Rolling Thunder makes an impact

  • Published
  • By Sean McGuire
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office summer intern
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  "We like to put out memos, we like to make them take courses, but the best way to learn is a hands-on mentorship," said Airman 1st Class Sean Johnson, safety administrator for the 341st Missile Wing.

With that philosophy, he organized Rolling Thunder. The motorcycle safety awareness event happened on June 30. Despite relentless winds that nearly blew the tents away twice, Airman Johnson estimated a turnout of at least 225.

"Motorcycles are ugly," said Brig. Gen. (Sel) Anthony Cotton, 341st Missile Wing Commander, drawing a laugh from the crowd as he announced the winners of the bike show.

He handed out plaques to Senior Airman Jarod Ruud, 819th RED HORSE Squadron pavement and construction apprentice; Tech. Sgt. Mario Coleman, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron assistant flight chief; and Staff Sgt. Emmanuel Martinez, 819th RED HORSE Squadron structures. Respectively, the winners were for best-looking custom, sport and cruiser motorcycles.

"It's a good thing to do," said Airman Ruud about Rolling Thunder, "To bring people together with common interests."

"I'm just thankful for a unit that supports motorcycle riding," Sergeant Coleman said, after shaking hands with Brig. Gen. (Sel) Cotton.

They were far from the only winners that day. Airman Johnson held a drawing for three AAFES gift cards. Airman 1st Class Keith Adams 341st MSFS member, Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Daniel Dodson and Staff Sgt. Susan Dunks, MANG 120th Security Forces Squadron member, won them, beating out a crowd of an estimated 180 other entries.

After 1 p.m. Brig. Gen. (Sel) Cotton led 25 riders on a group ride to Wolf Creek and Vaughn.

"It's been actually halved," Airman Johnson said about the trip. "The initial ride was 270 miles and a lot of people didn't want to get involved in that. This year, it's 140 miles."

In between these three big events, men and women strolled among the motorcycles and spoke to several organizations in the tents. Lyle Skinner and Cindy Gonzales were there from the Gold Wing Road Riders Association.

"The GWRRA is all about safety," said Mrs. Gonzales, director of the Great Falls chapter. She showed off a padded jacket that she recommends to all motorcycle riders, Gold Wing or not.

"If you hit the pavement, this will hit it first," she said, holding the polyester material.

"It'll take a lot of scuff," said Mr. Skinner, highlighting a few slight tears. These were the only signs the unidentified wearer of this jacket had fallen from a bike and hit asphalt at high speed.

Motorcycles were not the only featured vehicles on hand, or the only safety issue. Rex Coldren, representing the ATV Safety Institute, spoke about all-terrain vehicle safety.

"They handle a lot differently," said Mr. Coldren, when asked about their similarity to motorcycles.

He listed some dangers of using ATVs. Many people, he said, do not lean forward when driving uphill, which is a disastrous mistake. Others don't wear helmets. He spoke of one man who did not think he needed one until he was crushed by his own vehicle in an accident.

"A lot of people get complacent," he said, "because they figure, 'They have four wheels; they're not going to tip over.' And that's when it happens."

He also warned ATV riders not to take passengers. Any extra space on the seat is meant to be room for the rider to move his or her body when turning.

"When you're out on your ATV, don't try anything beyond your capability, and the ATV's capability," said Mr. Coldren.

Also on hand was Mark Volkomener from the Patriot Guard, who brought a BMW motorcycle and advice for everyone who asked for it.

Chief of Wing Safety Lt. Col. Darryl Terrell Jr. was enthusiastic about the day.

"As far as the timing, it's perfect," he said. "Beautiful. You never know what you get [weather-wise] in the beautiful State of Montana."

"Our goal with Rolling Thunder is to spread motorcycle awareness," Airman Johnson said. "You know, it's not just the riders themselves we're trying to get a hold of and get the point across to. There's also [Personally Owned Vehicles] and [Government Owned Vehicles]; four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles. We all share the road. The more people I can influence, the better."

Does he think Rolling Thunder achieves that?

"Absolutely," he said.