OAM Participates in Annual Biking Event

(02/22/2011)On April 24th and 25th, 2010, 16 members of the Office of the Air and Marine (OAM) family took part in the 10th annual Face of America biking event. This is the second year in which the OAM “Capital Punishment” Team participated in this fundraising sport event that honors our military - injured, veterans and active duty - and the true American Spirit.

The race which is organized by World T.E.A.M. Sports (The Exceptional Athlete Matters), brings together participants with and without disabilities to honor and thank the disable young men and women returning from war for their service. The event also serves to honor active duty and retired military that participate in the two-day race.

	OAM team gather in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania after finishing the race

"This is a most rewarding event,” said Deputy Assistant Commissioner Bill Oliver. “To be able to ride along with men and women who have served and paid such a high price to protect our freedom was a very uplifting experience."

This year event kicked off from the nation’s capitol before embarking on a 100-mile journey to Gettysburg, Pa. After close to 60 miles the group of near three hundred participants stopped in Frederick, Maryland, where they spent the night. The ride continued on Sunday with another 45+ miles to Gettysburg. The arrival into the historical town took the bikers thru the

	Photo Credit: Jon Steckbeck

battlefield and ended at Marine Barrack Gettysburg where they finished the event with a ‘Steaks and Beers’ celebration. During that time and all along the ride everyone had the opportunity to share stories and build camaraderie.

“This is a very challenging event where you experience the opportunity to ride along with participants of great tenacity and enduring spirit” said Air Interdiction Agent Michael Pullman. “The race is about facing challenges and building camaraderie with people that you are very proud to race with.”

“It was a great ride but an even better experience,” said Deputy Director, Marine Operations Martin Wade. “It was humbling and inspirational to ride side by side with some of our severely injured warriors. I’m looking forward to next year’s ride.”

The OAM Team came in second in total fundraising collecting as to date $23,187.42, but came in first in money raised per team member with an average of $1450 per Rider.

For information about next year event, log on to www.worldteamsports.org or contact one of OAM Capital Punishment” Team’s member. ( worldteamsports.org )