Cyclists promote recruiting in annual ride across Iowa

It took her 350 miles to get there. But when Lt. Col. Carolyn Lohman 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 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.

"Most people think this is an active-duty Air Force plug, but I was able to get out there and promote the 934th Airlift Wing, too," the seasoned rider said.

Colonel Lohman, who has participated in other cycling events, including the Twin Cities to Chicago AIDS ride, said the most surprising aspects of the Ride Across Iowa 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."

Ms. Puck, who had a different perspective of the event since she was part of the support crew, said she was also amazed at the things she saw, particularly the patriotism. In fact, she said there were times she felt like a celebrity, like when someone wanted to take her picture because she was part of Team Air Force.

"People would come up to us and thank us for everything that we do for the country," she said. "We went through one small town, and there was a gentleman who stood there and saluted us. I would have to say that was one of the most memorable experiences."

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

More information about the Air Force cycling team is available on the Web at www.teamaimhigh.com.

(Sergeant Johnson is assigned to the 934th AW public affairs office at Minneapolis-St. Paul IAP ARS.)

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