A New Chapter of the CoC&I
By Mama S, Photos Submitted by Swamp
First of all, we here at Louisiana Biker would
like to personally say “Congratulations and Welcome”
to the new Commander of the Confederation of Clubs
and Independents, Swamp. We look forward to seeing
even more great things in the future from you and the
CoC.
And on a personal note, Swamp had to help me
change a flat the day we met for this interview.
THANK YOU and Ms Debbi for all your help and not
leaving me stranded!!
I recently had the privilege of sitting down
with your new CoC&I commander, Swamp, between
his several meetings the Saturday before the March
meeting.
Most of you know what the CoC&I is and
is about. For those of you that don’t, here’s a quick
rundown.
The Confederation of Clubs and Independents
was begun in Alexandria in 2009 by John Franks,
who was the Commander until his passing. They are
here to unite all Clubs and Independents in the State
to fight for biker’s rights. It’s also a forum to discuss
any and all subjects or difficulties between Clubs
and assist in resolving them peacefully. They are our
united voice for the biker community. That’s why it’s
so important for everyone to attend every meeting
you can. They are our voice; show up and make it a
bigger, louder voice!
Following John’s passing, a difficult
decision had to be made. Who would be the new
Commander of the CoC&I? The job fell to his then Lt.
Commander, Swamp.
“Under the circumstances, I hated having to take this
position this way; I would have much rather taken
over with John retiring.”
Swamp is the Founder and President of the
Bayou Country Riders MC out of Iberia Parish, as
well as a Registered Event Coordinator for St. Jude
Children’s Hospital. In early 2015 he also became
Lt Commander of the CoC&I and held that position
until John’s passing earlier this year.
“What I’m striving to do is make the CoC&I
more transparent.” Swamp has put together a group
of men from all over the state to act as a committee,
where there used to be none. “Things are done
completely different” in the Northern and Southern
parts of the state, and “I wanted to make sure they
both had an equal voice in this; find that common
ground that’s best for everyone.” Instead of just him
and his Lt making any and all decisions, they’ll be run
through the committee first. The old way worked for
John; “I’d like to expand on everything I learned from
him, keeping his ideals, but John is John, and Swamp
is Swamp. I run a tight ship and want to make sure
everyone has an equal voice.”
Another big change is the location itself. There
were several reasons for the change of venue, firstly
being size. “We are growing, and need somewhere
that can accommodate that”. There’s also the financial
aspect of it, as well as the fact it has a full kitchen, and
a much better sound system. (Those of you that have
regularly attended meetings know what a big deal the
sound system is!) A special thank you goes out to the
PriestHood for the offer of the Church.
Swamp is also hoping to get more independent
riders involved in the CoC&I. “We all fight the same
fight. ABATE is a great organization to sign up with.
I encourage everyone to join with them.” They are a
big part of our voice when it comes to meetings at
the capitol and passing or killing laws pertaining to
bikers. “More numbers make a bigger showing”
With the help of the new Lt. Commander,
Grey Ghost John Raila, Swamp knows they will
accomplish great things in the coming years.
Any questions about the CoC&I, you can
contact Swamp directly at 337-884-5282 (Just don’t
call after 11, or you may get Ms Debbi and I’m betting
it won’t be pretty!)
The next meeting will be May 22
President’s Meeting at 12
General Meeting at 1
See y’all there!
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