Chaplain (Capt.) Sung Kim blesses the motorcycle belonging to Sgt. 1st Class Craig Lewis, operations noncommissioned officer for the Soldier Readiness Processing Site, before Lewis goes riding during the Motorcycle Mentorship Program session Nov. 2 at the Lower Beaumont Theater. Photo by Julia Yubeta.
Army Strong motorcycle mentorship program
Julia Yubeta, WBAMC Public Affairs
Twenty riders, consisting of military and civilian staff at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, attended their third Motorcycle Mentorship Program session for this calendar year Nov. 2 at the Lower Beaumont Theater.
The program’s focus is to provide mentorship for new riders, allow for a riding experience in a controlled setting, ensure compliance with military and civilian regulations, promote safety while riding and instill camaraderie between motorcyclists.
“This session provided safety techniques for crash avoidance, safe braking methods and statistics on the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, followed by an instructional video on safe group riding and a fun run,” said Sgt. 1st Class Carmen Vega, noncommissioned officer in charge of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at WBAMC.
“Do not compartmentalize safety between on- and off-duty time,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Edwin Perez, WBAMC command sergeant major. “Remember your safety practices even when you take off your military uniform. When riding, remember that everything else is bigger than you. While you are riding, keep an eye on other motorists and watch out for hazards.”
Chaplain (Capt.) Sung Kim prayed with the motorcyclists before they went riding.
“May each rider have a safe ride, enjoy the fresh air and scenery and … come back safely so that they can go for another ride tomorrow,” said Kim. Then, as a custom among bikers, the chaplain blessed each individual motorcycle so it would provide a safe journey for its rider.
“Before we take off on our ride, let’s remember what we have learned today about safe driving practices,” said Perez. “Let’s check out each other’s personal protective equipment and look out for each other. Army safe is Army Strong.”