MICHAEL HILL – “BOOTSTRAP”

Asst. Sergeant-at-Arms

 

Born in Waycross, GA., I grew up in a military family of 6. As such, I have had the opportunity to live in many places in the U.S. and abroad. We moved every couple of years or so when I was young. I’ve lived in Germany and Japan as well as New York, Texas and Virginia. I’ve been fortunate to have seen other countries as a young person and those experiences created a desire to travel and explore as an adult. I’ve lived in Los Angeles and Northern California since the early 70’s, but I enjoy travelling internationally and within the U.S. often.

 

My unusual moniker comes from a phrase my father used to say to me when I was young. “When life knocks you down, pull yourself back up by your bootstraps and keep going.” My riding name is a tribute to him and an acknowledgement of how his encouragement and support have helped shape my life.

 

I have enjoyed riding motorcycles, off and on since I was 17. I currently ride a 2004, Harley, Ultra-Classic, Shriner’s Edition. I enjoy the ride and the sound of the big V-twin more than any of the bikes I’ve ridden before. 

 

I found the Buffalo Soldiers on the WEB when looking for a local club to possibly ride with. I read the Bios of the members and decided to investigate further. The stated values of the club were honorable and their public-minded, service-oriented commitment intrigued me.

 

I called a riding buddy and good friend of mine, “Lockdown”, and asked him if knew anything about the Soldiers. As luck would have it, he not only knew about the club, his brother-in-law, “Professor”, was a member. We decided to check the club out together. I went to a meeting and discovered that the members were exactly as advertised, and more. I felt welcomed from the very beginning and extremely honored when granted prospect status. Lockdown and I were sworn in as full members on the same day last summer.

 

I graduated from the University of San Francisco with a degree in public administration. I spent 30 years in public service before retiring to pursue my passion for travel, exploration, and motorcycling. Luckily my wife, Lisa, loves to ride, explore and travel too!