Reservists bike through Iowa to support recruiting

It took her 350 miles to get there. But when ROA Life Member Lt Col Carolyn Lohman, USAF, stepped off the bus July 24 in Onawa, Iowa, she knew she had 500 more miles waiting for her. This time the Air Force Reserve lieutenant colonel's mode of transportation would not be powered by a motor but by her own muscles and endurance.

Colonel Lohman, 934th Mission Support Flight commander at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Air Reserve Station, Minn., participated as a member of Team Air Force in the 32nd annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa, also known as RAGBRAI, July 25-31.

The 100-plus member Air Force team, along with thousands of cyclists from across the world, had the same goal--to go from one side of Iowa to the other. Another member of Team Air Force was Ronna Puck, fitness center manager at the Air Reserve station, who was part of the team support crew.

The Air Force team had a second goal--to promote the Air Force with its presence and by handing out small promotional items. The items included pencils, pens and key chains. "They were a great way to tell people about the Air Force and Air Force Reserve Command, too," Colonel Lohman said.

Colonel Lohman, who has participated in other rides, such as the Twin Cities to Chicago AIDS ride, said the most surprising aspects of RAGBRAI were the number of participants and the generosity of the people in Iowa.

"They were just awesome" she said. "The people of Iowa and their hospitality were the most impressive things for me and are what made it a really positive experience. There were a lot of people along the route who were really jazzed up about seeing the Air Force, and it was really neat to hear everyone cheering us on."

Not only did the communities support the Air Force, they pulled out all the stops for the RAGBRAI participants, keeping everyone entertained throughout the 55-town trip, Colonel Lohman said.

"Whole towns would come out to support the activities that their town was doing to support the ride," she said, adding it was like going to the Minnesota State Fair through the whole state.

Colonel Lohman said the entertainment and cheering people became a common site right up to the end when the Air Force team formed up and crossed the finish line together in Clinton.

The Air Force riders, who were dressed in specially designed Air Force cycling uniforms, lined up in twos and were led by three-wheelers who sported the U.S. and Air Force flags. As the spectators cheered them on, Colonel Lohman said she was amazed at all the support they received across Iowa and definitely recommends the adventure to anyone.

More information about the Air Force cycling team is on the Web at www.teamaimhigh.com (AFRC News Service)

Staff Sgt. Jennifer A. Johnson

934th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

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