Being stationed overseas doesn't mean you have to put your hobbies to rest. SrA Emma Mayen introduces to an Airman who is taking advantage of what his career and assignment have to offer him for his hobby of riding bikes.
What do you like do in your spare time? Whether it's reading, biking, or quilting - hobbies can provide a small amount of normalcy for service members and their families while they're away from home. SrA Emma Mayen shows us how one Airman takes advantage of what's afforded to him by service and location and how it ties into his hobby of biking.
The Key is Discovering What Opportunities
It is possible to do the things you love even while you are stationed overseas. The key is discovering what opportunities you have available to take advantage of. This way you can still incorporate your hobbies into your life without feeling like you're missing out on anything. Mark Pascarella, an Airman at Kunsan AB, Korea talks about how he was able to maintain his passion for motorcycles amid his various assignments within the USAF.
US Air Force members are often looking for ways to integrate their hobbies into their work life. For example, SrA Matthew Johnson is a bike builder. It might surprise you that his bike wasn't built in his garage, but in his shop! He's stationed at Osan Air Base in South Korea. His work gives him the time, tools, and security clearance to pursue his next passion.
Hobbies are something many of us think about when given the opportunity to travel abroad for an extended amount of time. Just like our Airman, Michael Legg, who has found a way to dedicate his spare time to his passion of cycling.
Started Quiet Simply With Buying a Bicycle on Base
His journey started quiet simply with buying a bicycle on base, however, after purchasing the bicycle, he discovered it wasn't quite suitable for what he wanted to do with it. He began taking it apart and swapping out parts until the right parts were in.
Under a program called the Advantage Duty Assignment Program, or ADAP, you can live and work in one of several overseas locations without having to uproot your family. An airman can look at his or her career opportunities and take advantage of them by finding an assignment that is supportive of their idea of a good time. The key point to remember is that you don't have to give up your hobbies for your Air Force career.
Entertainment professionals with U.S. Air Forces
Communications, Public Affairs and Entertainment professionals with U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa recently produced a video highlighting how an airman in the 8th Special Operations Squadron has capitalized on an overseas assignment to advance his passion for biking and he's doing it in style.
Your home is wherever the Air Force sends you. It might be sandy, sandy or sandy. You can bring your hobbies along with you to make sure your life is full. Check out all the benefits of having the Air Forces Advantage Card, and how it can save you time, money and stress.
US Air Force Sports
Improve your bicycle skills at the US Air Force Sports Championships, go for a ride amongst France's vineyards or battle it out with other Military members at an indoor velodrome. The choice is yours to make, but whichever you choose to do, cycling is here for you throughout your Air Force career.
Create the bike of your dreams with the US Air Force's Advantage Career, Duty, Hobbies Bike Builder.
Customize everything from your bike's frame, wheels, tires, and accessories to the look of your bicycle.
Experience the benefits of riding a bicycle in the outdoors with the U.S. Air Force's New Bicycle Program at Ramstein AB, Germany. With the program comes investment in bicycles for Airmen to visit Ramstein's popular German countryside, train on US roads for upcoming competitions abroad, or simply take advantage of free cycling trails when riding locally. The options are limitless when you have a bike available.
Advantage Bike Builder is the Ideal Solution for Airmen
The Army Air Force Advantage Bike Builder is the ideal solution for airmen looking to purchase a bicycle. The site features information on what bikes can be purchased on base by active duty, civilian, and retired military members.
USAF Sergeant Mike Fuell earned his multifaceted talents and skill-set with a series of military occupational specialties. You don't have to be overseas or in a specific military job anymore to put your skills and hobbies to use. Use our Bike Builder tool today, and at the end of the builder you will get a list of pre-approved bike shops for different bike styles.
Mike McCain is an E-3 airman who is stationed in Germany. He's taking advantage of his location to ride his mountain bike with fellow service members. He recently purchased the Advantage MAV700 Shimano 7 Speed Bicycle Multi-Potential Vehicle.
It has everything he needs to ride safely, whether he's zooming down an off-road trail or spinning around the pavement of Nuremberg. It has a Shimano 7 speed drivetrain and hydraulic brakes which allow him to shift gears at high speeds, and to slow down after a long, steep descent. With 29" wheels, it also has great stability.
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