Bike bonanza
From left, Master Sgt. Ricky Collison and Chief Master Sgts. Jimmy Kelly and Richard Turcotte from 2nd Air Force load 16 bicycles into a truck to be delivered to Pass Road Elementary School in Gulfport. The school is in a disadvantaged area where many families can’t afford to buy bicycles and neighborhoods aren’t safe for cycling, according to principal Kenny Hudson. Third grade teacher Marsha Hack mentioned the situation to her husband, Walt, 2nd Air Force’s deputy director of training operations. Mr. Hack teamed up with 2nd Lt. Amy Gilliland to collect enough bikes and helmets so the school can start a bicycle club to reward good grades and behavior, as well as to teach bicycle skills and safety. The bikes and helmets were delivered March 6.