HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – A member of the 66th Force Support Squadron here is among a group of personnel pedaling for the Air Force Cycling Team in an effort to promote the Air Force and encourage health and resilience.
Marcus Parks, interim chief of Military Personnel Flight, was drawn to the sport more than two decades ago while stationed overseas.
“I started cycling back in Norway, following a basketball injury,” he said. “I needed another way to stay in shape, and cycling just stuck.”
One of the team’s largest events is RAGBRAI, the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. Parks has participated in the week-long ride eight times, where he and other Air Force cyclists support thousands of riders by providing mechanical and medical support along the route.
“It became the Air Force mission to only do this ride in order to assist the thousands of people who ride each year, to make sure they can start and finish,” Parks said.
In addition to aiding riders, Parks said the event is a powerful recruiting opportunity.
“We’re out there helping, but we’re also sharing our Air Force story with the public,” he said.
With regional chapters across the U.S. and overseas, the Air Force Cycling Team boasts hundreds of members. Parks currently serves as team leader for the Utah chapter; a role he stepped into to support a deployed teammate.
“Being a part of this team is incredibly motivating for me to stay in shape and provides the camaraderie of hundreds of positive members contributing their best,” he said.
Parks sees the team as an extension of service.
“The Air Force Cycling Team promotes physical, social and mental resilience, and gives back to the community,” he said. “It promotes pride in what we do and helps with recruiting and building a positive Air and Space Force image.”
At Hanscom AFB, Parks leads a team that supports Airmen and their families by providing services in areas such as assignments, promotions, enlisted and officer evaluations, reenlistments, and retirements.
“Sustaining mission readiness starts with taking care of our people,” said Parks. “When Airmen have the personnel support they need, they can stay focused on executing the mission.”
Membership with the cycling team is open to currently serving Airmen or Guardians, retired military members, and civilian personnel affiliated with the Department of the Air Force.