About this project:
Subj: WORLDWIDE FUNDRAISER FOR CPO CHOPPER
1. Many of you may have seen the popular television program “American Chopper”. The highest rated program ever on the Discovery channel, it is about a father and son team who build custom “Theme Bike” choppers. If you haven’t seen the show, their bikes are truly spectacular, and symbolize far more than a hot rod motorcycle. The company, Orange County Choppers, is owned and operated by Paul Teutal Sr., and his son Paul Jr. Their highly patriotic creations include: The “Fire bike”, honoring the New York Firemen lost on 9-11; The “P.O.W. bike” honoring Prisoners of War; The “Comanche” bike designed after the Army’s Comanche helicopter; The “Statue of Liberty” bike, “Jet” bike and others. Photos of these bikes and others may be viewed at the company’s web site, www.orangecountychoppers.com.
2. We at NAVRESCRUIT Area WEST CPOA, in cooperation with the Greater Northwest CPOA at Naval Station Everett, Washington are soliciting the help of all Chief Petty Officers, Active Duty, Reserve and Retired, to assist in raising funds starting now, to commission Orange County Choppers to build “THE CHIEF BIKE”, honoring ALL Chief Petty Officers, past, present and future. We are considering a number of options for a homeport for the bike, pending approval (more on this will be forwarded through the messes).
3. Our goal is to have the bike completed for a televised unveiling at the FY-06 pinning ceremony to be held at the Everett Events Center, Everett, WA(tbd). The overall cost of the bike is highly subjective. The cost of the theme bikes you have seen on television range from approximately $70,000 for the NY Jets bike to approximately $150,000 for the Statue of Liberty and Black Widow bikes. Our goal is to raise $150,000 for the finest chopper ever created.
4. This project is intended to be a lasting legacy for the enjoyment of all, and to be a success, it will require the participation of every Chief Petty Officer. If your mess would like to assist in this project, please contact NCC Justin Maloney as soon as possible be e-mailing direct to chiefbike@navychief.com.
Thank you,
J. D. MALONEY
NCC USNR
Recent developments include the following:
a. The assistance of NavyChief.com Jeff Hobrath CPO USN (RET), and Dwayne Schwarz as official website HQ for status and info updates, as well as online donations. They have also been commissioned to design and market a T-shirt for sale, all profits to go to fund this project. All online donations will be tracked through this site.
b. Greater Northwest CPOA has opened an account to hold all funds and oversee project development, funds payments, and bike presentation. NCC Justin Maloney will be directly in charge of this in conjunction with existing Greater Northwest CPOA leadership.