Wing promotes motorcycle safety Published Nov. 16, 2013 By Capt. Philip Cortez 433 AW/PA JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Lackland -- The inaugural 433rd Airlift Wing Safety Ride revved into action Nov. 16 with the goal of promoting motorcycle riding safety. The safety ride initiated with a form-up in front of the wing headquarters building, followed by the annual mandatory wing commander's briefing led by Col. Jeffrey T. Pennington. The ride included traveling from Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland to Bandera. The group would then stop for lunch. Col. Pennington briefed the members prior to the motorcycle kick stands being raised. "This safety ride is important because I believe you need an actual ride to apply what you learn in the briefing," stated Pennington. "Wearing a helmet is critical and required in order to ensure your safety. Also, please don't drink and ride. It's not worth it." The 433rd AW riders spent the morning performing maintenance checks such as checking tire pressure, ensuring full tanks of gas, and inspecting the overall condition of each motorcycle. The goal of this event is to help improve the skill set of all motorcycle riders-experienced and neophytes. Master Sgt. Osvaldo Villarreal, 433rd Maintenance Squadron, reiterated the importance of the safety ride. "First and foremost, this safety ride satisfies the annual requirement for wing motorcycle riders," stated Villarreal. "The safety ride also allows us to share experiences, training, and other safety techniques with each other. It also allows us to have fun riding our bikes with our fellow Airman." Organizers hope to add more participants at next years event. "It's nice to have the support of Col. Pennington and the wing leadership in helping to promote motorcycle safety," stated Villarreal. "We are hoping word gets around the units that we are serious about preventing motorcycle related accidents involving our Airman."