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MacDill, base riders star in new motorcycle DVD

  • Published
  • By Nick Stubbs
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FLA. --  It was lights, cameras and action on the set at MacDill last week, as trained sports bike riders revved their high powered motorcycles and dashed through a makeshift road course on the flightline.

Their movie is destined for DVD release in spring, although don't spend too much time looking for it at Blockbuster. This disc is a safety and skills training tool for the Air Force and all of the Department of Defense.

Richard Garsnett, a safety and occupational health specialist at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is heading up the effort, headlined by pro rider Dennis Kuhn but also several volunteer riders from MacDill. He said MacDill was an ideal place for the video shoot.

"We selected it for its diversity and the various services represented here," said Mr. Garsnett before heading back to Scott Sunday. "We got what we wanted in a very diversified group of sport bike riders."

The script was simple. Send the volunteer riders through a training course designed to challenge riding and safety skills, but foul weather last week threatened to let down the crew looking for sunny Florida skies for a backdrop. But by Thursday afternoon, the clouds parted and it was a wrap.

"We got some beautiful sunshine and just what we wanted for the video," said Mr. Garsnett.

The safety program DVD got its start last year, when a Tiger Team was formed of members from several MAJCOMs to map out a sports bike program. MacDill Senior Master Sgt. Bryan Osborne, named rider coach of the year in 2006, is a member. There were several goals of the program, but reducing the number of accidents and saving lives is a primary objective.

A training policy, methodology and curriculum were created and an instructional video was scripted. The target audience is Airmen 27 and under, as they make up the majority of sport bike enthusiasts.

"Mostly were talking about younger people," said Mr. Garsnett. "They are into the scene and have the performance bikes we are talking about."

It's that performance that often leads to disaster, he added, which is why the safety video and riding training is so important.

"It's easy to get into trouble on these machines," he said.

Master Sgt. James Middleton, a safety specialist with the MacDill safety office, agrees. He heads the motorcycle safety course held monthly on base that has trained many servicemembers in proper safety and accident avoidance techniques. The power and speed modern sport bikes can achieve must be respected, he said.

"It's a big area of safety concern in the Air Force," he said. "Motorcycle accidents and fatalities are a reality."

Mr. Garsnett said the video production is scheduled for completion at the end of February. The DVD will be used throughout the Air Force, and hopefully by other branches of the military.

"We're happy we were able to work with MacDill in the project," he said. "It's a beautiful location and the number of riders here (MacDill) makes it all the more relevant."