ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. –
With autumn leaves falling and brisk fall temperatures, the 11th Wing Safety Office hosted a Fallen Airmen Ride to end this year's riding season Nov. 1.
"We formed a small committee of motorcycle riders from all over the base to put together events that would enforce safety and build camaraderie amongst base riders," said Tech. Sgt. Brandon E. Ferris, 11th Contracting Squadron contract specialist and ride coordinator. "For our inaugural event we decided to hold a Fallen Airmen Ride as a memorial to all the riders we have lost to motorcycle mishaps."
The ride covered more than 40 miles of pavement, on and off base, with stops along the way.
During this ride, they stopped at two locations to have a moment of silence for the riders they lost, said Sergeant Ferris.
When the riders arrived back to base they had a security forces escort around the perimeter of the base to end their ride.
The ride kind of became a Fallen Servicemember Ride when Army Staff Sgt. Howard Miller, National Guard recruiter for the National Capital Region, showed up. He said he received the e-mail and he tries to take part in any memorial ride since he lost a buddy to a motorcycle accident.
The group is looking at a two-day motorcycle trip sometime in the spring to Western Maryland. If interested in taking part, or if an experienced rider and want to help with the event, contact Sergeant Ferris at 301-981-2385.
Sergeant Ferris said everyone's reasons to ride might be different, but there is something in all motorcycle riders that drive them to ride. But, riding safely is the key.