Cyclist plans 2,200-mile road trip for charity

Published April 9, 2004

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- When trying to think of something to give his grandparents as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in August, Senior Airman Dexter Sargent IV thought of something they've done all their lives and that he knew was close to their hearts -- helping other people.

His grandmother, Pat Clark, is a cancer survivor, and his grandfather, Bob Clark, has diabetes, so he decided to make donations to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the American Diabetes Foundation and Shriners Hospital for Children in their names as surprise gifts.

The only problem he found with making the donations was that his senior airman salary wouldn't be enough to cover the $5,000 he wanted to give.

"When this new fitness plan came out, I started riding the stationary bikes in the Fitness Center," said the 9th Airlift Squadron loadmaster. "After riding those bikes for a while, I wanted to get my own bike at home, so I could ride around Dover. After getting my own bike in October, I found a Web site that had routes to ride bikes across country and thought, 'Hey, I could do that!'"

The Airman decided a road trip would be a great way to raise funds for his grandparents' anniversary gift. With the help of his supervisors in the 9th AS, Airman Sargent was able to get three weeks of leave for the trip, which will begin here April 30. He'll make the 2,200-mile trip to Dyess AFB, Texas, on his bicycle, and return to work here by May 20.

"We normally only allow two weeks off for leave," said Staff Sgt. Jim Callari, a 9th AS loadmaster instructor and Airman Sargent's supervisor. "But, after checking the leave log and making sure his leave would not conflict with (other people in the shop), we decided to give him the time off. This is for a worthwhile cause and he had the time available."

Knowing he had the time off to complete the journey, Airman Sergeant began the process of raising the $5,000 donation.

"I am currently taking donations from anyone willing to help me out with this," he said. "The contribution started out with just my grandparents names on the donation, but anyone that helps will get their name included. I have had people sponsor me and pay me per mile I ride or just give a straight donation."

No matter how the money is raised, Airman Sargent said he simply wants to give his grandparents an anniversary present they'll never forget. All the money he raises with the bike ride will go toward the donation; he'll pay his own expenses for the trip.

"I plan on sleeping outside, under the stars, maybe in a church or even a friend's house if I can," said Airman Sargent. "I just want to let everyone know, that if they want to donate I am not gaining anything from it. It will just be used to make that donation pot larger than I could ever do by myself."

While training for his trek across the country, Airman Sargent rides his bike nearly 40 miles, three or four times a week. Even when he's scheduled to fly missions, he takes his bike along to continue his training.

"I plan on riding about 80 miles a day on the trip," he said, "so I get in shape any way I can. Whenever I get a chance to ride, I am out hitting the road."

Meanwhile, word of the benevolent biker's road trip is slowly making its way through the Air Force community.

"I've had people from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., come up and say they are proud of what I am trying to do and make a donation as well," said Airman Sargent. "That is a great feeling, because I feel like the Air Force family is really helping me out."

Sergeant Callari said he and other members of Airman Sargent's Air Force family here are also cheering him on.

"If he handles this task in the same way he works, I have no doubt he will be able to complete this," said Sergeant Callari. "We all wish him the best of luck."