Not long after the Air Force Safety Center released that last year's motorcycle deaths had risen more than 150 percent compared to the previous year, Senior Master Sgt. Robert Cutchin felt the need to flip that statistic by having military motorcycle riders commiserate and stress traffic safety, while having fun and serving the community at the same time.
The Air Reserve technician with the 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron here, took the initiative to spearhead a motorcycle-riding group in order to get put those elements into one medium.
"The focus of "Wings on Wheels" is motorcycle safety, with more experienced riders sharing their knowledge with less experienced enthusiasts ... but with a fun twist of camaraderie and esprit de corps," said Cutchin, who is a new rider himself.
The group's inaugural meeting is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2012 from 8 to 8:30 a.m. in Bldg. 691, which is headquarters to the 446th ASTS and 446th Aerospace Medicine Squadron and is open to all Department of Defense military, civilian, and family members in the Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Puget Sound communities.
"We want to go out and ride and help out groups like the Lions Club, Habitat for Humanity, and local soup kitchens," said Cutchin. "We will have a purpose and we will have fun."
Cutchin says the initial meeting will cover: Air Force Instruction 91-207, U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety Program, club officer election, potential charity events club members could help with or participate in, 446th Airlift Wing Motorcycle Awareness Day, and the inaugural ride date. He'll also give sources for those who don't have a motorcycle endorsement or a bike.
Proper wear of personal protective equipment such as, full-face helmets, reflective vests, and other gear to help riders stand out in traffic is Cutchin's biggest focus when it comes to motorcycle safety on and off base.
As his squadron's safety representative, Cutchin is very familiar with AFI 91-207, which states the wearing of PPE and the ramifications of not using them.
"If you don't wear these things and you're in an accident, you won't get your benefits," said Cutchin. "A lot of members don't realize that. If you're a motorcyclist and have (Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance) and some of the benefits, which go along with that, your benefits will go away, because you didn't wear the proper equipment."
Like most chartered groups, dues will be required to keep the group sustained.
"Initially, we're looking for a $25 signup fee and $5 a month from then on for dues," said Cutchin. "It's to maintain the group for things such as extra equipment a member might not have but they can check out. Since we're a non-profit organization, we're going to be charitable with any funds we have."
The initial meeting will also hold an officer election with a military-like chain of command structure, which Cutchin designed.
"We'll have a commander, who will serve like a president," said Cutchin. "We'll have a deputy commander with vice president duties. We'll also have a resource advisor to handle treasurer duties, a safety NCO to make sure we have the proper equipment, and an executive officer to record meeting minutes."
With "Wings on Wheels" already having a Facebook page in full swing, Cutchin says the group will eventually have a position for handling and maintaining the group's social media program.
Senior Master Sgt. David Ponce, 446th AW Safety Office ground safety manager, says the group is a great way to spread situational awareness and mentorship.
"We always try to emphasize situational awareness and operational risk management," said Ponce, who is also an ART. "This group will combine those with mentorship from experienced riders to novice riders."
Cutchin says there's nowhere to go but up for his group.
"The group will definitely grow and evolve," said Cutchin, who rides a Harley Davidson 883 Dark Iron. "There are a lot of motorcyclists in the military. Lots. The biggest thing is formalizing it. I want it to be fun, but I want people to be reminded that motorcycling is a dangerous activity and that we should also do more for the community."
At the present time, Sergeant Cutchin is the point of contact for any questions or further information about "Wings on Wheels" and its mission and can be reached at (253) 982-5041.
To join the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wings-on-Wheels/280353475341721?ref=ts&sk=wall#!/pages/Wings-on-Wheels/28035347534172 1
For information about the JBLM motorcycle safety and Basic Riders' Course, go to https://apps.imcom.army.mil/AIRS/usg_disclaimer.aspx
(Editor's note: Staff Sgt. Grant Saylor, 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs contributed to this article)
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