The sun was bright and the temperature was quickly rising as the roar of motorcycle engines filled the air. It was another Saturday morning at Tilghman Park, though this time, a different crowd was congregating under one of the pavilions.
A line of motorcycles of different makes and models sat across from the American Legion hut, as men and women in leather vests with different colored patches stood around chatting and laughing. Some were police officers, others worked in full-time ministry. Still others were first responders. Maybe not the sort you would expect to be in a motorcycle club.
But they were all the same, and they had all gathered in the park that morning for a united cause -- to raise money for supplies for Chandler Public Schools.
Brent Berry, a member of the local chapter of the Roughnecks, helped to organize the event and said doing charity runs is “kind of ingrained” in the club.
“Part of what we’re doing is giving back. Trying to -- if we can -- help somebody in the community,” he said.
The ride ended up raising about $700, which they gave to the Rotary Club to fund supplies for a classroom, and Berry said they plan to host it again next year. This was the first time the club organized this event, but he’s taken part in charity rides with other chapters and clubs through his roughly six and a half years in the Roughnecks. Members wear a 99% patch, signifying it’s a law-abiding, non-territory motorcycle club. They’re also primarily military, law enforcement and first responders -- active or retired.
Berry, who is a Chandler police officer, said he never set out to join a club, but it happened naturally as he went on rides with other members of the Roughnecks. What keeps him there is his love for riding motorcycles and the dynamics of the club.
“The times that everybody can get together, it’s the common ground. You get to know the guys that you’re with and essentially, it turns into a kind of family dynamic,” he said. “On longer trips, it definitely, you know, it tests the fiber of everybody’s relationships.”
For Will “Mongo” Foster, president of the Four Kings LE/MC Deep Fork chapter, located in the Stillwater/ Perkins area (though Foster lives in Chandler), it’s that sense of family and community that attracted him.
“Several friends and former coworkers were involved. I observed what the club did for their local communities and wanted to be a part of it. This club has become my family. They are the family I didn’t know I needed. You get out of the club what you put into it,” he said.
He and Bryce “Arc” Mason were members of another chapter of the club for two years before starting the Deep Fork chapter around three years ago, so they could have a closer club. They host the Burn Run each year, which raises money for Integris Baptist Burn Center in Oklahoma City.
Foster said Ace was severely burned all over his body and was treated at the hospital.
“We wanted to give back to the place that took such good care of one of our own,” he said. “This year was our second year for the Deep Fork Burn Run. We raised approximately $3,031 in 2024 and $2,526 for 2025. All of which is donated to the Integris Baptist Burn Center.”
They also take part in the Law Ride each year. Foster said every chapter within the Four Kings LE/MC has an event they donate money to that varies from cancer institutes, domestic violence, families in need, and Special Olympics.
Charity events are important to their chapter because their club is made up of both law enforcement and supporters of law enforcement.
“In today’s world, both law enforcement and motorcycle clubs are often given a negative reputation. Through our charity events, we can show the public that we are all human beings who want the best for others,” Foster said. “These events not only raise funds for nonprofits, but they also spread awareness that clubs aren’t bad, not all law enforcement are bad, and that at the heart of it—we simply want to give hope and remind others they are never alone.”
This is a thought echoed through HonorBound Motorcycle Ministries, which is under the Assemblies of God Church, said Terry Strafford, Oklahoma state representative for the ministry. He and his wife also took part in the charity event on Aug 16.
“We try to support our local runs that they were having that day. I mean, that’s what we do, and that’s what it’s about. Just try to help people out and tell the world about Jesus,” he said.
One of the big events that he takes part in for HonorBound is the Run for the Wall, which is a 10-day trek that crosses about 7,000 miles from California to Washington, D.C. It was started by veterans in 1989, and Strafford said he runs as a chaplain on the central route. “Their motto is for Run for the Wall, they ride for those who can’t. So I found out two years ago that I lost one of my army buddies. He had passed away, and I didn’t even know it. And so I ride for him, I ride for a lot of other people that I know that can’t ride,” he said. He said most in the ministry are just trying to do what they can. They have full-time jobs and have to work before they play, but they still work to devote as much time as they can to the ministry.
“And we don’t care what you ride. I don’t care what you ride. They all break down at one time or another,” he joked. And while they do bike blessings and talk to people, it’s not always telling people about Jesus. “Sometimes… some people just need somebody to talk to. Just to be lending an ear. Sometimes, you don’t need to say a word at all. Sometimes… you need to listen to them. Sometimes people just need a hug.”
Of course, it’s also about the rush of riding out in the open air, he added.
Strafford has been riding motorcycles since he was a kid. He said it’s hard to explain sometimes to people who don’t understand getting out in the open air, having the rush around you, and cranking your tunes. Enjoying the beauty that God created and the rumble of the bike.
“There’s nothing better than riding with your knees in the breeze for Jesus,” Strafford said. “Some of the best people I know ride bikes and wear leather.”