Team Dover motorcyclists win safety award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  A group of Dover Airmen received the Air Mobility Command Distinguished Motorcycle Safety Award (Large Organization) Jan. 28.

Col. Manson Morris, 436th Airlift Wing commander, presented the award to Team Dover's Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider coaches and sport-bike instructors during a wing meeting.

"This is an essential program that keeps our Airmen safe," said Colonel Morris. "I appreciate this program for taking care of our new riders, who may one day be able to fill the role as instructors. Without the experienced riders we have, we wouldn't be able to make this program what it has become today."

With 15 motorcycle instructors who have more than 140 years of riding experience combined, Airmen signing up for the motorcycle safety course are gaining a wealth of knowledge.

"We want to keep new riders safe and recommend to those Airmen who are thinking about riding a motorcycle to come out and take the course because it's a safe and easy way to experience riding," said Staff Sgt. John Greene, 512th Maintenance Squadron, MSF rider coach.

Dover Air Force Base's Motorcycle Safety Program recently hosted their 3rd Annual Motorcycle Safety Training Day event, where 250 riders came out to enjoy a cook-out with a best bike contest, briefings and off-base cruise ride. The program has trained more than 360 motorcyclists so far and the numbers are growing, which is one of the reasons why Dover has won this award.

"Being recognized is the greatest achievement in itself because many of us dedicate our time to this program not because of recognition, but because we want to mentor our younger riders and pass on our knowledge to keep them safe," said Master Sgt. Jose Ayala, 436th Aerial Port Squadron, lead sport-bike instructor and MSF rider coach who has been riding for nearly 10 years.

Young or old, motorcycle riders will have a chance to learn motorcycle safety from Dover AFB's instructors who are dedicated to helping Team Dover Airmen.

"I look forward to teaching and showing younger riders what I wish I would have known before riding and purchasing a motorcycle," said Staff Sgt. James Alexander, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron, AMC sport-bike instructor.

This program thrives at Dover AFB not only because of the Airmen who want to learn, but also the teachers who understand the love for the sport.

"It's the passion for riding that our riders and safety office have that makes this program work," said Kevin Greene, 436th Airlift Wing Safety Office ground safety manager. "These guys love to ride and love to teach - that's why this motorcycle program is as successful as it is today."