Arnold riders raise $1,700 for local sergeant's association

  • Published
  • By Philip Lorenz III
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. --  On Aug. 13, Arnold Engineering Development Center's Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) chapter hosted their second annual bike-a-thon on base to raise funds for projects that include a number of quality-of-life initiatives.

About 17 employees at AEDC took part in the bike-a-thon, which was initiated last year to honor the memory of Tech. Sgt. Gene Jobe, a 21-year career Air Force member and the late father-in-law of former AEDC chaplain, Maj. Paul Gunn.

Chaplain Gunn, who is now stationed at Dobbins AFB, Ga., took part in this year's event and said he rode virtually all day after the participants began the ride around 7 a.m. from the Fitness Center.

For Mike Glennon, AEDC's chief of the communications branch, this was his first year to participate in the fundraiser.

"I am riding, due to me trying to lose weight, and this is a good cause to support," he said. "I purchased a Trek bike this spring, and the goal is to get out and use the bike.
"[I've] been riding for over four months, three to five days a week. Several folks ride from the Communication Branch during lunch."

He said it was important to him to "support the cause and remember we are at war."

Cameron Liner, who is an electronics engineer with AEDC's communication branch, said this bike-a-thon was his first as well. However, he pointed out that he is one of those at the base who rides bikes around AEDC on a regular basis throughout the year.

"I think events such as this are a great way to raise awareness of community needs," he said. "If we get a little exercise out of the effort, that can't hurt either."

Capt. Alex Hausman, the executive officer to AEDC's commander, said the bike-a-thon provides a number of benefits.

"Community service combined with fitness, what could be better," said the captain, who has been in the Air Force for more than four years. "I've been training for a full marathon and am viewing this as extra training on the side.

He added, "They [events like the bike-a-thon] maintain a focus on those who have come before us and concurrently promote health and wellness."

Tech Sgt. Jamie Johnson, president of local AFSA Chapter 477, spearheaded the organizational effort for the bike-a-thon.

"This event raised more than $1,700 in pledged donations," he said. "The funds will be used to support quality of life initiatives to include the Annual VA Picnic and the Children's Christmas Party.

"This event was important to me because the money that we raised is to be used to help people and events in the local community. As a member of AFSA it is always a good feeling to be able to give back to the community to show that we care."

AFSA is a non-profit organization that represents the professional and personal interests of more than 130,000 active, retired and veteran total enlisted members of the U.S. Air Force and their families.

"This event was important to me because the money that we raised is to be used to help people and events in the local community. As a member of AFSA it is always a good feeling to be able to give back to the community to show that we care."

AFSA is a non-profit organization that represents the professional and personal interests of more than 130,000 active, retired and veteran total enlisted members of the U.S. Air Force and their families.