FORT KNOX, Ky. - Several Soldiers from Fort Knox's 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) participated in the post's fifth annual Motorcycle Safety Day on Tuesday, May 4.
The day's events began with briefing from Radcliff Police Officer Bryce Shumate, motorcycle racer and editor of Road Racing World Magazine John Ulrich and Ohlins USA Road Racing Manager, Mike Fitzgerald.
With a large number of motorcycle operators within its ranks, the 3d ESC is serious about stressing the importance of safe motorcycle practices.
"As leaders, we must make it a priority to determine what positive steps we can take to reduce the occurrence of motorcycle mishaps involving our Soldiers," said Chief Warrant Officer Marica Lewis, the 3d ESC's safety officer and Salem, Ore., native. "We need to educate and communicate the consequences of making bad decisions. Motorcycle Safety Day is a way of gathering people together to raise awareness."
To promote motorcycle safety within the command, the 3d ESC has employed a motorcycle mentorship program with trainers. The program's purpose is to establish voluntary installation-level motorcycle clubs where less experienced riders and seasoned riders can create a supportive environment of responsible motorcycle riding.
The 3d ESC's program strictly follows Army Regulation 385-10 which states that prior to operation of any motorcycle, personnel will successfully complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation or MSF-based approved motorcycle rider safety course.
For the 3d ESC's motorcycle riders, the morning portion of the Motorcycle Safety Day was mandatory.
Sgt. 1st Class Jeffery Bridges, a safety noncommissioned officer with the 3d ESC and Cheyenne, Wyoming native, was in attendance and said he was amazed at the number of motorcycle riders in attendance. Bridges, also the 3d ESC's assistant motorcycle mentor, said that he felt the morning briefings enlightened many of the riders on techniques and safety.
Bridges said that Officer Bryce Shumate's presentation was helpful in that he explained new laws and traffic information for Kentucky. He regarded Shumate's presentation as one of his favorites because Bridges learned information even he didn't know.
Overall, the Sustainers in attendance considered the Motorcycle Safety Day to be a success and the event's organizers were in strong agreement.
"I think we accomplished our goal of helping Soldiers understand motorcycles better," said Reginald Atkins, a Fort Knox motorcycle safety instructor and Lubbuck, Tx. native. "We try to keep the Soldiers educated on motorcycle safety and with constant turnover for some of our units, it's important to keep motorcyclists safe and out of trouble.
Photos and story by Sgt. Michael Behlin, 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) public affairs.
For queries, contact 3d Sustainment Command Public Affairs at: (502) 624-8601.
For high-resolution photos and stories by the 3d Sustainment Command, please contact the Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System by calling (678) 421-6612 or access them online at http://www.dvidshub.net/units/3sce
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