CYCLE BLESSING: NAS motorcycle riders blessed

Chaplains (Lt.) Tom Bingol and (Lt.) Buster Williams welcomed the gathering and led them in readings of Psalm 100, The Lord's Prayer and a special "motorcycle rider's prayer."

Attendees were also invited to step forward to toll the bell and offer the names of motorcycle riders who lost their lives in traffic accidents.

NAS Jax Executive Officer Cmdr. Ellis Bowler said that riding with the Lord's blessing could only enhance motorcycle enthusiasts' focus on safe driving.

"It's a sad fact that motorcycle rider fatalities are expected to increase nationally for the eighth year in a row. The involvement of alcohol and speeding continues to be a major factor in vehicular crashes resulting in the

motorcycle operator's death. That's why we keep stressing motorcycle safety day in and day out at NAS Jacksonville."

It's now the law in Florida that before operators can add the motorcycle endorsement to their driver's license, they must- regardless of their age and experience- take a 15-hour Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course.

Connie Policastro is a traffic safety specialist with the NAS Jax Safety Office and a MSF rider coach. "We can stop some accidents before they happen. Be ready to step up and intervene on behalf of your fellow riders. Don't allow anyone to drink and ride. And remind every shipmate of the PPE (personal protective equipment) requirements concerning helmets, eye protection, clothing and footwear."

NAS Jax Safety Leading Chief Petty Officer DCC(SW) Anthony Willis rode his 2004 Honda Gold Wing to the event. "My wife and I are members of the Defenders Motorcycle Club for active and retired law enforcement, emergency services, military and public safety professionals. NAS Director of Security Glenn Williams is the club president, and under his leadership, we take part in a number of community benefit rides. Of course, bike safety is discussed before every ride."

From left: AE3 Daniel Mitchell of VP-30 looks on as Chaplain (Lt.) Tom Bingol and Chaplain (Lt.) Buster Williams toll the bell as the names of local fallen riders were spoken. Photo by Clark Pierce

AE3 Daniel Mitchell, who recently checked in from NAS Oceana, Va. and is waiting to class up for flight engineer school at VP-30, rode his 2003 Suzuki GSX-R600 sport bike to the blessing ceremony. He is the co-founder of Dirty Rimz Motorcycle Club with chapters in Virginia Beach, Va., Toledo, Ohio, Salt Lake City and Kansas City. "If you're looking for a bike with great acceleration and comfortable cruising, this is the one. But if you get that urge to race make sure you do it on a track and not the highway. Our club teaches street survival skills that promote a positive image of motorcyclists," he said.

Diane Stewart (2006 Harley-Davidson Street Glide) joined her husband, Mike (2003 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic) a retired master chief hospital corpsman. "We love to ride so much, we joined two motorcycle clubs. I really liked the chaplains' program today. I hope they can do it three or four times a year and get more riders involved," she said.

Motorcycle Rider's Prayer

Gracious God, we gather on this day to praise you for what you have created, to enjoy the simple pleasures of friendship and fun, and to share our common interests with others. As we set out to travel, we ask that you bless and keep us alert in all that we do. Send your guardian angels to guide us and protect us from accident, injury, evil and death. Refresh our souls. Make us mindful of the welfare of others. And lead us to happy homecomings now and in your eternal kingdom. Amen.

Did you know?

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics, of the 88,000 motorcycle accidents in 2006, 44,000 were caused by vehicle drivers who "didn't see" the motorcycle and either turned or pulled out in front of the motorcycle.