pappy.

Please CLICK here to visit Jon’s Patching In.