Cover Story Article by Retread

Our cover story starts in the Year 1775. April 19, 1775, is when the Revolutionary War started and on the 4th day of July, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress. On August 2nd, 1776, it was signed. Each year we celebrate the 4th of July in all kinds of ways; people out boating on the lakes, bikers having a ride, families gathering for Hamburgers & Hot dogs, and you will always be able to find a firework displays throughout South Carolina! The reason we can enjoy this day is because Patriots stood strong in their beliefs and stood for the cause called Freedom! We today, still have those Patriots! these are the men and women that still stand strong in the belief that this country will always remain free; they are the Armed Forces of the United States! The contribution of their time, their love for country and in some cases; their lives, are the reason we get to celebrate each year.

For July 2022, we, at Carolina Chrome, want to show our respect to the man on the cover: Mr. James A. Faile or better known as "Featherweight".

In the days of High School, Jimmy and his friends would hit the local bowling alley to bowl and afterwards the guys would start to horse around; boxing and jabbing at each other. Jimmy says he was the smallest back then and usually was on the bottom, but not always! And so, as it goes, his friends nicknamed him "Featherweight"! Jimmy was born in Camden SC on April 26, 1958. went to Kershaw County Schools and Graduated In 1976 From Andrew Jackson High School. He then went on to attend York Technical College and graduated in 1977 with a certificate in Machine Tool Making. Jimmy found the job market wanting someone with 5+ years' experience his chosen trade. Jimmy made the decision to serve his country by joining the USAF in August of 1977-1982 as an aircraft Mechanic. His permeant base was Scott AFB Illinois where he worked on T39s T140s and C9s. While in the USAF Jimmy, remembering his High School days at the bowling alleys and a little boxing between friends, he decided to go to boxing school for a couple of years and to continue to be "Featherweight". As we know all things must come to an end or so "Featherweight" thought. As he finished his enlistment at Pope AFB in NC. It was not the end for Featherweight he reupped with the Military and continued to serve his country by joining the NC Air National Guard. where he continued to work on C-130 aircraft. In 1987 he transferred to McEntire Joint National Guard Base and through the next 10 years he continued working on c-1-30s and F-16s as a transferred Guardsman and continued as an active-duty Airman for a total of 20 years. All in all, he has given 40-years to a career in the military and serving our Country! In 1982 he joined the Camden Chapter of the Trinity Motorcycle Club. “Featherweight” became a full patch member in July of 1982. As with most of us comes marriage and having children and raising a family He settled down in Kershaw Sc where he still remains today. "Featherweight" and a few other members asked about starting a second chapter of the Trinity MC in Kershaw SC. So, in 1989 the Kershaw chapter of Trinity was established. Featherweight said in the early years of the club there was no clubhouse for the Kershaw chapter so its member s meet at garages, back yards, and even the Old Boy Scout building. They received help from the Mayor of Kershaw at that time and were able to purchase property on Flat Rock Rd. in Kershaw. It was the Old Clyburn Station. The club has really grown senses the old days, and they still remain as their first club house, constantly improving repairing and adding to it. They have cleared more areas at the club house and just finished a 600ft addition to it. With all, his accomplishments and continued service to his country, his brothers in his club and the people of his community. "Featherweight" will hit another milestone in his life. He will have 40 years of service to the Trinity Motorcycle Club July 2022. I ask you once again we think of the 4th of JULY and all the accomplishments this Country has made sense the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. Let us draw and learn a lesson from a 40-year veteran and a 40-year club member who stood for our freedom. And always remember: stay calm and call "Featherweight".