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Reservists help provide bicycles to deserving children

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Quiles-Torres and Senior Airman Neary
  • 14th Intelligence Squadron

Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group’s, 14th Intelligence Squadron, donated their time to Bicycles for All in Dayton, Ohio, July 20, 2018.

 

The volunteers repaired four children’s bicycles, sorted through and recycled 1,400 pounds of scrap bicycle materials and cleared hundreds of square feet in warehouse space.

 

Founded in 2012, Bicycles for All is a nonprofit organization that operates exclusively through volunteers and donations to provide free or affordable bicycles, cycling accessories, bicycle repair, and bicycle-related education to any child who needs or wants one through the Free Kids Bike program.  Adult-sized bicycles are repaired and sold at a reduced price.  The proceeds from the sale of adult bikes supports the Free Kids Bike program.

 

"It's an awesome experience to give a child their new bike and see the look of excitement as they take that first ride,” said Master Sgt. Yankush (first name withheld), 14 IS flight superintendent, who has been volunteering at Bicycles for All for more than two years.  “We're an all-volunteer service that crosses all demographics building local relationships and promoting healthy lifestyles through bicycles.”

 

Yankush has repaired and recycled several hundred bicycles that otherwise would have rusted away. Thanks to the collaboration of volunteers like him, bicycles are returned to the community in many ways helping foster a healthy lifestyle for children.

 

“Bicycles for All is more than just bicycles; it’s giving back to the community,” said Senior Airman Neary (first name withheld), 14 IS intelligence analyst.

 

Bicycles for All aims to be the leading resource for all bikers, whether they are young or old, experienced or learning.  In order to continue to grow, Bicycles for All depends on donations of bicycles/cycling accessories, financial support from sponsors, and volunteerism. Donations, sponsorships, and adult bike sales help pay the rent and utilities for the warehouse and storefront. Volunteers keep the overhead costs to a minimum.

 

If you would like to volunteer, donate, or become a corporate sponsor, please call (937) 985-2004 or visit the shop at 201 E. 6th Street in downtown Dayton. The shop is open Monday and Wednesday nights, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (hours vary). You can also like them on Facebook at BicyclesForAll to learn about upcoming events.

 

The 655 Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group is dedicated to serving as the premier and most diverse ISR Group in the United States Air Force, delivering timely, reliable, accurate and actionable intelligence products enabling a decision advantage over adversaries of the United States.  The 655th consists of a headquarters and three tenant squadrons in Ohio, and 11 geographically separated units in California, Texas, Nebraska, Virginia, Florida and Maryland.  For exciting and rewarding career opportunities with the 655 ISRG, please contact your local Air Force Reserve recruiter or call 937-257-8117.