110th Aviation Brigade Conducts 9th Annual Cancer Awareness Motorcycle Mentorship Ride
FORT RUCKER, Ala. — The Motorcycle Mentorship Program’s 9th Annual Cancer Awareness Ride traveled across Fort Rucker Oct. 16, following a weeklong delay caused by Hurricane Isaias.
Originally scheduled for Oct. 9, the ride was postponed after the hurricane swept through the region. Despite the change, Soldiers, Department of War civilians, contractors, family members, cancer survivors, and supporters participated in the event hosted by the 110th Aviation Brigade.
For Sam Baker, 110th Aviation Brigade operations officer and the event point of contact, the ride carries a personal meaning.
“My mother died of breast cancer 11 years ago,” Baker said. “I like to ride motorcycles, and I saw this ride for the post about five years ago and started riding in it.”
Baker said he later assumed responsibility for helping organize the event after the original organizer transferred to Korea. Since then, the ride has grown substantially.
“We’ve grown from eight bikes to 80 bikes last year,” Baker said. “It’s gotten more recognition and awareness.” While the event initially focused on breast cancer awareness, it now recognizes those affected by all forms of cancer, including men, women, survivors, caregivers, and families who have lost loved ones.
“We cover all the cancers, male and female,” Baker said. “We also give certificates in memoriam, so if somebody’s lost somebody, we’re still carrying on that name and not letting that person die and fade away. They are still remembered.”
The group gathered Friday morning for motorcycle safety checks, a route brief, and remarks recognizing the installation’s support for cancer survivors, families, caregivers, and others affected by cancer. The approximately 26-mile route took riders through Fort Rucker training corridors, housing areas, and other portions of the installation that many participants may not have previously traveled.
The route also supported the Motorcycle Mentorship Program’s safety mission by giving newer riders experience operating in formation and navigating more challenging turns and transitions.
“A lot of people don’t have a lot of formation experience,” Baker said. “There’s training involved with that.” The motorcycle formation made stops at the School Age Center, Main Child Development Center, Lyster Army Health Clinic, Soldier Support Center, and Howze Field. At each location, riders recognized cancer survivors and family members affected by the disease.
Riders presented honorees with certificates, pink bandanas, bracelets, and single flowers in recognition of their strength, resilience, and experiences with cancer. Survivors, family members, riders, and other supporters also had the opportunity to sign a cancer-awareness flag, creating a visible symbol of remembrance, encouragement, and solidarity across the Fort Rucker community.
The Motorcycle Mentorship Program pairs experienced riders with newer riders to reinforce safe riding practices and reduce motorcycle mishaps. The annual cancer awareness ride remains one of the program’s most visible outreach events, combining motorcycle safety education, rider mentorship, and support for those affected by cancer.
To see more photos from the event, visit our Flickr page: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD7Kk2
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