News

Army of Darkness

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jared Duhon
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 436th Airlift Wing Safety Office Motorcycle Safety Program hosted a motorcycle racing team to meet and talk with riders Oct. 21, 2013, here.

Sam Fleming, Army of Darkness team captain, said his motorcycle racing team is the most experienced in the country. Comprised of all volunteers; teamwork, leadership and adaptability are just a few of the words he used to describe his team's success. He said they enjoyed their visit.

"We have never done anything like this and for most of us this is the only military base we've ever been on," said Fleming. "Seeing the preparation, attention to detail, and of course, how organized everything is, is inspiring."

Fleming said he was impressed with Airmen he met while touring Dover AFB.

"The teamwork of the people here is impressive," said Fleming. "We never received orientation of what it is like to work on a team. We never understood you have to have leadership in order for a team to work. We spent a lot of time stepping on ourselves."

While teamwork and leadership were two of the topics the team touched on during their tour, motorcycle safety was paramount in the Army of Darkness message to the riders.

"Rider awareness, or street smarts, is something I think should be better," said Ben Walters, Army of Darkness lead rider. "I believe we have very loose motorcycle laws, you can get your motorcycle endorsement on a 125CC scooter and then go out and by a BMW 1000CC the next week. Better education would help keep people safe and this is an opportunity to help the community grow."

Knowing the risk is only half of the equation to being safe, wearing the proper gear is also important for motorcycle riders to keep safe while out on the road.

"Wearing the proper protective gear and knowing that the gear fits is the biggest mistake people make," said Walters. "I worked at a bike shop. I would measure someone for a medium helmet and would say it's too tight and get a 2XL. It's great if you never use it, but that is the only reason you wear one, because you might have to use it. By understanding the risk, you can reduce it."

Master Sgt. John Willard, 436th AW/Safety Office flight safety NCO, said having the Army of Darkness team on base helped drive home the importance of safety to Team Dover riders.

"It was an amazing opportunity for them to come to the base," said Willard. "They talked about being a leader and the importance of teamwork and safety on the Army of Darkness racing team, which I think helped drive the message to the riders in our wing."