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95th Fighter Squadron takes time away from F-15s; moves to bikes

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 95th Fighter Squadron, notably known for flying F-15s, took a different course Monday night.

More than 30 volunteers from the 95th FS went to the Lighthouse Marina and Boatyard Restaurant in Panama City Beach Dec. 17 to participate in Ardry's Bikes for Tykes, a program to acquire Christmas bicycles for disadvantaged children.

"Although we are bummed about our airplanes being grounded, the 95th was happy to come out and help underprivileged kids this Christmas," said Maj. Jeffrey Ward, 95th FS Director of Operations Flight C commander. "Our circumstances gave us a unique opportunity to put our efforts into directly assisting an organization that is focused on making Christmas Better for some deserving kids."

This is the second year for the program and the second volunteer year for Team Tyndall. In 2006, approximately 260 bikes were given out. This year, more than 480 bikes were given.

The bikes were given to children whose names were provided by school guidance counselors, military, Salvation Army, foster care and boys and girls clubs.

"You get a great sense of pride giving back to the community," said Maj. Andre Maugeri, 325th Operations Group instructor pilot and volunteer. "It's the season of giving."

Money was raised through private donations and from the Hombre Golf Courses' golf tournament earlier this year.

"Just fewer than 500 bikes were transported, assembled, organized and presented to grateful families by these remarkable men," said Lisa Dallas of Ardry's Bikes for Tykes.

As hundreds of bikes were transported from the local Wal-Mart to the Lighthouse Marina, a competition between the pilots was made.

"Since we pilots are naturally competitive, it would only be fitting to see who can build the bikes the fastest," said Lt. Col. Kevin Huyck, 95th FS commander.

After a majority of the bikes were made, parents started to line up to retrieve their bikes.

As parents signed in, their card was given to the runner, played by the 95th FS volunteers. The runners took the card to the Lighthouse, found the bike that corresponded with the card and handed it over to the parents.

"This Christmas nearly 500 kids will be surprised with a bike thanks to the help of a small group of community volunteers and the assistance of the 95th FS," said Ms. Dallas. "These few men gave hours of their time, braving the winter elements, and did so with amazing compassion and enthusiasm."