Information for Applicants:
1st U.S, Volunteer Cavalry Regiment – Rough Riders, Inc Mission:
The 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment "Rough Riders, Inc.” was formed for the purpose of creating and perpetuating a living memorial to the unique accomplishments of President Theodore Roosevelt and the members of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment known as the "Rough Riders.”
Activities:
The Rough Riders are a charitable, educational, and historical organization, with an IRS 501(c)(3) designation. Events are held for both our members and the public and many events also serve as fundraisers to fulfill our mission. The Rough Riders sponsor golf, fishing, and clay-shooting tournaments, as well host social events, a Military Ball and more. We can be seen throughout the community adding color and participating in all types of events.
The Rough Riders believe in giving back to the community. Members contribute time, money, and effort to several local and national charities. Whether assisting with the Special Olympics, Toys for Tots, the Joshua House, A Kid's Place, The Spring, and others, it is commonplace to see uniformed Rough Riders lending a hand. The Rough Riders rebuilt the Gazebo in Port Tampa and the Rough Riders Cavalry Regiment are always ready to “come to the rescue” for a worthy cause.
We are best known for our own Teddy Bear runs where members hop on the Teddy Bear Express bus to deliver teddy bears to children in hospitals.
With almost 600 members, the Rough Riders are one of the largest groups that actively participate in the Gasparilla, Chasco, Veterans, Sant’ Yago Knight’s Parade, and other parades from Tallahassee to Key West. We also sponsor the Tampa St. Patrick's Parade.
The Rough Riders take pride in our country and our community and in the rich history of Teddy Roosevelt and the original Rough Riders. Tampa was the embarkation point for the Rough Riders as they left to fight in Cuba during the Spanish American War in 1898. Whether preserving local historical sites or participating in national events, we are committed to keeping the memory and the spirit of the Rough Riders alive for coming generations.
We welcome your interest in the Rough Riders.
Membership Process:
Membership Size: The membership cap of our organization is 600 members. (Note: Applicants may be on a waiting list for a year or more waiting for a space.)
Application Window: Membership applications are accepted during May 1st through June 30th for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Who We Accept: Due to a long tradition of service to the community and in consideration of the membership cap, the Rough Riders, through the Membership Committee, strive to bring in only the best candidates for membership. Applicants must be of good moral character and have the desire to fulfill the mission and goals of the Rough Riders without bringing discredit to the organization.
Sponsorship: Two Sponsors are required for membership. At least one Sponsor must personally know the applicant for at least three (3) years and both Sponsors must personally vouch for the conduct of the applicant, if admitted into the Rough Riders. At least one Sponsor must have personally known the applicant for a period of three (3) years and be familiar with the Applicant's personal history and lifestyle. Both sponsors are to review the application and any criminal history before signing the application. During the one-year probationary period, both Sponsors must personally vouch for the conduct and integrity of any applicant accepted into membership and Sponsors also may be subject to censure if the applicant fails to conform to the rules and regulations of the Rough Riders. In addition, Sponsors who do not meet these requirements may be subject to censure and/or may not be allowed to sponsor future applicants. Sponsors are responsible for the conduct of their respective applicant and agree to mentor and to participate with the applicant during the applicant’s probationary period (usually one year).
Applicant Screening: The Rough Riders Membership Committee has established written guidelines for screening applicants. The following criteria are not absolute but are major considerations for the Membership Committee and admission into the Rough Riders. Applicants may not be considered favorably and may be denied admission to Rough Rider membership under the following circumstances:
- Conviction on any felony, where civil rights have not been restored;
- Any Felony arrest, any criminal charges, or criminal history;
- Any criminal charges, Notices to Appear as a defendant in any criminal proceeding, Indictment, Information, arrest, or conviction within three (3) years of a pending application;
- Any charge or arrest for Child Abuse or Domestic Violence, Battery, or moral turpitude;
- Charges, arrests, or convictions for multiple DUI; alcohol abuse, or drug usage issues
- Providing false or misleading information on the application form, or during the application, or screening process; Failing to disclose all arrest or criminal history information, regardless of outcome;
- The failure to disclose all arrest information, criminal history, any notice to appear as a defendant, including juvenile or adult, regardless of outcome, even if sealed or expunged, may result in a denial of admittance;
- Other factors evidencing a lack of good moral character or an unfitness to be a Rough Rider.
The Membership Committee will consider the disposition of any arrest and whether the applicant has successfully completed any probation, community service or any requirements imposed by the court or other any remedial measures.
Conduct of a Rough Rider Member: If any of the above-described applicant screening events occur during membership, then the member must notify the Membership Committee within a reasonable time after the incident, but no later than 10 days after the incident. Members may be temporarily suspended from participation in Rough Riders events and activities until the incident has been resolved. Further disciplinary action may result.
Each applicant or Rough Rider, by applying for and accepting membership, and by renewing his or her membership or by participating in Rough Rider events, shall be deemed to confirm his or her obligation at all times to abide by and conform to all provisions of the Bylaws, Standing Rules, and all directives, policies, and procedures as set forth by the Board of Directors and President from time to time. No member of the Rough Riders, regardless of rank or position, shall conduct himself or herself in any manner unbecoming a Rough Rider and/or that could reasonably bring discredit, shame, embarrassment, or public ridicule upon the Rough Riders. Members of the Rough Riders shall also be responsible and shall be subject to sanctions for the conduct of their respective invited guests at Rough Rider events, in the event that a Rough Rider's invited guest acts in a manner would/could bring discredit, shame, embarrassment, or public ridicule upon the Rough Riders. Violations of parade conduct and uniform violations are also subject to Disciplinary procedures. Members of the Executive Board and Board of Directors who witness violations or become aware of violations shall be obligated to report these violations to the Disciplinary Board.
New Members are Probationary Members:
New Members are on Probationary Status: New members must satisfactorily serve a one-year probationary period and may be discharged without recourse from the Rough Riders for failing to meet the standards for membership, including committee work, participation, conduct, and uniform requirements. (See: Standing Rule 2 - Participation Requirements for New Members- below)
Members will be expected to remain in good standing throughout their membership and must notify the Membership Committee after any incident which may affect their continued membership and good standing in the Rough Riders. Members must sign a Membership Declaration and certify good standing and eligibility for continued membership each year upon the renewal of membership.
Standing Rule 2 - Participation Requirements for New Members
Section 1 – Policies
1. New members will be required to join two (2) committees and attend one (1) major parade and two (2) major events during their first year in the Rough Riders. They must show evidence of participation to the Chairman of Membership/ Promotions/Awards Committee in the form of the signature of the Committee Chairman or Parade OIC prior to being allowed to reenlist and be promoted from Recruit to Trooper. Signed and completed new member cards should be forwarded to the Membership/Promotions/Awards Committee chairpersons by the chairman of the New Member Orientation Committee.
2. Active participation on the Float Committee and one (1) Special Events Committee is mandatory.
Section 2 – Procedures
- Parades - The major parades of the year are designated by the current President.
- Major Events - The major events of the year are designated by the current President.
- Special Events - Special Events Committees of the year are designated by the current President.
- Participation in the other parades, committees, or events during the year is strongly encouraged but not required.
- Sponsoring New Members - The sponsor should be sure the new member understands the participation requirements during the 1st year of membership and should counsel new members on conducting themselves in a dignified and professional manner when representing the Rough Riders.