"OLD GUARD” UNIFORM CORPS CONTINUES TO THRIVE

--by Alan Goes, San Francisco

The California Boots and Breeches Corps was founded in Los Angeles nearly forty years ago as a fraternal organization for men with a mutual interest in uniformed men, especially motorcycle officers. The Corps is definitely “Old Guard” in its celebration of uniforms and men in uniform, but entirely up-to-date in terms of its high profile within the leather community. Membership is at an all-time high and the last decade has seen the establishment of new Divisions of the Corps in both San Francisco and Palm Springs. The Corps sponsors numerous events throughout the year and hosts a popular website at www.bbcorps.com.

Each of the three Divisions of the California Boots and Breeches Corps meets monthly in its respective city. Typically, the Corps uniform is worn to meetings. Boots are the highly polished motorcycle cop type, and breeches are dark blue with a bright crimson stripe. The long-sleeved winter uniform shirt is also dark blue and is complemented with a black tie, shoulder patches, the Corps badge, and other chrome insignia. The summer uniform shirt is short-sleeved and is worn without a tie.

Most law enforcement officers no longer wear a Sam Browne duty belt with distinctive shoulder strap, but the California Boots and Breeches Corps continues to conserve this very sharp traditional feature. The belt is black with chrome hardware, and like the boots, is highly polished. Corps members in full uniform always stand out at any leather or uniform event. The California Boots and Breeches Corps uniform is a major cohesive force and a source of great pride and prestige.
Complementing

the Corps’ traditional emphasis on fraternity, additional mission components have evolved more recently focusing on outreach to the larger leather and LGBT communities. The Corps continues its long tradition of parties, field trips, and beer busts which cement fraternity beyond the mutual appreciation of uniformed men. Corps members build friendships that are particularly enduring. But beyond this, the San Francisco Division of the California Boots and Breeches Corps now has become increasingly visible by serving as the color guard for both the Leather Contingent in the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade and the 2006 Leather SIR/boy contest. And the schedule of sponsored beer busts has recently enlarged as the San Francisco Division has become a major sponsor of these events at The Lonestar.

Thank you to all our 2007 attendees!
We raised over $2,368 for Project open hand in 2007.

Still, if any one event captures the combined spirits of the Corps’ traditional, Old Guard role, and its newer commitment to community service, it is San Francisco Roll Call, hosted by the San Francisco Division annually during the City’s Folsom Street Fair Weekend.

San Francisco Roll Call 2007 will be held at 1900hrs, 28 September 2007 at a private venue in San Francisco . For the eighth year, the event is a benefit for Project Open Hand. At SF Roll Call, the Corps hosts a well-stocked bar; serves a catered, sit-down, full-course dinner; and then invites guests to enjoy cigars, cognac, and camaraderie at the outside patio fireplace. This is an event which is mandatory for serious uniform aficionados where camaraderie and philanthropy come together for a really great evening.

All during Roll Call, guests are invited to participate in a low-key silent auction of donated uniforms and uniform-related art and accessories. The silent auction is an excellent source for unique and hard to find uniform items. Auction proceeds are donated in their entirety to Project Open Hand. The Corps is proud to be a major donor to Project Open Hand and to have participated strongly in their program to feed homebound persons with HIV AIDS and other serious illnesses. And in addition, Roll Call is simply one hell of a great party! Uniform Men have an obligation to themselves to attend Roll Call. There is nothing hotter.
Further information and tickets for San Francisco Roll Call 2006 are available through the Corps website: www.bbcorps.com. You can also check on the location and time of the next Corps-sponsored beer bust in Palm Springs, Los Angeles, or San Francisco through the Corps’ website.

The California Boots and Breeches Corps has been built on pride. Pride in the uniform, pride in the Corps members who wear it, pride in the impact the Corps has had through sponsorship of a variety of uniform functions including San Francisco Roll Call, and pride in the Corps’ commitment to contribute philanthropically. The California Boots and Breeches Corps is an Old Guard organization which has kept current and continues to grow and promote the unifying and mission-oriented spirit of men in uniform.